| Upon passing under the railroad bridge, the river channel turns back in a southerly direction. The riverbank becomes less steep and a wide floodplain comes into view. This beautiful stretch is reminiscent of a tall grass prairie that reaches right down to the river bank. The four foot tall grasses that grow throughout the floodplain provide an ideal outdoor laboratory for the young naturalist. A boardwalk will eventually cross this floodplain which becomes a wetland for much of the spring and early into the summer. |
| As we walk along the river, we are passing the site of the Georges Fleury d'Eschambault homestead, one of the early French settlers, up on the west bank. One could take some time here and try to capture the magic of an era long past. The river curves once again to the west and creates a very rich area of natural habitat with large mature trees. We have now walked one and a half kilometers from the beginning of the trail at Provencher Boulevard. The large open area of grass on the upper part of the bank near Hamel Avenue provides the local neighborhood with an entry point to the trail. |
| Turning to the south, the trail leads down to the riverbank and close to the water's edge. The area on both sides of the river here is abundant with wildlife, beautiful trees, lush grassy areas and birds of all kinds. The imposing images of some of the local industry are falling behind. The trail continues south and leaves the river's edge, avoiding sensitive natural habitat in the next wide meander of the river. Secondary narrow footpaths allow for nature watching and relaxation but the main trail does not travel through this part of the"secret forest". |
| When the primary trail meets the river again, it is time to cross the bridge to the east side. Just on the other side of the river is a section of the riverbank covered in wildflowers and grasses with a mature forest in the background. Traveling through this forest we link up with the riverbank again. At the next bend in the river there is access up to the top of the bank and to a large open area behind Kavanagh Street. People are picnicing and playing informal games on the well groomed grassy area .The trail, however, continues along the river's edge and through the forest. It then leaves the edge of the river again and passes through an open sunny area of large trees and grass. In this area we find a grassy slope down from Giroux Street with a canoe launching site at the river. |
| The remaining stretch of the trail passes through some of the best natural habitat along the river. It follows the riverbank in a southeasterly direction and then follows a curve along the river up to Marion Street. Access to Marion Street is provided by a grassy path cut alongside the bridge. A short walk to the corner of Dufresne Street leads us to a crosswalk. Crossing Marion Street, the interpretive trail ends in Happy Land Park, two and half kilometers away from the trail head at Provencher Boulevard. |
 |
 |
 |
| The Secret Forest : Page 2 |