McLennan celebrated Canada Day in class on July 1, with celebrations at both the Kimiwan Birdwalk and Interpretive Centre and O’Mahony Conservation areas.
Beginning at the Railway Museum and Bird Walk, a lunch of hotdogs and hamburgers were served by Smoky River Fire and Rescue.
“We had a great day on Wednesday with over 300 people at the birdwalk and museum and dozens of people from young ones to seniors enjoying the scavenger hunt,” says organizer Marion Lessard.
“The day was put on by Kimiwan Lake & Wildlife Preservation Society, but we call ourselves Kimiwan Lake Naturalists.”
After lunch, many from the group headed out to the O’Mahony Conservation Area southeast of McLennan to participate in the scavenger hunt.
“Our goal was to encourage people to visit the conservation area and learn about some of the birds in the area,” says Lessard.
“Having a scavenger hunt with fabulous prizes might encourage people to go for a hike and enjoy nature.”
The O’Mahony Conservation Area (OCA) was developed by beloved late G.P. Vanier School teacher John O’Mahony, his family and other community members. The original idea for the area was to preserve a part of boreal forest habitat close to the school to help facilitate outdoor science and learning opportunities for the area’s students. The site is located on the west side of Winagami Lake, it offers various habitat types and is inhabited by various species of wildlife and a biodiverse selection of vegetation.
The OCA has a network of nine kilometres of maintained trails that are accessible 24 hours per day.
Lessard explains there are numerous signs to self guide, regular trail junction signs, and numerous small bridges that cross watercourses that lead to Winagami Lake.
“We were extremely happy with the attendance at the birdwalk and conservation area,” says Lessard.
“Many proud Canadians were on hand to help us celebrate our great country.”
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Smoky River Fire and Rescue’s Harry Smith was one of the many volunteer firefighters on hand making delicious hamburgers for the attendees at the Canada Day celebrations.
