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Wednesday, May 26, 2021 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, clearing the trail, and replanting as needed. 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, 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.
Things to note
- Due to COVID-19, we will be practicing physical distancing at this event, meaning you should stay at least 2m away from anyway who doesn't live in your household. Although this is an outdoor event, everyone is encouraged to wear a mask.
- There are no washroom facilities at Hawk Cliff Woods, so please plan accordingly.
- 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.
Please note: this event is subject to change or cancellation depending on COVID-19 restrictions. As well, 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
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Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 06:00 PM
P2N Forest Immersion
Join Katie Van Den Berg to explore the many benefits and the latest science of being in a deeper relationship with nature through the practice of Forest Therapy. Learn ways to awaken your senses and immerse yourself in nature to calm and relax – whether it be in your backyard, park or forest. Be guided through some nature connection invitations to experience the practice and find balance in uncertain times. Katie is a trained Forest Therapy Guide, Hike Leader, Yoga Teacher, and owner of Peaceful Pine Wellness.
What to Bring:
1) A couple of ‘found objects’ from nature – could be anything that’s natural such as a rock, leaf, feather, stick or shell. We will be using a ‘found object’ during one of the guided experiences, so have it closeby.
2) Have a comfortable place to sit to allow you to relax (get cozy with pillows and blankets)
3) Brew a freshly steeped warm tea (preferably put into a thermos) or simply a glass of water works too. We will come together in community (virtually) and drink tea as part of our final guided experience.
4) Your questions about connecting with nature or Forest Therapy. We will leave some time at the end for a brief Q&A session.
To join this virtual event please RSVP down below.
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Friday, May 28, 2021 at 10:00 AM
Blain Farm in West Elgin, ON, CanadaVolunteer Event: Planting at Blain Farm
We're piloting a native plant seed production project at Blain Farm and we need your help to plant the seeds! Blain Farm is one of two farms that TTLT protects. We've taken a small area out of regular production in order to grow native perennial wildflowers and grasses. Each year we plan to harvest their seeds for use in restoration projects around the region, and we're also investigating whether we can sell some of the seed as a source of revenue to support our conservation work. The native plants will also create additional habitat for pollinators - it's a win-win.
Last year we installed most of the rows, but there are still some left to seed/plant. We're looking for help to measure out and mark the seed rows as well as sprinkle seeds or plant small plants in the rows. Come out and be part of this exciting project! This is also a rare opportunity to visit Blain Farm, see some of the restoration work, and enjoy scenic views of the Thames River. Please RSVP at the bottom of this page to reserve your spot!
Photo: Planting at Blain Farm by Colin Johnson
What you need to know about this event
- Due to COVID-19, we will be practicing physical distancing at this event, meaning you should stay at least 2m away from anyway who isn't in your household. Since the event is outdoors, masks are not required, but we encourage you to wear one anyway.
- There are no washroom facilities at Blain Farm, so please plan accordingly. The West Lorne On Route on Highway 401 is probably the closest available washroom.
- Seeding requires some kneeling or stooping, and marking the rows will require some level of physical strength to use a hoe or similar gardening tool.
- Some walking over muddy ground will be required - it's about a 1km walk each way to the planting area.
- There is a chance you could encounter ticks at Blain Farm. 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 subject to change or cancellation depending on COVID-19 restrictions. As well, 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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Saturday, May 29, 2021 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 15th. Pick up your plants at the Westminster Ponds Centre on May 29th.
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 $5 each. Click below for the online order form to see what's available and place your order.
The order form will be open until May 15th 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 29, 2021 at the Westminster Ponds Centre only at your scheduled pickup time. You will choose a 15 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
Funding for the Native Plant Sale was provided by Embracing the Spirit of the United Church of Canada.
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Sunday, May 30, 2021 at 10:00 AM
Meadowlily Nature Preserve in London, ON, CanadaVolunteer Event: Garlic Mustard Pull 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 May 30th 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.
Please RSVP at the bottom of this page. There are two time slots to pick from so that we can work safely in smaller groups.
Things to note:
- Due to COVID-19, we will be practicing physical distancing at this event, meaning you should stay at least 2m away from anyway who isn't in your household. Although this is an outdoor event, everyone is encouraged to wear a mask.
