CANCELLED: Gatineau Park: <p>Thomas 'Carbide' Willson Ruins
Cover of Katharine's book of Gatineau Park walks.
Note: The NCC has closed Gatineau Park because of the ice storm, and the word is that they will not re-open it until mid-May. Unfortunately, we will not be able to hold this walk.
This is author and historian Katharine Fletcher’s favourite trail in Gatineau Park. Not only are the woodlands and lakes stunningly beautiful, but there is tangible, visible human history to discover, particularly in the ruins of Thomas "Carbide" Willson's super-phosphate fertilizer plant and generating station, often called "The Mill."
During this lively walking tour, Katharine will talk about the early settlers who had farms here, and reveal some fascinating observations about natural history. She says, "We may find ephemeral spring flowers blooming, such as Dutchman’s Breeches, Wake-robins (red trilliums), and Bloodroot." She encourages participants to join the conversation, recognizing that many of us have appreciated this park for decades — or have just discovered it.
Katharine will proceed at a slow pace, giving ample time for examining plants and bird-watching — and discussing early pioneers lives "up the mountain."
