John Earle Chase Memorial Park reopens
Enjoy the incredible views at Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park’s interpretative trail
In March when walking down the paths of the John Earle Chase Memorial Park there were still patches of snow to be found and pieces of ice here and there. The grey sticks of trees reached toward the blazing blue sky. It was intermission. Things were happening behind the scenes, but it hadn’t yet burst out onto the stage. Then the park was closed. COVID-19 was happening.
On June 2, the park officially reopened. And, at the same location, there was a completely different set. There was no blazing blue sky but a blanket of green high above providing the ceiling with skylights here and there allowing light to peak through as you walked down the tunnel of nature.
As you enter the park there is a parking lot in which you can unload and then check out the trail map which is just as you start down the trail. Several trail maps are available at various places on the trail system.
An observation deck on the red trail, take the first turn to the left to reach it, has been added for your viewing pleasure. Bring a folding chair, a cup of coffee and binoculars to find out what is playing in this area.
The blue trail has an extension. One has to go through the culvert to reach the Buckhorn Lake side of the park. Follow the blue trail markers.
If you continue on the lower level you will pass an old quarry used by the Chase’s before you reach the extension of the blue trail. When the extension returns to the initial trail, you start a gradual walk up hill where you can get one of the most wonderful vistas overlooking Pigeon Lake.
The Kawartha Highlands Provincial
Park interpretative trail has also reopened to the public. This jewel is one of my favourite places anywhere. There have been no external changes to this trail and remains for you to simply enjoy this perfect example of The Land Between.
The 1.5 kilometre interpretative trail has a fair number of ups and downs but some incredible sites. There are trail guides available at the map in the parking lot which connect to the various stops on the trail.
Hope to see you on the trails.
Pollinator Pathways
Sheila Cook, BCC volunteer, is part of a Canada-wide initiative to create pollinator pathways and has signed up to be a Butterfly Ranger with the David Suzuki Foundation. She is looking for gardeners — novice to experienced — to help make Buckhorn a Pollinator Paradise.
So much of our food, especially fruits and vegetables depend on pollinators and they are in decline. She suggests that you plant sunflower seeds. These are great for pollinators.
Email questions to Sheila.cook@invizzen.com
Another idea is for a pollinator water stop. Bees and butterflies need lots of water to drink. If the water is too deep they’ll drown. Find a shallow plate, dish or paint can lid. Place flat stones on the surface as safe landing and drinking platforms. Place near your pollinator plants. Keep topped up with fresh water.
More BCC Activities
There was a goal to raise $2,500 for the BCC. Surprise! More than $11,300 was given. There is still time to contribute at the BCC website.
Keep saving garage sale items. As soon as the BCC folks hear garage sales are permitted plans will fall into place.
Have you seen the Buckhorn decal? They are on sale for $10. Call or email Judy to arrange curbside pickup.
Look on the website under COVID-19 Events to see what the decal looks like.