The Trees of McCarthy Woods

Come get a look at the forest AND the trees!

Join us for a walk through McCarthy Woods with tree expert Owen Clarkin, who will teach us about the trees that grow in our parks and woodlands. Owen will talk about the various tree species found in our local woods and how to identify them, which trees are native to the area and which are exotic or invasive to eastern Ontario woodlands, and which trees provide habitat for birds and wild animals. McCarthy Woods offers a diversity of species including elm, maple, hickory, oak, and more.

Trees also provide essential ecological services for our city, such as greenspace for recreation, climate mitigation, storm-water management, as well as contributing significantly to human health and wellness. We'll discuss the contribution of the overall urban forest to livable cities, current threats to tree health, and what we can do to protect our street trees and woodlands so they continue to flourish.

Location
Route

We'll meet at the trail leading from the parking lot on behind the Hunt Club -- Riverview Park Community Centre at the corner of McCarthy Road and Paul Anka Drive.


The terrain in McCarthy Woods is relatively flat. Some trails are dirt paths and may be muddy if the weather has been wet. We recommend dressing for the weather and wearing waterproof footwear. The walk will take place rain or shine.

There is parking at the Community Centre and along sections of Paul Anka Drive.



About the walk leader

Owen is the President of the Ottawa Field Naturalists Club and a tree activist who has been studying trees in Eastern Ontario since he was young including tree health, threats to tree health and survival, native species (especially uncommon ones), tree identification, tree ecology, and preservation of Indigenous forests. Owen regularly shares his expertise on trees with others through leading nature walks around the community, public presentations, and recording his many observations through iNaturalist.

Guide:

Owen Clarkin

When:
Date:Sat Oct 11, 2025
Time:9:30 AM
Duration: 1 hour 30 min
Language: English
Where:
Start:Behind the Community Centre at Paul Anka Dr. and McCarthy Road.
End:same
Area:Hunt Club - Riverside Park
Distance:1.0 km
Accessibility:

If the weather has been wet, some trails may be muddy.

Walker Sign-up

Sign-up for walks will be available starting Thu Sep 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM.

Gallery
There are many walking trails through McCarthy Woods.  A section of the Poets' Pathway runs through it. The trees in McCarthy Woods can be up to 90 years old.  Fallen log in McCarthy Woods The forest floor of most sections is covered with young maples.
Volunteer to Marshal This Walk