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-Fall 2019
Event Director - email James at James.Kamstra@aecom.com
Talks - Fall 2019
4th Tuesday night at 7 pm,
Three locations, either :
Uxbridge - 75 Marietta , Uxbridge Seniors Centre
OR
Port Perry - 231 Water Street , Scugog Memorial Library
OR
Sunderland - 20 Park St, Sunderland, Sunderland Brock Memorial Arena
bring a mug to enjoy a coffee or tea
Please check site closer to the talk date for more details.
January 28th, 2020 - “Animal Nutrition at the Toronto Zoo" – Jaap Wensvoort - Uxbridge
Jaap will present on the research that was done on Polar Bear nutrition and physiology at Toronto Zoo. He will also discuss the ins and outs about browse (i.e. edible branches, leaves and bark of trees and shrubs) and its importance for many other animals at the zoo. Jaap Wensvoort is the Chief Nutritionist and Manager of Nutrition Science at the Toronto Zoo
February 25, 2020 - “Madagascar, Not the Disney Version" - Otto Peter - Port Perry
The island of Madagascar contains a myriad of spectacular life forms found nowhere else on earth from the many species of lemur, giant chameleons, multi-coloured birds and strange trees. Otto will take us to some of the hot spots, show us unusual images and share tales of his wildlife encounters. Otto Peter is a well traveled amateur naturalist who will go almost anywhere there are new birds to see. An ardent conservationist, he is the past president of Ontario Nature and current president of the Thickson’s Woods Land Trust.
March 24th, 2020 - “Tracing the Roots of Native Plants"- Paul LaPorte - Uxbridge
Paul will present a detailed examination on what defines a “native plant” with a focus on how plants evolved. In particular he will look at the connections among Ontario’s diverse flora.
Paul LaPorte is the owner of Ephemeral Ark Nursery (specializing in native woodland species) and a consultant on ecological gardening. He is the current Chair of the Ontario Native Plant Growers Association, and past President of the North American Native Plant Society. He is passionate about the importance of native plants to our ecology.
April 28th, 2020 - “Asian Carp"- Andrew Reeves - Port Perry
Four species of Carp native to Asia have been introduced into the southeastern U.S. and are wreaking havoc as they overwhelm and alter aquatic ecosystems. They are likely to invade southern Ontario in the next few years thereby changing our waterways forever. Andrew will tell the story of these fish, how they got here and what it means.
Andrew Reeves is an author and geographer who has recently published Overun: Dispatches from the Asian Carp Crisis, a bestseller which examines the history and impact of the four carp species in North America. He will be on hand to sign books at the end of his presentation.
May 26th, 2020 - NDN Members Night - Uxbridge
Walks - 2019
*** Please check back closer to each date for more detail ***
Sunday, January 19th, 2020 – Annual Bird Feeder Tour - Derek Connelly
Meet at Uxbridge Secondary School parking lot (Plank and Nelkydd ) at 8 am. Max. ~10 people so preregister to secure your spot - FULL, but Host Feeders wanted. This year we head south and east to visit friends feeders at Glen Major, Chalk Lake, and Utica. What birds visit these feeders? What feeder methods and habitat might influence any differences we see? Please contact Derek Connelly by e-mail at ndnature7@gmail.com to sign up and for more details.
Saturday, February 22nd, 2020: 9 am - Noon - Winter Wetland Snowshoe Adventure - Friends of Nonquon and NDN
Join North Durham Nature and the Friends of Nonquon for a winter wetland snowshoe adventure! Explore the wetlands of the Nonquon Provincial Wildlife area wearing a pair of our snowshoes (weather permitting). The picturesque winterscape provides many opportunities to see a variety of animal tracks in the snow, to get close to the beaver and muskrat's lodges, to view wildlife and to feed the chickadees (seed provided)! Knowledgeable guides will share with you the wonders of this beautiful and unique area and answer your questions. Both short and long hike options are available, as this event is open to all ages. End your guided hike with a warm beverage.
Please meet at the Pheasant Pen Classroom Site of the Nonquon Environmental Education Centre (19745 Old Simcoe Road, Greenbank, ON), on the East side of the street, 1 km North of Scugog LIne 10. About 5 km North of Port Perry. The event is free of charge, but donations are welcomed.
