| SOS Webpage 1997 |
| A Visit to the "Secret Forest" |
| The entry to "the Secret Forest" trail will be located on the south side of Provencher Boulevard just west of the bridge across the river. This was the location of the former Brick Works and Lumber Company that operated in the late 1800's.Passing through a gateway marked by two sculpted limestone arches, we enter a stretch of dense dogwoods and willow trees. |
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| Soon the trail enters a wide, grassy area along the edge of the riverbank providing a pleasant view of the river. Wildflowers and low shrubs cover the surrounding slopes. |
| An interpretive circle and meeting place occupy the level area on the upper bank. Strategic natural plantings and landscaping mask the back wall of the nearby strip mall. We have now experienced a transition from a busy urban thoroughfare to a special, natural place that holds the promise of discovery. From here, the trail descends into a section of more mature forest with very little undergrowth and the bank widens, allowing easy walking. A population of large willow trees along with Green Ash, Manitoba Maple and Elm characterizes this section of the trail. Following the terraces and continuing in a southerly direction, we come to the approximate location of the first Seine River bridge. This part of the trail has been extensively disturbed in the past by human activities. |
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| Concrete blocks make up most of the upper part of the river bank, reminding us of the impact humans have had on the Seine River. However, this area is being slowly reclaimed by nature, creating a certain charm as the concrete rubble is gradually covered by vines, shrubs and trees. |
| To the south, the trail continues to a short boardwalk that leads over a shallow wetland. At this point, a short stretch of the riverbank is very steep and walking becomes challenging. As we continue to follow the trail along the widening flood plain it passes under mature trees, through thick understorey and grassy areas. Despite the industries surrounding this site, the area still has abundant wildlife including waterfowl, turtles, foxes and numerous songbirds. If we are lucky we may glimpse a Blue Heron or a Wood Duck basking in the sun. |
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| Shortly before the trail reaches the railroad bridge the river widens and makes a pronounced turn. A teacher and her students are discovering the intricacy and variety of plants that hold the riverbank in place and provide food for the numerous animals that make their homes in this magic corridor. This area contains intertwined trails, some leading close to the water's edge and is home to many species of wildlife during the summer. Vegetation along this part of the trail is dense and lush, featuring a variety of large trees. |
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