Our Mission
To foster awareness and appreciation of nature through education, observation and experience.
To promote the protection and conservation of the environment through community activities.
What We Do
We provide educational opportunities and foster awareness of nature, particularly the flora and fauna, as well as earth sciences and astronomy.
We lead and facilitate field trips to learn and experience nature. We promote the protection of nature, biological diversity and sustainability within North Durham.
We carry out projects in co-operation with other community groups, to conserve and protect the environment within North Durham.
NDN Events-2018
Event Director - email James at James.Kamstra@aecom.com
Talks - 2018
4th Thursday night at 7 pm,
Uxbridge Senior’s Centre – 75 Marietta Street Uxbridge OR Scugog Memorial Library. -231 Water Street, Port Perry
bring a mug to enjoy a coffee or tea
June 28, 2018 – Nature, Kids and the Anthropocene – Dr. Brendon Larson – Port Perry
In this new epoch, the Anthropocene, nature is everywhere subject to human activities. What might this change mean for how we, as conservationists and naturalists, approach the education of our children and grand-children about nature and its value? Dr. Larson is a professor in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability at the University of Waterloo who is looking in depth at the challenge of conserving ‘nature’.
September 27th, 2018 - Alex Mills - Wip-poor-will Ecology - Brock
- Details TBA
October 25th, 2018 - Jean Iron - James Bay Shorebirds - Port Perry
- Details TBA
November 22nd, 2018 - Cuba Ecology - Uxbridge
- Details TBA
Walks - 2018
Details on meeting locations and to preregister:
Saturday July 7th – Butterflies in the Uxbridge Countryside Preserve – 1 p.m.
Join Derek for a walk around the butterfly loop as he attempts to identify the “flutterbys”. Bring binoculars, and your butterfly guide. No dogs please.
Meet at Countryside Preserve main parking lot behind Rona/Walmart in Uxbridge. Weather dependent. To preregister please contact Derek by e-mail to ndnature7@gmail.com or by phone at 905-852-5432.
Fees
All events are open to the public.
Membership in North Durham Nature is $40 for singles, $50 for families for calendar year. All members receive a quarterly newsletter and priority email of events coming up plus more. Fees cover insurance, room bookings and incidentals. We are non-profit members of Ontario Nature.
A $5.00 donation is appreciated from non-members attending our monthly talks to cover refreshments, insurance and rental.
For more information, please call Derek at 905-852-5432 or email ndnature7@gmail.com
*New* - Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/northdurhamnature
NDN Projects
Lafarge - Regan Pit (7th concession) Bird Boxes
NDN had a three year contract (2014-2016 )with the company to monitor 50 bird boxes which we recommended and located in the restoration area of the pit. The club selected Paul Rothfels "Mouse Proof" bird box design after recommendations from neighbours on the 7th concession. The design benefits of reducing predation without the extra costs of a baffle plus the willingness of Lafarge to pay for a secure pole system were factors in choosing the design.
In the first year 52% of the boxes were occupied and all successfully produced eggs and young. The Tree Swallow occupied most of the boxes, six boxes raised Eastern Bluebirds, and one raised a Black -capped Chickadee. There were no House Wrens, sparrows, mice or other vertebrates in any boxes.
In year two 71% of the boxes were active and a slight increase was observed in target species, allthough House wrens arrived in late summer in a couple of boxes.
In year three 81% of the boxes were occupied by 29 Tree swallow, 9 Eastern Bluebird, and I Black capped Chickadee families producing over a 100 fledged young. This is a huge success. Considering the concern over population declines in aerial insectivores our boxes have certainly helped the Tree swallow populations. A more detailed report is available for members in the April 2017 club newsletter.
In 2017 and now 2018 we have continued monitoring the boxes. Many thanks to all the volunteers who assisted in the monitoring over the years.
