View upcoming meetings and outings using the calendar to the right.
The full program can be found below.
Non-members are always welcome.
For confirmation of dates/times, it is advisable to check with the contact person or the website. A reminder notice is sent via email. Make sure you are on our email list: orillianaturalists@gmail.com.
november, 2025
Scroll down to see the full program!
MEETINGS
Held at the Orillia Museum of Art and History (30 Peter St S, Orillia, ON L3V 5A9) 3rd floor, wheelchair access. Our meetings are hybrid. If you are attending in person, masks are optional. Meeting details are sent to our email list in advance.
OUTINGS
We meet for outings at the Zehrs parking lot in the northeasterly area near the Bank of Montreal (289 Coldwater Rd W, Orillia, ON L3V 6J3) to car pool and get directions to our outing location. Please ensure you arrive early. Outing details are sent to our email list in advance.
The land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg, specifically Ojibwe/Chippewa people. This is Williams Treaty territory.
november
05nov7:00 pm9:00 pmNovember Meeting - Environmental Ethics: How Can Everyone be Right?
Event Details
In person meeting and offered by Zoom. Speaker: David Hawke Using his personal experiences from time spent working for land management organizations, David will look at how personal morals,
Event Details
In person meeting and offered by Zoom. Speaker: David Hawke
Using his personal experiences from time spent working for land management organizations, David will look at how personal morals, organizational ethics, and supposed common sense interact with critical decision making. There’s always at least two sides to a dilemma, and it takes an open mind to accept alternatives. This program is a “light-weight introduction” to understanding why others do not think the same way you do!
Non-members are welcome and encouraged to attend, and asked to contribute $5 to help to cover program costs.
Sign up for our email list through our form to be notified of upcoming events, any changes to the program and ways to get involved.
Follow us on Instagram at @orillianature or Facebook at @orillianaturalistsclub
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
Location
Orillia Museum of Art & History
30 Peter Street South
december
14dec6:00 pm9:00 pmChristmas Bird Count & Potluck Dinner
Event Details
The ONC 2025 Christmas Bird Count will take place December 14, 2025. Team Leads will report results at a pot luck dinner, to be held at St. Pauls
Event Details
The ONC 2025 Christmas Bird Count will take place December 14, 2025. Team Leads will report results at a pot luck dinner, to be held at St. Pauls Centre Banquet Hall (6-9pm). 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. Please contact Chase Moser if you’d like to join one of our teams, or wish to count at your feeder.
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!
Time
(Sunday) 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
january
07jan7:00 pm9:00 pmJanuary Meeting - Forests and Forest Health in Simcoe County
Event Details
Zoom only meeting. Speaker: Allison Winmill This presentation will explore the forest types found in Simcoe County along with factors affecting forest health on the landscape. Non-members are welcome and
Event Details
Zoom only meeting. Speaker: Allison Winmill
This presentation will explore the forest types found in Simcoe County along with factors affecting forest health on the landscape.
Non-members are welcome and encouraged to attend, and asked to contribute $5 to help to cover program costs.
Sign up for our email list through our form to be notified of upcoming events, any changes to the program and ways to get involved.
Follow us on Instagram at @orillianature or Facebook at @orillianaturalistsclub
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
february
04feb7:00 pm9:00 pmFebruary Meeting - In the Footsteps of the Group of Seven
Event Details
Zoom only meeting. Speakers: Sue & Jim Waddington In their retirement, Jim and Sue Waddington trekked the Canadian landscape to find over 700 of the places where the legendary
Event Details
Zoom only meeting. Speakers: Sue & Jim Waddington
In their retirement, Jim and Sue Waddington trekked the Canadian landscape to find over 700 of the places where the legendary Canadian landscape artists – the Group of Seven and Tom Thompson – painted. The Waddington’s compared photographs of some of the painting sites they have found with the corresponding artwork. You’ll be amazed at the beautiful photographs and the transition from artwork to reality.
Non-members are welcome and encouraged to attend, and asked to contribute $5 to help to cover program costs.
Sign up for our email list through our form to be notified of upcoming events, any changes to the program and ways to get involved.
Follow us on Instagram at @orillianature or Facebook at @orillianaturalistsclub
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
11feb10:00 am12:00 pmOuting: Snowshoe & Tracks in the Snow
Event Details
Ultimate destination will depend on snow conditions. Please email orillianaturalists@gmail.com to register at least 24 hours prior. Meet at Zehr's parking near the car wash end at
Event Details
Ultimate destination will depend on snow conditions. Please email orillianaturalists@gmail.com to register at least 24 hours prior. Meet at Zehr’s parking near the car wash end at 9:30 AM to carpool.
Sign up for our email list through our form to be notified of upcoming events, any changes to the program and ways to get involved.
