CARLETON PLACE — The highly popular Purdon Conservation Area, home to Canada’s largest colony of Showy Lady’s Slipper orchids, will be open for the 2020 bloom season.

However, due to government restrictions in response to COVID-19, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) has put the following measures in place to help protect the health and safety of all visitors and staff:

• Directional signage: A portion of the boardwalk will be one way.
• Face masks: Given the narrow boardwalk, a physical distancing space of six feet cannot always be maintained and therefore it is recommended that visitors wear face masks.
• The porta potty will be opened and sanitized on a regular basis.

“Visitors are reminded to practice physical distancing by staying at least two metres or six feet apart when possible, not to congregate in groups, and if they feel ill to stay at home,” the MVCA released in a statement today. “The MVCA is also asking the public to plan short visits to areas that have been reopened to ensure the space can be shared with all those looking to get outside and into nature. Visitors are also reminded to obey signage, keep their pets on a leash at all times and take any garbage with them when they leave. The MVCA appreciates your continued support and understanding as we navigate through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The typical bloom season is the third weekend of June through to early July. Orchid updates will be posted on the MVCA website, Facebook and Twitter, as well as the hotline: 613-253-1756, option 4.

The MVCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario. Formed in 1968, MVCA’s mandate is to manage the watershed’s resources in partnership with our eleven-member municipalities and the Province of Ontario. For more information, visit www.mvc.on.ca, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.