As we set off on our adventure to the Adams Nature Reserve, the air was crisp with the first hints of autumn’s arrival. The afternoon sun cast a golden glow down on the changing leaves, painting the forest in a palette of fiery reds, golden yellows, and rustic oranges. The trail, a 1.4-kilometer loop, weaved us through impressive granite ridges and amongst protected old-growth upland forest that hadn’t seen a lumberjack’s axe in over a century. We kept our eyes peeled for the star species of the day on our Passport to Nature mission – the Eastern White Pine, the White Oak, the Ironwood, and the Hemlock.
Along the trail, White Pines stood proudly, towering over the forest floor below. In the skies above, their branches decorated with slender, green clusters of needles, stood out prominently against the backdrop of the fall foliage. At our feet, the abundance of acorns lining the footpath was a clear giveaway to our next key species; the White Oak. Their large, deep green leaves filled the forest canopy, having not yet changed amongst the other autumn colours.
The trail led us to the water’s edge, crossing a board walk along Heather’s Pond. The lookout offered impressive views of the fall colours with sunlight sparkling off of the calm waters – and a great spot to view some local wildlife hiding quietly along the shoreline.
As we continued on and ventured deeper into the forest, the golden glow being cast down from bright yellow leaves was a sure sign of fall on its way, and evidence of Ironwoods. The oval-shaped leaves, bristling with sharp teeth, were unmistakable, along with the shaggy bark peeling away from their trunk. And though it took some time to search them out amongst other conifers, we finally came across our final species, the Hemlock.
As our trail loop neared its end, we once again marveled at the granite rock wall that first welcomed us on our journey. Looking back on our small adventure, it struck us how crucial these wild spaces really are. This nature reserve is so much more than just a pretty place; it’s a sanctuary for many species and a safe haven amidst the challenges posed by habitat fragmentation and destruction. After all, whether it’s at Adams Nature Reserve or a local gem in your own neighbourhood, these adventures are a reminder of the imperative role we have to play in protecting these precious, local environments; protecting the places we consider part of our own backyards here in Ontario.
Website: https://fromthecanoe.format.com
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Cassie Pellerin is an outdoor adventure photographer who has devoted her passions and career to creative storytelling. Born and raised in the heart of Ontario, Cassie’s roots run deep in the rugged landscapes of Ontario’s untamed backcountry that most often serves as the backdrop to her photography.
Through her lens-based work, she amplifies the voices of those with tales worth telling. She is particularly drawn to narratives centred around sustainability, the great outdoors, and the never-ending fireside story.