Tag: nature observations

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.

Forest dwellers in your neighborhood

Do you know where to spot porcupines this wintertime? How many bird species stay around us in the cold weather? How to recognize animal footprints on snow? You can answer these questions during our guided nature tour to the Stony Swamp area on Sunday, December 19.

Place and Subject of the Excursion:

We organize our next seasonal guided tour for families with kids. We hope to spot during our hike many squirrels and many birds. We also hope to see many animal footprints near our path. We’ll learn how to identify species by call and sight. If we’ll be lucky we’ll see porcupines. We’ll have also the opportunity to feed chickadees and nuthatches often lending on the open arms with seeds.

We’ll meet at 9:30 am on Parking lot 8 along Moody Drive, Stony Swamp Area: Moodie Dr, Nepean, ON K2R 1H8. We plan to walk 3-4 km around – visiting a beaver pond and porcupine woods. If we’ll have enough time, we’ll move to Jack Pine Trail (Parking lot 9) to explore this path as well.

Dress:

Winter is just starting. The weather is still unpredictable. So, we suggest you be prepared for a frosty day. However, we’ll walk in the forest, therefore, we suggest wearing warm, but light enough jackets and shoes. Do not forget your gloves or mittens! You can take a snack for your walk, but remember that all active forest dwellers will follow us hoping to profit from a delicious treat. Food for birds, sunflower seeds, or other treats is welcomed.