More on Mud lake and the Britannia Conservation Area

On Thursday I went to Mud Lake and the Britannia Conservation Area, just west of the Kitchissippi neighbourhood in old Britannia Village.  I posted http://kitchissippikids.blogspot.com/2011/03/mud-lake-area-in-spring.html

It was beautiful but I forgot my camera and also received some questions afterward that I wanted to answer.  This morning I had an hour and a half free time and I just wanted to get outside!  So, I took my camera, and off I went, to Mud Lake, again.

The Lake itself is still frozen though I wouldn't try to walk out on it from the shore.  I think the warm weather has brought an end to what was clearly a well-maintained ice rink complete with hockey nets nearby, not that long ago. 

I didn't walk around the entire Lake but starting from the westerly end of the trail I went a good distance.  The trail was still snow covered, crunchy and wet in only a few places.  It will definately be soggy when temperatures go above zero again so if in doubt, take rubber boots, though preferably ones with treads for the icey patches.

Dogs are not permitted on the Mud Lake trail (though they are permitted on the river trail across the street so read on...)

There were geese on the Lake (though for "better" geese, ducks etc. go to the river) and lots of squirrels and birds in the woods.  I'm no birder but if something were to turn me into one it would be Mud Lake.  Go there and you know it's spring.  

People were even feeding the birds directly from their outstretched palms - a great experience for kids and grown-ups a like.  (You are, of course, not really supposed to feed the birds, ducks etc. but that's another story). 

My bird photos make it clear I need a better zoom....

 After the Lake, cross the street and from the small parking lot on the north side of the road you'll find what I'll call the Ridge trail and the River trail.  On both of these dogs are permitted though they should be on a leash and you should of couse clean up the waste (and watch your step for those who didn't!)

The Ridge trail takes you up a small hill (see left) and along a ridge overlooking the Ottawa River and running parallel to Cassels Road.  There are nice views and more adventurous people than I clearly did some scrambling around for photographs. 

You can get down to the river in various spots - probably every 30 feet or so.  It's a short trail but pleasant and of course bring your birding binoculars and camera.

If you don't go up the hill to the ridge, simply follow the trail down to the river and that is my favorite spot.  Again today there were lots of geese, ducks, squirrels, seagulls etc.  The mix of ice, water, snow and wildlife is beautiful.

Do not go too close to the edge.  It is the river.  The water is cold.  Nobody wants an accident and people are NOT ducks!

These trails are a poignant reminder of the importance of green space in our city.  The ability to visit this type of environment so close to home is priceless. 

Mud Lake / Britannia Conservation Area - In Spring!

I first went to Mud Lake in October after viewing a post by Andrea at Quietfish http://www.quietfish.com/notebook/?p=9449.  It's a short drive from here in quaint Britannia Village (which I had equally failed to discover unhtil last summer) and today we decided to go there again in the hopes of seeing some ducks.  I had three young ones with me and we didn't actually pursue the trail around the lake as it looked a bit snowed-in at least at one end, and the littlest man probably would not have made it around.

We did however take a walk down a short trail on the other side of the road to the Ottawa River (or at least a small arm of the Ottawa River.  And it was beautiful.  Really beautiful.  It didn't hurt that the sun was just coming through the clouds, or that there were large melting ice formations along the trees standing in the water a few feet from sure.  It was spring weather, slushy but not yet muddy and there were ducks, and geese and seagulls and squirrels and the sounds of lots of birds.  In fact we did even see a cardinal.  Next time, and I wish it could be tomorrow, we will take the camera and the binoculars.  We will also be sure to make our way around the lake.  There's a painted rock there (apparently with a scarey face!) that I want to see. 

In the meantime, I need my camera surgically attached to my right hand.

When near the Ottawa River at this time of year, never get too close.  The water is COLD and little people in particular can easily lose their footing.  Never take a risk.

