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Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 07:00 AM
Sitler Woods in Southwest Middlesex, ON, CanadaSitler Woods - Trail Opening and Birding Hike #1
Join us for a birding hike to celebrate the opening of a 1 km trail through Sitler Woods in the heart of Skunk’s Misery in Southwest Middlesex. Watch and listen for migrating warblers and other species in this deep interior forest and learn about the trees, shrubs and spring wildflowers in this wetland/upland site. There will be three separate hikes with birders Bernie VanDenBelt, David Wake, and Chris Leys helping to spot and identify birds as well as some plants. Be sure to bring your binoculars and field guides if you have them.Sitler Woods is a 50-acre parcel of spectacular Carolinian forest within the Skunk’s Misery Natural Area. The forest is home to a diversity of animals and plants, including butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, birds, trees, and ephemeral spring wildflowers. Among Carolinian specialties are the Tulip Tree and the endangered eastern Flowering Dogwood. Sitler Woods supports many species of area-sensitive birds that require large tracts of woodland in order to breed successfully.
Silter Woods is named after Delbert Sitler, former owner and long time resident of the Skunk’s Misery area. Delbert spent many enjoyable hours in the woods appreciating the majestic trees and hunting wild game.
Registration for this guided trip is required, limited in number, and subject to COVID-19 regulations at the time. At this time, masks will be required where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Vaccination is strongly recommended.
There will be hikes at 7am, 9am, and 11am. If this time is full, please see the RSVP page for Sitler Woods - Trail Opening and Birding Hike #2 and Sitler Woods - Trail Opening and Birding Hike #3.
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Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 09:00 AM
Sitler Woods in Southwest Middlesex, ON, CanadaSitler Woods - Trail Opening and Birding Hike #2
Join us for a birding hike to celebrate the opening of a 1 km trail through Sitler Woods in the heart of Skunk’s Misery in Southwest Middlesex. Watch and listen for migrating warblers and other species in this deep interior forest and learn about the trees, shrubs and spring wildflowers in this wetland/upland site. There will be three separate hikes with birders Bernie VanDenBelt, David Wake, and Chris Leys helping to spot and identify birds as well as some plants. Be sure to bring your binoculars and field guides if you have them.Sitler Woods is a 50-acre parcel of spectacular Carolinian forest within the Skunk’s Misery Natural Area. The forest is home to a diversity of animals and plants, including butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, birds, trees, and ephemeral spring wildflowers. Among Carolinian specialties are the Tulip Tree and the endangered eastern Flowering Dogwood. Sitler Woods supports many species of area-sensitive birds that require large tracts of woodland in order to breed successfully.
Silter Woods is named after Delbert Sitler, former owner and long time resident of the Skunk’s Misery area. Delbert spent many enjoyable hours in the woods appreciating the majestic trees and hunting wild game.
Registration for this guided trip is required, limited in number, and subject to COVID-19 regulations at the time. At this time, masks will be required where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Vaccination is strongly recommended.
There will be hikes at 7am, 9am, and 11am. If this time is full, please see the RSVP page for Sitler Woods - Trail Opening and Birding Hike #1 and Sitler Woods - Trail Opening and Birding Hike #3.
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Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 11:00 AM
Sitler Woods in Southwest Middlesex, ON, CanadaSitler Woods - Trail Opening and Birding Hike #3
Join us for a birding hike to celebrate the opening of a 1 km trail through Sitler Woods in the heart of Skunk’s Misery in Southwest Middlesex. Watch and listen for migrating warblers and other species in this deep interior forest and learn about the trees, shrubs and spring wildflowers in this wetland/upland site. There will be three separate hikes with birders Bernie VanDenBelt, David Wake, and Chris Leys helping to spot and identify birds as well as some plants. Be sure to bring your binoculars and field guides if you have them.Sitler Woods is a 50-acre parcel of spectacular Carolinian forest within the Skunk’s Misery Natural Area. The forest is home to a diversity of animals and plants, including butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, birds, trees, and ephemeral spring wildflowers. Among Carolinian specialties are the Tulip Tree and the endangered eastern Flowering Dogwood. Sitler Woods supports many species of area-sensitive birds that require large tracts of woodland in order to breed successfully.
Silter Woods is named after Delbert Sitler, former owner and long time resident of the Skunk’s Misery area. Delbert spent many enjoyable hours in the woods appreciating the majestic trees and hunting wild game.
Registration for this guided trip is required, limited in number, and subject to COVID-19 regulations at the time. At this time, masks will be required where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Vaccination is strongly recommended.
