Excursion to Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve

Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve protects an exceptional forest ecosystem in Quebec. It owes stands of mature trees that were not disturbed by human activities. It is also an area with a rich diversity of amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects, plants, and mushrooms. The reserve was established in 2003. It contains 12 km of trails crossing forests and wetlands.

We’ll walk on the wooden trails with fascinating views of the wetlands. We’ll discover the variety of plant and animal species inhabiting different types of ecosystems in forests and wetlands. We’ll have a chance to spot turtles basking in the sun’s rays. At the end of April, we expect to find some of the first blooming spring flowers and first spring mushrooms called Scarlet Caps.  We’ll try to explore and understand the life of the forest and wetland inhabitants during spring.

We’ll meet at 9:30 am on May 07 (Sunday) in the small parking lot near the Interpretation Center of the Ecological Reserve in Mayo. We’ll have an opportunity to explore several trails, walk in the forest and around lakes, and stop to observe interesting species of plants, amphibians, and birds. I have several spots in my car for carpooling for those who travel from Ottawa. Do not forget your cameras!

Dress:

Please, watch the weather forecast for the weekend so that you can prepare in accordance with the weather. It is better to wear waterproof shoes: there are many wet places in the forest.  We recommend also taking water and a light snack.

Guided Tour to Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve

Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve protects an exceptional forest ecosystem in Quebec. It owes stands of mature trees that were not disturbed by human activities. It is also an area with a rich diversity of amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects, plants, and mushrooms. The reserve was established in 2003. It contains 12 km of trails crossing forests and wetlands.

We’ll walk on the wooden trails with fascinating views of the wetlands. At this time of the year, amazing scarlet candles of the Cardinal Plant start to bloom, attracting ruby-throated hummingbirds, specialized to get nectar from their flowers. We can find also several spots with blooming carnivore plants: Northern Pitcher Plant and sundews (Drosera) species which form tight clusters of plants on logs and tiny land islands among the marshes and swamps. We explore what kind of fungi and mushrooms have already appeared in the forest. We also try to find tiny spring peepers and gray tree frogs, hidden under leaves on the forest floor.

We’ll meet at 9:00 am in the small parking lot near the Interpretation Center of the Ecological Reserve in Mayo. We’ll have an opportunity to explore several trails, walk in the forest on several trails, and stop to observe interesting species of plants, insects, amphibians, and birds. Do not forget your cameras!

Dress:

It is expected that the weather on Sunday will be hot. Do not forget water, sunscreen, hats, and other ammunition to prevent overheating. We recommend you also take mosquito spray and a light snack. Light summer shoes good for hiking will be the most appropriate for this excursion.

Foret-la-Blanche in the mid of summer

Explore one of the oldest forests in eastern North America. Foret-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve was established in 2003 for the preservation of plant diversity in the Ottawa region. The 15 km of trails, accessible on foot or by snowshoe, will make you appreciate the wonders of the forest world! The trails are well maintained and bring to remote corners of the reserve. The reserve is fascinating in summer with its rich plant diversity.

Место проведения и предмет экскурсии

Этот тур организуется для любителей природы. Экологический заказник расположен в стороне от дорог, что делает его привлекательным для разного вида животных. Узкие тропинки петляют среди различных типов леса, деревянные мостики пересекают ручьи, участочки болота и озер. В нескольких местах установлены беседки с прекрасными видами на окружающие ландшафты. В начале августа в заказнике царит буйство зелени, привлекающее различных насекомых. В это время мы найдем здесь много видов летних растений, а также разнообразие амфибий, птиц и млекопитающих, обитающих в лесу, в озерах и снующих вокруг благоустроенных дорожек.

Возможны два варианта встречи – на парковке у самого заказника Foret-la-Blanche или же у католической церкви в поселке Майо в 8 утра 8 августа (воскресенье). Место встречи будет уточнено после регистрации. Возможен карпулинг из Оттавы (место есть на 3 пассажиров).

Форма одежды

Комфортная летняя одежда для этого времени года. Тропинки местами довольно крутые, поэтому хорошо надеть спортивную обувь. В легкой летней рубашке с длинными рукавами будет комфортно. Не забывайте крем от солнца и средства от комаров, у воды насекомых довольно много в течение всего лета. Там мы будем наблюдать, как за комариками охотятся блестящие стрекозы-красотки. Берите свои камеры. Возьмите воду и бутерброды, чтобы можно было перекусить после похода в лес.

 


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