Tag: Ottawa Valley Area

Guided Tour for Mushroom Identification

This is a trip for mushroom lovers. We will meet in Ottawa near Dow’s Lake at 8:30 am on Sunday, August 21, and drive through several places at the crown land in Quebec to explore suitable areas for mushroom harvesting. During our guided hike, we’ll learn about various kinds of mushrooms and fungi. And then, we will go to the Constance Bay area, where we will stop at several places where mushroom picking is allowed. Quite a few species of mushrooms have already appeared in these weeks. We hope that with relatively wet weather and relatively low temperatures, their abundance will increase significantly in the coming weeks. 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 which species are considered conditionally edible. And also we will learn to distinguish between different groups of fungi: bracket fungi, coral fungi, boletes, agaric mushrooms, morels, hedgehogs, chanterelles and their relatives. Carpooling is welcome. We have space for 8 people in two cars. If you are thinking of driving one of these vehicles, please contact us in advance so that we can arrange a convenient meeting point for you.

Это экскурсия для любителей грибов. Мы встретимся в 8:30 в воскресенье, 21 августа, утра около озера Dow в Оттаве А далее, мы поедем на квебекскую сторону, где остановимся в нескольких местах, где сбор грибов разрешен. В эти недели уже появилось довольно много видов грибов. Мы надеемся, что при относительно влажной погоде и сравнительно невысокой температуре, их обилие значительно увеличится в следующие недели. 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. У нас есть места для 8 человек в двух машинах. Если Вы думаете, поехать на одном из этих автомобилей, 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 сейчас в лесу 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.

High Lonesome Nature Reserve in July

High Lonesome Nature Reserve is managed by Mississippi-Madawaska Land Trust serving as stewards of private lands having ecological, aesthetic, and cultural value. The area is open to visitors; it is rich with natural biodiversity. Several trails with lengths up to 8 km give the opportunity to make short or long loops in the area. All trails have names and are well marked. These are a Bear Trail, Spooky Marsh Trail, Wolf Trail, Spring Peeper Trail, and others.

We’ll explore several trails, observing birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. We also will identify trees and grassy vegetation growing in the deciduous forest.

We’ll meet at 9:00 am in the parking near High Lonesome Nature Reserve on Carbine Rd. in the Pakenham area. 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 sunny and warm day on Saturday; however, there are many wetlands: ponds, and lakes in the area. We suggest you take mosquito spray,  water, and a light snack. Light summer shoes good for hiking will be the most appropriate for this excursion.

Eagle Nest Lookout in Fall Colors and Mushroom Excursion

Eagle’s Nest Lookout is one of the most famous places around the Ottawa area with a beautiful view of lakes and forest.  First, we plan to visit the Eagles Nest lookout that to admire saturated fall colors and the beauty of this place. After that, we’ll explore the Calabogie areas suitable for mushroom collection. This year mushrooms just started to grow after a long dry season. Rains in the last weeks facilitate the harvesting season for various representatives of this mysterious kingdom.

Place and Subject of the Excursion:

This place is interesting not only for its enchanting landscapes and beauty of wild nature but also because it represents one of the sacred places of the local indigenous people of Algonkin-Anishinabe. People from this tribe came to the mountain to increase spiritual strength, receive a sign from the heavens (from the spirit of eagles) and understand through meditation in which spiritual direction to move … The main path to the rock is small – only about 3 km. However, after the visit to Eagle Nest, we’ll have a chance to explore several places in the Calabogie area for mushroom collection. This year the mushroom harvest is just starting, so, we’ll explore the diversity of mushrooms in the Ottawa valley and learn how to identify them and how to collect mushrooms correctly, without damaging the natural environment.

We’ll meet at the Parking near Eagle Nest lookout at 9:30 am on October 3 (Sunday). There is an opportunity for carpooling from Ottawa (2 places).

Dress:

Watch on the weather forecast and choose closes according to the weather. Waterproof shoes and tight jeans will be appropriate for the hike, 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.