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Field Trip – Lichens
Saturday, March 9 @ 9:00 AM
Come out and enjoy the tail end of winter with a lichen field trip at Ravine Lake, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park with Hanna Dorval. The hike will be a gentle walk through the woods (with one slightly steep hill that goes down, not up). An introduction to the basics of lichen biology, ecology, and identification, with a focus on arboreal lichens. The lichen community around Ravine Lake boast species that are uncommon or absent from elsewhere in the province, found only near the Great Lakes and especially along the coastlines of Lake Superior. Participants will also get to see a species new to science, named for the Sleeping Giant, discovered along this trail in 2019 during a workshop held in the park.
Carpooling is encouraged to save on the costs of passes and gas. People can meet at the Landmark Inn parking lot before 9am, if they’re looking to carpool (leaving the lot at 9am) or at the Kabeyun South trailhead at 10am. Ravine Lake trail is 1.9 km and is located at the north end of the parking lot. We will start the hike shortly after 10am. Hanna recommends people bring ice cleats of some kind, given the trail will be icy in some spots. Ice cleats can be bought in most outdoor stores and are very useful when trails are icy. There is no need for snowshoes due to the levels of snow. Hanna has a season pass and can drive with three other people comfortably. Otherwise, people will have to purchase a day pass online for parking (can only book online on or after March 4). This hike is open to 15 participants as the trail is narrow and the lichens are small. We should finish up at noon. It is recommended to bring water and a snack, and a hand lens if you have one. (Hanna has some extras). Please email Hanna at hannadorval@gmail.com to RSVP and let her know if you will be meeting at the Landmark Inn or at the Kabeyun South trailhead. Click here to purchase your Sleeping Giant Trail Pass online or call the Ontario Parks registration at 1-888-668-7275.
hannadorval@gmail.com
