Orgyan Dzong Camping Guidelines

 Orgyan Dzong On-­‐site Camping Information and Guidelines While the Orgyan Dzong campsite will be on a flat lawn just behind the temple, the centre itself is surrounded by tens of thousands of acres of undeveloped forest, with all the delights and hazards of such a setting. If you are planning to stay in your own tent during an Orgyan Dzong event, please read the following cautions and guidelines carefully before registering where you will be asked to acknowledge that you have read them and will abide by them. • The forest surrounding Orgyan Dzong is rich with abundant and potentially dangerous wildlife: black bear, wolf, coyote, bobcat, fox, and fisher cat, as well as other mammals: moose, elk, deer, raccoon, skunk, porcupine, and various rodents. In light of this, no food of any kind, wrapped or unwrapped, in a container or not, is permitted to be stored or consumed for any reason inside, or in the area immediately surrounding, your tent This is a very serious matter, as black bear encounters in particular can result in injury or death. It’s best to simply rely on the meals provided during retreats, but if you bring any extra food, it must be stored in your vehicle, and consumed either inside or well away from the camping area. If you see any strange behavior in any wild animal (a possible indicator of rabies, e.g.), it should be reported to retreat staff right away. • No open flames are allowed inside your tent or on the grounds. This includes burning incense or mosquito coils. Grass fires can rapidly burn out of control, threatening the all-­‐wood temple, propane tanks, and the surrounding forest. Please only use battery powered lights. • Much of the environment around Orgyan Dzong is comprised of boggy woods, with the Black River running through the property. As such, from April to August various biting insects are present: black flies, mosquitoes, deer flies, horse flies, and no-­‐see-­‐ums, as well as bees and wasps. Ticks are rare, but are reported in Ontario, including Lyme disease-­‐carrying deer ticks. Be prepared with repellent, bug bite lotion, and/or appropriate clothing, and be sure to let staff know if you have any allergies. • During summer months, poison ivy can be present. Learn its three-­‐leaf shape and avoid it. • The Black River is not recommended for swimming. • The climate in Ontario is highly variable. Bring a tent, sleeping bag, and clothing appropriate for possible heat and humidity, downpours and windy thunderstorms, and colder nighttime temperatures. • There are several walking trails on Orgyan Dzong’s property and ATV tracks further into the Mount Moriah wilderness. If you wish to take a walk, always tell someone else where you’re going and when you anticipate returning. It’s best to walk with others and always stay on the trail. Never leave the trail to “explore.” It is extremely easy to get disoriented in the dense forest, even just a few steps from the trail, and some of the off-­‐trail terrain is treacherous. It is also common to encounter wildlife along the trails, including bears. If you see a bear, stop. Never approach closer, and be especially cautious if you encounter a mother bear with cubs. For more tips on safely managing bear encounters, click here. • Due to the above noted possible dangers associated with food and wildlife, please ensure all garbage is stored in a secure location, away from your own and others' tents. Properly bagged, non-­‐recyclable garbage should be disposed of in the green metal bin behind the Lama House, making sure to clip it closed again afterward. • Campers will have use of an inside shower and toilet facilities during designated hours. Nearby portable toilets will be provided for nighttime use. The Palyul Foundation of Canada, Orgyan Osal Cho Dzong Buddhist Monastery and Retreat Centre 1755 Lingham Lake Road Madoc, Ontario K0K 2K0 Phone: (613) 967-­‐7432 www.palyulcanada.org