MMLT August 2019 Newsletter

The third annual Festival of the Wild Child, a two day event at High Lonesome Nature Reserve in the Pakenham Hills, takes place on August 24th and 25th. Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this festival is offered by the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust (MMLT) and provides a variety of stations along wooded trails and by ponds to learn, explore and engage with the natural world.

Knowledgeable volunteers are at each station to help open windows into the many wonders of nature. At Tranquility Pond and Beaver Pond, children can don rubber boots, grab a net, and experts will be on hand to help them identify and learn about the creatures they find. At Joel's Pond, the ever popular soundscaping site will offer a relaxing way to hear nature’s sounds amplified, including the surprisingly active life in the bottom of the pond or the wind high up in the trees. Forest fun takes place at Stonewall Arboretum and a turtle or two may be spotted at Turtle Pond adjoining the arboretum. Next door is the rock station with an explanation of the local geology and much more. As you walk further along the trail there is a soil pit where the “Soil Guy” will take you on a historic journey through the examination of distinct layers of the earth.

Inspired by the day's adventures, the whole family can participate at the Magical Mystical Musical Old Oak with dramatic performances by woodland characters who will save the Old Oak tree from the evil elf who stole the 5 golden acorns. The Old Oak will also be a place for games, crafts, and music-making. For those with a creative bent, at some of the other stations there will be an opportunity to try your hand at various activities that are linked to that station: pottery at the soil pit, painting pet rocks at the rock station, bark rubbings at the Stonewall Arboretum, artwork at the soundscaping site, and poetry at the ponds.

There are also special events throughout the weekend: a campfire (weather permitting) in the afternoons with bannock making and other crafts and a storytelling tent where you can rest and listen to a teller of tales. In the Welcome Centre there will be an opportunity each afternoon to learn about the special benefits of the much-maligned wasp with an exhibit and mini-lecture.

Children will receive a passport and get a stamp at each station they visit.

Admission is free to children under 18 with an accompanying adult. Adult admission is $10. You are welcome to bring a picnic, however “Law and Orders” will be onsite with a BBQ.

Click here for complete event details and purchase tickets.

Gathered around White Pines that began life over a century and a half ago and listening to ecologist, Cathy Keddy, talk about all things botanical, are explorers at the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust's "Discover Wildflowers" July event. A warm day with not too many insects brought out 43 people of all ages to enjoy an informative walk at MMLT’s Poole Family Nature Sanctuary, Drummond Township.

We are grateful to our presenting Sponsor: Scotiabank - Carleton Place

The Annual Rose Hill Nature Reserve Talk and Hike
Saturday, August 10, 2019, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

What we see today along Rose Hill Road, off Highway 41 north of Denbigh, are rock hills and a lush forest with only very occasional signs of summer cabins and hunting camps. But, starting in the late 1800s, there was a thriving community of the area’s early settlers–Roses, Koellners, and later Rosenblaths, Grants, and Slaters. The Roses operated a saw mill, there were numerous farms, and Section 9 School was located at Rose Lake. The human history of Rose Hill Road will be featured at this year’s annual hike at Rose Hill Nature Reserve on Saturday, 10 August starting at 10:00 a.m. Then join us for a hike along the original Pumpkin Street Trail heading to Denbigh and imagine those early settlers clearing and working the land that is quietly returning to natural forest under the protection of the MMLT. We will then walk on the refurbished (i.e., less steep!) Hemlock Trail which wanders through upland forest along a babbling stream, finally returning to the trailhead for a picnic lunch.

Approx. 1 1/2 hours from Carleton Place, this event is the perfect destination for nature and history buffs alike. Don't forget to bring your lunch! Registration and Directions

Volunteers Bob Stearns and Nick de Boer installing one of the owl boxes at Turtle Pond

It was a rewarding day! On Friday, June 14, some 30 enthusiastic students and their teachers from the Eco Club of the Sacred Name of Mary School in Almonte visited High Lonesome Nature Reserve. They were there to help install four owl boxes they had constructed to provide new homes for resident owls.

Despite the on and off rain, the outing was a great success. Naturalist and MMLT Board member Simon Lunn provided a thorough introduction to different owls and their nesting habits, along with photos and owl calls. He also talked about other creatures (like Wood Ducks) that might also use the boxes to roost or nest in. Simon had a keen and knowledgeable audience.

Then, split into two groups, the children went off to observe and learn more about owls and nature in general while MMLT volunteers climbed ladders to install the boxes. The children took full advantage of the participation of bird experts Ken Allison, Michel Gauthier, and Howard Robinson (with his grandson Jacob) who, along with Simon, fascinated the children with stories about the owls and other birds.

Nature can sometimes benefit from a helping hand. The students were an inspiration to us all.

MMLT Members receive a $5 discount on all “Discover the Wild” events.

August 2019 Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE:

Festival of the Wild Child

Discover the Heritage of Rose Hill

Upcoming Events