For one afternoon this fall, you can walk the trails at Corner's Corner again.
On Sunday, October 18, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, Thames Talbot Land Trust (TTLT) and the St. Thomas Field Naturalists are opening the gates at the beloved property on the corner of Fruit Ridge Line and Yarmouth Centre Road, giving the community a chance to reconnect with the land as TTLT works to permanently protect it through the Nature Nearby campaign.
Everyone is welcome, and the event is completely free to attend, but TTLT hopes that this reconnection will inspire community members to contribute to the fundraising campaign and help keep this nature destination nearby.
The afternoon includes guided hikes led by TTLT staff and local naturalists, self-guided walks with a story-based trail pamphlet for those who prefer their own pace, and light fall refreshments including hot apple cider.
For many people in Elgin County, it will be a return. The Corner family lived on these sixty acres for more than a century and welcomed the public in for guided walks and school outings for decades. Over the decades, several generations of Corners have cared for the land, but recently public access has been infeasible. Understanding both the cultural and ecological significance of the land, Joe and Aubrey Corner (current owners) now hope to continue the family legacy through a transfer to a local land trust. Thames Talbot Land Trust is now working in partnership with the current owners to purchase Corner's Corner. In TTLT’s hands, the land will be forever protected with a shared vision of community access and nature connection.
“Corner's Corner holds much personal meaning and history for us. It's more than just a piece of land. It's a place where family has lived and raised children, memories have been made, and time has been spent together. We hope others will be able to experience the same sense of peace, connection, and appreciation for the land that our family has had over the years,” said Joe and Aubrey Corner, current owners of Corner's Corner.
Any contributions, word of mouth, and shared passion for this place will help TTLT reach this monumental goal and secure Corner’s Corner as a sanctuary for nature lovers, a place for connection, and a safe haven for local wildlife.
"This is a rare opportunity to protect a property of real ecological and community significance, and to reopen it to the people who have valued it for decades. We are grateful to the current owners for working with us, and we hope the community will join us on October 18 to experience the land’s beauty firsthand.” – Daria Koscinski, Executive Director at Thames Talbot Land Trust
The Corner’s Corner campaign is part of TTLT’s Nature Nearby series, which protects natural areas all across southwestern Ontario. Donate directly at www.thamestalbotlandtrust.ca/donations
Event details
What: Guided hikes and open house at Corner's Corner
When: Sunday, October 18, 2026, 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Where: Corner of Fruit Ridge Line and Yarmouth Centre Road, Central Elgin (PARKING MAP)
Cost: Free. Donations to the campaign are warmly welcomed and can be made at the event or online.
Bring: Sturdy footwear, comfortable outdoor clothing, and a thermos for warm drinks.
Register: https://www.thamestalbotlandtrust.ca/corners_corner_fundraiser
Note: The site is a wooded ravine below road grade with uneven footing. Trails require sturdy footing and proper footwear. Please contact TTLT before the event with any questions.
Media contact
Skye Martineau
[email protected]
519-858-3442
Thank you to the Government of Ontario and the Echo Foundation for providing partial initial funding for this securement project.
