OSFN Programs
Please note that all Programs, and schedules are subject to change. To avoid disappointment, please check with this site for updates and changes to dates, speakers, locations, etc. We thank you for your understanding in these matters.
Download our 2025/26 Schedule (pdf, 286kb)
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A Visit to Keppel Henge
To recognize the millennium, Steve Irvine, photographer and potter, and Bill Loney, owner of Keppel Croft Farm and Gardens, undertook a project with historical, astronomical, sculptural and spiritual references. "Keppel Henge" is located at Keppel Croft farm near Big Bay. Steve will lead us on a tour of this magical site. We'll meet to carpool … Continue reading A Visit to Keppel Henge
I.D. Workshop on Asters and Goldenrods
Join botanist and OSFN life member Joan Crowe on this outing to collect and identify fall's asters and goldenrods. WE'll walk the trails at Hibou Conservation Area, then spread our finds out on picnic tables at the water-side shelter. Here, Joan will instruct us in identification. Bring your copy of Asters, Goldenrods and Fleabanes of … Continue reading I.D. Workshop on Asters and Goldenrods
Hike to Malcolm Bluff
Join leader Andy Koshan on a hike to explore Malcolm Bluff - a future nature reserve on the Bruce. This trip will allow us to visit a place we'll learn about at the Sept. 18 indoor meeting. Limit: 12 people.Register with Andy, 519-372-9480 or akoshan@yahoo.ca.
The Fascinating, Challenging Gulls
Well known Ontario birder, Jean Iron will help us learn to recognize and appreciate the 21 gull species found in Ontario with tips on identification, plumages and where and when to see rare gulls. Jean is a seasoned naturalist, educator, bird photographer and former president of the Ontario Field Ornithologists, Her specific interests are shorebirds, … Continue reading The Fascinating, Challenging Gulls
Continental Drift
In geology, the single most unifying concept is plate tectonics. Doug Cunningham will lead us through the development of the theory, from Alfred Wegener in 1912 to Canadian physicist Tuzo Wilson in the 1960's. Plate tectonics causes earthquakes and volcanoes. Doug will take us to Turkey, New Zealand, the Hawaiian Islands and Chile - all … Continue reading Continental Drift
Waterfowl, Around the Bay Hike
Join Fred Jazvac for this annual waterfowl tour around Owen Sound Bay. With winter approaching, waterfowl are on the move. You can expect to see loons, grebes, scoters and flotillas of diving ducks. Meet at the Harry Lumley Bayshore south parking lot at 10:00 AM. Dress warmly for a waterfront environment. Bring lunch and drinks. … Continue reading Waterfowl, Around the Bay Hike
Member’s Night hosted by Jim Ansell
A potpourri of OSFN members' slides, displays, art collections and compositions focussing on the natural world. A limit of 10 sides and 10 minutes of presentation time is applied
Southern Skies of Chile with John Hlynialuk
A great place to view the southern skies is Chile's Atacama Desert. John Hlynialuk will introduce the celestial delights visible there - the Magellanic Clouds, the bright and dark lanes of the southern Milky Way, the Coal Sack, and a celestial Jewel Box. On the ground, lunar landscapes, hot springs and high altitude lagoons make … Continue reading Southern Skies of Chile with John Hlynialuk
Ski Colpoy’s Bay Ski Trail with Harriet Nixon
Enjoy the track set trails maintained by the Bruce Ski Club. Trail fee applies. Meet at Tim Horton's in Wiarton at 10:00 AM. Register with Harriet Nixon: 519-534-0426 or harrietnixon@bmts.com
Birds and Mammals of Kenya with Marg Gaviller
Join Marg Gaviller on her safari to Samburu National Park and the Masai Mara in Kenya. Marg took lots of photos of birds and mammals of these areas including baby animals with their parents. This program will appeal to anyone including young naturalists who dream of going on safaris.
Birding Alaska with George Peck (replacing the Bald Eagle presentation) AGM to follow
Join George as he shares his dream field trip with his son Mark to Alaska in June 2011 where he photographed breeding birds, their nests and eggs. For George this represents the final location in North America north of Mexico not previously visited, and a continuation of a lifetime of study and photography of the … Continue reading Birding Alaska with George Peck (replacing the Bald Eagle presentation) AGM to follow
Viewing the Late Winter NIght Sky
Join John Hlynialuk and the Bluewater Astronomical Society at its new observatory for a stargazing session with members of the BAS and their telescopes. Three planets are in the sky this evening: Mars, Jupiter and Venus, and many bright stars of the winter constellation are still visible. If the skies are cloudy, an indoor tour … Continue reading Viewing the Late Winter NIght Sky
OSFN Indoor Meetings are normally held on the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Bayshore Community Centre, 1900 3rd Ave E Owen Sound. There are no Indoor Meetings in July and August. Please see the individual event listings below for more details.
We invite speakers with a wide range of expertise from Grey/Bruce and other parts of the province. These evenings are open to the public. The auditorium is open by 6:30. The meeting gets under way at 7:00, and may include brief announcements by other organizations as well as OSFN club activities, club business, social time, nature sightings and reports.
The club also offers a full schedule of outdoor activities during the year. Through these outings, members learn more about the birds, plants, mammals and geology of this part of Ontario. We also keep a protective eye on our precious natural areas.