Those who lived in S. Winnipeg during their formative teenage
years through the mid 1970s and early 1980s should understand the
name. This was (is) an evening meeting spot from Thursday to
Saturday.
The trails then, and now, are used for walking and biking. There
will often be people found on nice summer days fishing from the
bank.
The Kilkenny Forest is a place for kids to grow-up and
experience the wild forest close to home. You will find many paths,
tree forts and other evidence of use through out the area. When I
lived in Fort Richmond this was a wonderful playground with many
forts, tree swings, 'monkey' trails - a place of adventure.
The city of Winnipeg rates this forest as grade 'B' riverbottom
forest with a large number of oak trees and little disturbance
(
link to city naturalist page). The list of plants provided from
the city is a little short - I will try to find something more
complete in the spring.
You will find elms being cut and burned during the fall and
early winter. The area was once dominated by elm trees.
Unfortunately these stately trees have been blighted by dutch elm
disease and most of the trees that you see around are Manitoba
Maples and Green Ash. We are fortunate in Winnipeg that a lot has
been done to protect our elms. Dead and dying elm trees are removed
and burned through out the city and nearby municipalities. You can
read more about the work to save the elms at the Coalition to Save the Elms
WWW site. The City of Winnipeg also has posted information through
the Urban
Forestry Branch
I hope this area continues to be left as forested and in a
reasonably natural state.
Please hide so the cache is hidden up inside
and off the ground so it will remain winter friendly.