***Snowshoe numbers are limited, so please pre-register by e-mail: friendsofnonquon@gmail.com.***
March - Durham Forest - Cara Gregory and Pat Baldwin - Details TBA
Saturday, April 18th , 2020 - Homes for Birds - Derek Connelly - Uxbridge Countryside Preserve,
Each year 24 bird houses are cleaned out and adopted by volunteers who regularly visit the Preserve . They spend the summer monitoring and assisting the cavity nesting birds ensuring the roof doesn't leak, predators haven't broken in and baby birds haven't fallen out.
Tree swallows, Eastern Bluebird, House Wrens and Black -capped chickadees are their cooperative tenants challenged by the lack of natural cavities in old trees often cut down . If you would like to be a Bird House Steward and volunteer join us on our 3 km stroll around the Preserve.
Contact Derek at ndnature7@gmail.com
Saturday, April 25th, 2020 – A Spring Paddle on the Beaver River – Jay Thibert
This year we will explore the Beaver River between Sunderland and Cannington. Plan on bringing a lunch and spending a day on the water. Early spring will be a great time to take in this expansive wetland in Brock Township. Single paddlers are welcome, we will try to pair you up with a partner and a canoe. This is a flat water paddle and is suitable for paddlers with basic skills.
The exact starting and ending locations will be determined closer to the outing date. Jay and Bev Thibert are trip leaders. (call 289-354-1677 with questions or discussion.)
Pre-registration jay.thibert@sympatico.ca - 6 canoes maximum.
Sunday, May 3rd and 17th, 2020 - Wildflower Walk- Uxbridge Trails - Derek Connelly and Mark Humphrey.
Destination TBA. Meet at the Uxbridge Secondary School parking lot at 1 pm. We will scout out areas in advance to find the best flowers!
Saturday, May 16th, Evening - Frog Walk - Uxbridge Countryside Preserve - Derek Connelly
Please meet at 8pm for a 1 km stroll. Evenings are noisy when the first frogs start to call. Each species call is linked to the temperature. Who
will be auditioning on this night? Be sure to dress warmly, and bring a flashlight (with red cover preferred). All are welcome.
Download the Ontario Nature Reptile/Amphibian Atlas app. on your cellphone. No dogs, please. This is a popular event, so please pre-register with Derek Connelly by e-mail at ndnature7@gmail.com.
Sunday, May 24th, 2020 – Nature Hike -East Cross CA - James Kamstra
Saturday, June 6th, 2020 - Introduction to Birding - Uxbridge Countryside Preserve - NDN/ORTA Hike - Derek Connelly and Kim Adams
Please meet at 9 am. It’s the insects that attract warblers and other birds from down south up to Canada. How many different birds can you hear and see in the Preserve? Bring binoculars, bird book or cell phone with a bird app. A check list will be provided. All welcome. No dogs please.
Sunday, June 21, 2020 - Warblers of Glen Major - Geoff Carpentier - 9 a.m.
Details TBA.
Special Events 2019 - Christmas Bird Counts
The National Audubon count started 118 years ago! Here in North Durham there are two counts:
15th Annual Uxbridge Bird Count Results - December 27th, 2019
44 species 5157 individual birds
24% of birds seen were starlings
Fog and limited open water reduced numbers
Swamp sparrow unusual . Details on attached links
Summary
Bird List
Beaverton Bird Count - December 30th, 2019
Summary
Bird List
Each count has two methods of counting – the Feeder Count, in the comfort of your home, and the Field Count, a drive around with walks to find the birds. Each count has a particular circle which is divided up into areas to spread out the counters and reduce duplication. It’s a full day affair, usually with a pot luck dinner and wrap up for field watchers at the end. Christmas Bird Count circle areas can be seen online at the Bird Studies Canada website: www.birdscanada.org.
Club Fees
All events are free to members and open to the public.
Membership in North Durham Nature is $25 for singles, $40 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. Join!
A $5.00 donation is appreciated from non-members attending our monthly talks to cover refreshments, insurance, rental and speakers
For more information, please e-mail Cara at norhdurhamnature@gmail.com
Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/northdurhamnature
NDN Projects
Nature Interpretive Signs - Nonquon Environmental Education Centre - 2019
Volunteers from both North Durham Nature and Friends of Nonquon worked together to create and install interpretive signs at the David Carroll Classroom site (1710 Scugog Line 10, Greenbank). Port Perry Sign Shop produced, printed and delivered the signs, and volunteers installed them. Signs were paid for with NDN donations and a donation from the Retired Teachers of Ontario. Please see our "Special Events" section for the official sign unveiling date. A special thanks to all who were involved in the creation of these signs, and to the Durham District School Board's contribution. They refurbished the KIOSK that the signs were installed on, and will be covering them with a protective layer of plexiglass to prolong the life of the signs. These signs will be enjoyed by visiting staff and students, and the local community, giving them an opportunity to learn about this valuable local wetland and its wild inhabitants.