There will be hikes at 7am, 9am, and 11am. If this time is full, please see the RSVP page for Sitler Woods - Trail Opening and Birding Hike #1 and Sitler Woods - Trail Opening and Birding Hike #2.
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Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 09:00 AM
Westminster Ponds Centre in London, ON, CanadaNative Plant Sale Fundraiser
Native Plant Sale Fundraiser
Find beautiful, low maintenance plants for your garden while supporting your local non-profit organizations.
Order now until May 13th. Pick up your plants at the Westminster Ponds Centre on May 28th.
Why native plants?
There are many benefits to gardening with native plants. Native plants naturally occur in our local areas and provide food and habitat to local pollinators, insects, birds, and other wildlife. They are also well suited to our climate and soils, so they require less care in terms of watering, fertilizing, and pest control compared to exotic garden plants. And they make for beautiful, climate friendly, waterwise gardens!
Ordering your plants
A range of native plants are available including sun-loving plants, shade plants, shrubs and vines. All plants will be sold as plugs and are $6.50 each for perennials and $8 each for shrubs and vines. Click below for the online order form to see what's available and place your order.
The order form will be open until May 13th or until the plants sell out, whichever comes first. Payment is due upon ordering.
Picking up your plants
Orders will be available for pickup on May 28, 2021 at the Westminster Ponds Centre only at your scheduled pickup time. You will choose a 30 minute pick-up window when you place your order - please be sure to arrive at Westminster Ponds during your pick-up window.
Pickup address:
944 Western Counties Road, London, ON, N6C 4R3 (click for Google Maps)
All proceeds support environmental projects by these local non-profit organizations:
Climate Action London, Thames Talbot Land Trust, Nature London, Pollinator Pathways, and ReForest London
This sale is hosted by the Westminster Ponds Centre
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Sunday, May 29, 2022 at 11:00 AM
Five Points Forest in Putnam, ON, CanadaVolunteer Event: Garlic Mustard Pull and BBQ at Five Points Forest
Garlic Mustard is a non-native, invasive plant. Originally introduced from Europe, it has spread across large parts of North America, to the detriment of natural areas and their biodiversity. Garlic Mustard is very aggressive, quickly crowding out native plants and even emitting a chemical into the soil that prevents many native plants from growing. We need your help to remove it!Join us at Five Points Forest on May 29th to help clear the Garlic Mustard from the forest and allow native plants some room to grow. Five Points Forest is located near Ingersoll at 4975 Robinson Rd, Putnam, ON. There will be roadside parking - enjoy a lovely spring hike while you're here.
Afterwards, enjoy a burger fresh from the barbecue as our way of saying thanks! Vegetarian options will also be available.
Things to note:
- There are no washroom facilities at Five Points Forest, so please plan accordingly.
- This event involves hand pulling plants, which requires stooping or kneeling.
- We will be walking through areas where you may encounter ticks. Be sure to check for ticks before leaving the site and once you get home. More info on ticks is available here.
What to bring:
- TTLT will provide work gloves and garbage bags, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
- This is an outdoor event so please bring whatever you need to be comfortable, such as sunscreen, bug spray, rain gear, and good shoes. As well, bring along snacks and plenty of water.
Removing Garlic Mustard will be off the trails. It can be muddy, buggy, thorny and poison ivy can be present where we are going. Please dress appropriately for the forest. Rubber boots are encouraged. Children are welcome to the event but under the guardian's supervision. Please consider if the child will be able to handle uncomfortable situations walking through a forest. Although the work is hard the burgers will taste that much better afterwards!
Please note: This event is weather dependent. In the case of any changes or cancellation, we will send out an email to everyone who is registered the day before the event.
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Thursday, June 02, 2022 at 07:00 PM
All My Relations - Webinar with Carolynne Crawley
All My Relations WebinarIndigenous peoples around the Earth deeply understand the interwoven relationships between all beings. Indigenous Elders speak of the individual and collective responsibility we all have to be in a healthy and reciprocal relationship with the Earth. This is more important now than any time in history. As we witness and experience the impacts of a climate crisis, governments and corporations move slowly to make any change. Indigenous people only make up about 5% of the world's population. Yet they protect 80% of the world's biodiversity.
In this webinar, Carolynne Crawley, will focus upon breaking down colonial and capitalistic ways of thinking and behaviours that separate people from the Earth to create an opportunity for reflection and individual change. She will share Indigenous perspectives that guide people to build responsible and reciprocal relations with the lands, waters, and all beings.
