<p class="ql-block">Milne Dam Conservation Park</p><p class="ql-block">Part of the Rouge Valley Trail goes through the Milne Dam Conservation Park, located on Milne Reservoir.</p><p class="ql-block">Milne Dam Conservation Park was named after Peter and Alexander Milne who operated a mill, located near the present dam structure in the 1820s. By 1845, the business expanded to include a general store, fuelling and wool mill ashery. In 1911, Archie Milne, grandson of Peter Milne, built the first concrete and steel arc dam in Canada and Markham sprang from the advent of the mill and dam. In the 1950s, the Toronto and Region Conservation</p><p class="ql-block">Authority acquired the property as the Milne Park Conservation Area.</p><p class="ql-block">There are wonderful opportunities for bird watching in this area as the significant wetlands, forests and open space provide a stopoff for migratory birds. Blue jays, chickadees, woodpeckers, blue herons and a nesting pair of Baltimore orioles have been observed in the park. At dusk during “bug season”, come to the park for bat watching and perhaps catch a glimpse of a deer. The park is well used for large group picnics with new modern shelters to accommodate 100 people. Fishing is also allowed with an Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry fishing permit.</p>