We have created a 1.5-km trail extension to provide an enhanced nature experience and improved observation of the wetland by Goodwin Bay. The extension connects to the main trail and provides access to the central part of the wetland and to several different wetland border and upland habitats on the north side of the property. A planned observation tower will offer a mid-wetland vantage point for the study of resident and migratory wildfowl and other animal life adjacent to the Ottawa River. We will also build an Osprey nesting tower nearby.
Background
The Club built the Macnamara Trail in the late 1990’s, and continues to operate and maintain it through an agreement with Nylene Canada, which owns 280 acres next to their plant on McNab Street. Through Nylene’s generosity and the Club’s diligence, the community has access to the 4.5 kilometre Macnamara Trail on this private property in the Nopiming Crown Game Preserve adjacent to the Ottawa River at Goodwin Bay.
The Macnamara Trail lies in the southern portion of the Nylene Canada property with no access to the north side.
Located in the suburban southeast side of Arnprior, the Macnamara Trail is used by Arnprior residents and surrounding communities for passive recreation and peaceful appreciation of the natural world. It connects to the town’s Millennium Trail system via the MacLachlin Trail and is adjacent to the McLean Park and McLean ball diamond fields by the Ottawa River. Using the Millennium Trail network, an energetic hiker can walk from the trailhead to enjoy the waterfront views by McLean Park, cross the Madawaska River bridge into downtown Arnprior, visit the library, and explore the old growth trees in Gillies Grove.
The Macnamara Trail lies in the southern third of the 280 acres, south of the large, central Provincially Significant Wetland. Two-thirds of the property – the wetland and the northern forest – were inaccessible from our current trail. Although the Club built a 3 metre high observation deck on the southern margin of the wetland, sight lines into the wetland are limited and distant from the river.
The Macnamara Trail and its extension provide multiple benefits to the community:
- – a healthy place for physical activity like walking and snowshoeing,
- – peaceful appreciation of nature and bird watching, and
- – an attraction for out-of-town visitors and nature clubs.
The Project and Its Timeline
The multi-year Trail Extension Project consists of building the West Link, the new Nopiming Loop, the Goodwin Marsh Lookout, an observation deck, and an Osprey nesting platform.
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- – The West Link connects the current trail on the south of the property to the Nopiming Loop in mixed forest on the north of the property. A 67 meter boardwalk was installed in November 2018.
- – The Nopiming Loop is a 1.5-km trail through woodlands and around marble outcrops and small ponds. It showcases a different forest ecosystem from the existing trail on the south side. In August 2019, we completed marking the trail, adding signs, and installing a bench on the beginning of the Island Chain. The next step is to identify interpretive stops and add them to the trail guide.
The 67 meter West Link boardwalk connects the trails on the north and south sides of the marsh.
- – The Goodwin Marsh Lookout is a 250-metre one-way trail across a chain of small, rocky islands in the wetland.
- – The observation deck provides a 360-degree view of the marsh from its vantage point near the middle.
- – The Osprey nesting platform is located in the marsh about 100 metres from the observation deck and near the Ottawa River. The Osprey is a fish-eating hawk and needs open water to hunt.
The project has two phases:
Phase 1: Construct the West Link and clear and mark the Nopiming Loop. Status: West Link installed in 2018; trail loop marked in 2019; bench installed on Island Chain. The trail map below shows the trail system as of September 2019.
Phase 2: Build a boardwalk to complete the island chain and add the observation deck.
What will a walk on the new trail extension be like? Read Imagining a Walk Along the Future Macnamara Trail Extension to help you visualize your trail experience.
Macnamara Trail map showing the main trail on the south side of the marsh and the new Nopiming Loop on the north side. (Image from Google Earth with text overlay).
Help Us Build the Trail
We continue to fundraise for this significant and ambitious project, which will be paid for with a combination of donations from businesses and the community, club funds, and money from grants.
You can Donate directly to the Macnamara Trail Extension here.
Note: PAYPAL is the gateway through which you can choose to pay either by your PAYPAL account OR by credit card, according to your preference.
Tax receipts will be mailed for Trail Donations of $20 and more.
If you’d like to join the Fundraising Committee or just help out at events, please contact us at trail@mfnc.ca .
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Our Donors
The Club gratefully acknowledges the support of the following companies and individuals for generously contributing to the success of this project.
In loving memory of Sherry E. Sadler
(25 Oct 1955 – 6 Apr 2014)
Passionate in her love of family, friends, and nature
Maureen and Paul Carrier
CK and Anna Wong
Beth and John McEwen
Linda Sewell
Anonymous (2)