To reach Mud Lake from Kitchissippi, take Carling Avenuewestward.  Just after you pass the Carling / Richmond Road intersection turn right at Britannia Road (this is before you reach Britannia Park).  Follow Britannia Road as far as you can and then turn right on Cassels Road.  You can't miss Mud Lake which will be on your right.  You can also reach it via the NCC trail but I'd wait till the snow clears a bit more for that.  Great bike destination for the summer though!

The NCC describes Mud Lake and the  Britannia Conservation Area as follows

 "A patch of wilderness in the middle of an urban setting,  Mud Lake is an amazing area of forest and wetlands. Located in Ottawa’s west end, Mud Lake is home to hundreds of species of wildlife, with raccoons, frogs, turtles and foxes, to name but a few. This ecologically significant urban natural landscape is also prime birding territory, with thousands of birdwatchers coming each year to observe hundreds of different species. A walk through this easy-to-access urban jungle provides an exciting escape from city life."

For more detailed information about birds in the area visit the Ottawa Field Naturalists Club at http://www.ofnc.ca/birding/wheretogo/britanniabirding.php. This "5-kilometre stretch of shoreline and conservation area bordering Lac Des Chenes and the Ottawa River represents, without question, the best year-round birding hotspot in Ottawa", they say.

Spring Smells & Boot Liners

As I walked into my sons school today I smelt the smell of, shall we say, "spring", to put it kindly.  This certain scent that arrives in elementary schools annually at this time of year is the product of many, many pairs of boots that have been worn by many, many pairs of feet, walked through many, many puddles and basically haven't been cleaned properly in about 4 months. 

My apologies for generalizing as I'm sure there are those of you who clean them regularly!

In portable classrooms where the shoes are kept inside the same room as the students, it is particularly bad.  Frankly, I'm sure it would give me a headache.  How do teachers deal with this?  Do they have any suggestions?  This will only get worse and I need to try something!

I have briefly scoured the internet (if one can actually scour something briefly) and come up with baking soda, kitty litter and tea tree oil.  Does anybody have tips or solutions to counter this phenomenon?  Are there commercial products that really work??  While of course one can wash the liners they do take a long time to dry.....they certainly would not be ready for the next days wear.

SUMMER BRIDGES ACADEMIC and CREATIVE ARTS CAMP

Have you ever visited The Social Learning Centre located at 725 Churchill Avenue near Carling?  It has some great looking programs with a real focus on creativity and aims to provide academic stepping stones for children who benefit from bridging activities between June and September. 

This summer, The Social Learning Centre’s Summer Bridges Academic Camp introduces writing workshops for kids with local author Selena Robins! Come and enjoy a new blend of creative arts, reading wizards and fancy free afternoon activities for children 4-12 years old.

 

READING THEMES and CREATIVE ARTS

• Let’s read Canadian Authors.
• Chocolate making – bugs and slugs.
• Gardening, flowers, and planting week.
• Clay, paint, and sketch weeks.
• Let’s read dungeons, dragons, and fairytales.
• Comics and cartoon week.
• Back to basics for school

The camp will run weekly from Monday to Friday from 9am-4pm with extended hours as an option.  The camp is open to children between ages 4 and 12 years and costs $35/day.

 

For more information contact Tricia Kassotis – Director at 729-1333 or check out the Centre's website at http://www.sociallearningcentre.ca/.

Westboro Village Co-operative Preschool - Open House - March 2nd

This lovely neighbourhood preschool is having an open house at 470 Roosevelt Avenue (on the second floor of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, two streets west of Churchill and just south of Byron) on March 2nd from 6:30-8:00 pm.

If you are thinking of putting a child in preschool I can assure you that this one is worth checking out.  My oldest son attended for 2 years and loved every minute, made good friends and got lots of energy out in the big gym.  (My middle son refused to attend, but that's another story, and the reason why I can do another post about the Westboro Nursery School in the Dovercourt building!)

