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DISTANCE: 4 km TRAIL TYPE: Unpaved trails, including boardwalks DIFFICULTY: Easy slopes

Macnamara look-out tower Information This 4 km long interpretive trail in the Nopiming Game Sanctuary is an exceptional example of its kind, with boardwalks and an observation tower providing a grandstand view of the natural world. Access to the reserve is courtesy of BASF Canada Inc., which owns the land. A booklet written by Michael Runtz is provided at the kiosk and describes Charles Macnamara and the natural features found at each of the 19 numbered stops along the trail. How to get there Driving up Hwy 17, from Ottawa, take the first turnoff into Arnprior, along Madawaska Blvd. (Alternatively, leave Hwy 17 at the traffic lights, and approach the town via Daniel St). Turn north off Madawaska Blvd. at McNab St. and park on your right by the kiosk at the entrance to the trail.   Further Information   At the entrance to the trail pick up the excellent Macnamara Trail guide by Michael Runtz published by the Macnamara Field Naturalists' Club.   Directions Follow the blue and white hiking symbols. At STOP #3 are found Showy Lady's-slippers. An old lime kiln is found at STOP #5. Take the left hand trail to STOP #6. Here there are rare Walking Ferns, which walk across the marble outcrop with new plants sprouting where the fine pointed frond touches the limy soil. The look-out tower at STOP #7 gives views over the marsh to the Ottawa River on the right. Other STOPS point out other vegetation, such as striped maple at STOP #10, found along the trail and different forms of tree cavities (STOPS #13 and #15) sculptured by woodpeckers. Map -- Macnamara   Points of Interest

Charles Macnamara (1870-1944). This trail is within the game sanctuary set up in 1920 by the renowned naturalist and photographer. Charles worked six days a week for the McLachlin Bros. Saw Mills and Lumber Yards, starting as an accountant in 1886 and eventually becoming secretary-treasurer of the firm. On Sundays he devoted himself to study of area's wildlife, including its orchids, birds and microscopic creatures. Charles wrote and sketched, and was concerned about a colony of beavers found in the area. The trapping of beavers, to turn their furs into fashionable top hats, made beavers extremely rare in the early 1900s. Charles Macnamara lobbied the Ontario government and was successful in providing a Crown Game Sanctuary for beavers and other rare wildlife. The present-day trail is maintained by the Arnprior's Macnamara Field Naturalists' Club which was named in honour of Charles. Photo: Self-portrait by Charles Macnamara. Permission granted by the Macnamara family.

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird migrates from Central America and arrives hungry in our region typically May 7th, and in an exceptionally warm spring, May 4th. At this time, the flowers it needs are not in bloom and nectar is unavailable. A clue to the mystery of how just one specie of hummer survives this far north is found at STOP#13, where regular rows of holes have been drilled in a tree by a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. In early summer, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird snatches sips of sap provided by the grudging courtesy of the Sapsuckers. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker must look forward to July when the hummer opts for flower power and stops following them around.

Links of interest
		• Town of Arnprior web site •- List of Trails within Arnprior

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First Posted: July 20th, 2001

Authors: Richard Richardson & Gregory Richardson