In Memory of Paul Rothfels a Gathering was held on March 4, at the Udora Hall from 2 - 4. Click on My tribute to Paul and the OBIT
Margaret has passed on Paul's Bird box gig and materials to Keith Stait Gardner who has offered his workshop to the Nature club to assemble more bird houses to support the club. Last year we built 45 boxes and will have sold them by this summer. We plan to build another 26 this summer which will use up supplies left by Paul. If you are interested in purchasing a box check out our brochure (Rothfel's Bird Box)and order through Derek ndnature7@gmail.com. or 905-852-5432. Thanks to Paul Rothfels the birds have a safe place to raise their young.
For 2018 members John and Lee Fisher will continue monitoring at the Regan Pit anyone interested in helping let us know.
Uxbridge Countryside Preserve- Bird Houses
NDN took over from the Uxbridge Birders who had been monitoring and repairing the bird boxes first placed in the Preserve in 2008 by the Scouts. The number of boxes was reduced to 26 from 45 in 2014 to improve success. Changes in habitat caused by the invasion of Scot Pine and other plants had slowly reduced the meadow habitat which is important for swallows and bluebirds. A Scot Pine thinning program is now in place on an annual basis. The box system is not predator proof and was modified with the help of the Uxbridge Scouts in 2015. Juice cans and plastic pipe along with an additional front was added to some boxes over the entrance to act as a predator deterrent. Tree Swallows accepted the change however Bluebirds did not use these boxes. It is believed the Preserve can only support four Eastern Bluebird nests in any year because of the reduced meadow habitat. Tree Swallows however are still increasing and the reduction in boxes available appears to have lowered the House Wren population and competition. Two additional boxes will be installed this spring using the "Mouse Proof " model. Two years of intensive monitoring continued by six Uxbridge resident volunteer familes ( BIrd Box Buddies) resulting in more accurate data. Thanks are extended to the Bird Box Buddies who put in many hours monitoring the boxes over the summer and the Township of Uxbridge for their support. The Spring Bird House Inspection 2018 indicated we are open for business and tenants will be arriving soon. We are looking for landlords?
If you are interested in helping out, learning how bird boxes work or want to buy a box to save cavity nesting birds contact Derek at 905-852-5432 or ndnature7@gmail.com.
BIRD HOUSES -Mouseproof Design long lasting , support your club - $45 each discounts for bulk orders
Uxbridge Countryside Preserve Canada 150 Species Count
- Follow the underlined link to read all about it over 180 sp counted! Canada150 Species Challenge Met!
Our plan is to turn the count into an annual family event a Bioblitz every June !
Ontario Nature Youth Summit for Biodiversity and Environmental Leadership
In the fall 2016 we continued our annual commitment and sent two young students, Hayden DeBarros and Rylee Brown to the Ontario Nature Youth Summit at Lake Couchiching, where they were engaged in interactive workshops and activities on topics including food security, endangered species, medicinal plants, sustainability and much more. You can read about Rylee's experience in the club newsletter. Interested students should contact us or click on Ontario Nature to find out more . If you are or know of interested teens in participating contact us.
Late May - The Great Canadian Bird-a-thon
North Durham Nature's Geoff Carpentier participates yearly in this charity birding event. The James Baillie Bird-a-thon changed its name to Great Canadian Bird-a-thon, but it's still about counting birds for conservation. If you would like more information or to sponsor Geoff please click on the underlined link above. Thanks to everyone's generous donations, Geoff raises $1000's to help fund projects to protect birds and their habitats. 25% of the money raised helps fund North Durham Nature's nature-based projects. Donations are tax deductable!
Conservation Action 2017
(click on underlined text to open link)
Review of the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993
Summary of Recommendations for Reform
Proposed Regional Natural Heritage System for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (EBR 013-1014)
Spring Wildflower Planting
NDN assisted the Uxbridge Scouts in a Prairie grass and forbs planting May 13th in the Uxbridge Countryside Preserve. 300 native plant plugs were planted in a 10 x 25 m rototilled plot. These plants will enhance the field with food and habitat for butterflies, bees, birds and other meadow wildlife. If you would like to adopt a plant and help it establish itself through the summer by watering and weeding contact Derek 905-852-5432
Turtles
NDN adds its signature to Ontario Nature's call to ban hunting of Snapping Turtles in Ontario and we were successful ! Now we need to figure out how to reduce road mortality.
