The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Ottawa Valley Chapter (CPAWS-OV) has organized an art camp in the area of ZEC Dumoine and Grand Chute in southwestern Quebec. This wilderness area, which is managed by local communities, is attractive in any season of the year due to the beauty of natural landscapes and the richness of pristine biodiversity typical for Canadian boreal forests. If you are interested to explore Dumoine, please, contact us for details. The event will take place between August 2 and 8, but you can come for a day or several days to know more about CPAWS-OV activities and visit several amazing places.
We will organize excursions to various places for nature enthusiasts, including canoe trips, birdwatching and nature exploration excursions as well as mushroom identification tours. This place is very rich in both the variety of mushroom species and their abundance. If you are interested in the trip and would like to join, please communicate with us in advance.
Place and Subject of the Excursion:
The ZEC Dumoine is a controlled harvesting zone (Zone d’exploitation controlee – ZEC). It is located in the administrative region of the Abitibi-Temiscamingue, Quebec, Canada. You have the opportunity to come for a week or just for one or two nights as preferred. We’ll have a number of various excursions including trips to Grand Chute – a picturesque waterfall with exciting rapids, we’ll visit also a place near Robertson Lake, Stevens Pond, and other interesting areas that to see the scenic landscapes and pristine nature.
After arrival to Swisha, you need to register at ZEC Dumoine Visitor Center for ZEC Rapides-des-Joachims Registration fees are 12$ per car. If you want to do the hike at Grande Chute, you will have to pay a second $12.00 car fee for that ZEC, but we can take you up there in the truck on Saturday or Sunday, so perhaps just have one of the cars capable of driving that road (to Robinson Lake) register at both ZECs.
There is an opportunity for carpooling from Ottawa on August 3 (evening) or 4 -morning (2 places).
Dress:
Watch for the weather forecast and be prepared accordingly. For the trip you will need a sleeping bag and a tent, as well as warm clothes, and a pair of changeable shoes – shoes should be good for hiking on the trails. In addition, you need to bring sunscreen and insect repellent. If you are planning to join the canoe trip, it is advisable to bring your own life jacket. We have a few vests there, but not enough. We also need to know the number of people who will join in order to organize food, hiking, and leisure activities. It will be good to have swimming suites. You need also to have headlamps for the evening.
We are planning a trip to one of the most interesting places in the Ottawa River Valley.This place is called a Geoheritage Trail Walk (where you can see not only geological but also fossil artifacts of the Ordovician period).We will start our hike at the Bonnechere Museum, in the town of Eganville, where we’ll have a chance to know about the geological history of Ottawa Valley. During our walk along the Geoheritage Trail, we’ll pay attention not only to geology and fossils but also to the environment: birds, insects, and plants in the area.
We have two meeting options: in the parking lot of the Hazeldean Mall in front of Eagleson Road at 8 am (drive to Eganville about 2 hours) or near the Bonnechere Museum in Eganville at 10 am.Please let us know if you intend to join the tour and at what location. We’ll visit first the Museum (admission fees are 5.00$ per adult and 2.5$ per kid). After hiking along the trail, those who wish can visit the famous Bonnechere caves that are located nearby. The one-hour tour to the caves costs from 14$ (children) to 22$ (adults). Excursions are organized by the staff of the caves every 20-30 minutes.
Place and Subject of the Excursion:
This is a new area to explore in Ottawa Valley. Please, register in advance. We’ll have an opportunity to move into the geological history of Ottawa Valley and know about marine creatures that inhabited this area 430-510 million years ago. We’ll talk about evolution and the current challenges of nature conservation in Canada and in the World.
There is an opportunity for carpooling from Ottawa to Eganville (3-4 places).
Dress:
Watch for the weather forecast and be prepared accordingly: you need to have sports shoes to walk on the trails. If you plan to visit caves, you need to have a headlamp. Prepare sunscreen and mosquito spray. Take your sandwiches and water.
This is a journey for nature enthusiasts, for those who are interested to see the diversity of ecosystems and biodiversity in all their manifestations. We will drive along mountain roads and visit places with rich biological diversity, as well as get familiar with the cultural traditions of the Kyrgyz people, who move to high mountain pastures in summer. We will have the opportunity to look at the plains and human settlements adjacent to foothills from the height of mountain passes, see the turbulent streams running down narrow gorges from snow peaks, enjoy the splendor and variety of colorful alpine meadows with marvelous butterflies fluttering over them, walk along the paths in the lush forest belt, hear the singing of numerous birds and the whistle of marmots warning their neighbors about the appearance of unexpected guests in their habitats… We will be able to dive into the clear waters of Lake Issyk-Kul, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks on the hottest days of summer. And also we will be able to explore the colorful and noisy Asian bazaars and immerse ourselves in the oriental flavor, where history and modernity perfectly complement each other.
The link to the travel logistics includes a description of the accommodation details, conditions of the trip, and other useful information.
