Join us in August for our next Wilderness Walks hike at Gillies Grove.
Gillies Grove is a 22-hectare forest nestled in urban Arnprior. It is home to old growth white pine, as well as maple, birch, hemlock and basswood. It also supports a wide diversity of flora and fauna including flowering plants, birds (woodpeckers, song birds, birds of prey), mammals, and amphibians and was officially designated as a National Historic Site in 1994 and purchased by the Nature Conservancy of Canada in 2001.
Located on traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg peoples, it was historically owned by two lumber barons of the Ottawa Valley, first by Daniel McLachlin, then David Gillies. Although the threat of extractions have diminished, it is within an urban area and remains under pressure from nearby development. In 2024 a local developer agreed to purchase approximately 20 acres of adjacent land prompting an active campaign to protect this buffer habitat and prevent substantial impacts to the forest. Come with us to discover this beautiful urban greenspace and learn about its history and important ecology.
- Date: Saturday, August 29th
- Time: 9:30am
- Location: We will meet at the main entrance to Gillies Grove at Ottawa St. (154 Ottawa St.)
The hike is roughly 3-4 km (approximately 2 hours).
There is street parking available on Ottawa St.
Spaces are limited, reserve your spot now by contacting Jennifer at jhaughton@cpaws.org.
Admission: A small donation to support the work of CPAWS-OV is appreciated.
We reserve the right to postpone the excursion in the event of inclement weather. Please check your email the evening of June 3rd for any important updates.