Hike Bunn's Creek

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/3/f/6/event_98973782.jpegThe Bunn’s Creek pathway is a beautifully natural linear parkway that runs from the Red River to Raleigh / Gateway. It follows the creek as it meanders through 23 acres of green space. This pathway provides the surrounding community of River East (a mix of large contemporary homes and older bungalows) with a country-like atmosphere and is an ideal setting for a recreational foot path.
Neighbourhood residents were active in developing an action plan to counter the loss of quality habitat. The plan entailed restoration work in areas where native vegetation was absent, discontinuing mowing in areas adjacent to river bottom forest so natural regeneration would take place, wrapping older trees established in the river bottom to protect them from overabundant beavers, and removal of non-native vegetation, specifically purple loosestrife. Project volunteers involved the entire community surrounding Bunn's Creek and held educational workshops on the significance of the Bunn's Creek watershed.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/4/0/0/event_98973792.jpegsome history - North Kildonan remained outside the area of intense urban settlement until the early 1970s. By this time the city's parks department was becoming interested in developing green spaces with wild or natural vegetation intact. Bunn's Creek as a ‘natural’ park is now a perfect model for the rest of the city.
The many lovely gardens that back onto the parkway are themselves worth the trip. One has been featured in a number of garden magazines.some history - The park and creek were named for the family of Dr. John Bunn, the Red River settlement's first Metis physician. Dr. Bunn was born in 1801 at a company post on Hudson’s Bay. He was schooled in Edinburgh and brought back to be the company surgeon at Moose Factory, in 1819. Over time he was employed to travel and give medical care to the entire area of settlement - from York Factory to the Red River Colony. He became a highly popular fellow recognized for extraordinary accomplishments. By 1835, Bunn was not only a physician, but also the coroner, clerk of the court, and sheriff. He gave much of his time to improving the health and social conditions of the colony and worked in the settlement until he died in 1881.

NOTE - All winter walks may be subject to cancellation due to high windchill factors or other extreme weather conditions. Please check back at this site on the morning of the event.