Program

This paddling trip is open to members only. Lake Dalrymple is a shallow lake offering warm-water paddling and extensive wild rice (manoomin) beds. We will explore 9 kilometers of rare, undeveloped lakeside alvar shoreline and a nearby river. The 430-acre property, recently purchased by the Couchiching Conservancy, provides critical habitat for 21 species at risk. You must provide your own canoe/kayak, safety equipment, and transport to the lake. Paddlers must be able to control their boat and assume responsibility for their own safety. This lake features shallow shoals, boat traffic, and seasonal winds. Please register with marilync0629@gmail.com or contact her to obtain further information.

Celebration of Nature Barrie’s 75th Anniversary. Remember to Lug-A-Mug

Nature Barrie will be hosting the joint meeting at Northwest Barrie United Church on Friday, September 18th from 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.

Westennial Hall at Northwest Barrie United Church, 464 Ferndale Drive North, Barrie

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.

A fall walk brings crisp air, colorful leaves, and a rich variety of forest fungi. You will spot bright mushrooms popping up on rotting logs and damp soil under trees. David will give us tips for safe identification of the many fungi growing on their farm.

Meet at the Zehrs parking lot by 9:30am to carpool together to Line 6 North. The outing will take place at David’s property, and the specific address will be shared via email to our members and email list.

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. NOTE: Our guest speaker will be joining 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 citizen science initiative, organized by Birds Canada in partnership with the National Audubon Society, encourages people to count birds in their area to gather data for bird conservation. Anyone can participate, regardless of experience level, by joining a count circle near them. Team Leads will report results at a pot luck dinner, to be held at Creative Nomad (6-9pm). 

This volunteer driven monitoring program has been running since 1900, adding to our understanding of how wild birds are doing across the country. EVERYONE is welcome and encouraged to participate!

The newly released State of Canada’s Birds is a partnership between Birds Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada. It’s built on over 50 years of bird monitoring data, much of it collected by Citizen Scientists. The report groups birds based on where and how they live their lives. During this presentation, Kyle will answer the simple question: How are Canada’s birds doing?

Speaker: Kyle Horner, Birds Canada

This meeting will be 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.

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”.

In the winter, the 4,400-acre Copeland Forest features over 80 km of snow-covered valleys and ridges ideal for spotting animal tracks—including deer, coyote, fox, and fisher—alongside packed double-tracks for snowshoeing.

Leader: Carol Strickland

Meet at Zehrs at 9:30am to carpool together to Copeland Forest P2 parking lot – a plowed lot off of Ingram Road.

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.

Welcome back spring, welcome back species! Let’s get together for a walk to see and listen for local birds and wildlife.

Leader: Barb Ryckman

Location: to be confirmed via email a few days prior to the event, somewhere near Orillia

Meet at the Zehrs parking lot at 6:00pm to carpool.

Welcome back spring, welcome back species! Let’s get together for a walk to see and listen for local birds and wildlife.

Leader: Barb Ryckman

Location: to be confirmed via email a few days prior to the event, somewhere near Orillia

Meet at the Zehrs parking lot at 6:00pm to carpool.

Welcome back spring, welcome back species! Let’s get together for a walk to see and listen for local birds and wildlife.

Leader: Barb Ryckman

Location: to be confirmed via email a few days prior to the event, somewhere near Orillia

Meet at the Zehrs parking lot at 6:00pm to carpool.

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.

Wylie Road in the Carden Alvar is widely considered the premier early summer birding destination in southern Ontario. This roughly 10-kilometer gravel road cuts through a rich mix of limestone plains, dry and wet meadows, scrublands, and the provincially significant Sedge Wren Marsh. We will walk or drive Wylie Road. Cars with a high undercarriage are recommended. Bring drinks, snacks and/or a packed lunch.

In partnership with the Carden Field Naturalists’ and Rick Simpson

Meet at the Zehrs parking lot at 8:00am, it is a 40 minute drive to the Bluebird Ranch Nature Reserve Parking lot off of McNamee Road.

Join us in the Lion’s Oval parking lot (back of the Residence on West Street) to count Chimney Swifts.

No carpooling for this event.

This 1.6km trail takes you through the site of a former Ministry of Natural Resources fish hatchery that operated for decades. Back in the mid-1900s, this hatchery raised millions of trout, bass, and walleye to restock Muskoka’s lakes.You’ll walk through meadows, wetlands, and a mature forest as you make your way along the river. Keep an eye out for the interpretive signs posted along the path—they tell you all about the local plants, animals, and history of the area.

Leader: Don Currie

Meet at the Zehrs parking lot at 9:00am to carpool an hour to Hatchery Falls.

This gorgeous secluded waterfall is located on Fish Hatchery Road just off Highway 141. Take Highway 11 N to Highway 141. When you reach Highway 141, turn onto Fish Hatchery Rd and drive straight in. Swing a left when you reach Camp Ramah and continue until you arrive at the parking lot on the left hand side.