Future new map in the south Carp Hills
The southern part of the Carp Hills, just east of the village of Carp, is an area the club is currently mapping with the blessing of the organization Friends of Huntley Highlands. The land is city owned recreational land that the city and the 'Friends' are closely watching to ensure environmentally friendly use and to open it up to the public such as ourselves. They are clearing a trail through the land, being called 'The Crazy Horse Trail', named after the pub that was formerly the centre of activity on March Road. The 'Friends' will be resuming their trail clearing and maintenance this fall and are looking for volunteer help.
Please visit their website http://huntleyhighlands.com/ to get to know about them, and consider responding to this appeal, from their fall newsletter, for help on the Crazy Horse Trail. It is beautiful land there, perfect for a cool fall day outing and will give you a taste of the orienteering land to be available in the next year or so.
Crazy Horse Trail Update
It is already September and soon our trail clearing will resume again. This past spring we were very productive in marking and clearing the trail. The first 2 km or so have been properly identified and cleared but with the summer growth a little cleanup will be needed again. In June, City of Ottawa staff were on hand to tour the trail and provide us with insightful recommendations for the way ahead. In fact, they were pleased with our low environmental impact approach and the selected location of the trail. The highlight of the tour was the identification of an environmentally sensitive fen and a small but colorful meadow. Our plan is to limit human impact to those sites while still providing some access.
We have also identified the need to build a boardwalk to cover a wet and muddy section at the beginning of the trail. For this, fund raising through events and grants is needed. We hope that by spring 2016 we will be able to start construction. But most importantly, if we are to continue developing our trail we need volunteers. So if you love nature and yard work and have a passion for the environment, why not join us on our trail clearing days. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our web site and submit your name and contact information, adding the subject: “Trail clearing” and our Trail Coordinator will contact you. This fall, trail clearing days have been planned for the months of September, October and November with specific dates still to be determined based on the number of volunteers and availability. We hope to see you on the trail soon.