Follow us on Instagram at @orillianature or Facebook at @orillianaturalistsclub
Time
(Wednesday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
march
04mar7:00 pm9:00 pmMarch Meeting - Down the Rabbit Hole of Birding
Event Details
Zoom only meeting. Speaker: Leslie Town Though I am not a professional photographer or an expert on birds by any means, I have learned to enjoy birding through watching,
Event Details
Zoom only meeting. Speaker: Leslie Town
Though I am not a professional photographer or an expert on birds by any means, I have learned to enjoy birding through watching, listening, and especially photography which allows me to have a visual memory of all the beautiful birds I get to see. I’d like to share some of my photographs and experiences with you.
Non-members are welcome and encouraged to attend, and asked to contribute $5 to help to cover program costs.
Sign up for our email list through our form to be notified of upcoming events, any changes to the program and ways to get involved.
Follow us on Instagram at @orillianature or Facebook at @orillianaturalistsclub
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
april
01apr7:00 pm9:00 pmApril Meeting - Discover Vancouver Island
Event Details
In person meeting and also offered by Zoom. Speakers: Arni & Dianne Stinnissen To celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary, Dianne and Arni traveled the length of Vancouver Island, exploring
Event Details
In person meeting and also offered by Zoom. Speakers: Arni & Dianne Stinnissen
To celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary, Dianne and Arni traveled the length of Vancouver Island, exploring its dramatic coastlines, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife and of course taking many pictures along the way. Arni’s images are recognized internationally. You are in for a photographic treat!
Non-members are welcome and encouraged to attend, and asked to contribute $5 to help to cover program costs.
Sign up for our email list through our form to be notified of upcoming events, any changes to the program and ways to get involved.
Follow us on Instagram at @orillianature or Facebook at @orillianaturalistsclub
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
Location
Orillia Museum of Art & History
30 Peter Street South
13apr6:30 pm8:00 pmOuting: Sights & Sounds of Spring #1
Event Details
Birding by ear is all about repetition! Join us for our Sights & Sounds outings. You know the drill…an easy walk where we watch and listen for species
Event Details
Birding by ear is all about repetition! Join us for our Sights & Sounds outings. You know the drill…an easy walk where we watch and listen for species like the Green Heron, Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and many more. All are welcome and encouraged to join in!
Location to be determined each week and shared via email. Carpool from the Zehrs parking lot at 6:15 PM; meet at location for 6:30 PM.
Sign up for our email list through our form to be notified of upcoming events, any changes to the program and ways to get involved.
Follow us on Instagram at @orillianature or Facebook at @orillianaturalistsclub
Time
(Monday) 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
18apr10:00 am1:00 pmEvent: Community Clean up in partnership with Green Orillia
Event Details
Date tentative and to be confirmed closer to the date. Sign up for our email list through our form to be notified of upcoming
Event Details
Date tentative and to be confirmed closer to the date.
Sign up for our email list through our form to be notified of upcoming events, any changes to the program and ways to get involved.
Follow us on Instagram at @orillianature or Facebook at @orillianaturalistsclub
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 1:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
22apr6:30 pm8:00 pmOuting: Sights & Sounds of Spring #2
Event Details
Birding by ear is all about repetition! Join us for our Sights & Sounds outings. You know the drill…an easy walk where we watch and listen for species
Event Details
Birding by ear is all about repetition! Join us for our Sights & Sounds outings. You know the drill…an easy walk where we watch and listen for species like the Green Heron, Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and many more. All are welcome and encouraged to join in!
Location to be determined each week and shared via email. Carpool from the Zehrs parking lot at 6:15 PM; meet at location for 6:30 PM.
Sign up for our email list through our form to be notified of upcoming events, any changes to the program and ways to get involved.
Follow us on Instagram at @orillianature or Facebook at @orillianaturalistsclub
Time
(Wednesday) 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
25apr9:30 am12:00 pmOuting: Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area
Event Details
This will be a 'bird focused' walk-about, so meeting time at Tiny Marsh will be 9:30 AM. Carpool at 8:30 AM from the Zehrs parking lot. The Tiny Marsh
Event Details
This will be a ‘bird focused’ walk-about, so meeting time at Tiny Marsh will be 9:30 AM. Carpool at 8:30 AM from the Zehrs parking lot.
The Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area is Ontario’s first provincially owned and managed wetland – 600 hectares of marsh. Bring your binoculars, scopes and cameras to get a close look at spring migrants.
Sign up for our email list through our form to be notified of upcoming events, any changes to the program and ways to get involved.
Follow us on Instagram at @orillianature or Facebook at @orillianaturalistsclub
Time
(Saturday) 9:30 am - 12:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
30apr6:30 pm8:00 pmOuting: Sights & Sounds of Spring #3
Event Details
Birding by ear is all about repetition! Join us for the last of our Sights & Sounds outings. You know the drill…an easy walk where we watch and
Event Details
Birding by ear is all about repetition! Join us for the last of our Sights & Sounds outings. You know the drill…an easy walk where we watch and listen for species like the Green Heron, Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and many more. All are welcome and encouraged to join in!
Location to be determined each week and shared via email. Carpool from the Zehrs parking lot at 6:15 PM; meet at location for 6:30 PM.