Day 1: June 11, Sunday. Early morning arrival at the airport of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan with a Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul – accommodation at the Asia Mountains *** hotel, breakfast. Early registration. We’ll have time for rest and an introduction. After accommodation, you can take a dip in the pool with refreshing clear water, or you can immediately go to the lakes and ponds of the fishing farms (30 km) to observe waterfowl and near-water birds that inhabit water reservoirs in the foothills for birdwatching. We expect to see many waders, gulls, and terns, as well as long-tailed shrike (Lanius schach) and shikra (Accipiter badius). Return to Bishkek in the afternoon. It will be possible to visit one of the colorful oriental bazaars and get familiar with the city. The evening program will include a walk around the evening city after dinner or rest if desired.
Day 2: June 12, Monday. Full-day excursion to the famous Central Asia Ala-Archa National Park (2,200 – 2,400 m above sea level; 40 km), rich flora is presented in the park; many species of birds and mammals also inhabit its area. The park has amazingly beautiful landscapes and a huge variety of plants in mountain meadows, which change seasonally, but all are remarkably beautiful. Here we will walk through a mountain forest, in which many trees have an unusual shapes and create a unique mountain landscape – with sharp crowns of Tien Shan spruce, spherical trunks of Turkestan juniper or “archa” trees, and delicate fluffy foliage of Tien Shan birch. There are also many insects here and in summer we will have the opportunity to see the carpenter bee and many different kinds of butterflies. In some places, we can see wild ibexes and even snow leopards, but it all depends on a lot of luck. But bird watching allows us to hope for success and during the excursion, we will be able to observe many mountain bird species: common dipper, blue whistling thrush, rufous-napped tit, coal tit, red-mantled rosefinch, Himalayan rubythroat, Himalayan or snow vultures, bearded vulture or lammergeier and many other species.
Return to Bishkek in the evening. Overnight at Asia Mountains Hotel *** (B/Lunch-Pack/A).
Day 3: June 13, Tuesday. Full-day excursion to Alamedin Gorge (2,100 m; 30 km).
This forested gorge with a rather mild sloping landscape is part of the northern slopes of the Kirghiz Range, the highest peak of which – Western Alamedin – reaches a height of 4,875 m above sea level. On the slopes up to a height of 2,500 meters, there are main areas of mountain steppe and forests with Tien Shan spruce and juniper trees. Above this, there are subalpine and alpine meadows, which at an altitude of 3,700 meters turn into snowfields and glaciers. There we will get acquainted with the nature of the mountain forest and steppe. Also, we will be able to watch the birds, which we can attract using the application with the songs of typical species inhabiting mountain forests. During this trip, we hope to see white-capped bunting, red-headed bunting, common or pied rock thrush, and other mountain bird species. Return to Bishkek.
Overnight at Asia Mountains Hotel *** (B/Lunch-Pack/A).
Day 4: June 14, Wednesday. Drive towards Issyk-Kul lake and stop near Balykchi village (1600 m, 180 km). We will stop at several places to see the banks of Issyk-Kul Lake, as well as the rocky desert that stretches around. We will have a chance to see some desert inhabitants: small lizards, insects, arachnids and birds. Observation of bush birds: Excursion along the bank of the Issyk-Kul Lake. We expect to see birds of bush thickets: common rosefinch, Cetti’s warbler, and common redshanks. In the evening we’ll spot the nightjars and long-eared owls. We will also have the opportunity to walk in the evening along a semi-desert area to look at its nocturnal inhabitants in the light of headlamps. If we are lucky, then we have a chance to see nocturnal mammals – jerboas, wild cats, foxes, long-eared hedgehogs, and possibly jackals. Also, we will be able to highlight nocturnal invertebrates such as scorpions, camel spiders or solifuges, and tarantula spiders.
Overnight at the Royal Beach Hotel (B/Lunch-Pack/A) with a beautiful cool pool and access to the Issyk-Kul Lake shores.
Day 5: June 15, Thursday. A trip to the foothills of Semiz-Bel to Tory-Aigyr (50 km). There we explore the foothills with dry valleys and desert plains. In the basin of the Toru-Aigyr River, there are rock paintings [petroglyphs] of ancient nomads on stones and rocks; in addition, there are burial mounds and stone sculptures showing the elements of the ancient Turks culture. Arid plains and dry valleys are overgrown with patchy bushes and scarce semi-shrubs, among which are halophytes (salt-tolerant plants) and psammophytes (plants that grow on sands). Perhaps, we will be able to see wandering Bactrian camels in this place that graze on the foothill plains. Both on the plains and in the foothills we will be able to observe typical representatives of desert landscapes, including such birds as secretive Pallas’s sandgrouse, pied wheatear, greater short-toed lark, crested lark, grey-necked bunting, chukar partridge (mountain partridge), as well as a large long-legged buzzard. In addition, we will be able to spot fast small lizards (Eremias sp.) hiding in the shade of infrequent plants, as well as other well-adapted inhabitants of the semi-desert.
