Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada
SKIS, SNOWSHOES, OR HIKING BOOTS
Wednesday, January 24, 2007 (Napanee Beaver)
Friday, January 26, 2007 (Picton Gazette)One of my fondest winter memories of the farm we used to own is of the laneway which led from the road to the back fields. Bordered by prickly ash, small bushes revealing deserted warbler nests and the odd bitternut hickory, this access to the south forty was often a Christmas card patina – rustic split rail fences draped in snow, naked bushes with occasional leaf remnants and tatters of fall webworm nests. Chickadees and nuthatches always cavorted in the branches of a lone shagbark hickory, and tracks beneath the prickly ash told of visits the night before of cottontail rabbits.
In many ways, the trail behind the office at Quinte Conservation reminds me of the laneway I remember so well, except it is a bit older with original snake rail fences and the desecrated remains of long forgotten machinery. Encroaching buckthorn along the edges bow under the weight of their dark blue berries, feasted upon occasionally by a resident flock of winter robins.
The trail behind the office is, in fact, a laneway, as this was a farm before it became a conservation area. Originally settled by Stephen Blanchard in 1815, the name of the creek which runs through this property changed several times to reflect the names of subsequent landowners and adjacent residents. Today, the rippling brook that bisects a section of this property is known as Potter Creek . It adds its own special flavour to the trail in winter, its waters, when open, attracting a variety of wildlife including some insects which sharper eyes have found including stoneflies and springtails.
It is this setting, and sometimes abundant wildlife, which draws so many people to the trail during the winter months to explore the depths of the conservation area beyond the far end of the former laneway. From the extreme north end of the laneway, the trail passes through a field of red cedars and merges into a deciduous forest where white birch, black ash, oaks and towering beech, even without their canopy of leaves, loom high above winter enthusiasts.
On Sunday, January 28th, I have the pleasure of leading a guided interpretive tour along these trails as we explore the historic laneway and woods of this conservation area in Quinte West. The Quinte Conservation Area is a spacious 346 acres and stretches parallel with Wallbridge/Loyalist Road, as far north as Moira Street. We will check the red cedars for wintering robins and yellow-rumped warblers who feast on the berries these trees produce, and listen for travelling bands of chickadees, woodpeckers and nuthatches. Who knows, we may even awaken a slumbering long-eared owl in the dense growth of red cedars in some of the back fields. As we pass through an old orchard, we may find cottontail rabbits, perhaps even a fox as they have been seen out hunting in this conservation area in the past.
Along the way we will experience a natural regeneration of growth from land that was farmed in the early 1800s. We will see floodplain vegetation along Potter Creek, frozen and still, but ready to come alive once the spring thaws flood the area and these plants get back on the work force once again to slow the creek’s rush as it races to make its way to the Bay of Quinte. Last week a rough-legged hawk swooped in and perched for several minutes on the overhanging limb of a poplar. Other times, great horned owls have been seen, even a barred owl. It happens that way when natural regeneration is permitted to take control of abandoned farms. The habitat becomes rich, and where there is habitat, there is food, and there is wildlife.
Although being advertised as a cross country ski/snowshoe hike, our mode of travel will depend on what winter chooses to offer on the 28th. I am certain that all who joined us on a similar hike at Massassauga Point Conservation Area at this time last year will remember that it was no weather for skis or snowshoes. In fact, 22 participants arrived in raincoats, umbrellas and rubber boots. Nature is always bountiful, no matter what the weather, and it is just a matter of seizing the opportunity and enjoying what the weather produces. We invite you to grab your toque, skis or snowshoes, poles and gloves and join us on this afternoon “hike” along one of the more popular trails in the Belleville area. Plan to arrive early so we can be underway by 1:00 p.m. The cost of the interpretive ski is $15.00 which can be paid upon arrival; however, we do ask that you register your intention to come by phoning me at 613-476-5072. Napanee residents can call 354-3312 (111). You can call the latter number any time, day or night and leave a message on my voice mail. You can also e-mail me at tsprague@kos.net. It’s our way of embracing winter, and inviting you to come on out and enjoy it with us. The Quinte Conservation Area is located in Quinte West, on the western outskirts of Belleville. We are just west of the intersection of of Highway 2 and Wallbridge/Loyalist Road.
So what happens if January’s fickle weather continues and we end up with bare ground on the 28th? While snow is really what we want, in the final analysis, the mode of travel is not important. There is always plenty to see on the Quinte Conservation Area trail, no matter what the weather. If snowshoes or skis do not appeal to you, participants are encouraged to join us in their hiking boots, if so inclined. Following our hike, we will gather at the Quinte Conservation office for complimentary hot chocolate.
The interpretive winter tour at the Quinte Conservation Area is part of the 2007 program of outdoor interpretive events scheduled to take place this year in the Quinte area. You can find this event and other exciting full day hikes, as well as our popular evening hike program, now entering its 11th season, at the Quinte Conservation website at www.quinteconservation.ca . Those without Internet access can pick up a copy of the 2007 Outdoor Program handout at the Quinte Conservation office.
This week’s column was prepared on behalf of Quinte Conservation