Sign up for our email list through our form to be notified of upcoming events, any changes to the program and ways to get involved.
Follow us on Instagram at @orillianature or Facebook at @orillianaturalistsclub
Time
(Thursday) 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
may
06may6:00 pm9:00 pmMay Meeting - Annual General Meeting & Potluck Dinner
Event Details
In person Annual General Meeting and potluck dinner. Also offered by Zoom. Recap the year, hear about plans for the future and ways you can get involved. Members are
Event Details
In person Annual General Meeting and potluck dinner. Also offered by Zoom.
Recap the year, hear about plans for the future and ways you can get involved. Members are encouraged to share a few of their best photos. Details to follow.
Non-members are welcome and encouraged to attend, and asked to contribute $5 to help to cover program costs.
Sign up for our email list through our form to be notified of upcoming events, any changes to the program and ways to get involved.
Follow us on Instagram at @orillianature or Facebook at @orillianaturalistsclub
Time
(Wednesday) 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
Location
Orillia Museum of Art & History
30 Peter Street South
09may10:00 am12:00 pmOuting: Matchedash Bay for Migratory Bird Day
Event Details
Matchedash Bay visit with Chase Moser for Migratory Bird Day in partnership with Bird City Orillia & Mariposa Ecological Society. Matchedash Bay is an internationally recognized Important Bird
Event Details
Matchedash Bay visit with Chase Moser for Migratory Bird Day in partnership with Bird City Orillia & Mariposa Ecological Society. Matchedash Bay is an internationally recognized Important Bird Area & Ramsar Wetland on the south shore of Georgian Bay north of Coldwater, Ontario. It offers a diverse mix of habitat for over 170 species of bird.
Carpool from the Zehrs parking lot at 9:30 AM; meet at the location for 10:00 AM.
Sign up for our email list through our form to be notified of upcoming events, any changes to the program and ways to get involved.
Follow us on Instagram at @orillianature or Facebook at @orillianaturalistsclub
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
17may10:00 am12:00 pmOuting: Explore the Minesing Wetlands
Event Details
Explore the Minesing Wetlands with Meghan Duell and Rick Simpson. Our leaders are excellent naturalists and both work in conservation. We will walk along North Simcoe Rail Trail,
Event Details
Explore the Minesing Wetlands with Meghan Duell and Rick Simpson. Our leaders are excellent naturalists and both work in conservation. We will walk along North Simcoe Rail Trail, looking and listening for species. Minesing is a wetland of international significance. Spanning an area of more than 6,000 hectares (15,000 acres), the Minesing Wetlands are home to a diverse array of habitats.
Meet at Zehrs by 9:15 AM to carpool. Meet at the Minesing Wetlands parking lot by 10:00 AM.
Sign up for our email list through our form to be notified of upcoming events, any changes to the program and ways to get involved.
Follow us on Instagram at @orillianature or Facebook at @orillianaturalistsclub
Time
(Sunday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
20may8:30 pm9:30 pmOuting: Chimney Swift Night
Event Details
Join for an evening of counting Chimney Swifts at dusk! Witness the fascinating spectacle of these birds gathering and roosting. Learn about their behavior and contribute to conservation
Event Details
Join for an evening of counting Chimney Swifts at dusk! Witness the fascinating spectacle of these birds gathering and roosting. Learn about their behavior and contribute to conservation efforts. Bring your binoculars and enjoy this unique opportunity to observe nature in action. All are welcome!
Sign up for our email list through our form to be notified of upcoming events, any changes to the program and ways to get involved.
Follow us on Instagram at @orillianature or Facebook at @orillianaturalistsclub
Time
(Wednesday) 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm(GMT+00:00)
Location
Lion's Oval Public School
25 Brant St W, Orillia, ON L3V 3N6
june
14jun10:00 am1:00 pmOuting: Hardy Lake Trail
Event Details
Hardy Lake Provincial Park has a rich community of Atlantic coastal plain species. These species are here because at one time, much of present day Ontario was submerged
Event Details
Hardy Lake Provincial Park has a rich community of Atlantic coastal plain species. These species are here because at one time, much of present day Ontario was submerged beneath numerous glacial and post-glacial lakes. When the ancient Lake Algonquin receded, it left a remnant community of Atlantic Ocean shoreline plants behind. The park also contains an inland section of displaced Georgian Bay shoreline.
Led by Don Currie. You may also discover a small cascading waterfall and some historic ruins.
Carpool at 9:00 AM from Zehrs parking lot. Meet at the park at 10:00 AM. About 19 kilometres west of Gravenhurst; accessible via Highway 169. Bring a bag lunch. This is a 3km trail.
Sign up for our email list through our form to be notified of upcoming events, any changes to the program and ways to get involved.
Follow us on Instagram at @orillianature or Facebook at @orillianaturalistsclub
Time
(Sunday) 10:00 am - 1:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
july
No Events
august
No Events
september
No Events
october
No Events