Meeting Location: Park at Insmill Park – see map. Google Map link: https://goo.gl/maps/M6ncwcAvkiM4JVqB9
Walk south to Terry Fox Drive and then west to Kanata Avenue, a total of 300 meters. Cross at the lights. Meet near the conservation area sign at Kanata Avenue no later than 1:30pm.
(Please note that there are no washroom facilities)
Guide: Janet Mason, Friends of the Carp River
Janet is Chair of the Friends of the Carp River Inc. a non-profit action-based group dedicated to improving the quality of life in and along the Carp River and its watershed for the mutual benefit of its human and wildlife communities. They do this by encouraging new shoreline management practices, thereby helping to restore the “ribbon of life” along the river’s length. Janet is a former board member of Macnamara Field Naturalists’ Club and remains a valued member of the club.
Outing participants will learn about the riparian restoration of Ottawa’s own Carp River, the only river whose watershed lies entirely within the city’s boundaries. We will visit the Carp River Conservation Area in Kanata, a 2-kilometer section with restored meanders, wetlands, and ponds. The restoration is an excellent example of how natural areas can co-exist in commercial/suburban settings, providing habitat, recreation, and ecosystem services for adjacent and downstream communities. Participants will hear about plans for the Carp River Living Classroom, which will animate the river and its wetlands for education and discovery.
For more information about the Carp River Conservation Area, please see: https://friendsofthecarpriver.com/?page_id=1464.
(Level of difficulty 1 out of 5)
Walking is on paved pathways with vistas over ponds and the river where we will look for migrating birds. Solid, comfortable closed toe footwear and ability to walk for the duration of the hike is advised. Binoculars and a camera are always a good idea if you have them. General reminder: Many locations we visit are in areas where picking flora of any kind is either not advisable or outright banned. Please do not pick anything while on group outings as it could reflect poorly on the club as a whole. Our trip leaders can make an educated and judicious choice about sampling.
A note about Covid: Participant numbers will be limited to ensure that all benefit from Janet’s information. You may register yourself and anyone in your own household only. Participation will be on a first come first registered basis. Confirmation emails will be sent.
We will be maintaining physical distancing requirements. Please bring a non-medical mask to be worn when physical distancing is not possible. Please do not come if you are ill or have come in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid 19. Notification of cancellation as soon as possible would be appreciated.
Register at events@mfnc.ca (please include your full name) no later than Sunday October 31st.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.