Last week we set off on what became our longest adventure yet. Our destination was Petrel Point Nature Reserve, owned by Ontario Nature. I had been here first as a teenager when the property was first acquired, and I had a small hand in the first expansion when I was chair of the volunteer Nature /Reserves Committee, so I knew the property well.
Petrel Point is a coastal fen, a unique type of wetland I'll tell you about in the next three posts. Ontario Nature is a non-profit conservation group here in Ontario, now I think operating for over 75 years.
The unique thing that attracted us this time was the wheelchair accessible boardwalk through the forest and fen. Yes those are my toes and the wheelchair control unit at the bottom of the picture.
Right away Mrs. F.G. started pointing out pictures I should take, starting with the interesting texture of the bark of this Cedar (top) and a Spruce (bottom).
She thought this old bit of stump and the fern made an interesting shot. The fern is Common Bracken.
And this fern is Royal Fern.
Then we spotted a group of Fringed Polygala, such a gorgeous colour!
The twifs of the young Balsam Fir added a bit of bright green, a shot by Mrs. F.G.
A huge old stump from the early logging, perhaps 16" across.
And finally we spotted one of those Yellow Ladyslippers deep among the vegetation.
What a beautiful place to explore! Great to have that solid looking boardwalk to make is easily accessible.
ReplyDeleteThat walkway is wonderful. Are there passing places if you meet another wheelchair going in the opposite directions?
ReplyDeleteFen is a good word. I forget to use it. The preserve that I mention to you from time to time where we see the ladyslippers would be classified as a fen. I look forward to the rest of the posts.
ReplyDeleteSo glad they have a board walk that you can use. Love the yellow lady slipper, I am missing seeing them this year.
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