Coming up each Fall
Volunteers wanted for Scot Pine ( invasive) thinning in the Uxbridge Countryside Preserve fields to keep the meadows open. Stay tuned for dates .
2016.
Feral Cats
A request was made to Uxbridge council to change the cat bylaw giving more freedom to cats. As many of us know cats are major predators to birds and other native species. We apposed the change. Read our letter linked here. Feral Cats
Conservation Action 2018
Protected Places Campaign
NDN adds its signature to Ontario Nature's Protected Places Campaign. You can show your individual support as well by signing the declaration (click on underlined text)
Community Nature Related Events
(underlined text links to details)
June 16th, 2018: Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust Blitzing the Moraine 2018 presents - Uxbridge Bioblitz
Register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/blitzing-the-moraine-2018-uxbridge-bioblitz-tickets-41715360767 for details on time and location.
Butterfly Counts 2018: June 24th - Oshawa and July 8th - Uxbridge and Brock.
Please contact James Kamstra by e-mail at James.Kamstra@aecom.com to register.
Ducks Unlimited Canada Nest Box Program
Ducks Unlimited Canada is currently looking for project sites that will help provide habitat for cavity nesters like wood ducks and Goldeneye. If you have a wetland on your property larger than a couple of acres, and would like to provide habitat for ducks and other wildlife (like tree swallows and screech owls), then this program is meant for you! Landowners are responsible for installing, maintaining and monitoring the nest boxes, but DUC provides the nest boxes and technical advice to landowners. Nest boxes are placed in wetland habitats like beaver ponds, where they will be most useful to ducks. If you're interested in more details, please contact Jenn Lavigne at Ducks Unlimited Canada: (705) 721-4444.
EVENT REVIEWS
TALKS
(underlined text links to reviews)
May 2018 - Spring Wildflowers of the Uxbridge Countryside Preserve trails
In order of observation, in flower, some seen in numerous locations, in May 2018.
Can you identify the ephemerals? Add to the list and email me for next year.
- Coltsfoot
- Trout Lily
- Sharp lobed Hepatica
- Bloodroot
- Miterwort
- Bunchberry
- Wild strawberry
- Field Pussy-toes
- Violets- White, Blue, Yellow
- Northern Bedstraw
- Red Trillium
- Yellow Trillium
- Large flowering trillium
- Jack in the Pulpit
- White Baneberry
- False Solomon’s seal
- Solomon’s seal
- Starflower
- Fringed Polygala
- Wild lily of the Valley
- Foam flower
- Kidney leaf buttercup
- Red Baneberry
- Virginia Waterleaf
Please contribute photos to our Facebook group “Botanists of the Countryside Preserve, Or Facebook page - North Durham Nature. Thanks to those who joined me and added to the 2018 Spring wildflower walks. Derek Connelly – ndnature7@gmail.com. Here’s a website with photos to keep us looking for next year and consider planting at home….http://www.thenewperennialist.com/sleeping-beauties-in-search-of-spring-ephemerals/
Thursday, April 26th, 2018 - Polar Bears of Ontario’s North Shore - Dr. Martyn Obbard
Dr. Martyn Obbard presented his findings of many years of polar bear research in northern Ontario on Thursday night to a record crowd of almost 70 people at the Port Perry library. He believes our impact on carbon dioxide levels has resulted in the decline of sea ice and the ultimate decline in polar bear populations in the areas he studied. He used a BBC video clip to show the importance of sea ice for polar bear hunting seals, and still maps and graphs to indicate the ice decline over time with increases in carbon dioxide levels. He strongly believes that we must make wise choices to provide long term protection for the polar bears. Recently retired Dr. Obbard continues his quest to save the polar bear.
Thursday, March 22nd, 2018 - Spiders of Ontario - Tom Mason - Uxbridge
Tom kept the audience of thirty people enthralled till 9 pm with his stories of his close encounters with scorpions, Black widows and spiders of every size around the world and here in Ontario. Their adaptations to fly with a balloon of silk many kilometres off shore, to spit and catch their prey, their traps, their lures, their incredible eyes , their sharp spikes, their jaws , their dances and jumps, ...gosh so much behavioural and physical variety in eight legged creatures. Tom has been bitten handling spiders but generally they tend not to bite at all just run away. He claims many of the bites we get which we blame on spiders are not spiders at all. In any case I am happy to just look and photo that big dock spider at the cottage!
