As we came out of the winter of 2025, there an exciting new opportunity for the FLCA members to get involved with Awenda Provincial Park was created. Following his presentation at the 2024 FLCA AGM, it became very apparent that Tim Tully, Chief Naturalist at the Park, stole the show. The questions and feedback we received was eye opening. So many of our members were unaware of all the beautiful Park, located at our northern tip of the lake, has to offer. One of our members decided to jump in and see what kind of relationship with Awenda Park was possible for our members . Brent Graham, a permanent resident on the lake, spent most of the fall and winter discussing with Tim Tully options for ways to further allow us to explore Awenda Park. Together they have come up with an exciting schedule of events for our members this year and we feel it’s only the beginning of a great partnership.
As we grow our relationship between Awenda and the FLCA in 2025, Tim kindly offered to write an introduction to this fantastic neighbour to our lake community. The article is available to download here Introduction to Awenda Park_TTully 2025-3. Our sincere thanks to Brent and Tim for making this happen!
Mark Your Calendars for These Events in the Park!
Here’s what has been planned to date. Watch for more details on each of these activities sent to members prior to each event with information on how you can participate.
May 10 Mothers Day Trillium Walk
Our first partnership event for 2025 is the May 10th Mother’s Day Weekend Trillium Walk. This is one of the Park’s most spectacular sights! So, grab your mother, your grandmother, your mother-in-law, your stepmother, or all of them for an enjoyable event! It’s free! However, pre-registration is required – please see below. An Awenda Provincial Park naturalist will guide this interpretive walk in celebration of Awenda’s most famous spring wildflower. Experience the splendor of Awenda trillium carpet and learn more about the ecology of these harbingers of spring! Meet on foot at the north end of Farlain Lake. The Awenda staff has decided to make this easier for usby making this the new meeting spot. Take Farlain Lake Road to the trailhead that heads directly into the forest at the cement barriers at the trail entrance right beside the road. The guided program and park entrance are free! We’re going to walk into Awenda’s magnificent old growth Sugar Maple Forest and link up with the snowmobile trail and the Park’s unofficial old growth forest trail.
Details:
Degree of difficulty: Moderate; flat ground with minor inclines but there will be roots and other minor obstacles. Total distance 4.5km
Time of event: 10:30am
Length of event: 1.5 hours
Meeting location: Northern point of Farlain Lake Road at trailhead/park boundary
Suggestions: full length pants & socks (protect against ticks), solid footwear, bug spray, water bottle and sunscreen
To Register:
Please send an email including your name, the number in your group to confirm your attendance to inquiries@farlainlake.ca. Participation is on a first-come-first-serve basis to don’t delay!
Following the event, we will be contacting participants via email requesting written feedback for Awenda, including comments on the quality and content of the hike, suggestions for future, etc.
May 17 Warblers to Wildflowers 10:30 a.m.
Take in the annual rights of spring and see Awenda’s songbird migration at full peak, as resident and migrant songsters fill the forest with their spring symphony. Bring your binoculars but don’t be worried about craning your neck as we’ll also be focussing on the forest floor and seeing an amazing array of spring blooms. Awenda is the place for a birds-eye view of spring!
May 17 iNaturalist Workshop 1:00 p.m.
Take a shot for wildlife! Participants will gain a practical understanding of the iNaturalist app and learn how they can benefit local conservation by simply using their cell phones to snap a photo of area wildlife. Senior Park Naturalist will lead an introductory ‘how to’ workshop before taking participants out in the neighbouring forest for a practical demonstration. No expertise required!
***Please download the free iNaturalist app on your phones before the workshop.
July 5 Bird-a-thon Fundraiser
Still at the planning stage, this joint event for FLAC members and Friends of Awenda, would entail sponsorship of participants on a per species basis similar to a Terry Fox Run. The purpose is to raise funds to support equipment needed for the Awenda Turtle Conservation Project and the Awenda Red-headed Woodpecker Research Program.
In addition, arrangements are being made for FLCA members to access a free pass to the Park – details to follow.
Awenda Park Day Pass Program
The FLCA has purchased two seasonal day passes that allow for day trips to the park. They are available on a first come first serve basis. Please consult the Calendar below for availability. To reserver pass, please email: farlainlakeassoc@gmail.com with the date you would like to use a pass.