Lafarge - Regan Pit (7th concession) Bird Boxes
NDN has been monitoring and cleaning out 50 metal design bird houses in the gravel pit for six years. The initial three years were part of a contract with Lafarge who were starting to restore the pit to a more natural state. Since then the pit has been used as a temporary gravel storage area and further restoration seems to be in limbo.
In 2014-2016 we recommended and located the bird houses in 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. Over the six years over 600 swallows, 150 bluebirds, 15 chickadees and 30 wrens have fledged. This is a huge success. Considering the concern over population declines in aerial insectivores our boxes have certainly helped the Tree swallow populations. A first detailed report was available in the April 2017 club newsletter and a 2019 update in this falls newsletter is planned.
Since 2016 we have had limited involvement with Lafarge although we continue to provide them with annual reports and indicate whenever we enter or leave the site. Many thanks to all the volunteers including John and Lee Fisher and David and Liz Taylor . Anyone wishing to see the site and assist in monitoring the bird houses let me know . Derek Connelly
NDN helps Paul's Vision
Paul Rothfels passed away suddenly in Feb 2017 . In Memory of Paul Rothfels a Gathering was held on March 4, 2017 at the Udora Hall from 2 - 4. Click on My tribute to Paul and the OBIT
Margaret Almack passed on Paul's Bird box gig and materials to Keith Stait Gardner who offered his heated workshop to the Nature club to assemble Paul's bird houses to support the club. In 2017 we built and sold 45 boxes and this year another 26 were completed. We have now used up all the supplies Paul left and the next step becomes more difficult. Fortunately Margaret has decided she would like her family to get involved in purchasing materials and carry on Paul's work. NDN will continue to support Paul's vision of a safe home for cavity nesting birds like the Eastern bluebird.
If you are interested in assisting in anyway contact NDN.
Uxbridge Countryside Preserve- Bird Houses - 11 years of monitoring !
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 to counter the succession of the forest into the meadow. 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 have not used 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. Four additional boxes were added donated by NDN using the "Mouse Proof " model. Intensive monitoring continues by six volunteer Uxbridge resident 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. We are always looking for landlords? If you walk the Preserve regularly in the summer and would like to be involved contact Derek - 905-852-5432 or ndnature7@gmail.com
Uxbridge Countryside Preserve Canada 150 Species Count
- Follow the underlined link to read all about it over 180 sp counted! Canada150 Species Challenge Met!
We are always looking for additions to our list contact us to help out.
Ontario Nature Youth Summit for Biodiversity and Environmental Leadership
Each year we put aside money to sponsor two north durham high school students for a fun weekend at the Ontario Nature Youth Summit at Lake Couchiching in September . Students are engaged in interactive workshops and activities on topics including food security, endangered species, medicinal plants, sustainability and much more. You can read about their experiences 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 contact us.
Thank you letter from NDN sponsored student - 2018
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!
Bird-a-thon Results 2019 - Please Refer to the NDN July 2019 Newsletter (Vol. 6, No.3)
Conservation Action
(click on underlined text to open link)
Questions to Ask your Candidates for the upcoming October Election
The office of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO) needs your support ...
The Government of Ontario announced plans on November 15, 2018 to eliminate the office of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO) and transfer much of its responsibility to the jurisdiction of the Auditor General. This misguided decision effectively undercuts the power and independence of Ontario’s environmental watchdog. North Durham Nature has signed a letter composed by Ontario Nature to Premier Ford and Finance Minister Fedeli to let them know that Ontarians need the office of the ECO and that we reject the slashing of this essential oversight and accountability role. Please click on the underlined link to sign your name to this letter too, and show your support for the office of the ECO and its role.
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 in the Uxbridge Countryside Preserve
NDN assisted the Uxbridge Scouts in a Prairie grass and forbs planting May 13th in the Uxbridge Countryside Preserve. 300 native plant plugs including eight wildflowers and five grasses 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. As these plants are challenged and compete with others its encouraging to see them each year. contact Derek Connelly if you would like a tour.
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 in November
Volunteers wanted for Scot Pine ( invasive) thinning in the Uxbridge Countryside Preserve to keep the meadows open.
Contact Derek for more info ndnature7@gmail.com.
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)
November 21st, 2019 - Ginny Colling keynote presenter on Climate Change - 7:p.m. at the Greenbank United Church - Free Admission
The Climate Reality Project, with One Tree Planted, will plant a tree for each person who attends.
