Orchids and Wildflowers at Petrel Point

Hosting Club: Peninsula

Location (Google Maps): Petrel Point Nature Reserve. Roadside parking at Trail Entrance.
Driving Directions: From Highway 6 turn west at the town of Mar on Red Bay Road. Drive along Red Bay Road to its end at Huron road. Drive north on Huron Road roughly three kilometres, then turn left (west) on Petrel Point Road. Petrel Point Road divides the northern and southern halves of the reserve. Please park only on the north side of the road.

Hike Leader(s): Marg Glendon Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Easy
Distance: ~2 km

Description

Explore Nature’s Garden of Wildflowers and Orchids with botanist Barbara Palmer at the Petrel Point Nature Reserve on Monday, June 24th.

This pretty nature reserve managed by Ontario Nature is home to many native wildflowers, orchids, and carnivorous plants. Due to the unique conditions in this Great Lakes Coastal Meadow Marsh, special plants have adapted to live in this environment, and Barbara will discuss why they thrive here. You will also learn about orchid etiquette and the importance of protecting orchids. Orchids observed on this hike, will qualify toward earning the PBTC Orchid Badge.

This “walk-and-talk” hike is a loop hike which meanders through the nature reserve joining a short gravel road section to complete the loop. Walking terrain is flat, mostly boardwalk with some natural, uneven forest hiking trail.  Be prepared to walk approximately 2 km. Hike duration will be about 2 – 2 1/2 hours.

Orchids viewed on this hike will contribute toward the PBTC Orchid badge.

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 and 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. An excellent local reference is the Orchids of Bruce Grey available through Owen Sound Field Naturalists. You may also want to view the BTC webinar Spring Ephemerals: https://brucetrail.org/events/#webinars .

Note: There are no bathroom facilities at this location.

Thank you to Barbara for sharing her knowledge with us! Thank you to Ontario Nature for protecting this rare ecosystem!