Land Art Bioblitz at Wintergreen Studios

Kelli McRobert | Jun 15, 2022

As you approach Wintergreen Studios, on the right, down a small hill is the duck pond lined with cat tails that are bright green against the contrasting water. This is the first spot guests can enjoy while exploring insects and water creatures with the ‘forest house’ set off to one side, offering shelter and a glimpse at rustic living.

The Wintergreen Studio located at 90 Wintergreen Lane offers a wilderness retreat for those looking to unplug for a few days or host a ‘back to nature’ event like a wedding, meeting, or group celebration. When I arrived, there was a buzz of activity as one large group camped out with an open fire, and a community of tents created a small wilderness cluster amongst the towering trees. This was a group in from town that was spending the week, I was told. An older couple were taking photos and explaining the habits of a large grey rat snake that was coiled up and sunning nearby, awaiting her boyfriend who visits daily. Families arrived and departed with backpacks, snacks, and children in tow. Knowledge is power they say, and learning opportunities were abundant with many being subtly peppered amongst the trees like the patch of poison ivy -signed and secured but clearly visible for those unaware of its noxious vinelike beauty.

Leo, a departing 5-year-old, was all smiles as he spoke of his adventures eating from the forest (supervised) and touching and experiencing bugs, dirt, and insects. His mother explained the next time they would spend the entire day, but they were heading home for a much-needed rest as they had explored but 1 of the 4 well marked out trails and were keen to complete the remaining ones with a packed lunch. The 4 trails range between .65 and 1.5 KM in length and offer outhouses, signage, and things to explore along the way. Various cabins are available to rent like The Hobbit House, The Beach House, and the Parthenon, each with its own secluded spot and rustic interior charm that you can hike to easily from the main lodge. Bookings can be found online at www.wintergreenstudios.com

The BioBlitz itself is an annual ‘flagship’ event and was moved to virtual during the pandemic. This was the first year back for the in-person sessions and was met with great success. Students were bussed up starting Wednesday with Friday hosting over 150 students for the interactive blitz. Kids were learning and sharing about various species, playing outdoors, going on scavenger hunts, and participating in land art activities which were free to all attendees. Saturday was Family Day and activities were scheduled from 10 until 5 PM. One of the topics was Bees with Alex Pedersen who I had the pleasure to meet as she enthusiastically shared information about her bees, her local beekeepers, and the group she represents the Limestone Beekeepers Guild. Other topics were Nature Photography, Molluscs, Renewable Energy, Japanese Viewing Party, and Forest Therapy.

My day continued as I explored the many trails to find a labyrinth while I was enroute to the long pond and beaver dam. I had heard good things about the Meadow Cliff Trail and was eager to explore the South Trail but stuck with the Main Trail for this adventure and stopped along the way to take photos and learn about various insects and plants. My favourite location was at the turn of Long Pond where a rope guided me along the jagged rocks, moss was blanketing the cliff face and I truly felt transported back in time to a shire that was cool, safe, and secluded. There was so much to see I made a conscious effort to email my gal pals and tell them we were adding this to our ‘next to explore’ list so I could come back and get to the other trails as I felt I was missing some of the natural curiosities there.

I had met earlier with Rena Upitis the Founding President of the not-for-profit group and was instantly drawn in with her passion for sharing this 200+-acre space with other like-minded souls. Monica Capovilla who is the Executive Director, shares a similar enthusiasm and lights up when explaining how they host environmental sustainability, education, music, and art events. Through grants and the support of corporate sponsors such as Participaction, TD, Queens, Trailhead Kingston, CRCA, Pathways, Bean, and Sustainable Eastern Ontario, they can offer these programs at no cost to the participants. Monica went on to explain that the goal is to “eliminate any barriers” and to “be able to provide experienced and diverse facilitators who will teach, and hopefully, inspire the younger generations”.

I rejoined them on the porch as a group sat and ate a vibrant salad that would be the envy of any locavore! Conversation was muted as they savoured the fresh food covered in a glistening dressing. YUM. Did I mention they also have ‘A Taste of Wintergreen’ cookbook? My stomach started to rumble, so I knew it was time to take my leave, as I sat and shared a rub with a golden doodle that was seeking attention from the diners and maybe hoping for a dropped tasty bit or two. I thanked my hosts and started back to my Jeep, taking in the beehive, and mushroom displays.

As families and groups continued to come and go, each with their own stories to tell, there was a happy calmness as they loaded up their precious cargo. Children were retelling how they found a snake, frog or bird, and couples strolled quietly through the open fields, meadows, and trails, away from the noise and chatter of the outside world. The camping group were eagerly sharing a bonfire meal, laughing and keen to see what the afternoon would bring. I popped off my rubber boots and sat in the warmth for a few seconds taking in the moment and the stillness in my heart. It was soothing, kind, and comfortable. I was happy and content…I had learned a little, grounded myself with nature, and found a moment of balance amongst the ‘green’ that is Wintergreen.

For more information on rentals, events, books, and virtual learning opportunities check out their website at www.wintergreenstudios.com, a hidden gem in South Frontenac!