From wild spaces to innovative green technologies to events that bring people together, Ottawa has a lot going on these days. Here are a few things to check out:
One of my favourite natural places in Ottawa is Mud Lake, near Britannia. It has walking trails, water and wildlife, with an impressive range of species. You can discover the area AND contribute to cataloguing its biodiversity at Nature Canada’s BioBlitz on Friday, Sept. 13 and Saturday, Sept. 14. Everyone is welcome to join the nature walks led by local naturalists to look for birds, insects, amphibians and reptiles. Check the schedule for details.
If you want to see some cool sustainability initiatives in the city, take in the Ottawa Sustainability Tour on Saturday, Sept. 14. It’s self-guided and encompasses several environmentally-significant sites, including the Richelieu Park forest, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, the Children’s Garden, Major’s Hill Park, the playground at Brewer Park, the University of Ottawa’s FSS building (with North America’s tallest “green wall”), Algonquin College’s Centre for Construction Excellence, Mooney’s Bay, the Corktown footbridge and terra20. There’ll be information and resource people at each location, and you can download or pick up a guide to the sites. The tour is organized by The Ottawa Biosphere Eco-City Council, Tucker House and The Otesha Project with other collaborating partners.
At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, you can also take part in Capital Vélo Fest’s fun bicycle rally from 8 Locks’ Flat by the Corktown Bridge.
Tucker House is holding its fifth annual Green Gala on Saturday, Sept. 14. It’s a fundraiser for Tucker House’s environmental education, retreat and leadership programs. The masquerade ball includes live music, locally-sourced refreshments, an “eco-auction” and tours of the organization’s historic building. Tucker House is in Rockland, but there’s a free return shuttle leaving from Ottawa. See the website for details, and the Tucker House website for more information on its programs.
Green Living Ottawa 