- 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 subject to change or cancellation depending on COVID-19 restrictions. As well, 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, May 30, 2021 at 10:00 AM
Five Points Forest in Putnam, ON, CanadaVolunteer Event: Garlic Mustard Pull 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 aggressive, crowding out native understory plants and even emitting a chemical into the soil that prevents many native plants from growing.
Join us at Five Points Forest on May 30th, at 10am, to help pull Garlic Mustard and create space for native forest plants to thrive. Five Points Forest has a beautiful, well-developed trail system, so don't miss out on a lovely spring hike.
Please RSVP at the bottom of this page.
Things to note:
- Due to COVID-19, we will be practicing physical distancing at this event, meaning you should stay at least 2m away from anyway who doesn't live in your household. Although this is an outdoor event, everyone is encouraged to wear a mask.
- There are no washroom facilities at Five Points Forest, so please plan accordingly.
- This event involves hand pulling plants, which requires stooping or kneeling.
- You may encounter ticks at Five Points Forest. 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 subject to change or cancellation depending on COVID-19 restrictions. As well, 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, May 30, 2021 at 12:30 PM
Five Points Forest in Putnam, ON, CanadaVolunteer Event: Garlic Mustard Pull 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 aggressive, crowding out native understory plants and even emitting a chemical into the soil that prevents many native plants from growing.
Join us at Five Points Forest on May 30th, at 12:30pm, to help pull Garlic Mustard and create space for native forest plants to thrive. Five Points Forest has a beautiful, well-developed trail system, so don't miss out on a lovely spring hike.
Please RSVP at the bottom of this page.
Things to note:
- Due to COVID-19, we will be practicing physical distancing at this event, meaning you should stay at least 2m away from anyway who doesn't live in your household. Although this is an outdoor event, everyone is encouraged to wear a mask.
- There are no washroom facilities at Five Points Forest, so please plan accordingly.
- This event involves hand pulling plants, which requires stooping or kneeling.
- You may encounter ticks at Five Points Forest. 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 subject to change or cancellation depending on COVID-19 restrictions. As well, 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 06, 2021 at 02:00 PM
Joany's Woods in Lambton Shores , ON, CanadaPassport to Nature's Spring Wildflowers
Join Will Van Hemessen, passionate botanist and ecologist, to learn about the beautiful array of spring wildflowers in the woodlands and wetlands of Joany’s Woods, a scenic 148-ha (365-acre) reserve along the Ausable River.This guided field trip is subject to COVID regulations at the time. If necessary, this event will be postponed, held as a webinar or cancelled.
Spots are limited so please RSVP below to save your spot. If you can no longer attend please email [email protected] so that we can fill the vacant spot.Photos by John St. Pierre and Ric Symmes
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Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 10:00 AM
Sitler Woods in Southwest Middlesex, ON, CanadaVolunteer Event: Flowering Dogwood Monitoring at Sitler Woods
Eastern Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), with its beautiful white flowers, is an iconic Carolinian species. Unfortunately this small tree is under threat from an invasive disease called Dogwood Anthracnose, and is currently listed as Endangered in Ontario.
On June 12th, you can help TTLT monitor Eastern Flowering Dogwood at Sitler Woods. No experience is required and we will provide training on the monitoring protocol.
Please RSVP at the bottom of this page.
What to bring
Come prepared for an outdoor, off-trail experience. TTLT will provide all necessary equipment.
- Rubber boots or good hiking boots and long pants (no shorts!) are a must. Long sleeves are recommended as you might be walking through shrubs. This event will take place rain or shine so come dressed for the weather.
- Bring your lunch and plenty of water and snacks.
- Bring your field guides, binoculars, and camera, if you have them. Sitler Woods is a beautiful spot for birding and botany.
Things to note
- Due to COVID-19, we will be practicing physical distancing at this event, meaning you should stay at least 2m away from anyway who doesn't live in your household. Although this is an outdoor event, everyone is encouraged to wear a mask.
- There are no washroom facilities at Sitler Woods so please plan accordingly.
- We will be walking through forest 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.
Please note: this event is subject to change or cancellation depending on COVID-19 restrictions. In the case of any changes or cancellation, we will send out an email to everyone who is registered the day before the event.