Lost Rivers Walks are back!

Sunday was the 26th anniversary of the very first Lost Rivers Walk in August 1994. In celebration, we tested out our new Covid-19 protocols with a private walk, revisiting the first walk along Mud Creek at Eglinton Park.

Most people only know Mud (Spring) Creek as the small stream by Evergreen Brickworks. Fascinating to learn its source is by Downsview Airport, running SE underground across the city, continuing below North Toronto, Eglinton Park then under Mount Pleasant Cemetery and Moore Avenue. It is finally visible as it flows through Moore Park ravine before emptying into the Don.

Meeting at Eglinton Park gave us an opportunity to learn of a Wendat settlement from the 1400s. According to Ron Williamson of ASI Heritage, about 300 people lived on the high hill above the creek, and their fields may have extended from Eglinton Ave to Cortleigh Blvd, Castleknock Road to Duplex Ave. Imagine huge fields of corn all around you in the area surrounding Eglinton Park. We enjoyed the small stand of corn that is thriving in the community garden too.

We somehow avoided the forecast downpour and also got to enjoy a surprise anniversary cake provided by Setayesh. Helen Mills shared stories about the history of Lost Rivers and the mapping of Mud Creek, and Brian MacLean led us on a walk to the site of the Wendat village at Allenby School. Much to think about as a new Master Plan for Eglinton Park is nearing completion.

Our first public walks will be September 19 and again on Sept. 20 through Centennial Park, led by Brian MacLean.

Covid limit 10 per walk. Sign up will be through Eventbrite.

Details coming soon.

Virtual Walks and Links:

Meantime, you can explore the self guided tours on the interactive maps below, or try the self guided walks along Mud Creek here:

http://lostrivers.ca/content/mudcreek.html

Or take a look or listen to some of these cool links related to Lost Rivers:

Hope to see you soon on a walk :)