- HikeType Botany Hike
- PaceTypes Leisurely (2.0 - 3.0 km/h): A relaxed pace with frequent breaks and a focus on enjoyment.
- TerrainTypes Easy: Flat forested sections or lowland trails.
- PaidOuting No
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Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Botany Hike
Location (Google Maps): Petrel Point Nature Reserve
Hike Leader(s): Marg Glendon Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)
Pace: Leisurely (2.0 - 3.0 km/h): A relaxed pace with frequent breaks and a focus on enjoyment.
Terrain: Easy: Flat forested sections or lowland trails.
Distance: ~2 km
Description
Explore Nature’s Garden of Wildflowers and Orchids with Nature Conservancy Canada’s (NCC) Jacob Kloeze, Acting Program Director Midwestern Ontario and Alex Duszczyszyn, Assistant Conservation Biologist at Ontario Nature’s Petrel Point Nature Reserve on Monday, June 15th. Rain date – Tuesday, June 16th.
This pretty nature reserve managed by Ontario Nature is home to many native wildflowers, orchids, ferns and carnivorous plants. Due to the unique conditions in this Great Lakes Coastal Meadow Marsh, special plants have adapted to live in this environment. Learn about the characteristics of this ecosystem and how these plants depend on it for survival.
Several orchid and fern species thrive here. During this hike you will learn about orchid viewing etiquette, definition of an orchid and our responsibility to protect them. Observations on this hike, will qualify toward earning the PBTC Orchid and Fern badges: https://pbtc.ca/badges/
John Grandy, neighbour and local conservationist will also join us to share historical highlights of this unique property.
This “walk-and-talk” hike is a loop hike meandering through the nature reserve on terrain which is generally flat, mostly boardwalk with some natural, uneven forest hiking trail. Boardwalks can be slippery when wet. Be prepared to walk approximately 2 km. Hike duration will be about 1 ½ -2 hours.
Please bring a light back pack with snacks and water. Wear a hat, long-sleeved sun protective clothing, and sturdy hiking boots. Be prepared for flying insects. Bring a net hat and insect repellent.
Bring binoculars and/or a camera. If planning to post photos or using your I-Naturalist app, please turn off your location identifiers.
If you have reference sheets or books – bring them along. Excellent local references include the Orchids of Bruce Grey and Ferns of Bruce Grey County, available through Owen Sound Field Naturalists. You may also want to view the BTC webinar Spring Ephemerals: https://brucetrail.org/events/#webinars .
If you wish to linger longer, there are a few benches placed along the boardwalk.
Thank you to Ontario Nature for protecting this beautiful nature reserve