One of southwestern Ontario's best-known natural gems is reopening to visitors this weekend.
Point Pelee National Park, which had been closed since January 5 for a deer cull, will be open again Saturday.
"Parks Canada and Caldwell First Nation have completed the deer reduction activity in the park as part of the Hyperabundant Deer Management Program, which includes ecosystem monitoring, deer population monitoring, species at risk protection, ongoing research and collaboration, and reducing the white-tailed deer population to sustainable levels based on the park’s goals to achieve ecological integrity, the health and wholeness of the environment and nature," read the public information bulletin from Parks Canada.
The high deer population had been consuming and damaging native plants faster than they can regenerate, threatening the forest's health.
Caldwell First Nation territory is included within the boundaries of the park.
The park will be open during its usual winter hours, from 7 a.m. to sunset.
---with files from Maureen Revait