On Saturday, June 23rd, the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust invites you to discover dragonflies and butterflies at the High Lonesome Nature Reserve.
This outing is being led by local ecologist and nature enthusiast Ken Allison who has been studying these insects for over 30 years after being introduced to them by his children.
There are over 120 species of dragonflies (including damselflies) and over 100 species of butterflies in Eastern Ontario and by late June adults of many species of these insects should be flying at the Nature Reserve. With many beaver ponds, marshes and swamps at High Lonesome, we can expect to see many beautiful and interesting dragonflies and damselflies that breed in these still waters. The wide range of habitats at High Lonesome also ensures that there are many types of plants present providing opportunities for a wide range of butterfly species.
Be ready to be surprised by the beauty of these small creatures as you spend a couple of hours wandering the trails of this gem of a nature reserve, observing the dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies along the way. Bring binoculars, waterproof footwear and an insect net if you have one. Registration starts at 10:00 a.m. and we’ll head out by 10:30. Admission is by a $10 donation. This event is sponsored by Gilligallou Bird Inc., Eastern Ontario’s Backyard Birding Specialty Store (gillagallou.com).
High Lonesome Nature Reserve is one of eight properties and over 2,700 acres of ecological significant land in eastern Ontario now protected in perpetuity by MMLT. It is located at 867 Carbine Rd. outside Pakenham. Take County Road 29 to Pakenham Village, turn on Waba Road and continue west for 2.9 km. Turn left on Barr Side Road and travel for 1.6 km. Take the first left at Carbine Road and drive 4 km to 867 Carbine Road.
Please visit mmlt.ca/event/discover-dragonflies-butterflies for more details and for a map to the property.