About Carolynne Crawley:
Carolynne Crawley, founder of Msit No’kmaq, is a woman of Mi'kmaw, Black and Irish ancestry and is from Mi’kma’ki territory, also known today as Nova Scotia. But Tkaronto has been her home since a young child. She is dedicated to social and environmental justice. Carolynne is passionate about reconnecting people with the land, waters, and all beings as there is no separation between us. Carolynne leads workshops for the public and the private sector.
Carolynne is the founder of Turtle Protectors, a new initiative led by Indigenous Elders and community members to advocate, protect, and support turtle relations and their kin in High Park. She is also a certified Forest Therapy Guide, previously a Trainer and Mentor in the practice, a Blanket Exercise Facilitator, a Holistic Nutritionist, Storyteller, and a member of the Indigenous Land Stewardship Circle.
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Saturday, June 04, 2022 at 10:00 AM
Meadowlily Nature Preserve in London, ON, CanadaVolunteer Event: Garlic Mustard Pull and BBQ at Meadowlily Nature Preserve
Garlic Mustard is a non-native, invasive plant. Originally introduced from Europe, it has spread across large parts of North America, to the detriment of natural areas and their biodiversity. Garlic Mustard is very aggressive, quickly crowding out native plants and even emitting a chemical into the soil that prevents many native plants from growing. We need your help to remove it!Join us at Meadowlily Nature Preserve on June 4th to help clear the Garlic Mustard from the forest and allow native plants some room to grow. Meadowlily Nature Preserve is across the road from Meadowlily Woods - enjoy a lovely spring hike while you're here.
Afterwards, enjoy a burger fresh from the barbecue as our way of saying thanks! Vegetarian options will also be available.
Register through Eventbrite here!
Things to note:
- There are no washroom facilities at Meadowlily, so please plan accordingly.
- This event involves hand pulling plants, which requires stooping or kneeling.
- We will be walking through meadow habitat during this event, and may encounter ticks. Be sure to check for ticks before leaving the site and once you get home. More info on ticks is available here.
What to bring:
- TTLT will provide work gloves and garbage bags, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
- This is an outdoor event so please bring whatever you need to be comfortable, such as sunscreen, bug spray, rain gear, and good shoes. As well, bring along snacks and plenty of water.
Please note: This event is weather dependent. In the case of any changes or cancellation, we will send out an email to everyone who is registered the day before the event.
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Sunday, June 05, 2022 at 09:00 AM
Meadowlily Nature Preserve in London, ON, CanadaPassport to Nature: Yoga in Nature (9am)
Nature and yoga have many benefits for the mind, body and soul, so, it makes perfect sense to combine the two. Join Leigh Shand, Certified Holistic Practitioner and nature lover, for a 45-minute yoga practice at either 9 am or 10 am (two sessions) at Meadowlily Nature Preserve (London). Please bring your own mat, comfortable exercise clothing and a reusable water bottle. No experience required. Namaste.Registration for this event is required and subject to COVID-19 regulations at the time. This event may also be postponed due to weather conditions.
There are two sessions available for this event. If this session is full, please see the Passport to Nature: Yoga in Nature (10am session) event page.
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Sunday, June 05, 2022 at 10:00 AM
Meadowlily Nature Preserve in London, ON, CanadaPassport to Nature: Yoga in Nature (10am)
Nature and yoga have many benefits for the mind, body and soul, so, it makes perfect sense to combine the two. Join Leigh Shand, Certified Holistic Practitioner and nature lover, for a 45-minute yoga practice at either 9 am or 10 am (two sessions) at Meadowlily Nature Preserve (London). Please bring your own mat, comfortable exercise clothing and a reusable water bottle. No experience required. Namaste.Registration for this event is required and subject to COVID-19 regulations at the time. This event may also be postponed due to weather conditions.
There are two sessions available for this event. If this session is full, please see the Passport to Nature: Yoga in Nature (9am session) event page.
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Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 10:00 AM
Hawk Cliff Woods in Union , ON, CanadaVolunteer Event: 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 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, and clearing the trail. Feel free to drop in anytime between 10am and 1pm, 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, bug spray, and good shoes. As well, be sure to bring your lunch/snacks, and water.
- We can provide gardening gloves, knee pads, and tools, but feel free to also bring your own.
- There are lots of flowers, birds, and wildlife to see, so bring your binoculars, camera, and field guides.
Things to note
- There are no washroom facilities at Hawk Cliff Woods, so please plan accordingly.
- We may encounter ticks at this event. Be sure to check for ticks before leaving the site and once you get home. More info on ticks is available here.
Please note: this event is weather dependent. In the case of any changes or cancellation, 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