Make sure you are on our email list for updates on events and activities (orillianaturalists@gmail.com). We update the home page and Facebook as well. This page is currently used for historical information. When we are able to get back to regular in person meetings again, we will use this page again. Thank you!
Meetings are held at the Orillia Museum of Art and History 3rd floor, wheelchair access
We meet for outings at the parking lot behind Zehr’s to car pool and get directions.
The land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg, specially Ojibwe/Chippewa people. This is Williams Treaty territory.
The meetings are held September through May at 7:30 p.m.
Non-members are always welcome.
For confirmation of dates/times, it is advisable to check with the contact person or the website.
A RECORD OF THE PAST ACTIVITIES FOR REFERENCE
Tuesday, September 10, 2019 7:00 p.m
THE FUTURE OF OUR PROTECTED SPACES
Margaret Prophet, Executive Director Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition
and Claire Malcolmson, Executive Director Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition
The joint meeting of Huronia area clubs is hosted this year by the Orillia Naturalists‘ and will be held in St. James’ Anglican Church Auditorium, 58 Peter St. N., Orillia.
Join us to hear the latest research and view maps showing the state of our protected places in Simcoe County. Where are our valuable spaces?
Are they protected and to what level? Learn how we can work together to make positive change for the future.
Contact: Marilyn Clark (705) 333-3292
Sunday, September 29, 2019 10:00 a.m.
Outing: COPELAND FOREST
Barb and Warren will lead you on a fall colours hike in this 4,400 acre resource management area, known for its many species of mushroom.
Contact: Barb Ryckman (705) 242-4026
Wednesday, October 2, 2019 7:30 p.m.
BEST PLACES TO BIRD IN ONTARIO
Mike Burrell, Naturalist, Birder, Author
Michael Burrell has been birding since he was old enough to hold a pair of binoculars. Hear about his top 30 birding spots in Ontario, tips for spotting more than 300 unique species, advice for exactly when and where to go for the best results, and helpful hints for finding rarely seen birds.
Contact: Barb Ryckman (705) 242-4026
Saturday, October 12, 2019 10:a.m.
Outing: TORRANCE BARRENS
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Enjoy a two-hour fall colours hike on one of the Barren’s three well marked trails.
Meet to carpool at 9 a.m.
Bring a friend and your lunch.
Warren Ryckman (705) 323 7353
Wednesday, November 6, 2019 7:30 p.m.
THE COMMON LOON: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF A CANADIAN ICON
Mark Peck, Manager, Schad Gallery of Biodiversity, Royal Ontario Museum
Hear about the life history of the common loon and the challenges they face today.
Contact: Denis Paccagnella (705) 326-3031
Saturday, November 9, 2019.
Ontario Nature, Huronia Regional Meeting.
The Nature League of Collingwood will host the fall meeting in Collingwood;
Carthew Bay Stewardship Team Outings
Assist with the protection and care of a nine hectare natural property near Eight Mile Point on Lake Simcoe (four times per year). Check the website or Facebook for dates. All are welcome!
Contact: Barb Ryckman (705) 242-4026
Saturday, December 14, 2019 6:00 p.m.
AUDUBON CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT AND POT LUCK SUPPER
Member and non-member birders of all levels can take part in this worldwide citizen science project! Bring a group, or we can match you with a group.
Bird Reports and Pot Luck Supper at OMAH (2nd floor with kitchen).
A $5 donation per person to support Bird Studies Canada is appreciated.
Register: Fern Splichal (705) 325-2952
Wednesday, January 8, 2020 7:30 p.m.
BATS, MYSTERIOUS AND MISUNDERSTOOD
Rob Laidlaw, Cbiol, MRSB, Executive Director Zoocheck Inc.
Join wildlife advocate and award-winning author Rob Laidlaw for an illustrated talk about the mysterious and misunderstood world of bats. Learn about their diversity, habitats, lifestyles, adaptations, the threats they face and why bats are so critically important to the functioning of the natural world. You will never look at bats the same way again!
Contact: Marilyn Clark (705) 333-3292
Wednesday, February 5, 2020 7:30 p.m.
WILDFLOWERS OF SIMCOE COUNTY
David J. Hawke, Author and Stewardship Program Manager, Couchiching Conservatory
This timely presentation will illustrate the incredible diversity of botany to be found within Simcoe County. From the unmistakable showy lady’s-slipper orchid to the tiny and oft overlooked water pennywort… David will share his insights and show the beauty of our local flora.