Overnight at the Royal Beach Hotel (B/Lunch-Pack/A) with a beautiful cool pool and access to the Issyk-Kul Lake shores.
Day 6: June 16, Friday. A trip to the Semenovskoye gorge (1,800 m, 70 km). The Semyonovskoye Gorge is one of the most famous and interesting places in the Issyk-Kul region. This beautiful gorge attracts tourists visiting Issyk-Kul Lake. The length of the gorge is about 30 km. Local enterprises are oriented towards the welcome of tourists: we will see local residents luring visitors with birds of prey or the opportunity to ride a horse through the gorge. There are many good places in the gorge for viewing scenic landscapes and the opportunity to see the glacial streams of the Ak-Su mountain river (which means “white water” in the translation named due to the foaming turbulent stream descending from the snowy peaks). In summer, there are many yurts for visitors set up in the Semenov Gorge, where everyone can taste national dishes: beshbarmak, koumiss, ayran, baursaks… We know about the meaning of all these words when we’ll visit this area. Birdwatching: On the excursion in the gorge we can observe birds of the forest belt such as white-winged grosbeak, red-mantled rosefinch, red-fronted serins, isabelline wheatear, booted eagle, kestrels, many other species.
Day 7: June 17, Saturday. A trip to the Turgen gorge of the Kyungen-Alatau ridge, to the Chon-Ashuu pass (3,800 m, 160 km). During this trip, we will have the opportunity to see the picturesque landscapes of the gorge, the fauna, and flora of the highlands, and subalpine and alpine meadows with their specific vegetation, including highly specialized and adapted to elevations forms and endemic plant species. We will be able to see wild marmots here, as well as possibly Tien Shan ground squirrels and pikas, small mountain mammals – relatives of hares, which got their name because of the communication system in the colonies when different individuals interconnect with each other by whistling or squeaking. On rocky screes near mountain streams, we can see an amazing large mountain wader – the ibisbill, hidden with its grayish plumage among pebbles on the banks of mountain streams. Among the bushes the white-capped buntings, and rock buntings sing cheerfully, sitting on the tops of bushes and trees. The Himalayan rubythroat – a nightingale with a red throat also inhabits shrubs and bushes at the edges of mountain forests in this area. At a height above the gorges, Himalayan vultures, residing at high altitudes, can soar; sometimes they are accompanied by other scavengers such as bearded vultures, which often glide over the slopes, looking for the bones of dead animals.
Overnight in Karakol at Turan guest house (B/Lunch-Pack/A).
Day 8: June 18, Sunday. Trip to Jety-Oguz gorge (50 km). On the way, we will visit the museum of the famous Russian explorer of Asia, Nikolai Przhevalsky, whose grave is located on the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. In Karakol, we will also be able to see the Orthodox Trinity Cathedral built in 1896, the pagoda-style Dungan mosque (1899), and many preserved houses and buildings of the 19th century. Jety-Oguz gorge, translated from the Kyrgyz language as “seven oxen”, is located on the northern slope of the Terskey-Alatau ridge, enveloping Lake Issyk-Kul from the south. This gorge is situated at a distance of 25 km from Karakol town. The attraction of the gorge is the fold of red rocks “Jety-Oguz”. One of the rocks, called “Broken Heart”, is a place of pilgrimage for lovers. Near the ridge, at an altitude of about 2,200 meters above sea level, there is the Jety-Oguz resort, famous for its healing geothermal springs. The slopes of the gorge are covered with lush vegetation. In the city itself and around, we will be able to observe typical anthropogenic bird species, which include small laughing doves and masked white wagtails. During the trip to the mountains, we will also see rock buntings, an oriental turtledove, ruddy shelducks, mistle thrushes, grey wagtails, brown dippers, and other interesting bird species.
Overnight in the Tamga yurt camp, in the village with the same name – Tamga (40 km) (B/Lunch-Pack/A).
Day 9: June 19, Monday. Drive to the mountain town of Naryn (2,037 m, 300 km) through the Dolon pass (3,030 m). The settlement of Naryn was created as a small fortress on the trade routes that led from Kashgar (East Turkestan) to Central Asia, to protect traders (merchants) from the attack of robbers who raided trade caravans. The city appeared here in the middle of the 19th century, when, after the annexation of Central Asia to the Russian Empire, a Russian garrison was stationed there. We will have the opportunity to get aware of the history, nature, and culture of this interesting settlement. We will stop along the way at the Dolon Pass to observe the birds and mammals that we can spot in these places. It is possible to detect several high-mountain bird species here, which include alpine and red-billed choughs, as well as cinereous vultures, wall-creepers with bright red spots on their wings, brown dipper, water pipits, and other species.
Overnight at the guest house “At Baktygul” (B/Lunch-Pack/A).
