McCarthy Woods and Meadows: Eastern Side
Trillium in bloom in McCarthy Woods.
Welcome and bienvenue to McCarthy Woods and Meadows!
Our walk will take us through a 78-hectare landscape, one of the largest remaining natural maple woodlands in urban Ottawa, an essential corridor linking the Rideau River, Sawmill Creek, and the Greenbelt.
Home to more than 200 native plant species and a rich diversity of insects, birds and wildlife, this space offers both ecological significance and quiet beauty in an urban setting. In spring, the forest floor comes alive with trillium, trout lilies, and other uncommon native plants. One can hear overhead calls from birds such as the Pileated Woodpecker, Brown Thrasher, Savannah Sparrow or even a Black-throated Green Warbler. This area serves as a prime feeding habitat for urban raptors including the Eastern Screech Owl, Cooper's Hawk, and the Merlin. Although more difficult to spot, small and large mammals also add to the biodiversity of this area.
The McCarthy Meadows add another essential layer to this ecosystem. These spaces support pollinators, ground nesting birds and a different suite of native plants that rely on both habitats coexisting together. Especially important at this time, meadows serve as carbon sinks that combat climate change, prevent soil erosion and reduce flooding by absorbing storm water.
During our walk, we will uncover the history of this greenspace, find out why it's known as the heart of the Poets' Pathway, and share our observations and personal experiences connected to this precious land. Places like this remind us that nature is not separate from city life but deeply woven into it, nurturing our health and grounding our sense of belonging.
