It doesn't look like we've understood the message about peat lands. While the UK will be banning all sales of peat moss starting next year, Canadians are still harvesting it. It was heartbreaking to see piles of peat as we entered the Alfred bog area east of Ottawa. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources says: "Peatlands are the largest natural terrestrial carbon store. They store more carbon than all other vegetation types in the world combined."
After harvesting the peat, land is now being used to grow soybeans and corn. As former farmers, we understand the shortage of good farmland. It seems that these farmers are going after short term gains and not thinking of playing their part in the sustainability of the planet.
The Alfred Bog is a tiny conserved area of what used to be a very large bog. Stepping on to the boardwalk, we felt like we'd been transported to a place where time meant nothing. It felt like we were walking over a sound sponge, it was so quiet.
Today's sponsor: quiet. Complete silence.
Sphagnum mosses surrounded cool looking pitcher plants.
My favourite hiking buddy walked ahead on the short boardwalk looping around the bog.
The variety of plant life was stunning.
Just think about it: this bog has been here untouched for 10,000 years.
It takes very little to damage a bog permanently.
I am so glad I got to see it. I hope it will be conserved so that all of our grandchildren will benefit from its work.
All of that sadness and beauty made us hungry. We wended our way to St. Albert and their newly constructed cheese store.
Oh. Maybe we need two sponsors today.
Sponsor #2 - the sound of squeaky curd.
You are drooling.
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