Day 10: June 20, Tuesday. Full-day excursion to the Kapchygay gorge on the Small Naryn River (2,100 m; 70 km). Naryn and the adjacent mountain gorges are famous for their picturesque passes, turbulent mountain rivers, deep gorges, colorful lakes, and waterfalls, surrounded by mountain peaks with caps of eternal snow and high-altitude glaciers, replenishing the stormy streams descending from the mountains in summer. The local population preserves the traditional culture and lifestyle that has been represented by nomadic peoples for centuries. Many-day hiking and horseback expeditions through the Tien Shan mountains, as well as seasonal hunting tours for ibexes and Marco Polo sheep, are still going from Naryn. Rafting enthusiasts of different categories of difficulty also come here. However, our one-day tour will cover only a trip to the Small Naryn River with its fabulous abrupt ravine landscapes and the astonishing nature of the highlands. We will have the opportunity to observe mammals and birds that inhabit the slopes of the gorges, banks, and turbulent streams of the Naryn River. We hope to see several species of birds of prey here, including the golden eagle, and the long-legged buzzard, as well as small passerines: bluethroat, pine bunting, red-headed bunting, and 16 other species.
In the evening return to Naryn. Overnight at the guest house “At Baktygul” (B/Lunch-Pack/A).
Day 11: June 21, Wednesday. Trip to the alpine Son-Kul Lake (3,016 m, 150 km), the second largest and one of the most beautiful lakes in Kyrgyzstan. Only in summer, nomads (local herdsmen and shepherds with families) spend their time here, because, around the lake on the slopes, there are luxurious and lush pastures with an abundance of grass and wildflowers (edelweiss, gentians, and many others, including amazing sossurea, cousinia, and many other endemic families, genus and species). The entire lake is a nature reserve due to the numerous waterfowl that nest there in the summer. The trail leads through the pass Moldo-Ashuu (3,330 m), from where impressive alpine landscapes open up. Along the way, we will have the chance to observe the colorful bird species that inhabit the steep cliffs and rocks. These species include European roller, European bee-eater, lesser kestrel, eastern rock nuthatch, and other species.
In the evening we will arrive at the high mountain camp, where we will stay overnight in the yurts of the Bayish camp (B/Lunch/A).
Day 12: June 22, Thursday: We will spend a day in the vicinity of the alpine Son-Kul Lake (3,016 m) with its magnificent landscapes of alpine jailoos (high-mountain pastures) and unforgettable colorful sunsets. In summer, high mountain pastures are still dotted with yurts of semi-nomadic herdsmen who bring their livestock here to feed on succulent mountain herbs. Lakes lurk between the mountain peaks; some of them, depending on the glaciers, are seasonal. At an altitude of 3,000 meters, it is not hot even in summer. Therefore, many species of birds live here, which have adapted to inhabit high-altitude meadows and plains. We expect to see many different species, including the Mongolian plover, Eurasian and Himalayan vultures, bearded vultures, rock sparrows and snow finches, accentors, demoiselle cranes, several species of waders, and waterfowl.
Overnight in the yurts of the Bayish camp (B/Lunch/A).
Day 13: June 23, Friday. On this day we will drive from Son-Kul Lake to Chon-Kemin National Park (1,700 m, 300 km) through the Kalmak-Ashuu pass, located at an altitude of 3,446 m above sea level. The park got its name from the Chong-Kemin River, which originates from Dzhasyl-Kel Lake at the junction of the Kungei-Ala-Too and Zailiysky Alatau ridges and flows into the Chu River in the Chui Valley. The right slope of the river gorge is a natural border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. We will stop along the way to admire the breathtaking mountain scenery, and identify interesting species of mountain plants with many endemics blooming at this time. We also expect to see marmot colonies along the way, as well as other mountain mammals and mountain bird species. Here we can see Himalayan rubythroat, mountain twite, common linnet, Egyptian Vulture, hill pigeons, and other bird species.
Day 14, 24 June, Saturday: Morning excursion to Chon-Kemin National Park (50 – 70 km). Chon-Kemin National Park, located in the valley of the same name, is a unique natural complex with diverse flora and fauna and many picturesque landscapes. It covers mountain belts from semi-deserts to glaciers at altitudes from 1,400 to 2,800 meters above sea level. On the territory of the park, there are 6 species of plants and 21 species of animals included in the national red book. Coniferous and mixed forests grow on the slopes of the mountains and in the valleys. We hope to see birds here, which are typical for the steppe and forest belts of the mountains. Among the inhabitants of the park, we expect to observe the tawny pipit, the masked white wagtail, the common rosefinch, the common sandpiper, the rosy starling, the Eurasian penduline tit, and 15 other species.
Return to Bishkek (130 km) in the afternoon with stops along the way to enjoy mountain scenery and birdwatching. Along the way, you can meet European Roller, Black-capped Night-heron, little grebes, terns, Spanish sparrows, and other 10 species of birds. Upon returning to Bishkek, we hope to have time to visit the oriental bazaar to buy small souvenirs, and spices and look at the variety of vegetables and fruits in the summer.
