Ottawa's Great Forest

Photo: Martha Webber at Jane's Walk 2011

The walk will follow the excellent trail through Trillium Woods that runs behind the new recreation centre under construction on Innovation Drive & Goulbourne Forced Road. Martha will point out various trees, new growth on the forest floor, evidence of animal presence in the forest, all the tiny things and great trees that together make up the forest.. New growth is late given our cold spring so far, but there are some plants up, and some with flowers. A great walk for elementary school children.

There are good trails throughout this area that are used year-round. There is an abundance of wildlife, including several endangered species, such as such as the Butternut Tree, American Ginseng, and the Blanding's Turtle. First Nations people traditionally hold parts of this area sacred and want to protect the wild state of the area and the rich archeological heritage contained there.

Location

Route

The Trillium woods path is on the south side, across the street from the Cisco buildings, marked by a big stone. The path circles in behind the construction area. We'll go about a mile into the woods and retrace our steps to return to the start.

The path is easy to follow and if anyone gets tired, they can turn around and follow the path back at any time.

Directions to starting point:

From Ottawa, take the 417 to March Rd, then north to Terry Fox. Turn left on Terry Fox, and the first left is Innovation Dr.

You can also get there from the Terry Fox exit. In that case, take Terry Fox north and continue past Second Line (traffic signal). Innovation Dr. is the next signal. Turn right onto Innovation if you come this way.

The trail entrance is just past the far end of the construction site. You can park along the road.

About the walk leader

Martha Webber is a local researcher and educator. In 2007, she was presented with the Ottawa Field Naturalists Club's Mary Stuart Education Award.

Guide:

Martha Webber

When:

Date:	Sat May 4, 2013
Time:	2:00 PM
Duration:	2 hours
Language:	English

Where:

Start:	across from 3000 Innovation Dr.
End:	same
Area:	North Kanata
Distance:	3.0 kms

Accessibility:

The route is off-road. Hiking boots or sturdy shoes are recommended; running shoes will be ok, too.. The trail is mostly dry this year, although there may be occasional wet or muddy sections. The trail is not suitable for strollers.

Gallery

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