Nature Talk, September 21, 2023: Discover the Carp Barrens

Welcome back to the new season of The Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists Nature Talks!   We are excited to announce our new theme for the upcoming series: “Nature Near and Far”.  Please note that for THIS MONTH ONLY there will not be an option to participate via Zoom and the presentation will not be recorded.  Our usual benefits of getting together will be there – coffee, tea and goodies provided by the Social Committee, a nature quiz and the opportunity to socialize with other MVFN members. Masks are optional.

For our first presentation on Thursday, September 21 join Janet Mason, Chair of Friends of the Carp Hills, on a natural history tour of the Carp Barrens. This area, known to many of us, is a landscape of exposed, one-billion year old Precambrian Shield bedrock, beaver ponds, and wetlands that is unique within the City of Ottawa.  The Carp Barrens host rare and uncommon plants and are home to Species at Risk like the Eastern Whip-poor-will and Blanding’s turtle.  It is also an eBird hotspot with over 190 species observed.

Janet Mason was an engineer and senior executive with over 34 years of experience in the defence and technology industries.  She currently volunteers with local community organizations involved in environmental stewardship.  She strongly believes that natural areas enrich their communities with positive effects on the health and well-being of their residents.  She helped co-found Friends of the Carp Hills, which works with landowners, community groups, residents, conservation organizations, and government to foster conservation and sustainable recreation.

To attend the Nature Talk, you must be an MVFN member in good standing. Reminder – the MVFN membership year extends from April 1 to March 31 of the following calendar year.  To join or renew your membership, please go to our website in the JOIN ONLINE section and complete the membership form.

Meetings are held at the Almonte United Church at 106 Elgin Street in Almonte.  Please note that meetings now begin at 7 pm, with doors open and coffee, tea and treats available starting at 6:30 pm.

Nature Sightings: Ken Allison will discuss any sightings sent to him via email, by MONDAY, September 18 or you could add them to MVFN’s iNaturalist project. There will also be an opportunity to share your last minute sightings at the meeting.