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)
February 26th, 2019 - AGM and Gavin Miller (TRCA): Greenwood Resource Management Tract
Tuesday night's AGM was a success, with all 9 standing board members elected, thanks to our 17 voting members present. 8 of them were up for reelection, and we have one new director on our team, Brenda Near. She is a long time Durham Resident (Zephyr area) with an interest in all things natural, and is an avid gardener, particularly interested in planting native plants to create back yard habitat for native bees, butterflies and birds. Geoff Carpentier has stepped down from the board, but has agreed to continue to be the writer/editor of our newsletter. A big thankyou goes out to Geoff for all that he has contributed over the past few years on the Board, and for all that he continues to contribute. Another thank you goes out to Derek Connelly, past President, for all his hard work, leading the team over the past 4 years. He remains on the board in the role of Director. Cara Gregory, leaving the role of Vice President, is our new President. She will continue to look after the website, and will remain our Ontario Nature representative. James Kamstra is our new Vice president, and will continue to be our Program Director, organizing our walks and talks. James, Cara, and Mark reviewed the 2018 year in terms of past events, membership and finances.
Gavin Miller, a Floral Biologist with the TRCA, gave an informative talk on the flora, fauna, and other natural features of the Greenwood Resource Management Tract, and how they has evolved over time. He spoke as well on the challenges and opportunities for improving its biodiversity. His talk was followed by an engaging question and answer session. Thanks Gavin.
Thanks also goes to Nancy and Anne who provided an assortment of delicious treats and refreshments.
Tuesday March 26th, 2019 - Hiking in Auyuittug National Park, Baffin Island - Jay and Bev Thibert
Jay and Bev Thibert gave an enlightening presentation on their once in a lifetime adventure that few will ever take: a 15 day hike across Baffin Island through Auyuittuq National Park. Jay wowed the full house audience with his spectacular photographs of glaciers, fjords and craggy mountains. The grueling trek pushed them to their physical limits as they trampled over spongy terrain, forded turbulent icy streams and endured a wicked windstorm all while loaded down with hefty backpacks.
2018 Talks (click on underlined text)
WALKS
(underlined text links to reviews)
Monday, October 14th, Mushroom Hike to Glen Major
On a fine autumn day on Thanksgiving 30 participants came out to join James Kamstra on a mushroom hike through the Glen Major Forest. Although a little past the peak of mushroom season, there were still many fascinating fungi to find. From the parasitic orange Lobster Mushroom, the pear-shaped
puffball, Pink Russula, polypores, conks, to the gelatinous slime molds, there was much to see amongthe decomposing logs on the forest floor.
Saturday, September 14th, 2019 - Hawk Watch - Geoff Carpentier - Cranberry Marsh
12 people joined me for a great outing to Cranberry Marsh in Whitby to look for raptors. The weather was too nice and we only saw a few but included in that was a Bald Eagle. Lots of other birds and butterflies to amuse us however as we explored the shores of Lake Ontario.
Wednesday, July 17th, 2019 - Nonquon Nature Interpretive Sign Unveiling - 9:30 a.m. to Noon
22 members of the North Durham Community gathered at the Nonquon Environmental Education Centre on Wednesday for the unveiling of the nature interpretive signs created and donated to the Durham District School Board David Carroll Classroom site. North Durham Nature volunteers used donations and membership contributions to help fund the signs, and Friends of Nonquon applied and successfully received funding for the signs from the Retired Teachers of Ontario. A number of local photographers contributed photos used on the signs. Port Perry Sign Shop made the signs and gave much appreciated in-kind contributions.
The unveiling began with a recognition of the land being the traditional territory of the Mississauga of Scugog Island First Nations, and followed with an introduction of volunteers involved in the project, the history of the Kiosk (built in 2001) and a thank you to everyone who contributed to the entire process. The family of David Carroll, the first teacher at the centre, in whose memory it was named, were in attendance at the unveiling ceremony, and his granddaughter, along with the two children of the current OEE Facilitator, cut the ribbon.
The installation of the signs completed the initial vision for the Kiosk from when it was erected, and will help to educate the local community and visiting Durham teachers and students on the importance of wetlands, like Nonquon, and their inhabitants. It is the hope that through future fundraising, signs can be created for the second Kiosk erected at the Pheasant Pen Classroom site about 1.5 km from this one, on Old Simcoe. The vision for the second set of signs is to have more of a connection to the local indigenous community, with a time horizon that would allow for meaningful First Nation contributions.