I'm aware of  4 non-profit preschools in the neighbourhood and each one has its own features.  Location of course is key for most people.  If you can walk to preschool so much the better.  Who's attending?  If your child knows other children in the class it can ease the initial separation anxiety and also make it a chance for you to connect with parents you know.  Is the school "a fit" for your child and you?  That's a bit more difficult to describe but you'll know it when it's there.  The setting, the teachers, the other students, the routine, even the other parents all play into this.

Some key features of the WVCP program that are worth noting and that distinguish it from others:

The Programs:

• students can start as early as 2 years old (most preschools are for 2 1/2 and up);
• 2 spaces are kept available for childrren who are 2 by December 31st.;
• classes run from 9:15-11:30 with an optional lunch program available;
• classes for the 2s are on Tuesdays and Thursdays and for the 3s are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday;
• there is an afternoon program for 3s and 4s (after morning JK) that runs on Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 12:30-3:30;
• it has a weekly optional french program from 11:30 - 2:00 for the 3s program.

Other Attributes:

• it's diaper friendly (disposable or cloth);
• it has a full size gym with lots of toys (including lots of ride-ons!) so the children get their energy out for the last 1/2 hour of the program!

• the Director, Sue Ellen Nevala, has been with the school since 2004.  She is ECE qualified, has a qentle approach with the children and lots of experience;
• It has a lovely music teacher - Nancy Lockwood - who engages incredibly well, up-close and hands-on-instruments with the little crowd;
• it requires parents to assist with duty days and other co-operative responsibilities; it may be more intense than other co-ops in this regard but it may also be worth it!
• the motto is "Learning through Play" - lovely! and it's practised.

Who knows.  They might even do a really cute Christmas show! 

If you are interested in registering your child for one of the fall sessions or want to check out the preschool's facilities, please stop by the open house - admission is free.  For more information visit http://www.wvcp.ca/ or e-mail wvcp.registrar@gmail.com.

Neighbourhood Churches Reach Out to the Young Crowd

I've recently noticed a few Church events that are clearly designed to appeal to the young crowd. 

Whether you're a regular churchgoer or not, whether you're a believer or not, church can provide historical, religious, moral and musical education, a chance to reflect, a sense of community and an opportunity for outreach.

We have always intended to take our children to church though frankly we've failed miserably on that count.  I'd describe myself, if I had to, as a "dubious Christian", though if you asked me whether church had a postive impact on me growing up, I'd have to say it did.  Frankly I grew up in a town of 2000 where church basically gave kids and families something to do!  And along the way I learned a few things.

Here's what I've found in our neighbourhood

MESSY CHURCH
 
St. Martin's Anglican Church at 2120 Prince Charles Road near Carlingwood is embracing this new effort by the Anglican community to connect with families and children.  I think the name says it all.  This isn't about stiff clothes and formality, this is about learning, fun and community.
 

The brochure, available at http://www.stmartinsottawa.ca/downloads/MessyFamily.pdf describes this as "a once-a-month "happening" on Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm for toddlers to early teens along with their Mom, their Dad – who knows maybe even an Aunt, an Uncle, Guardian or Grandparent. It’s a time to hang out together doing crafts, hearing stories, singing songs, exploring the Church and – best of all - enjoying a meal together that neither Mom nor Dad had to prepare after a hectic, messy day."

The next dates for this event are March 8th, April 12th, May 3rd and June 7th.  St. Martin’s Anglican Church  To register simply telephone 613 722-6077 or e-mail administration@stmartinsottawa.ca.  Registration is recommended so that the kitchen may plan for sufficient food.

St. Martin's of course also runs the well known neighbourhood preschool!

INFORMATION - WHY BRING YOUR CHILD TO CHURCH?

If you're a family which debates the benefits of church going and religious education, the Presbyterian Church on Roosevelt last year distributed the pamphlet found at the following link which discusses some of the benefits of church attendance. http://www.presbyterian.ca/resources/online/3579

DOORS OPEN OTTAWA

Various churches, mosques, synagogues etc. open their doors for this event.  Last year we visited the Ottawa Mosque on Northwestern, just of Scott Street.  They were welcoming, informal and informative.  I came out of the tour feeling that I had just a bit more understanding of another religion.  They also have an informative website.

