Owen Sound Field Naturalists

Trapper Verle Barfoot will lead us on a search for signs of winter wildlife in the Glen Conservation Area near Copper Kettle. This trip will take place either Feb. 12 or Feb. 19 depending on the conditions. Bring snowshoes or skis and meet at the Glenn Parking area at 10:00 AM . Bring binoculars, a … Continue reading Signs of Winter Life →

Wiarton-area potter, Steve Irvine, is also a noted photographer, photographing everything from stars to macro views of nature. His photos have appeared in National Geographic, Natural History, Science and several astronomy magazines. Steve will show us some of his best nature photos, including some taken with the ceramic pinhole cameras that he makes.

Or should we call it skunk cabbages and sinkholes. It's early spring and in the Beaverdale Bog north of Markdale. The bog forms the upper reaches of the Saugeen River Watershed. Water from the bog also escapes down sinkholes into the Beaver Valley. We will visit a couple of GSCA properties in the bog, watching … Continue reading Hot Spathes and Hidden Holes →

Local teachers, Deane Atherton and Dawn Hollyer spent April/May 2011 in the Philippines, where they worked as volunteers on a survey of reef life. The job involved two intensive weeks of training in which they learned to recognize 50 genera of fish, followed by 6 weeks of reef surveys around the Philippines. Deane will tell … Continue reading On the Reefs in the Philippines →

In early spring, ephemeral ponds appear on the forest floor as the ice and snow melt away. We'll join the Young Naturalists for this outing to the Hibou Conservation Area to look for the invertebrates found in ephemeral ponds. Dress warmly and wear rubber boots. Meet in the parking lot of the first Hibou entrance … Continue reading A Visit to Spring’s Ephemeral Ponds →

Mondays on May 2, 9, 16 and 30 at 6:00 PM. Join Dave Fidler or other leaders for nature walks/hikes (with emphasis on birds) at Fidler's Green. We'll hike through mature woods that Dave has been managing for birds and visit a wetland with species such as Common Moorhen, Virginia and Sora Rails. No registration … Continue reading Birding at the Fidler’s →

This outing will begin with a hike to explore the cliffs and woodlands of the escarpment above the Bayview Estates. The trail was developed and is maintained by the residents of the sub-division with open access to the public. Following our exploration of this open trail, we will head to Irish Block Line and the … Continue reading Escarpment Rambles →

Rare birds, common birds, local birds, from the extremes to the everyday stuff. Mark Wiercinski will share his knowledge (and also no doubt, his keen sense of humour) and do his best not to talk longer than an hour.

Alfred, a veteran OFO hike leader, will take us to areas in Wiarton, Sky Lake, Isaac Lake, Oliphant, and North Sauble Beach searching for spring migrants. Meet at Tim Horton's at 8:00 AM in Wiarton. The tour will last about 4 hours. Limit 15 people.Contact Fred Jazvac to register: 797-3332 or jazvacfb@bmts.com

Annual Pot luck supper, 6:00 PM at St. Andrews Church, Bring a food dish to serve 8 to 10 and dishes and cutlery for yourself. Please note we are asking members to bring a $5:00 donation for conservation. Kerry Jarvis will share with stories and images on how you can attract butterflies and moths to … Continue reading Attracting Butterflies and Moths to your Gardens →

Now for something completely different, join Doug Pedwell and view the Oliphant Fens through your camera's view finder or LCD screen. Take this opportunity to enhance your photographic skills on some of the unique and provincially rare plants found in this area. 3 Hours. Limit 15. Reserve your spot by contacting Doug at 519-797-5564 or … Continue reading Photographing Wild Flowers →

Mark Carabetta of Ontario Nature will focus on unique plants and plant communities, including globally rare plants, found on Ontario Nature's six nature reserves on the Bruce Peninsula. He will also provide an update on recent protection projects on the Peninsula including the Malcolm Bluff and the Indian Road parcel near Chief's Point.