January 25th, 2018 - AGM and Nature Quiz Night
A fun night of nature interpretation! Approximately 30 participants circled around in teams to several tables with different nature objects (skulls, furs, nests, feathers, foot prints) and tested their ID skills. The answers were revealed through a Power Point presentation delivered by North Durham Nature's Vice President, Cara Gregory. Participants found some items challenging, but did very well, and enjoyed getting to know other members. Thanks to members that contributed to the table items.
WALKS
(underlined text links to reviews)
Saturday, June 9th, 2018 - Bird Loop Hike - Uxbridge Countryside Preserve
Eight of us enjoyed a walk about the Countryside Preserve yesterday listening and spotting breeding birds. Kim Adams demonstrated how a smart phone App now replaces the book for many new birders. Using the App both the call and the visual clues can be used to figure out what you are looking at. Derek stressed the need for caution with playing back the calls during breeding season as birds can assume there is a real threat to their nesting or courtship and may leave an area possibly abandoning a nest or mate. With that in mind the call should be played quietly so you hear it and the real bird does not.
Many of the group were able to identify by call the Red-eyed Vireo, Ovenbird, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow and House Wren on the walk. An eBird checklist was generated using 61 past sightings for June and we were able to add to the list this June! All in all about 15 birds were seen or heard by the group during the 2 hour walk. The weather was cloudy at first and still in contrast to Friday’s sunshine and thermal updrafts which brought in more activity (34 Birds were recorded by Kim Adams on Friday morning)
Butterflies also added to the fun! A Tiger Swallowtail flittered by, an American Copper appeared near a bird house, and a Common Ringlet was seen. A Red-spotted Purple challenged the whole group on the trail as we attempted to see it with binoculars or photograph it with a cell phone and it wouldn't stay still for long.
New summer flowers were appearing - lots of the tall Yellow Goatsbeard and a dandelion-like plant possibly Mouse-eared Hawkweed.
Some of the group were past members wishing to join up again and we look forward to seeing them at the next event.
In July look for a Butterfly Walk in the Countryside Preserve date to be determined.
May 27th, 2018
Four of us started our Flower walk by exploring the roadside of Elgin Park Drive on the east side below the Wooden sticks trail. Wood Anemone, and Oxeye Daisy were in bloom as where the aliens' Yellow Goatsbeard, Birdsfoot trefoil, and Cow Vetch. Goatsbeard is a challenge as it is a common name for two quite different plants so the colour is important in the name. The native goatsbeard has small white/cream flowers on finger like clusters giving a bearded appearance. The introduced plant is like a tall dandelion and it closes its flower by noon so you often miss it. Of course being a native plant supporter I wish we did!
We were invited into the private lane behind the new housing development and looked at flowers near an old pond near the Uxbridge Brook. More aliens White and Pink Rocket, and Bladder campion possibly planted and our native Virginia waterleaf were identified. The waterleaf is very similar to baneberry in leaf but the flowers are quite different . Returning to the Countryside Preserve trail we saw the trilliums once a mass of beauty through the woods now fading away, and the baneberry going to seed with the stalk which will soon hold its doll's eyes like berries. A season changes and summer flowers take over. Foam flower was in bloom popping up in large patches and some of our spring plants showing their true identity as all summer flowers . Lily of the Valley and the three Solomon seals continue blooming through June.
It will be interesting to add more flowers to our summer list in the Uxbridge Countryside Preserve in the weeks ahead. Thanks to Ann, Lynne and Willa for joining me.
May 20th, 2018 - Wildflower Walk - Uxbridge Countryside Preserve - Derek Connelly
Six of us joined the weekly flower walk Sunday at 1pm . Retracing last weeks route we added a few more flowers to the growing list . From last week the White and Red trilliums were still in bloom but some White's were showing pink as they age. Field Pussytoes, Jack in the pulpit, Strawberry, Blue and White Violets, , Miterwort, and Red Baneberry were some of the plants identified and photographed.
