-
Sunday, February 09, 2020 at 10:00 AM
Civic Gardens in London, ON, CanadaWinter Walk for Wildlife 2020
Winter Walk for Wildlife 2020 / Personal Fundraising Link / Donate to Winter Walk 2020 / Winter Walk 2020 Leaderboard / Fundraising Toolkit
Date change:
New event date is February 9th, 10am - 1pm
Join us for the 3rd Annual Winter Walk for Wildlife!
Help raise funds for crucial habitat conservation AND enjoy networking with other nature enthusiasts and community members that believe in this environmental cause. A guided hiking tour by a naturalist and a warm catered lunch will be provided.
This year's event will take place at the London Civic Gardens with the walks taking place at Springbank along the Thames River.
Please RSVP at the bottom of this page!
Three styles of guided hikes will be provided
The Curious Chickadee Walk (Slow)
An epic interpretive hike with active learning activity designed for kids and the young at heart. Join TTLT ecologist/educator Daria for a gentle-paced stroll where you will learn about the local ecosystem and practice your observation skills as you search for plants and animals to complete your eco bingo card.
The Wise Owl Walk (Slow)
Exercise your mind by joining this stimulating hike led by Winnie, who has been volunteering with TTLT for 15 years. With 50 years of naturalist experience, Winnie has a unique eye for nature as she loves to capture stunning photos of wildlife. Winnie takes an interest in everything that walks, slithers, swims or flies and is delighted to share her wisdom.
The Captivating Cardinal Walk (Moderate)
Put your busy life on hold and just relish in the beauty of your surroundings on this ecology focused hike led by environmental consultant, TTLT volunteer and all round nature enthusiast, Will. Learn about the environmental significance of the area, ecology of river and forest ecosystems on this nature walk.
About the Fundraiser
Money raised by this fundraiser will support much needed conservation work on TTLT's 1700 acres of protected habitat. Challenge your family, friends and colleagues to raise donations and share this event widely.
As an added incentive:
There will be a door crasher raffle for a $50 MEC gift card.
If you raise $100 you will receive a plush Audubon singing bird. These stuffed native species birds are very soft and give realistic bird calls when you squeeze them. A cute toy that is also educational.
If you raise $500 you will receive two tickets to our 5th annual Eco Folk concert held at Aeolian Hall on March 29th. A prize worth $60 in value.
How to Fundraise
Start your own digital fundraising campaign with a personal fundraising link. You can share you personal link with others by email or social media and any donations received through your link will go towards your fundraising total. You can see how much you have raised on the Winter Walk Leaderboard.
If you prefer, you can also use this pledge form for collection of cheques and cash, which can be brought to the event.
If you would like to sponsor someone for the walk, please visit the Winter Walk donations page. Be sure to write in the name of the person that you are supporting to participate in the walk!
Looking for tips and tricks to fundraising, check out our Fundraising Toolkit.
Special thanks to our event sponsors
-
Thursday, February 13, 2020 at 05:30 PM
Unifor Hall, Ingersoll in Ingersoll, ON, CanadaTurtle Guardians Level 1 - Ingersoll
Turtles are living dinosaurs. They have been around for millions of years, surviving whatever changes the world has thrown at them so far. However, all turtle species in Ontario are now considered to be at risk. Why is this happening now? Turtle Guardians Level 1 is a family friendly workshop where you will learn all about turtles and how you can help them.
We will be joined by Sciensational Snakes and you'll get the chance to see actual turtles up close!
Learning objectives at the workshop include:
- How to identify all 8 species of turtles in Ontario
- What turtle nests and eggs look like
- How to help turtles across roads safely
- How to report your turtle sightings
- Fun turtle facts
At the end of the event you'll have the chance to take your turtle ID test and become a level 1 Turtle Guardian with a unique ID card.
Level 1 Guardians will also be eligible to attend the level 2 workshop (stay tuned for details).
Snapping Turtle photo by Scott Gillingwater
We are so grateful to Turtles Guardians for providing guidance and resources for this event!
Thank you TD Friends of the Environment for providing funding for this project.
-
Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 05:30 PM
Riverside United Church, multi-purpose room in London, ON, CanadaTurtle Guardians Level 1 - London
Turtles are living dinosaurs. They have been around for millions of years, surviving whatever changes the world has thrown at them so far. However, all turtle species in Ontario are now considered to be at risk. Why is this happening now? Turtle Guardians Level 1 is a family friendly workshop where you will learn all about turtles and how you can help them.
