Some of the best views are close to home, says a nature lover and author.
Bill Stillwell of Neepawa, Man., has tracked down 60 hidden gems in his province that he would like more than the locals to know about. He has collected them in a book called Manitoba, Naturally, along with maps, photographs and instructions on how to appreciate these rural spots.
One example is three little lakes, called Chain Lakes, located between Hartney and Deloraine, Man. The biggest is about a kilometre long and they are connected by a valley. The local municipality has created a park and visitors can see waterfowl, deer and “magnificent sunsets,” Stillwell said.
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All the sites are relatively accessible with a short walk from a road. The nature trip will be “as much as you want to make it.” Most of the sites are on public land.
Stillwell said urban residents especially need to reconnect with nature.
“Rural people have a different experience. It’s right there every day all around you. Because it’s such an important part of rural people’s lives, they are such good stewards of the land.”
Stillwell said if more people come to appreciate nature and wildlife, they might be more willing to help farmers with the costs of land management, including conserving forests and wetlands.
Small towns can also benefit if more people come to look at the nearby beauty.
Tourists buy food, gas, lodging and souvenirs, all potential economic spinoffs.
And even better, he said, “it doesn’t change the fabric of your community. It’s a kind of industry that small towns can capitalize on without a lot of infrastructure.”
The book can be ordered from manitobanaturally.ca.
