by Norah Hillary
Guided by Michael Runtz, participants were able to see several of our native orchid species and some interesting and unusual plants and insects in this unique wetland. Some highlights included showy lady slipper (Cypripedium reginae), white bog orchid (Platanthera dilatata), rose pogonia (Pogonia ophioglossoides), grass pink (Calopogon tuberosus), brush-tipped emerald (Somatochlora walshii), and elfin skimmer (Nannothemis bella), the smallest dragonfly in North America and the second smallest in the world.
It was a warm day, so the anticipated wet feet were welcome, as was the ice cream stop in White Lake after the event! The cool wind off the lake at the picnic site for lunch was an added bonus.
The White Lake fen has been designated both an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest and a Provincially Significant Wetland, and is listed as a Special Place in Lanark County.
photos by Ian Somerville