We will be joined by Sciensational Snakes and you'll get the chance to see actual turtles up close!
Learning objectives at the workshop include:
- How to identify all 8 species of turtles in Ontario
- What turtle nests and eggs look like
- How to help turtles across roads safely
- How to report your turtle sightings
- Fun turtle facts
At the end of the event you'll have the chance to take your turtle ID test and become a level 1 Turtle Guardian with a unique ID card.
Level 1 Guardians will also be eligible to attend the level 2 workshop (stay tuned for details).
Snapping Turtle photo by Scott Gillingwater
We are so grateful to Turtles Guardians for providing guidance and resources for this event!
Thank you TD Friends of the Environment for providing funding for this project.
-
Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 10:00 AM
Westminster Ponds in London, ON, CanadaPassport to Nature: Winter Walk
Hidden in the City of London, Westminster Ponds is a large complex of woodlands and wetlands, known for its diversity of habitats. This winter visit will offer fresh air, a chance to "stretch your legs" and explore the rolling topography of the moraine. David Wake has a long and personal connection to this natural gem in the city. Participants will learn about the glacial activity that created this unique landscape and pick up some tips for identifying trees in winter. Be prepared for winter walking. Depending on temperatures, trails may be icy or muddy. Registration is required, available on Eventbright
Maximum number of participants: 20Registration opens December 22, 2019View the Passport here
-
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at 07:00 PM
London Civic Gardens in London, ON, CanadaNative Plant Gardening 101
Looking for help to establish a pollinator garden? Want to incorporate native plants into your landscaping? We can help! Join Thames Talbot Land Trust and Friends of the London Civic Gardens for a beginner level workshop on planning your native plant garden and get some tips for pollinator friendly plants, low-maintenance landscaping, and beautiful blooms!
This workshop will also include information on native seed collecting, processing, and stratifying. A selection of native seeds will be available for you to help clean, stratify, and make seed packets.
Goals for the workshop include:
- Get ideas on plants that will work in your garden - whether you have sun or shade, clay or sandy soils, wet or dry areas, and different size and space requirements
- Learn about plants that are great for bumblebees, hummingbirds, butterflies, or other species you want to attract
- Learn about bloom times and plan a mix of early, mid, and late flowering plants with different flower colours
- Get tips on where to source native plants or seeds
- Learn how to collect seeds of native plants
- Participate in seed cleaning, processing, and stratifying
- Bonus! Take home some native seeds for your garden
This workshop will take place at London Civic Gardens. Please RSVP below to secure your spot!
Photo by Dave Wake
-
Sunday, March 29, 2020 at 01:00 PM
Aeolian Hall in London, ON, CanadaEco Folk 2020
Enjoy an afternoon of great music and good friends at a magnificent historic venue on Sunday, March 29th!
Eco Folk 2019 is an annual benefit concert for the Thames Talbot Land Trust - held at London’s Aeolian Hall. The concert features noted Canadian artists Dayna Manning, Marty Kolls, Kevin's Bacon Train, Darren Powers and Brent Jones (see performers' bios below).
All proceeds go to the Thames Talbot Land Trust – a local environmental charity that protects and restores environmentally significant land in the London and surrounding region.
Tickets are $30 and are available at the Aeolian Hall box office or online here.
Doors open at 1:00pm. Matinee 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Eco Folk 2020 Performers
Dayna Manning
Singer/Songwriter – Producer – Author – Mentor
Juno nominated artist Dayna Manning exemplifies the very best that Canadian Folk music can be. Her cool clear voice along with her insightful songs represents a history of Canadian musical art that goes back to the early ‘60s and sounds just as vital today. A modern renaissance artist, Dayna recently produced Trent Severn’s third album “Portage”, designed the Stratford Festival’s best selling 60th anniversary t-shirt, and just produced her latest album “Morning Light” with the help of Stratford Festival alumnus Ben Bolt-Martin arranging for chamber orchestra. She recently penned her first book “Many Moons: Songwriter’s Memoir” which was released by Blue Moon Publishers in October 2019. In 2016 Dayna founded the “Folk Army”, a private music instruction academy in Stratford, Ontario. The Folk Army’s mission is to empower young girls to make a positive change in their communities through creativity, thoughtful performance and positive self-esteem.
