Editor’s Note: If there is one trail in the Valley that we L-O-V-E, it’s the Lazo Marsh loop. Short and sweet, this flat walk is just over 2K, but full of some of the coolest sights any kiddo can imagine.

We discovered this trail thanks to the Comox Valley Naturalists Society, and the first time we walked the loop I was – I must admit – relatively unimpressed.

But, as we dug in and explored the nooks and crannies of this space that has been nearly restored to its former beauty after being drained in the early 20th century for potato farming, we fell in love.

Each season brings a whole new crew to the marsh.

In the Spring, it’s nuthatches, ducks, Pacific Tree Frogs and fawning deer. Summer and Fall are a free-for-all of squirrels, small birds and all kinds of cool insects interrupted by blooms and colors of all kinds. Winter, while so very quiet as the chickadees who make their year-around home there greet you on the path, is packed with amazing explorations of pine cones, mushrooms and funky fungus while Wintering trumpeter swans linger in the marsh.

It is a space that, even on the coldest, rainiest day, makes for a sweet outdoor break – protected underneath the heavy canopy of trees above.

Take some sunflowers or birdseed out with you on a walk and sit quietly on the boardwalk where, while you’re practicing patience, the friendly birds will reward you with a nibble out of your hand.

But, be warned, sassy nearly 3-year-olds take great joy in pitching their boots off of the boardwalk and into the marsh (that would be our sassy nearly 3-year-old).

Prepare to find another family walk staple when you hit the Lazo Marsh.

Here’s the original post:

April 12, 2007

It’s a common sight.

Kiddos chomping at the bit for a little free-form running, exploring and nature loving matched with parents who have no desire to spend an hour filling backpacks, fixing lunch and hunting for a match to the one heavy-duty hiking boot in the closet, but who’d love an hour outside on a 12C day taking in the sights and sounds of a rather lovely Spring.

I am definitely of the school that close-to-town adventures are the best weekday adventures – for those very reasons. And, every once in a while we have an hour or so to spare between a morning activity and the point at which I am willing to believe the tiny person has had enough running around to induce an afternoon nap.

The need for a lovely trail within a 10-minute drive is dire.

On one of those days, with the forest floors starting to dry out a bit, we recently hit the Lazo Marsh Trail near Pt. Holmes – a short trail, 2K I believe – where we made a fantastic discovery.

Earlier this year, the Friends of the Comox Lazo Forest Reserve completed a beautiful wooden walkway which leads bird watchers and nature lovers to an incredible vantage point overlooking the marsh. With heron flying overhead, yellow finches doing their Spring dance and pussy willows in full form, the wander out onto the walkway was a true immersion into the marsh ecosystem.

This was a great trail on Crown Forest Reserve land even before the walkway was built, as the path is well-cared-for and relatively easygoing – excellent for working out toddler legs yet not so long that you end up carrying them half way through it all. But, now you can turn a quick afternoon wander into a great nature lesson, or just enjoy the solitude and colours of a lovely marshland.

Just right outside of Comox, this trail is easily something parents and kiddos can simply hop in the car and take a quick drive to enjoy any time.

DETAILS:
Where: Lazo Marsh Trail
Location: on the northwest side of Lazo Road at Brent Road. Parking is apparent as there is a large trail marker sign there. From Comox, there are a few ways to get there. But, try taking Anderton East to Guthrie, make a right and follow Guthrie to Lazo Road where you make a left. Follow Lazo until you see the parking on the left, just before Brent Road.
Tips: Trails back here can be very wet after a damp night. Gum boots or mud shoes are highly recommended.

ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT BEAR AND COUGAR LIVE IN OUR FORESTS. Although they are rarely seen, making yourself known and staying on marked trails while walking in the forest is very important.