Did you see the most stunning Lady’s Slipper in Ottawa Valley? If not, join us for the nature-guided tour to Purdon Conservation Area. At the end of June, the time of blooming for one of the most beautiful and attractive orchids starts. This is a Snowy Lady Slipper orchid. In Ottawa Valley, the species may be found in several places, but the most expressive is a colony of the Purdon Conservation Area. According to a recent assessment around 16,000 plants grow in this Conservation Area. The orchids were discovered in the 1930s by the local farmer Joe Purdon, who protected the natural habitat and literally ensured the conservation of this rare orchid in Ontario. Besides, there are many other interesting plants and animals inhabiting this unique bog, surrounded by upland forests. We’ll be able to explore the area on the trail with a length of about 2 km and stop in several places: on the boardwalk with a colony of orchids, near a wetland, and in the upland forest to observe and recognize animals and plants inhabiting different ecosystems.
We have two meeting options: in the parking lot of the Hazeldean Mall in front of Eagleson Road at 8 am (drive to Purdon Conservation Area is about one hour) or at the lower parking near the boardwalk to the colony at Purdon Conservation Area at 9:00 – 9:15 am. Please let us know if you intend to join the tour and at what location.
After the visit to the area, we’ll be able to see several more interesting places located close to Middleville and Almonte.
How to dress?
Please, watch the weather forecast to be prepared for a trip. You will need comfortable clothes and good light sportive shoes for the trip.
What else might be needed?
It will be great to have your cameras and binoculars for nature observation. Please, take water and light snacks: there are several picnic areas where we can stop to rest. There are many mosquitoes at the bog at any time of the day: you need to have a bug spray. Also, it is good to have sunscreen.