Next week we meet at the Elgin Park road entrance to the Preserve Sunday. Ann Goldring has some Yellow Trilliums to show us. Parking in the Rexall Parking lot is safer than roadside. Sunday May 27th 1 pm
May 13th, 2018 - Wildflower Walk - Uxbridge Countryside Preserve - Derek Connelly
Twelve budding botanists enjoyed a walk in the Uxbridge Countryside Preserve Sunday morning. While many flowers are still to come the group did identify over ten species. White trilliums were abundant and had recently opened their flowers. Sharp - leaved hepatica was also in flower, as was a small number of Dog toothed violet ( trout lily) and Canada mayflower ( Wild lily of the valley ). The day was warming up and flowers seemed to be opening as we waked so I imagine more will be showing by the end of the week.
We have agreed to meet again next Sunday at 1 pm to enjoy the advance of spring flowers. Thanks to all who shared their knowledge and enjoyment of the wildflowers.
May 11th, 2018 - Frog Walk - Uxbridge Countryside Preserve
Mother nature finally came through and gave us a cool but dry evening for frogs. Thirteen of us including two children met in the parking lot for our frog evening. After brief introductions Derek Connelly introduced other members of the nature club Cara Gregory and Geoff Carpentier who would be sharing their experiences too. Participants received a Toronto Zoo “adopt a pond “ brochure which has pictures of the Ontario frogs and Derek and Cara clarified which ten species were found here. Pictures and sounds of frogs from the two frog watch cell phone Aps were used. Spring is the time when frogs and toads gather to sing and mate in small bodies of water.
Walking down to the wetland areas the first pond was relatively quiet until we passed by then a few spring peepers started up. As we approached the second pond they again were quiet until we settled down to listen and then our frog solo began. The temperature was 11C which kept many frog species quiet, a true symphony only occurs after about 15 C. Wood frogs one of the first callers of spring have a quacking sound which was heard over two weeks ago were now quiet and may have laid their eggs and returned to the forest. The American Toad’s trill heard last night in many backyards was absent tonight. Spring Peepers however kept up a good chorus of peeps which came from many directions as the sound bounced off the trees around the pond.
Geoff our bird expert heard the call of the Woodcock and a brief walk into the meadow allowed others to hear it too. The male does an aerial mating dance calling to impress a female sitting patiently in the field. A barred owl also called in the distance-“who who cooks for you”.
Back at the first pond Green Frogs were spotted resting in a trance like state near the surface awaiting for warmer days when they will start their banjo like call. Green’s and Bull Frogs ( the “Jug of rum call”) usually require about 17 C before they can be heard. The children continued looking with their flashlights and reported a Leopard frog too. It was hard to leave as darkness closed in and the sounds of nature continued. Thanks to all who shared their evening with us.
April 28th, 2018 - Canoe on the Nonquon River - Jay Thibert
North Durham Nature explored the Nonquon River in canoes today. A group of 10 paddlers bundled up and headed upstream on the Nonquon River from the bridge on Old Simcoe Road. The wind was strong and the temperatures stayed in single digits, but spring was in the air. We spotted the following species: Bufflehead ducks, Red-winged Blackbirds, Kingfishers, Swamp Sparrow, Robins, Red-tailed Hawk, Great Blue Heron, Canada Goose, Blue-winged Teal, Mallard Ducks, Tree Swallows, Barn Swallows, (one very large flock) Rough-winged Swallow and six Trumpeter Swans. The Swans were a highlight as the flew overhead a couple of times. We enjoyed each others company and had a great morning on the water. Our eight year old paddler kept a strong pace to travel upstream for over two hours. We made it all the way to the eight concession and back. Thanks to all for a fun outing.
