The Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN) will be offering up a bumper crop of exciting presentations for Members’ Night 2026, as coordinated by OSFN’s Brian Robin.
The seven featured speakers and topics will include: Robert Burcher: Plants of Wineland the Good; Amanda Eriksen: A Young Field Naturalists Update; Kristine Hammel: Ecological Agriculture can grow ‘Food and Biodiversity’ simultaneously; Barb Rabicki: An uplifting story of overcoming obstacles, and of being rewarded by the ‘Return of Wildlife in Abundance!’; Marcia Ranger: A ‘Bearvivr’s Tale’ of her 2017 bear attack experience, what she learned, and the messages she has for all of us; Marilyn Scriver: Antarctica – A Snapshot – from one of Marilyn’s trips to Antarctica; and Christopher Wren, Ph.D.: Another Hidden Jewel in Grey County – Chris will present an overview of this special property, its flora, fauna, geology, water features – and foxes too.
OSFN’s Members’ Night is scheduled for 7pm Thursday, March 12, at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. Doors open at 6:30 to browse amongst the OSFN merchandise, learn about memberships and future activities, etc. Everyone is welcome. Admission is by Donation, (free for OSFN members). To learn more about OSFN, please visit https://owensoundfieldnaturalists.ca/
The Bruce Grey Woodlands Association (BGWA) has organized several chainsaw workshops and courses over the next couple of months as follows:
Chainsaw Safety Course – March 21; Chainsaw Certification Course – April 11/12;
Women’s Only Chainsaw Safety Course – April 18; Chainsaw Maintenance Course – April 25
These are also listed on the BGWA website at https://bgwa.ca/
There are still spaces available for the different courses. If you are looking for more information about any of these courses or would like to register, please email president@bgwa.ca
2026 Grey Bruce Woodlot Conference
The 33rd Annual Grey Bruce Woodlot Conference is happening Saturday March 28, 2026, at the Elmwood Community Center (38 Concession Road 10, Elmwood). The conference runs from 8 AM to 3 PM, with speakers starting at 9 AM. Topics include tree planting and biodiversity impacts, spotted lantern fly, transitioning plantations to mixedwood forests, grassland restoration, and wild turkeys.
To learn more about the great lineup of speakers visit gbwc.blog. To register email info@gbwc.blog with your name and address. Tickets are $40 in advance, or $50 at the door. Ticket price includes lunch.
Yes, Spring is coming soon, and it is time to get ready for the 28th Huron Fringe Birding Festival, May 22-25 and May 28-May 31, 2026.
Registration, on-line, starts at 6am, March 13. Be sure to check the website in advance to set up an account and plan your events. Registration is always busy and it is best to be prepared.
Here are links for the website, for the event Schedule, and for registration.
It is advisable to select your preferred events in advance.
https://huronfringebirdingfestival.ca/
https://huronfringebirdingfestival.ca/page/schedule-of-events
https://huronfringebirdingfestival.ca/page/registration
Pearl Bumstead shared this report about ‘Who Made Those Tracks and Why?’ a recent OSFN Tracking Tutorial February 21, with Jeff Kinchen.
Pearl Bumstead shared this report:
“A small group set out on a trek in search of tracks and Jeff led us to plenty.
The day was overcast with a bit of snow in the air, but evidence of a lot of wildlife was present: Skunk, deer, rabbit, and fisher, just to name a few.
Jeff was very knowledgeable, filling us in about the habits and nature of various species that live in the woods on family property near the Bognor Marsh, on Conc 4.
At the end of our trek, Pam Kinchen treated us all to some yummy goodies & hot tea. Thanks so much to Jeff and Pam, and to John Dickson for organizing yet another fabulous outing.”
On February 22nd, Amanda Eriksen and the Young Naturalists spent some quality time with Sarah McComb-Turbitt – (Artist, Marine Biologist, Naturalist and more), guiding them in painting images of wildlife.
Amanda confirms We had a great time painting wildlife with Sarah McComb-Turbitt! Thanks for your leadership!!!
and Marsha Courtney adds:
They all did so well and sure had fun. Thanks to Sarah McComb for hosting the Young Naturalist group.
Sarah has followed up in March with “Introducing the OSFN Collection.” In a collaboration to highlight the enjoyment of our backyard wildlife here in Ontario, the Owen Sound Field Naturalists and signature member of Artists for Conservation, Sarah McComb Turbitt, created a challenge to paint as many local species as she can during March 2026.
So far Coyote, Barn Owl and Dwarf Lake Iris have been voted to be painted by Sarah, with Turtles being featured next.
Fauna, flora, fungi – every species is a possibility, and YOU get to choose what she paints next! Have a favourite species you want championed or a stunning photo of Ontario wildlife? Email at sarah@smccombturbitt.com and help shape this unique collection! Two species will face off daily for selection, with voting taking place across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, and results tallied across platforms to determine the winners.
Let her know what species you want to see featured, and spread the word! Email Sarah at sarah@smccombturbitt.com
Check out her website where you can see the quality of art she is able to produce. Fine Art by Sarah McComb-Turbitt
15% of original artworks, 35% of limited-edition prints, and 50% of artwork cards will be donated to OSFN
These past few weeks have been terrific for me to be active outside, mainly skiing on area trails, and within forests on top of the firm snow, as well as beside frozen shorelines. The sunshine has been a bonus, with high pressure and clear skies for many days in the past four to six weeks. However, the recent milder Springlike weather has lured