feej

http://www.ofnc.ca/fletcher.php

“a long-term project of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, is located on a site that is only minutes from the centre of Ottawa.

“With habitat loss a major factor in the decline of many plant and animal species, our goal is to encourage as many people as possible to create or restore natural landscapes on their urban or rural property. Our Interpretive Centre disseminates information on conservation issues and regional natural history. Behind the centre is our Backyard Garden designed to show how anyone can transform their own garden into one that is wildlife friendly.

“The Friends of the Central Experimental Farm are partners in our project and the Ottawa Chapter of Landscape Ontario is a co-partner.

“Besides being readily accessible to naturalists, gardeners, schoolchildren, and other residents of the city and its suburbs, the FWG site encompasses a variety of natural habitats. Volunteers are working to restore and enhance these and other areas to provide a wide range of potential homes for regional wildlife.”

drove up to King Mountain yesterday afternoon (oct 1), one of the trails i have not done before. lots of climbing up and down but definitely worth it for the views and all the little discoveries.

i went with another photo buddy and we spent at least 3 hours on the trail! i think this means it would take the average hiker about 1.5 hrs. (cameras always slow us down!)

fall colours are a bit late this year, but there was certainly enough vibrant foliage to make it interesting.

saw lots of chipmunks, red squirrel, a red-tailed hawk soaring on thermals, and at sunset when we got back to the lake at the start of the loop, a family of beavers was swimming out of the lodge!

at the top there’s lots of bedrock and great views of the ottawa valley, best on a clear day (yesterday was hazy). very exposed and windy so dress warm on cool days.

trail is very rough in parts, wear good shoes and take it slow if you’re not an experienced hiker.

i’ll definitely do it again!