Hello Supporters! We have passed 2000 signatures in a little over 3 weeks! There’s been fantastic energy building, and more and more people are showing up to save the corridor.
We have been focused on building awareness of the value of natural spaces in our city, what they mean to us, and growing engagement with our communities.
The BioBlitz on Saturday, September 19th, was a great success. Led by Carleton University professors and students, over 50 people attended to learn about the biodiversity of the Corridor and begin documenting on iNaturalist. You can still join this project (it's up until Oct 19th). To join, search for “Save the McCarthy Woods Nature Corridor” under projects in the app and add your observations.
We also had an amazing tour of everting fungi with Guinevere Dickson from guinsfunguides leading about 20 intrepid explorers through the beautiful trails of the woods and teaching us about the different fungi growing in the area. It brought a very different viewpoint of discovering the richness of forest habits and oh so many mushrooms!
A second bioblitz and guided walk is being planned in October, looking for birds and exploring the Rideau Riverside and Leopold Woods. Watch for upcoming notices.
Hunt Club Creek Clean Up
Thank you to everyone who showed up to Cleaning up the Capital: Invasive Species Edition! An entire truckload of invasive species has been removed with the help of our community. This will allow space for native habitat to be planted and allow the Hunt Club Creek to thrive.
The amazing marine biologists from Rideau Valley Conservation Authority were so knowledgeable. Everyone who participated left with new skills and new abilities to identify and properly remove invasive species. If you missed out on the fun this time, send us a message at OSEAN.info@gmail.com and we can add you to the mailing list for next time!
An enormous thank you to Hunt Club Community Association for leading this initiative with the Conservation Authority through the stream watch program!
Shout out to CPAWS Petition
As you may be aware, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Ottawa Valley Chapter (CPAWS-OV) has advocated and succeeded in having tabled a formal House of Commons e-petition related to Bill S-229. The Bill proposes amendments to the National Capital Act with the intent of strengthening the protection and conservation management of Gatineau Park. This helps us build a case for increased preservation as well!
The petition can be accessed at https://bit.ly/4pRXOLE and remains open for signature until October 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. EDT. The goal is to reach 1,000 signatures.
Email your Member of Parliament to show your support !
There is nothing better than MP’s receiving a flood of mail calling for their attention to act on behalf of their constituents. Even if you live outside of Ottawa, you can email the minister responsible for the National Capital Commission.
We have a e-mail template posted on our Home Page. Find it here:
https://www.osean.org/mccarthy
- And if you can, add why this is important to you and the impact this has on our communities and why this is important to Canadians!
Planning for a public outreach and engagement later in October continues—this is starting to shape up to an exciting day of walks, art, poetry, and music. Natural spaces impact us profoundly, and, in many ways, the McCarthy Nature Corridor has a significant impact on creating a thriving and healthy urban environment. How we reconcile that will impact generations to come.
Continue to spread the word, and thank you so much for the support!
André on behalf of Ottawa South Eco Action Network