CALDWELL LAKE NATURE RESERVE

Saturday, July 15th

Rain Date, Sunday, July 16th

Members and friends will be treated to an energetic hike with highly eclectic habitat features highlighted by a provincially significant wetland and Lake Superior shoreline.

The Caldwell Lake Nature Reserve (over 100 acres) includes mature second growth black spruce, cedar and white pine forests. Other habitats include a floating bog mat, a beaver pond and meadow, Lake Superior shoreline, and cliffs. Sixteen species of orchids grow around Caldwell lake, many of them in large numbers. Arctic alpine disjunct plants are found along the Lake Superior shore.

The TBFN website has more information and photos: https://tbfn.net/reserves/caldwell-lake/

THE FIELD TRIP

This hike will begin at the trailhead (east end of Cottage Drive E.) at 10 am.

The hike itself should take about 5-6 hours (approximately a 10-12 km hike) and will follow a loop across some private property and up to Caldwell Lake, then to the beaver pond and then to Lake Superior for a rest stop at the Bryans’ camp. Scenery there and beyond of the Superior shoreline is spectacular as we return to the starting point.

Activity level: moderate to high with some difficult climbing, rough terrain and large rocks (on the shoreline) to get over.

Stops for nature ID/inventory and appreciation are numerous.

DIRECTIONS

Option 1:

Drive south of Thunder Bay on Highway 61, turn east (left) at Jarvis Bay Road, then south (right) on Cloud Bay Road to the bay, then east (left at the “T” at Cloud Bay).  Continue driving along Cottage Drive E. to the corner where the road turns acutely to the right, or west. We will park and walk in from the trailhead. All told, it’s about a 40-minute drive from the Movati parking lot to the trailhead (east end of Cottage Drive East).

Option 2:

Participants from town may wish to meet independently to car pool at Movati.

PARTICIPATION

Limit of 15

Bring the usual hiking gear with fly dope, sturdy walking boots, sun screen/rain gear (as appropriate), camera and backpack with small lunch, hand cleaner, tissues and trash bag.

TRIP LEADERS (please contact to register)

David Legge: dlegge@tbaytel.net or call (807) 621-1219 and Thora Cartlidge: tcartlidge@gmail.com