Orchid blooming season is a great time to be active outdoors at Purdon Conservation Area

June 11, 2012 – The Showy Lady’s Slipper orchids are blooming at Purdon Conservation Area.  Plan your trip now; the orchids only flower for three weeks from mid-June to early July.

The site is owned and operated by Mississippi Valley Conservation (MVC). The conservation authority owns 410 ha. of conservation area lands within the Mississippi River watershed.   Conservation Areas play an important role providing a publicly accessible, inexpensive venue for outdoor recreation and nature appreciation while protecting areas of natural significance. 

“The gorgeous orchid blooms are the jewels of this site,” says Suzanne McFarlane, MVC Community Relations Coordinator “But there is so much more nature to experience at Purdon and it is a great opportunity to get active outdoors. “

Visitors can stroll along an accessible boardwalk for an up close view of the flowers. The Ted Mosquin Highland Trail is a more challenging 1.3 km route alongside Purdon Lake and into the woodland that surrounds the orchid colony. Interpretive signs lead you through the site identifying the plants and wildlife and telling the Purdon story.

The orchid colony exists today thanks to the care and cultivation of Mr. Joe Purdon—the conservation area is a truly amazing legacy of this local stewardship pioneer.  If you would like to support the upkeep of the conservation area, why not Adopt an Orchid?  For $50.00, your name or that of a loved one will be commemorated on a cedar plaque affixed to an “Orchid Tree” on the site. 

This unique wetland habitat is located north of the village of Lanark off County Road 8. The boardwalk, lower parking lot and washrooms are wheelchair accessible. Bus tours are welcome. Admission is by donation and the site is open dawn to dusk.

Visit the MVC website at www.mvc.on.ca for regular Bloom Updates. For more information about MVC conservation areas or the Adopt an Orchid program, contact Suzanne McFarlane at 613-259-2421 ext. 225 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

There are 36 conservation authorities in Ontario operating more than 400 conservation areas. Learn more by visiting www.ontarioconservationareas.ca.