Members Only Outing to Shaw Woods
Saturday 29 August; Rain Date Sunday 30 August
9:00 AM – approximately 1:00 pm (approx. 4hrs)
Meeting Location: Shaw Woods Education Centre – 2065 Bulger Rd, North Algona, Wilberforce Twp.
(Hwy 17 West to Cobden. Turn left at Main St. (which becomes Eganville Rd/Cty Rd 8) continue for 12.3 km to a stop sign. Turn right onto Bulger Rd and watch for the parking lot.)
(Please note that there are no bathroom facilities open at Shaw Woods at this time)
West Side (approx. 1.6 km – 2/5 level of difficulty – mostly wide walking trail)
https://www.shawwoods.ca/download.php?dl=YToyOntzOjI6ImlkIjtzOjI6IjEzIjtzOjM6ImtleSI7aToxO30=
East Side (Johnny’s Trail 1.4 km – 4/5 level of difficulty – very hilly, narrow trail, slippery in places)
https://www.shawwoods.ca/download.php?dl=YToyOntzOjI6ImlkIjtzOjI6IjE0IjtzOjM6ImtleSI7aToxO30=
Leader: Jakob Mueller
Jakob Mueller has been passionate about nature and conservation from a young age, beginning when he was a junior member of the Kingston Field Naturalists. He is interested in everything, but is particularly fascinated by reptiles, amphibians, and plants. Unless you have a lot of time, don’t ask him to talk about the open-canopy habitats of Eastern North America and their respective ecology. Jakob is currently one of the Vice Presidents of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, where he also leads events and does other committee work.
Jakob will begin by leading the group around the Old Growth Forest Trail (West Side) discussing the trees (hemlock, beech, maple, yew – a native shrub), plants (bloodroot, wild ginger), birds, herps, insects and other things of interest. This is a heavily treed trail (with some as old as 200 years) and while on a slight uphill at the beginning is very walkable. Those wishing to do only the East Side should let me know at the time of registration. We expect this portion to take anywhere from one to one and a half hours to complete the loop.
After a quick break, the remainder of us will continue across the dam to Johnny’s Lookout Trail on the West Side. The trail follows Shaw’s Pond, the Dore Scarp and the Snake River. Be prepared for a bit of a climb and if our recent rains continue, the narrow hiking trail could be slippery. It is not the easiest of hikes but the view from the lookout will be well worth it for those able to manage it.
Solid, comfortable closed toe footwear and ability to walk for the duration of the hike is required. Walking poles might be a good idea for this side. Please bring water to drink, wear a hat, sunscreen, bug spray and long pants tucked into your socks (poison ivy and ticks). Binoculars, a hand lens (small personal magnifying glass) and a camera are always a good idea if you have them.
A note about Covid: Participant numbers will be restricted to those allowed by local Health bylaws so register early and only if you truly know you can come. 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 in the event the group decides by consensus that this is necessary. 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 Wednesday August 26th.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.