March 18th, 2018 - Uxbridge Countryside Preserve Bird Box Inspection
Ten adults and four children assisted Derek Connelly in this years spring clean out of the twenty four bird houses in the Uxbridge Countryside Preserve. One family came up from Oshawa after reading about the event in their local paper. Participants were shown pictures of the birds, their eggs and nests and some of last years nests were examined for parasites before removal from the area. Tree swallow, Eastern bluebird, House wren and Black -capped Chickadee are the birds who use the bird houses and the Blow fly is one of the problem parasites. Six of the participants volunteered to be part of this summers monitoring program to help the birds successful nesting. Cavity birds such as these now depend on nest boxes since more of their natural habitat ( old dead trees) is being removed. If you would like to help give Derek a call or email. 905-852-5432, or ndnature7@gmail.com
Saturday, February 10th, 2018: Winter Wetland Snowshoe Adventure
We had a great turn out for the Snowshoe Hike at the Nonquon Environmental Education Centre last Saturday - 79 participants (8 volunteer leaders)
All ages - children, parents, grandparents took part - many who have never been on snowshoes before!
Long, medium and shorter hikes took place. Snow conditions and temperatures were perfect for a day in the wetland. Families that have lived in the area for years were joined by newer residence of Durham in learning about this ecologically important (and beautiful) Provincial Wildlife Area. Everyone enjoyed feeding Chickadees by hand and participants shared in hot chocolate and cookies around a campfire at mornings end. Fun was had by all.
Thanks to Friends of Nonquon volunteers for their efforts in making this day such a success. Thank you to all the organizers & participants!
December 20th: Feeder Tour 2018
Twelve people showed up for the start of the Bird Feeder tour this year in Uxbridge. Travelling from Mount Albert, Pickering , Oshawa, and Port Perry these keen birders descended on Uxbridge. Visiting two town feeders and an estate in Uxbridge we then headed east to Scugog to visit three rural properties and an estate property. Our count for the day was about one hundred and fifty birds with thirteen species plus a possible Northern Shrike seen on the drive. Highlights were the Red Bellied woodpecker a Ruffed grouse video and the many enjoyable conversations . The Ruffed grouse was taped attacking a poodle in a backyard in Port Perry numerous times. Just one of the many funny local wildlife stories. The local media joined us at 10 am to capture us in action which may have ruffled a few feathers however the advertising could help the birds in the long run. We learned about feeder types, seeds, habitat, bird boxes, windows, birds seen, and more, all of which will help us better serve our feathered friends.
Many thanks to the Feeder hosts who filled their feeders, opened their doors to keep us warm and shared their personal glimpses of nature with us. Thanks to those who joined the tour and shared their incites, we look forward to seeing you at another North Durham Nature event.
A list of birds seen is on our website. www.northdurhamnature.com
Good Birding ! Derek Connelly
Feeder Tour Bird List
Special Events
Saturday, March 17th, Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre - Peterborough
Early Saturday morning, during March Break, 16 North Durham Nature membersand friends, met and carpooled together, on this excursion to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, organized by North Durham Nature. Upon arrival, Wendy, an education leader at the centre, and a volunteer, gave an interactive presentation on the 8 different species of turtles in Ontario, what makes them unique, their at risk status, the threats they are facing and how we can help. A volunteer brought several live turtles around for participants to see up close, and told us their rescue stories. Paddy, a 35 year old snapping turtle, graciously let Wendy use him to demonstrate how to safely pick him up and transport him to the side of the road, in the direction he was going of course! The turtle nursery was also a highlight. A fun time had by all!
Friends of North Durham Nature
Click on to link to websites -
Ontario Nature - North Durham Nature is a proud member of Ontario Nature, and is a part of its Nature Network (Lake Ontario North Region).
- June 1-3: AGM - Prince Edward County - pleasecontact Cara by e-mail at cara-gregory@hotmail.com for details
Durham Region Field Naturalists
Thickson's Woods Land Trust: Summer 2016 Newsletter
Conservation Authorities in our Area
Central Lake Ontario CLOCA
Kawartha KCA
Toronto Region TRCA
Wildlife Rescue
Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge – www.shadesofhope.ca
National Wildlife Centre – www.nationalwildlifecentre.ca
Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre – www.sandypineswildlife.org
Event Archives - 2017
Talks - in the process of being updated
Walks - in the process of being updated