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There are a lot of wonderful trails to explore in and around Mosswood Cabin.  Click here  for a larger .pdf version of the XC Ski Map at Birch Ski Area, along with the trails on Mosswood’s property (in the green rectangle).

Maps like this don’t give you an accurate view of the elevation, so here’s an elevation profile of the Birch Open Mountain Bike Race in June (546m of elevation gain in 20km):

Here’s an image of the Mountain Bike Trails @ Birch, some of which cross Mosswood’s 40 acres.  Click here for the link to the Trailforks page for these trails.  If you download the Trailforks App, you can get real-time GPS mapping while you’re out on the trails. *To ride at Birch, you need a Manitoba Cycling Association membership or a Junkyard Dogs Day or Season Trail Pass.

There are plenty of opportunities for Forest Bathing at Mosswood.  Here are a few interesting articles about the practice that, when compared to walking in an urban environment, is said to “yield a 12.4 percent decrease in the stress hormone cortisol, a seven percent decrease in sympathetic nerve activity, a 1.4 percent decrease in blood pressure, and a 5.8 percent decrease in heart rate. On subjective tests, study participants also report better moods and lower anxiety,” (Outside Online).

Below, is another article, in the Atlantic, on the practice of Forest Bathing.

Like most of Manitoba’s Parklands, poison ivy is present at Mosswood.  If you’re one of the blessed ones to whom poison ivy has no ill effect, there’s no need to read on.  But if you are worried about this itch-inducing leaf, here are the key identifying features:

“Leaves of three, let it be.  Hairy vine, no friend of mine.  Berries white, run in fright.”

The main leaf is on a longer stem and is symmetrical – the two offshoot leaves are on shorter stems and are assymetrical.  The leaves have pointed tips, and can be either glossy or dull.  Poison Ivy produces yellow-green flowers in the summer, and then produces white berries.  It is usually low to the ground, but can climb up trees like a vine, if available.

60-80% of us are allergic to the Urishiol, the oil on poison ivy leaves.

If you come in contact with poison ivy, cold water with soap is a good idea.  Warm water will open up your pores to let the oil in – which you do not want.  Any clothes you were wearing should be washed.  Remember, it’s the oil that causes the itch, not the plant itself – so there is a risk of reinfecting yourself if your clothes are not washed.  If you didn’t catch it in time, and you start to itch, I find a dab of calamine lotion makes it more bearable.