On Sunday September 28th at 11 AM the Rotary Club of Wellington is having its Annual Rotary Foundation Walk. will be an introduction to the South Shore- one of the last undeveloped public lands on the Canadian side of Lake Ontario. This walk is free and open to the public but does require registration (contact y.buys@utoronto.ca) to ensure a sufficient number of guides. Donations to Rotary International accepted.
Date and Time: Sunday, September 28, 11:00 am
Departure Point: corner of Army Reserve Road and Simpson Road
Walk description:
This educational walk goes to the Simpson Road Impoundment, a beautiful wetland providing habitat for many species of wildlife.
Home to 41 species at risk including birds, plants, animals and fish. Knowledgeable guides will provide insight into what makes this habitat unique, and explain SSJI's work toward a South Shore Footpath to connect people to nature and, in turn, help to preserve the incredible biodiversity of the area. This guided walk will start at the corner of Simpson Road and Army Reserve Road - consider car pooling. It will begin on a dirt track ending at the Simpson Road impoundment. This impoundment was created by Ducks Unlimited in the 1980s and is a naturalized wetland, providing habitat for many species of wildlife from waterfowl and shorebirds to otters and beavers. The total duration of the walk is 1.5 hours. Mostly on a hard-packed dirt track with a little muck near the impoundment. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear, dress for ticks (pants tucked into socks) and bright clothing.
Special Guest guides include:
· Sheila Kuja, botanist and ecologist
· Cheryl Chapman, outdoor environmental educator
· Matthew Christie, biology major and avid naturalist
The 1.5 – 2.0 hour walk is on a rough gravel road with ruts.
Parking: Please carpool! There is limited roadside parking at the departure point (Army Reserve Road and Simpson Road).
NOTE: There is room to park at Army Reserve Road and County Road 24. People could arrange to meet others there, then carpool over to Army Reserve and Simpson Roads, so there are fewer cars to park at the departure point.
Recommendations and cautions:
· Wear sturdy footwear. Depending on the weather leading up to the walk, the walk may include wet muddy areas.
· Bright coloured clothing is recommended.
· Ticks and Poison Ivy are common in Prince Edward County. Proper precautions are recommended.
· There are no washroom facilities.
