COUCHICHING CONSERVANCY
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Danya Leemhuis loved The Carden Alvar.
From Toronto, Danya travelled with his family to Cranberry Lake many times and, on the way, Danya would insist on taking a detour stopping on the Carden Alvar.
“We would go for walks and Danya loved watching all the birds and wildlife through his binoculars,” said Adrian, Danya’s father. “We have many wonderful memories of the happy times Danya and our family shared together there.”
That is why Adrian and his wife, Lorraine, want people to join them for TheBluMoose Alvar cycling event on Saturday, Sept. 7, starting in Orillia and heading out to Carden.
“We would love to have people come out and see how stunning it is.”
From the Pavilion in Couchiching Beach Park, Orillia, riders can choose the 75-kilometre or the 150-kilometre routes. Both routes travel east along the beautiful and quiet tarmac and gravel roads of this area.
Sections of the rides will encompass the extraordinary Carden Alvar. The Carden Alvar is a rare and unique ecosystem, its grasslands, wetlands and woodlands hosting over 230 bird species, 140 butterfly/dragonfly species and 450 plants. A portion of the Alvar gained Provincial Park status in 2014 to protect and preserve its spectacular environment.
TheBluMoose Alvar Ride is in memory of Danya. All of the ride registration fees collected will be donated directly to The Couchiching Conservancy, a local land trust based out of Orillia. To help protect and conserve these precious ecosystems for today’s children and future generations is the perfect way to celebrate Danya’s life.
There will be water and food stops to allow riders to pause and appreciate the beautiful scenery and spectacular nature of this area. “It would be wonderful to have this group of riders gain awareness of the Carden Alvar and the crucial importance of its biodiversity.”
Registration for the event can be found at www.theblumoose.com. Cyclists are already registering for TheBluMoose Alvar, and the Leemhuis family hopes even more riders will join them for this unique charitable ride.
The Couchiching Conservancy:
The Couchiching Conservancy is one of the leading regional land trusts in Ontario. A non-government, charitable organization, it has helped protect over 13,000 acres of important natural habitat in the Lake Couchiching region since 1993. Wherever possible, the lands are accessible to the public for the responsible enjoyment of nature. Learn more at www.couchichingconserv.ca.
TheBluMoose
The goal of The BluMoose cycling events is to raise charitable funds in memory of Danya Leemhuis. 100% of the Ride Registration Fee will go directly to The Couchiching Conservancy. Learn more: www.theblumoose.com