The Ukrainian Orthodix Church on Byron also routinely opens its doors for this event as does the All Saints Anglican Church (the Chapel of which, incidentally, was designed by the same architect as did the Parliament Buildings!) on Richmond Road and the beautiful St. Francoise d'Assise Church with the beautiful spires and pipe organ, on Fairmont Avenue at the corner of Wellington.

What to do on a Saturday Morning?

Oh, of course, you could sleep in but is that really going to happen? 

If not, the best antidote to the Saturday-morning-wanna-sleep-in blues is a great plan to keep yourselves and the little ones busy.  Below are some ideas, some have been mentioned in other posts, others are new to this post.  Try one, try them all....enjoy.

Playgroups:

There aren't that many Saturday morning playgroups but these are worth checking out:

The Hilson Avenue Java Jumpers - what a fitting name, I love it.  Led by the ever energetic Jenn Whiten this group meets every Saturday morning from 10 till 1 at Hilson Avenue Public School.  You guessed it, coffee is served, and this weekend they have the added bonus of hosting a performance of Hey Buster!, the local Dads turned cool kids band!  Registration is through Dovercourt at http://www.dovercourt.org/.

Mothercraft playgroup - a quieter version of what is often a very busy weekday playgroup, it also features more Dads than usual, providing a sometimes welcome change to the "mom" buzz and a chance for the neighbourhood Dads (and moms too of course) to get together.  It runs from 9 to 11 every Saturday except on long weekends and except on the last Saturday of every month.  It's located on the second floor of the Mothercraft building at 475 Evered Avenue.(2 streets east of Churchill and just south of Byron).  For more information and to check dates, visit http://www.mothercraft.com/. 

The Library

Family storytime at Carlingwood Library - Saturday mornings from 10:30 - 11:10 am - we went to this regularly for years; it's pleasant, it's low-key, it's free and who knows you might get to sign out some books for yourself while you're there.  Regardless you're guaranteed to find new kids titles, meet some other parents and perhaps start a post-library coffee tradition at Carlingwood Mall.  Check http://www.biblioottawalibrary.ca/ for more details and to confirm dates.  No registration required.

Swimming

Another typical Saturday morning "dad" activity - parent and tot swim lessons at Dovercourt http://www.dovercourt.org/

Drumming

Drumming?  Yes, drumming.  And not just any drumming, it's drumming with "Baobab Buds" at Baobab Tree on Piccadilly.  This is a new group for parents and tots that is running for 4 weeks starting on January 29th (that's this Saturday).  The cost is $60 for the 4 sessions.

The class is described as "A hands-on class for parents and children aged 12-24 months, exploring sounds, rhythms and movement through the lens of Ghanaian drumming dancing and singing.  It's  Taught by Baobab instructor Julia Walmsley."  If you're not familiar with Baobab Tree check them out at http://www.baobabtree.org/ - they're a terrific organization that successfully blends music and international awareness for all ages.

Theatre

The Ottawa School of Speech & Drama has classes ranging from pre-school drama through to musical theatre for 8-10 yr olds, all on Saturday mornings.  While parents are welcome to stay for the preschool class it is not required.  Check out the OSSD offerings at http://www.ossd.com/

Infant Massage

Mothercraft is offering a 3 week infant massage course starting on Saturday, February 5th.  Registration is required so please contact Mothercraft at 613 728-1839 to inquire as to space. 

Cherish the Child also offers infant massage as well as Sing, Rhyme and Sign classes at the Milkface location on Churchill Avenue.  Their offerings include a Dad Zone-ly version of the class to give Dads equal time with baby.  Check their website for more info at http://www.cherishthechild.ca/CherishTheChild/Infant_Massage_Class.html