Contact: Gloria Tozek (705) 326-6809
Saturday, February 15, 2020 9:30 am
Outing: SNOWSHOE OR X-COUNTRY
Join Marilyn and Tanya Clark for a morning snowshoe /ski at the Hermitage. This easy, loop trail through hardwood forest in the hills of Oro- Medonte is perfect for families. Bring drinks, snacks and a bag lunch. Parking is limited.
Meet behind Zehrs to carpool at 9 a.m.
Contact: Marilyn Clark (705) 333-3292
Wednesday, March 4, 2020 7:30 p.m.
QUIZ NIGHT
Come join in the fun and test your knowledge on flora and fauna.
Teams will be set up randomly and there will be prizes!
Quiz night is organized by Sue Deadman and Nancy Ironside.
Denis Paccagnella will be MC for the evening.
Saturday, March 7, 2020 3:00 p.m.
Couchiching Conservancy Annual General Meeting will be held at Hawkridge Golf & Country Club. Details at: www.couchichingconserv.ca/
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 7:30 p.m.
EBIRDING BRITISH COLUMBIA
Jean Iron
Learn about what an amazing resource eBird is, together with the fun of birding adventures in another Canadian province. Accompany Jean on trips off the BC coast for seabirds and other wildlife, with photos and great videos. Featured are varied habitats and spectacular scenery.
Contact: Heather Ewing (705)259-0797
Mondays in April 6:30 p.m.
Outings: SIGHTS AND SOUNDS FIELD TRIPS
Muriel Sinclair
Monday, April 6, 2020
Monday, April 13, 2020
Monday, April 20, 2020
Monday, April 27, 2020
Go for a walk and keep your eyes and ears open. You never know what you will encounter on a trip with Muriel! Wear warm clothing, waterproof footwear and bring a flashlight.
Contact: Muriel Sinclair (705) 325-7359
Saturday, April 11, 2020 7:30 a.m.
Outing: MATCHEDASH BAY
Join Sue on a search for migrating waterfowl at
Thiffault cell at Matchedash Bay, as well as on Severn Twp. flooded fields.
Bring lunch, chairs, binoculars, scopes and field guides. Meet behind Zehrs at 7:00 a.m. to carpool.
Contact: Sue Deadman (705) 835-5355
Wednesday, May 6, 2020 6:00 p.m.
CLUB ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND POT LUCK SUPPER
Join together to review successes of the year, meet new and old friends and share stories of nature sightings from around the world!
Meet on the 2nd floor gallery of OMAH where kitchen facilities are available. Bring your dishes and cutlery.
Members may bring digital pictures for a 5-10 minute presentation.
Contact: Barb Ryckman (705) 242-4026
Saturday, May 16, 2020 6:30 a.m.
Outing: COWAN TRAIL
Join Ian Cook, an expert birder, and club member Rob Henderson, on a walk looking for spring migrants near Matchedash Bay on the Cowan Trail. Meet at Zehrs to carpool at 6:30 a.m., bring a lunch and your binoculars. We recommend bug repellent and wearing rubber boots, as it is wet in places.
Contact: Rob Henderson (705) 849-6022
Wednesday, May 27, 2020 8:00 p.m.
Outing: CHIMNEY SWIFT NIGHT
Join Leanore Wiancko and Kay Prince to monitor chimney swift activity. Location will be advised. Bring lawn chairs and warm clothes.
Contact: Leanore Wiancko (705) 326-5261
Saturday, June 20, 2020 10:00 a.m.
Outing: EASTERN BLUEBIRD NEST BOX TRAIL – FOR YOUTH
Join Leanore Wiancko on the bluebird trail – Bring your grandchildren to view young birds in the nest, learn about predators and how to monitor boxes. Limit of 8 youth, but only those 8 years or older will be able to hold baby Blue Birds.Registration required. Meet behind Zehrs at 9:30 a.m. Contact: Leanore Wiancko (705) 326-5261
Ontario Nature Annual Gathering
Ontario Nature will be hosting the 89th Annual Gathering from June 5 to 7 at Evergreen Resort on the beautiful Saugeen Bruce Peninsula. Go to https://ontarionature.org/events/annual-gathering/ to register or get more information.