Marty Kolls
Marty Kolls is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter based in London, Ontario. Crossing genres for over 25 years, Kolls has found her greatest inspiration from other female artists. Her newest video release, Play Too, pushes the message of individuality to the next generation. As an educator, mother-of-two and champion of the “female forward” movement, Kolls’ vocals capture the audience with intense raw lyrics and her powerful piano playing.
Kevin’s Bacon Train
Hailing from the Old East Village in London, Ontario, Kevin’s Bacon Train has been defined as “That band who plays the covers” or “Covergrass” by St. Regis Tavern Regular and Kevin’s Bacon Train Superfan Rudbal Kelly. Members Marty Kolls, Mark Schram, Paul Aitken, Jordan Blake, and Andrew Fleet blend fun and musical virtuosity to create a unique performance experience. From The Our Street Festival, to Aeolian Hall, to in front of that alleyway across from the Movie Theatre in Forest, Ontario, Kevin’s Bacon Train have been making people get up and dance with their upbeat bluegrass spin on the hits of the 80’s, 90’s and 20’s.
Darren Powers
Singer/songwriter Darren Powers has been honing his skills of songcraft and performance with nearly 20 years of experience throughout his home region of Southern Ontario. His music captures the gritty spirit of classic Americana – grounded in truth and realism - exploring tales of loss and redemption with a raw sensitivity. 2020 marks the debut of Darren’s first album release – False Bravado - recorded at Quiet Earth Studios with the help of noted Canadian musicians and producers. The album will be officially launched Saturday, May 30th, 2020 at Quiet Earth with a special immersive concert experience featuring a live multi-media album performance.
Brent Jones
Singer/pianist/composer Brent Jones is a busy musical collaborator in his home region of South-Western Ontario contributing to the work of many artists both local and international through sessions, production, and performance. He runs Quiet Earth Studios on a heritage farm, just outside London, Ontario and is co-founder of the Back To The Garden Music and Arts Festival. Jones’s work focuses on building sustainable creative communities – combining artistic expression and natural systems - to help teach, heal, and celebrate the human experience.
-
Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 10:00 AM
Auzins Community Wildflower Garden, Hawk Cliff Woods in Union, ON, CanadaSpring Gardening at the Auzins Community Wildflower Garden
Do you love gardening? Then consider helping us out at the Auzins Community Wildflower Garden this spring.
The Auzins Community Wildflower Garden at Hawk Cliff Woods is planted with all native perennial plants that are beautiful and hardy choices for landscaping. The garden serves as a demonstration site for native plant gardening as well as a source of seeds for interested community members who want to grow native plants for their own gardens.
Why native plants?
Native plants provide food and habitat for birds, insects, and other creatures while requiring less care in terms of watering, pesticides, and fertilizers, than exotic landscaping plants. Its a win-win for nature and gardeners alike.
How can you help?We are looking for help with garden maintenance including weeding, cleaning up last year's plants, mulching, clearing the trail, and replanting as needed. Feel free to drop in anytime between 10am and 2pm, or stay the whole time.
What to bring
- This is an outdoor event so please bring whatever you need to be comfortable, such as sunscreen, warm clothing, bug spray, and good shoes. As well, be sure to bring your lunch/snacks, and water.
- We will provide gardening gloves, knee pads, and tools, but feel free to bring your own equipment if you prefer.
- Spring at Hawk Cliff is a great time to see flowers, birds, and wildlife, so bring your binoculars, camera, and field guides.
Please note: this event is weather dependent. In the case of cancellations, we will send out an email to everyone who is registered the day before the event.
Butterfly photos (top) by Rebecca Launchbury. Butterflyweed photo (left) by Anita Caveney.
-
Saturday, May 02, 2020 at 10:00 AM
Five Points Forest in Ingersoll, ON, CanadaGarlic Mustard Extravaganza!
Join us on May 2nd at Five Points Forest as we blitz the Garlic Mustard and enjoy a barbecue lunch afterwards. Please RSVP at the bottom of this page.
Why now?
Our amazing neighbour and donor of Five Points Forest, Al, has been pulling Garlic Mustard throughout the property with help from TTLT volunteers for several years. The hard work is paying off as we're seeing a reduction in the Garlic Mustard population. This is a huge win for nature. It's extra important to keep pulling the Garlic Mustard over the next few years to keep the numbers low and allow native plants to recover. Your help at this critical time will have a big impact on nature! And we're making it easier than ever to help out.
- Bus transport will be provided from London and Ingersoll (details TBD).
