Hiking Trails of Ottawa is now available in electronic format from the publisher, Goose Lane Editions. Read more.

Why is walking in the woods so good for you?

Scientists have advanced a wide range of theories about the specific physical and mental benefits nature can provide, ranging from clean air and lack of noise pollution to the apparent immune-boosting effects of a fine mist of “wood essential oils.” But the most powerful benefits, a new study suggests, may result from the way trees and birds and sunsets gently tug – but never grab – at our attention. Read more: Globe and Mail article, May 28, 2012

Spring Hiking

Spring appears to have arrived, and although few flowers have appeared and the leaves are not out, migratory birds are already present in large numbers. The songs of the red-winged blackbird, song sparrow, and robin echo through the forest, especially both at dawn and dusk.

In addition to our feathered friends, animals that hibernate throughout the winter are emerging and beginning to forage for food and define their territory. Some, such as the eastern chipmunk, we find cute to watch as they scurry through the dead leaves, and some hikers like to feed these tiny rodents.

But a few species also appear that we find less 'cute'. For one of these, the black bear, spring is when mothers drive the previous year's cubs out of the den to fend for themselves. A voracious appetite coupled with a lack of knowledge of the world of humans often results in these adolescent bears bumbling their way onto trails and housing that borders forested areas. These bears are often fairly small - they usually weigh less than a medium-sized man - but they are still potentially dangerous. (For more information, read the National Capital Commission's brochure, The Black Bear and You).

The hungry young black bear will also be attracted to your picnic lunch. Your choice whether or not to feed him might not be voluntary. So enjoy your spring hiking, but remember that not all the wild-life you meet might be welcome.