Overnight at Asia Mountains Hotel (B/Lunch/A).
Day 15: June 25, Sunday. Morning transfer to the airport. Flight home. June 25 – flight back to Canada with Turkish Airlines.
For more information and/or to book this tour, please contact the travel agency directly at YYT Travel Tours: 7851 Dufferin St., Suite 100, Toronto (Thornhill), Ontario L4J 3M4 Tel: 1.877.999.4768 or 905.660.7000 – TICO Reg: #4332359
This is a guided hike to learn more about fall mushrooms. We’ll find out how to differentiate edible honey mushrooms from several other similar species, some of which can be poisonous. We’ll also know about mushrooms associated with mycorrhiza of honey mushrooms such as Aborted Entoloma or shrimps of the woods.
Honey Mushrooms (Armillaria sp.) were just recently categorized as one species, but now this species is divided into approximately ten different. We’ll look for Armillaria mellea known as Joney Fungus and widely distributed in forests around Ottawa. This mushroom usually appears in early or mid-September and can be found until late October. These mushrooms are parasites and often colonize the base of trees or stumps. Honey mushrooms can be bioluminescent and may cause a white glow of stumps at night. Honey mushrooms are regarded in many areas as one of the best wild mushrooms.
There are several mushrooms that are similar in appearance but need to be distinguished as they can be deadly poisonous. So, we’ll learn how to distinguish the Deadly Galerina (Galerina autumnalis) and Sulphur Tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare). Besides, we’ll look for Aborted Entoloma or Shrimps of the Woods (Entoloma abortivum), which are also observed in the habitats where honey mushrooms can be found. These are also edible delicious mushrooms, which we’ll learn how to identify.
This is a trip for mushroom lovers. We will meet in Ottawa at the parking lot near Fletcher Garden at 9:00 am on Saturday, September 24, and drive to the areas where we can find Honey Mushrooms and other listed species. We expect to find not only the listed above species but many others as well. This fall is relatively wet and we hope to find many fruiting species, which we’ll be able to identify in the field. We will learn to distinguish edible mushrooms from non-edible mushrooms, we will get acquainted with several fairly common poisonous mushrooms. We will find out how to distinguish between different groups of fungi: bracket fungi, coral fungi, boletes, agaric mushrooms, morels, hedgehogs, chanterelles, and their relatives. Carpooling is welcome. If you are thinking to share the driving with someone, please contact us in advance so that we can arrange a convenient meeting point for you. Please, leave a message below, if you plan to join us and we’ll share communication contact with more details.
Это экскурсия для любителей грибов. Мы встретимся в 9:00 в субботу, 24 сентября, утра на парковке около Fletcher Garden в Оттаве. А далее, мы поедем в места, где надеемся найти опята и другие осенние грибы. Мы будем учиться различать съедобные грибы от несъедобных, мы познакомиться с несколькими довольно распространенными ядовитыми видами грибов. Мы узнаем, какие виды считаются условно-съедобными. А также мы будем учиться различать разные группы грибов: трутовики, коралловые грибы, трубчатые и пластинчатые грибы, сморчи и строчки, ежовики, лисички и их родственники. Карпулинг приветствуется. Если Вы думаете присоединиться к кому-то в поездке, пожалуйста, свяжитесь с нами заранее, чтобы мы могли договориться об удобном для Вас месте встречи.
Как одеваться?
В лесу сейчас влажно и прохладно, поэтому позаботьтесь об одежде и обуви, которые наиболее комфортны для перемещения по оврагам и неудобьям.
Что еще может понадобиться?
Вам понадобится вода, легкий перекус, так как на свежем воздухе обычно появляется аппетит. Не забывайте небольшие корзиночки и ножички для сбора грибов. А также средства персональной защиты от насекомых и крем от солнца.
We organize a guided tour to Mud Lake in Ottawa for observation of migratory birds. Mud Lake is a part of the Britannia Conservation Area. This place is a real paradise for birds and birdwatchers. August is a time when many migrant birds fly back from their breeding grounds in the Canadian landscapes to southern areas. At this time you can see many interesting bird species hidden in the crowns of trees, in high bushes or shrub tickets, as well as found in numerous bays of the lake itself in different seasons of the year. At Mud Lake, you can observe not only breeding birds but also many migratory species, the number of which increases incredibly in late spring – and late summer. August is just such a period. At this time, the migratory flows of many songbirds can be observed in the river valleys along their migratory flyways. A significant number of autumn migrants can be spotted at stopover places like Mud Lake. Many of them are very young birds that have only recently left their nests and for the first time fly to distant wintering sites on a long journey together with their parents. Many species, especially small passerine birds, are difficult to identify during this period because many of them change their bright breeding plumage to more modest outfits. However, some waterfowl – such as wood ducks, American wigeons, mallards, and others – already demonstrate the new bright plumages.
