Impressions -Foy Park

The main entrance (locked) is located at 933 Red Rock Road across Round Lake from Bonnechere Park, the 148 hectare Foy property is one of the last undeveloped sections of natural shoreline on the lake. Eight forest communities are protected within the park including remnants of the hemlock-white pine and hemlock-white cedar forests, which once covered large portions of Renfrew County. The best way to the beach is from a foot trail 100 m. north of the park gate. From the beach area, a nature trail follows the shoreline going north and exits on Red Rock Road. The shoreline is rugged along this stretch. Some of the birds that can be heard between the road and the lake are Northern Flicker, Great-crested Flycatcher, Hermit Thrush, Veery, Winter Wren, Red-eyed Vireo, Ovenbird, Black-capped Chickadee and Blue Jay. Many other species are possible, including a variety of warblers, Brown Creeper, woodpeckers and Red-breasted Nuthatch.

The rugged area of the park starts across the road from the main gate but you will need a GPS unit and/or topographic map (31F/12) and compass. An old bush road heads uphill but disintegrates into a semi-hidden trail and ends after a few hundred metres from the road. At this point, head northeast around a wall of rock. You should encounter a marsh/swamp beaver pond. Watch for Wood Duck and Hooded Merganser and listen for Blue-headed Vireo, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Pine Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler and Eastern Wood Pewee, Belted Kingfisher.

Another swamp is found by heading west northwest and this swamp may hold surprises such as Otters and Fragrant White Water-lilies. Head west to return to the road.

Above excerpt from the OVTA’s Ottawa Valley Naturalists Guide http://www.ottawavalley.travel/naturalist-guide