The unveiling was followed by a short hike through the wetland, followed by refreshments, and an opportunity for young ones to participate in pond exploration guided by knowledgeable volunteers.
Special Event - Christmas Bird Counts 2019
Please see results in "Special Events" listing.
Butterfly Counts
Sunday July 14th, 2019 – Oshawa Butterfly Count – James Kamstra
Sunday July 7th, 2019 – Sunderland Butterfly Count – James Kamstra
The results are in for the two Butterfly Counts in Durham Region for 2019 which are shown on the table below. The late spring butterflies emerged a week or two later and therefore some of the regulars were missed or in very low numbers on the Sunderland count.
The Oshawa Count was delayed by two weeks since I had to travel north with work. This was a blessing since many of the later species are usually missed on this count such as hairstreaks and sedge skippers. The 53 species was the second highest species recorded in the 25 years of this count! The Hickory Hairstreak which I found near Utica was a new species for the count.
Thank you so much to all the participants who came out to help find all these butterflies.
James Kamstra
Click on the following links for the results: 2019 Butterfly Count Results
June, 2019 - Beaver River Walk - Beaver River Wetland Rail Trail
6 club members joined Geoff as we hiked the rail trail through part of Beaver River Marsh. Lots of birds delighted us including American bittern, Green heron, Sora Marsh wren and Virginia rail.
On the way to the starting point we were treated to spectacular views of a pair of Sandhill cranes that took an unprecedented interest in some turkey vultures that were sitting in a field. At first we thought the vultures might be scavenging on a dead Crane because they were so close to each other but later Geoff entered the field with permission of the landowner and determined that there was no that crane there. Not sure why the vultures were there but it was certainly a happier ending than we anticipated!
June, 2019 - Bird Loop Walk - Uxbridge Countryside Preserve
Sixteen people participated in yesterday’s walk in gorgeous sunshine! Four NDN members including Kim & Anne Adams who helped with bird ID and anecdotes; many visitors from the GTA; and 4 ORTA members.
Bird activity was quiet however the bird houses guaranteed three species with good views. Indigo Bunting was a highlight! Ovenbird & Red Eyed Vireos demonstrated and their calls were heard by all a number of times. Green frogs, Grey Tree frog, Painted turtle were other sightings.
Thanks to Kim for explaining the Apps and Anne for spotting the Tree frog and other birds. Others added their own bird experiences making for an enjoyable morning.
2019 Walk Reviews (click on link to see reveiws)
2018 Walk Reviews (click on link to see reviews)
Special Events
Saturday, March 17th, 2018 - 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).
- Ontario Nature Award Nominations Deadline March 25th, 2019 (click on underlined link to learn more)
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 - 2018
Talks
January - AGM and Nature Quiz Night - Cara Gregory
February - "From Birder to Birder Murder"- Steve Burrows
March - Spiders of Ontario - Tom Mason
April - Polar Bears of Ontario’s North Shore - Dr. Martyn Obbard
May - Hawk Identification - Geoff Carpentier and Mark Stabb
June – Nature, Kids and the Anthropocene - Dr. Brendon Larson
September - Whip-poor-will Ecology - Alex Mills
October – James Bay Shorebirds -Jean Iron
November - Cuba Natural History - James Kamstra
Walks
January: Feeder Tour 2018 - Derek Connelly
February 2018: Winter Wetland Snowshoe Adventure - Friends of Nonquon
March 2018 - Uxbridge Countryside Preserve Bird Box Inspection - Derek Connelly
April - Canoe on the Nonquon River - Jay Thibert
May - Frog Walk - Uxbridge Countryside Preserve - Derek Connelly
May - Spring Wildflowers of the Uxbridge Countryside Preserve trails - Derek Connelly
June - Bird Watching at the Sewage Lagoons - Geoff Carpentier and Cara Gregory
June - Bird Loop Hike - Uxbridge Countryside Preserve - Derek Connelly
September - Hawk Watch in Cranberry Marsh - Geoff Carpentier
October - Mushroom Walk at Crow's Pass Conservation Area - Patricia Burchell
November - Lake Simcoe Waterfowl Outing - James Kamstra
November - Forest Bathing - Crow's Pass C.A. - Patricia Baldwin
Special Events
March - Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre - Peterborough
November - Sixth Annual Christmas Bird Count for Kids - Friends of Nonquon
National Audubon /Bird Studies Canada official annual Bird Counts in North Durham
December 27th - Uxbridge Christmas Bird Count
December 30th - Beaverton Christmas Bird Count