- No experience necessary - all training provided
- Work gloves and garbage bags will be provided
Bonus! Those who participate in the pull will be invited to a Garlic Mustard Culinary Worskshop hosted by Growing Chefs! on Tuesday, May 5th. Learn how to use garlic mustard in your cooking and make use of this invasive plant.
Who can help out?
Anyone who is able to pull plants. They have short roots and are not difficult to pull out of the ground, but it does require bending/stooping. Families are welcome too!
What to expect at the event
- Five Points Forest is a nature reserve with a mix of forest types and a small open/meadow area at the entrance. There is a trail network which you are welcome to explore.
- There will be a portable washroom on-site.
- Garlic Mustard pulling takes you off-trail where there may be uneven terrain and/or muddy conditions. Volunteers will be able to pick from easier or more difficult spots and each group will be accompanied by a guide.
- Volunteers will be treated to a barbecue lunch after the pulling.
What should you bring
- This is an outdoor event so please bring whatever you need to be comfortable, such as warm clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, bug spray, water, and good shoes.
- Spring in the forest is a great time to view plants, birds, and other wildlife. Bring your binoculars, field guides, and camera.
Photographs by Kaitlin Richardson
-
Wednesday, May 06, 2020 at 10:00 AM
Auzins Community Wildflower Garden, Hawk Cliff Woods in Union, ON, CanadaSpring Gardening at the Auzins Community Wildflower Garden
Do you love gardening? Then consider helping us out at the Auzins Community Wildflower Garden this spring.
The Auzins Community Wildflower Garden at Hawk Cliff Woods is planted with all native perennial plants that are beautiful and hardy choices for landscaping. The garden serves as a demonstration site for native plant gardening as well as a source of seeds for interested community members who want to grow native plants for their own gardens.
Why native plants?
Native plants provide food and habitat for birds, insects, and other creatures while requiring less care in terms of watering, pesticides, and fertilizers, than exotic landscaping plants. Its a win-win for nature and gardeners alike.
How can you help?We are looking for help with garden maintenance including weeding, cleaning up last year's plants, mulching, clearing the trail, and replanting as needed. Feel free to drop in anytime between 10am and 2pm, or stay the whole time.
What to bring
- This is an outdoor event so please bring whatever you need to be comfortable, such as sunscreen, warm clothing, bug spray, and good shoes. As well, be sure to bring your lunch/snacks, and water.
- We will provide gardening gloves, knee pads, and tools, but feel free to bring your own equipment if you prefer.
- Spring at Hawk Cliff is a great time to see flowers, birds, and wildlife, so bring your binoculars, camera, and field guides.
Please note: this event is weather dependent. In the case of cancellations, we will send out an email to everyone who is registered the day before the event.
Butterfly photos (top) by Rebecca Launchbury. Butterflyweed photo (left) by Anita Caveney.
-
Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 10:00 AM
Auzins Community Wildflower Garden, Hawk Cliff Woods in Union, ON, CanadaSpring Gardening at the Auzins Community Wildflower Garden
Do you love gardening? Then consider helping us out at the Auzins Community Wildflower Garden this spring.
The Auzins Community Wildflower Garden at Hawk Cliff Woods is planted with all native perennial plants that are beautiful and hardy choices for landscaping. The garden serves as a demonstration site for native plant gardening as well as a source of seeds for interested community members who want to grow native plants for their own gardens.
Why native plants?
Native plants provide food and habitat for birds, insects, and other creatures while requiring less care in terms of watering, pesticides, and fertilizers, than exotic landscaping plants. Its a win-win for nature and gardeners alike.
How can you help?We are looking for help with garden maintenance including weeding, cleaning up last year's plants, mulching, clearing the trail, and replanting as needed. Feel free to drop in anytime between 10am and 2pm, or stay the whole time.
What to bring
- This is an outdoor event so please bring whatever you need to be comfortable, such as sunscreen, warm clothing, bug spray, and good shoes. As well, be sure to bring your lunch/snacks, and water.
- We will provide gardening gloves, knee pads, and tools, but feel free to bring your own equipment if you prefer.
- Spring at Hawk Cliff is a great time to see flowers, birds, and wildlife, so bring your binoculars, camera, and field guides.
Please note: this event is weather dependent. In the case of cancellations, we will send out an email to everyone who is registered the day before the event.
Butterfly photos (top) by Rebecca Launchbury. Butterflyweed photo (left) by Anita Caveney.