Gillies Grove

Gillies Grove Nature Reserve is one of Ontario's few remaining old-growth forests. It's located within the town of Arnprior, about an hour's drive from Ottawa. A national historic site, it is currently owned by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. In addition to the forest, there is an adjacent meadow and a path to the Ottawa River where visitors are welcome. The RA Photo Club's Nature Group organized this outing to Gillies Grove as the first event of the 2024/25 season. About a dozen members participated. In my case, I carpooled with a friend and we spent about 3 hours at the site. First, we explored the White Pine Loop, including the meadow and beach of the Ottawa River. Then, after lunch with other club members, we went fungus hunting along the Hemlock Loop. It was a beautiful day in a gem of a forest and a fantastic way to explore Nature.