Program

Nature Barrie will be hosting the joint meeting at Northwest Barrie United Church (Westennial Hall at Northwest Barrie United Church, 464 Ferndale Drive North, Barrie) on Friday, September 18th from 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.

Fabulous Fungi: A Fun Introduction to the Mysterious World of Mycology

Mushrooms, fungi and slime molds are not only unique to look at but are quite special in their roles within ecology. While this presentation is not an ’edible wild’ show, it will whet your appetite to learn more of this commonly found group of not-quite-plants.

Speaker: David J. Hawke

This meeting will be hybrid – in person at Creative Nomad (23 Mississaga St W, Orillia, ON L3V 3A5) on the second floor and also on Zoom. The Zoom link is sent to our members and our email list a few days prior to the meeting, and otherwise people can access it immediately by signing up using the link on the home page “sign up for our email list”.

All are welcome to attend. Non-members are asked to contribute $5 towards program costs and they can pay in person or e-transfer to orillianaturalists@gmail.com.

Junaid works alongside his colleagues Joseph Pitawanakwat and Andrés Jiménez to support the regathering and education of Anishinaabe bird names and significant Indigenous bird knowledge. In this presentation, Junaid will highlight the work of his team and engage in a discussion about the depth of ecological knowledge housed in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language) bird names. Whereas western scientific naming focuses on the most obvious of physical characteristics, geographic range, or paying homage to Europeans, Anishinaabemowin allows us to learn about the roles these incredible flying beings play within our world. In turn, we can learn how best to help and support their populations for generations to come.

This meeting will be hybrid – in person at Creative Nomad (23 Mississaga St W, Orillia, ON L3V 3A5) on the second floor and also on Zoom. The Zoom link is sent to our members and our email list a few days prior to the meeting, and otherwise people can access it immediately by signing up using the link on the home page “sign up for our email list”.

All are welcome to attend. Non-members are asked to contribute $5 towards program costs and they can pay in person or e-transfer to orillianaturalists@gmail.com.

This meeting will be on Zoom.

Discover how to create a beautiful, biodiverse garden using Ontario native plants that provide essential habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. A native plant garden can support hundreds of species of beneficial insects, forming the foundation of a healthy food web that nourishes birds and countless other animals.

Many of Ontario’s native plant species are in decline. By incorporating them into your landscape, you can help preserve local genetic diversity, provide valuable refuge for native flora and fauna, and create an inspiring space that demonstrates the beauty and ecological importance of gardening with native plants.

Speaker: Hugh Metcalfe

This meeting will be on Zoom only. All are welcome to attend. Non-members are asked to contribute $5 towards program costs and they can pay via e-transfer to orillianaturalists@gmail.com. The Zoom link is sent to our members and our email list a few days prior to the meeting, and otherwise people can access it immediately by signing up using the link on the home page “sign up for our email list”.

Common birds are often overlooked in favor of the rare or more exciting species. Come and (re)discover why common birds deserve our respect (and awe!) and how they teach us to feel more present and connected to our local environment. Featured rockstar species include the Rock Pigeon, Northern Cardinal, White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, House Sparrow and many others.

Speaker: Julia Zarakin

This meeting will be on Zoom only. The Zoom link is sent to our members and our email list a few days prior to the meeting, and otherwise people can access it immediately by signing up using the link on the home page “sign up for our email list”.
All are welcome to attend. Non-members are asked to contribute $5 towards program costs and they can pay via e-transfer to orillianaturalists@gmail.com.

All around us creatures are conducting their lives largely unseen. We are aware of birds and the larger mammals but there is a host of animals active underwater or after dark that are seldom observed. Others use camouflage to conceal their presence. Don will share images and stories about fish, caterpillars and other animals that slip under the radar.

Speaker: Don Scallen

This meeting will be hybrid – in person at Creative Nomad (23 Mississaga St W, Orillia, ON L3V 3A5) on the second floor and also on Zoom. The Zoom link is sent to our members and our email list a few days prior to the meeting, and otherwise people can access it immediately by signing up using the link on the home page “sign up for our email list”.

All are welcome to attend. Non-members are asked to contribute $5 towards program costs and they can pay in person or e-transfer to orillianaturalists@gmail.com.

Gather together for a social, to hear updates from the year and share some of your favourite species photos!

This meeting will be in person at Creative Nomad (23 Mississaga St W, Orillia, ON L3V 3A5) on the second floor. BYO plates, cutlery etc and some food to share.