Rideau Valley Field Naturalists

Press Release

For immediate release but not later than Saturday, July 4, 2009

Information contact:  Judy Buehler – (613) 326-0106;

 

Sun., July 5, celebrate Tay Canal Week enjoying nature

 

On Sunday, July 5th, come and celebrate Tay Canal Week in Perth, Ontario with a couple of hours of adventure involving a hike along the historic Canal Tow Path, a short Voyageur Canoe trip across the Tay to the Perth Wildlife Reserve and a guided tour through the Reserve to the Rideau Valley Field Naturalists’ Butterfly Garden. The adventure ends with refreshments and a bus ride back to town.

 

Tours leave the Last Duel Park in Perth at 10 and 11 a.m. and 12 noon. Seating in the Voyageur Canoe is limited to 18 people, so get there early to ensure a seat. For those people who would prefer to see only the Butterfly Garden you can either drive there on your own, or be at Last Duel Park at 10, 11 or 12 noon and the shuttle bus will drive you there. Be sure to bring a hat and your bug spray.

 

This year is the 175th Anniversary of the opening of the original Tay Canal in 1834. This little-known gem is a branch of the UNESCO World Heritage Designated Rideau Canal, one of the oldest, continuously operating canal systems in North America. Bordered by lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, a trip along the Tay offers up sightings of great blue herons, kingfishers, and rose-breasted grosbeaks; turtles, frogs and ducks.

 

After your tour of the Canal and Wildlife Reserve you will come to the Butterfly Garden, designated a North American Monarch Waystation. Started only 3 years ago by the Rideau Valley Field Naturalists Club, the five garden beds are planted specifically to attract butterflies. RVFN members will be on hand to talk about the flowers and shrubs that attract butterflies, and the species that have been seen there.

 

Spend a relaxing couple of hours enjoying the natural history of the area, learn about the flora and fauna, and savour the treats at the end of your hike.  This adventure is co-sponsored by the Rideau Trail Association, Friends of the Tay Watershed, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and the Rideau Valley Field Naturalists, with the assistance of the Steering Committee for the Tay Canal 175th Anniversary 2009.

 

For further information, call Judy at 613-326-0106.