Our excursion to this lake is scheduled for August 20 on Saturday at 8:30 am. We’ll meet at Cassels Street near Mud Lake. Latecomers can join us at 9 am before we set foot on the path that takes us under the forest canopy. We will stop at several places along the Ottawa River to watch migratory birds that can be observed in the branches of trees and shrubs. And then we will walk around the lake to look at birds staying near the lake and at other forest inhabitants.
Небольшое озеро в центре Оттавы – настоящий рай как для птиц, так и для тех, кто за ними наблюдает. В любое время здесь можно найти много интересных видов птиц, спрятанных в кронах деревьев, среди многочисленных кустарников, а также встречающихся в многочисленных заливах самого озера. Здесь вы можете встретить не только многочисленных гнездящихся птиц, но и многие пролетные виды, число которых заметно увеличивается в конце весны – и в конце лета. В августе наступает именно такой период. В это время на пролетных путях в долинах рек можно наблюдать значительное число осенних мигрантов, совсем молодых птиц, которые только недавно вылетели из своих гнезд и впервые летят в дальний путь вместе со своими родителями. Многие виды, особенно мелких воробьиных птиц, трудно определяются в этот период, потому как многие из них сменяют яркое брачное оперение на более скромные наряды. Однако, некоторые водоплавающие – такие как древесная утка – каролинка, американские свиязи или кряквы – встречаются уже в новых ярких брачных нарядах.
Наша экскурсия на это озеро планируется 20 августа в субботу в 8:30 утра, опоздавшие могут присоединиться к нам в 9 утра до того, как мы ступим на тропинку, уводящую нас под полог леса. Мы встречаемся на улочке у самого озера. Во время нашей экскусрии мы остановимся в нескольких местах у реки Оттавы, чтобы посмотреть на пролетных птиц, которые будут останавливаться в ветвях деревьев и кустарников. А затем мы пройдем вокруг озера, чтобы посмотреть на его обитателей.
Не забывайте свои бинокли и фотооаппараты. Мы также возьмем с собой подзорную трубу и парочку запасных биноклей. Одежда должна быть по погоде, а обувь легкой и удобной для ходьбы по лесным тропинкам.
This guided tour is for those who like to explore new places. We’ll meet in the center of Ottawa near Dow’s Lake at 8:30 am and we’ll go together to the Gatineau area from there. In Gatineau, we’ll visit several areas near Val-des-Bois, including the area adjacent to several lakes and a small waterfall.
Мы встретимся в центре Оттавы около Dow’s Lake Parking в 8:30 утра (в воскресенье) и поедем отсюда вместе на Квебекскую сторону – в район местечка Вал-де-Буа, где мы посетим несколько лесных мест. Цель нашей поездки – оценить начало грибного сезона в этом году, а также посмотреть новые места для возможных будущих путешествий. В окрестностях местечка, куда мы едем – много озер, водопады, а также много разных кемпингов, мест для рыбалки и отдыха. Мы остановимся в нескольких точках, чтобы исследовать разные типы мест обитания, посмотреть флору и фауну, пройтись по лесу в поисках грибов и ягод. Для этой поездки лучше будет поехать небольшой кампанией на 2-3 машинах, желательно устроить карпулинг. В моей машине будет место для 2 пассажиров.
Что надо взять с собой?
В воскресенье возможен дождь, поэтому нужно взять с собой легкие плащики. День будет жарким, желательно одеть легкие рубашки с длинным рукавом для защиты от солнца и комаров. Обувь – легкая и надежная для ходьбы по тропинкам. С собой нужно взять крем от солнца, а также спрей от насекомых. Не забывайте о воде и легком перекусе, а также возьмите небольшие корзиночки и ножи для поиска грибов. Мы будем в местах с красивыми озерами, где можно будет искупаться, если вы захотите остановиться на озерах для купания, то желательно взять соответствующие принадлежности.
September is an amazing time in the area of the Dumoine River. Bright fall colors decorate the environment and highlight the beauty of running waters, rapids, and waterfalls. This really wild and pristine area is attractive for travelers with adventurous minds. Immersed in the wilderness, we gather around the campfire at the end of the day to share stories and impressions.
We will start our visit by hiking along an education trail running along Grande Chute – a stunning series of waterfalls, rapids, canyons, and coves that extends for over 500 meters – you will have plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery from a series of look-out spots.
The trail then proceeds along through old pine and mixed forests before coming out to Robinson Lake. While the Grande Chute trail represents a hike of about 3 km (each way from our campsite), several other sections of the trail are available, including one taking us to the historic Red Pine Rapids where we will borrow a portage trail that has been in constant use for over 5000 years! We’ll also have a chance to see beavers and moose from the wooden platform, established for nature observation at the Stevens Swamp.
The middle of September is an amazing time to enjoy the saturated fall colors and beauty of the Dumoine River, preparing for the long silent winter season. This is also a good time for mushroom exploring and foraging. We found around 200 species of fungi in the area in previous years! And the most abundant mushroom harvesting was in September!
Please, be advised that this is a real wilderness area. There is no cell signal, no electricity, no running water (no showers), and that we will be using an outhouse.
Место проведения и занятия во время поездки:
Мы устроим наш лагерь в лесу на реке Дюмуэн недалеко от Grande Chute, у кордона. Здесь раскинулась большая поляна, окруженная лесом, полным удивительных грибов в это время. На поляне достаточно места для 7-8 палаток. В центре поляны – место для костра, окруженное внушительными камнями – здесь можно готовить барбекю, что-то печь и собираться вечером для беседы. Все удобства – на улице, но они поддерживаются в чистоте и порядке. В самом домике – и на обширной веранде расположено несколько столов, где можно собираться во время завтрака, обеда и ужина. Также здесь есть плита для готовки. Таким образом, бытовые проблемы на месте решены.
Неподалеку от места кэмпинга расположен выход на берег реки Дюмуэн с каноэ и у нас будет возможность изучить окрестности реки не только с берега, но и с воды. Мы совершим водные экскурсии в несколько мест с заездом на острова и к порожистой части реки с видами на небольшие водопады и быстрины в районе, который называется “водопад у Красных сосен”. Кроме этого, мы организуем несколько пеших экскурсии вдоль реки Дюмуэн, на небольшое болото с бобрами, куда частенько приходят попить воду лоси. Мы исследуем места, где в это время может быть обильный урожай грибов и постараемся собрать корзиночки съедобных грибов для готовки или сушки.
В лесу в это время можно увидеть еще многие пролетные виды птиц тайги и северных лесов, а также местные “лесных курочек” или воротничковых рябчиков, которые часто любят прогуливаться вдоль тропинок и по дороге. В лесу вокруг кэмпинга обитают также многие хищники, здесь довольно обычны койоты и волки. Мы исследуем их присутствие по следам на дорожках, а также в один из вечеров пойдем к озеру Робертсон, чтобы проверить присутствие этих видов, проиграв их голоса на планшете. В это время они обычно уже откликаются на зов.
Что входит в стоимость?
Мы берем на себя расходы по регистрации всех участников и оплаты въезда на территорию ZEC Dumoine, как и пребывания на кэмпсайте для всех участников. Кэмпсайт и домик, арендуемый моим коллегой, также будут в нашем распоряжении. Мы организуем походы по тропам, сбор грибов и поездки на каноэ, а также утренние выходы для обзора ландшафтов и видов, места для наблюдения и съемки. Также мы обеспечиваем питание. Пожалуйста, сообщите заранее, если Вы вегетарианец или веган, а также, если у Вас есть аллергия на какие-то продукты. Рацион на время пребывания в лагере будет обсужден в чате. Помимо этого, у нас есть дополнительные палатки и спальные мешки.
Что брать с собой?
Мы организуем небольшой лагерь. Вам понадобятся палатки, спальные мешки и матрасики, а также все остальное, что может пригодиться для комфортной походной жизни. Кроме того, желательно при себе иметь свои кружки и ложки. Остальная посуда в домике имеется. Одежда должна быть удобной для походов, не забывайте теплую одежду – в это время может быть уже очень прохладно и утром, и вечером. Обувь – легкая и надежная для ходьбы по тропинкам, в это время лучше иметь при себе уже пару надежных туристических ботинок. Не забывайте спрей от насекомых. Палочки для ходьбы также не помешают. Желательно иметь при себе фонарики для вечерних и ночных прогулок.
This hike is for people who want to know more about identification and foraging mushrooms. At the end of September, we’ll organize the guided tour to the west of Ottawa in the place, where mushroom foraging is allowed. The exact place will be defined in few days, depending on the evaluation of mushroom availability in the place. The guided hike will take place on September 26 at 9:00 am. Please, watch our announcement regarding the exact place of the gathering. The number of participants will be limited to 15 people: the optimal size of the group to provide explanation and help in identification.
Place and subject of the excursion:
This is an excursion for those wishing to learn how to identify and collect late mushrooms. This year, the summer raining was late. So, many mushrooms just start to appear. The tasks of this excursion include the search and identification of various kinds of and the ability to distinguish edible mushrooms from inedible ones by their characteristic features. We also learn about places where mushroom collecting is allowed and the general rules of behavior in the forest that do not disturb the natural integrity. The days at this time of year are already pretty chilly, and nature is full of autumn colors, so don’t forget your cameras for shooting mushrooms and landscapes. We will arrange this excursion west of Ottawa. The exact meeting point will be posted later in two days, after checking that the mushrooms have already appeared. Follow our announcements. The excursion program includes an acquaintance with the kingdom of fungi: determination of the main groups of mushrooms by their main characteristics – sac fungi, puffballs (hedgehogs), tooth fungi, coral fungi, jelly fungi, bracket fungi, boletus species, and gill mushrooms. At this time, there is already a chance to find representatives of almost every group of these fungi. In addition, we will get aware of the main types of edible, inedible, and poisonous mushrooms that are found in the Ottawa area and around. Mushroom picking is allowed in the place where we meet, so prepare your own baskets. We ask the participants of the trip to arrange transport, as the parking space near the forest is limited, and it would be better if we arrive in 4-5 cars. Carpooling is possible for those who wish.
We’ll meet at the Parking E3 of the Marlborough Forest. It is located on Roger Stevens Drive:
According to the weather, but it is usually humid in the forest at this time in the morning, so sturdy waterproof shoes and tight jeans will be appropriate for the hike. Choose clothes for the weather, so that you can walk comfortably. A small snack at the end of the route will not hurt. Take your sandwiches and water with you.
High Lonesome Nature Reserve is located in the Pakenham Hills. This area was donated to the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust (MMLT) by the family of the late Barry Spicer in April 2012. A network of trails through the forests, over the hills and streams, by the ponds, and through the meadows has been developed and cared for by the donor’s brother Ken Spicer. Ken has documented many of the natural riches found there, shared them with the MMLT, and encouraged the Land Trust to complete the work he began. MMLT has committed to conserving High Lonesome as a nature reserve in perpetuity. This area is maintained by MMLT for the community. The reserve is one of the attractive places for nature watch in any season of the year.
Место проведения и предмет экскурсии:
Это экскурсия для любителей наблюдения дикой природы. Мы уже посещали заказник весной и в начале лета и каждый раз там было что-то новое. Однажды, в конце лета я наблюдала именно там, как крошечные древесные квакши ловят наскомых, устроившись на листьях молочаев. С тех пор стараюсь каждый год посещать это место в августе. Но заказник привлекателен не только лягушками, но еще многими видами грибов и растений, птиц и млекопитающих. Заказник открыт для всех любителей дикой природы. Небольшие донаты на поддержание троп и образовательные программы собираются местной организацией – MMLT. Эта экскурсия примерно на полдня. Мы пройдем по тропинкам, останавливаясь для наблюдений, разговоров и фотографии. По завершении экскурсии мы сможем отдохнуть на скамьях у образовательного центра заказника, где всегда бывает много птиц и мелких млекопитающих, снующих поблизости в поисках угощения. Не забывайте свои камеры! А вдруг снова повезет с древесными лягушками, притаившимися на кустиках высоких травянистых растений! Возможен карпулинг для желающих.
Форма одежды:
Тропинки в заказнике позволяют в это время года ходить в легкой обуви. Насекомых в конце лета – немного, но неплохо при себе иметь крем или спрей от комаров, а также солнцезащитный крем. Выбирайте одежду по погоде, чтобы вам удобно было ходить. Небольшой перекус в конце маршрута не помешает. Берите с собой бутерброды и воду.
Silver Lake Provincial Park is located on Highway 7 at the eastern tip of Silver Lake in South Sherbrooke Township, Lanark County. It is a relatively small park of 43 ha and is 28 km west of Perth, the largest nearby town. The Park is a great place for hiking, swimming, canoeing, and fishing. Bird migration is already started and we’ll have an opportunity to see local and migratory birds around the lake. We also look at the colossal dams, constructed by beavers. All participants will have an opportunity for swimming in the lake after the guided hike.
Место проведения и предмет экскурсии:
Эта экскурсия в один из провинциальных парков Онтарио. Летние страсти в природе уже поутихли, но август – пора активного пролета самых различных мигрирующих видов птиц. Трудно заранее предположить, какие виды мы сможем увидеть, но надеемся, что на участках болота и вдоль озера могут быть пролетные кулики, поганки и другие околоводные и водоплавающие птицы. А в лесу могут быть как местные, так и пролетные воробьиные. Кроме того, на озере интересны многоступенчатые бобровые плотины. Надеемся, что их мы тоже сможем увидеть. В общем, это поездка для любителей сочетать отдых и исследование нового места. В выходные дни парки берут плату за посещение с каждого автомобиля. Поэтому будет хорошо, если на каждом автомобиле будет по несколько человек. И для природы – благо. Не забываем об устойчивом использовании ресурсов.
Форма одежды:
По погоде – удобная одежда и обувь: легкая рубашка с длинным рукавом для защиты от комаров или футболка, если комаров не боитесь. Обувь – легкая и надежная для ходьбы по тропинкам. Не забывайте спрей от насекомых. Палочка для ходьбы также не помешает. В парке можно будет искупаться, поэтому понадобятся полотенце, плавки и купальники. Обычно, после купания хочется подкрепиться, поэтому не забывайте воду и перекусы. Поездка почти на целый день, запас бутербродов не помешает.
