Events in 2012
You'll see PFN (and friends') event notices posted hereFor all our news, be sure check out our monthly newsletter, The Orchid
Friday, January 20th, 5:30 PM
The 72nd PFN Annual General Meeting
Location: Baker's Hill Centre, 555 Parkhill Rd
Guest Speaker: Doug Larson, Storyteller Guiltar
Join us for the PFN’s Annual General Meeting – a tradition you won’t want to miss. Keep up to date on club business, elect the next executive, enter the raffle for fabulous prizes, enjoy a delicious meal and stay for an entertaining presentation. Social hour begins at 5:30, supper starts at 6:00, meeting at 7:00, raffle at 7:30 and speaker beginning at 8:00pm.
To reserve your tickets, call Don & Emily Pettypiece at 750-1145.
Wednesday, February 12th, 7:30 PM
PFN Monthly Meeting:
“What Arctic Indigenous Peoples Can Teach Two Ecologists”
Speakers: Jennie Knopp and Kaitlin Breton-Honeyman (Trent University)
Kaitlin and Jennie, PhD candidates at Trent University, have been studying beluga and arctic char ecology in the Canadian Arctic using a mixed methods approach. This approach draws on both biological science and Indigenous knowledge to inform understandings of these species. Kaitlin has been working in Nunavik (Arctic region of Quebec) studying beluga habitat ecology and Jennie has been working with the Inuvialuit (Arctic Region of Northwest Territories) on community-based monitoring of char. They will discuss how they have brought together these two knowledges and in particular what they have learned from the people who live connected to these species.
Wednesday, March 14th, 7:30 PM
PFN Monthly Meeting:
“Ecology and Conservation in Tropical Mexico"
Speaker: Ken Towle
An introduction to the ecosystems and wildlife of tropical Mexico, including a discussion of traditional uses, conservation concerns such as tourism, and some of the conservation and restoration work that has been underway.
Other News
Nature in the Kawarthas—Book
A New publication of the Peterborough Field Naturalists
The newest publication of the Peterborough Field Naturalists is due for release this fall in time for the 2011 Christmas season. Led by Gordon Berry, many members of the club have been working for several years to produce this book. It will be an excellent reference on the natural history of the Kawarthas Region.
The book will be available in December, and we're taking pre-orders!
PFN Members price: $30.00
Retail price: $32.99
To order, bring the order form from the November Orchid to the monthly meeting or mail it to us. Details on page 3 of November's Orchid.
We're updating our website to be bring you more events quicker
We're undergoing some renovation to our website to cross polinate more of our outreach efforts. We'll will be launching our new site in October. Stay tuned!
CG - Webmaster.
Snapping Turtle Petition
Although listed as a species of special concern both federally and provincially, snapping turtles are still legally hunted with an allowable take of up to two snapping turtles per person, per day. Ontario Nature is deeply concerned that a species at risk is legally hunted in this province. Visit their website for more information on their campaign to end the snapping turtle hunt in Ontario.
Click here to print and sign a petition calling on the province of Ontario to remove the snapping turtle from the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act hunted species list. Please mail the petition to the address found at the bottom of the form.
The Kawartha Heritage Conservancy Now Takes Sightings
Submit Information on Significant Natural or Cultural Sites or Features in the Kawarthas
Our Wild History - Current and Historic Wildlife Records
Have you spied the majestic Bald Eagle soaring across the noonday sun, a basking turtle, or a Five-Lined Skink darting across your path? The Kawartha Heritage Conservancy wants to know about it! We need your help to discover current observations and historic records of common and now rare species. We are looking for reports of these species in the form of photos, documents, diaries, old field notes, or memories to further our research on and around our several conservation properties and across the Kawartha region. In addition, we are also looking for volunteers to help in the gathering and organization of this project data.
Check us out or record information here. Or contact Ian Attridge at: 705-743-5599, iattridge <at> kawarthaheritage.org
Past Events
Wednesday, December 14th, 7:30 PM
PFN Monthly Meeting: "Member's Slide Night"
Have you traveled somewhere recently? Taken any greats photos that you would like to share with PFN members? Come on out to our annual slide show by PFN members! Please let Gina Varrin (gina.varrin@gmail.com) know if you've got slides to show & stories to tell at this December's meeting.
Sunday December 4th, 6:00 AM
Bird Watching Trip to the Niagara Region
Join a full-day’s outing to the Niagara region for some winter bird watching, especially the rarer gulls. Participants will meet at Tim Horton's on Landsdowne St. in the Canadian Tire Plaza at 6:00 a.m. Bring binoculars, lunch (we will also make stops at convenient Tim Horton's) and be sure to dress warmly.
Leader: Tony Bigg, 705-652-7541 or tanddbigg@sympatico.ca
Sunday, November 20, 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Trent Nature Areas Trail Mapping: November 20
Have you ever wondered how maps are made? Please join us on Sunday, Nov 20 from 9 am to 11:30 for a GPS trail mapping session and nature visual scavenger hunt. The purpose of this event is to gather GPS data for creating trail maps for the new Trent University Nature Areas website.
We will meet at the Environmental Studies Building parking lot at 9am for instruction and trail assignment. Refreshments will be provided after the event at the Environmental Sciences Building Crypt. Mapping will take place rain or shine so dress appropriately and wear sturdy footwear. GPS units will be provided and no previous knowledge required.
Wednesday, November, 9th, 7:30 PM
PFN Monthly Meeting: “Restoration of Highly Disturbed Ecosystems”
Peterborough Public Library
Mark Browning will discuss a variety of research and restoration projects that he is working on as a research biologist with the Ministry of Natural Resources. First he will talk about opportunities for establishing native ecosystems back onto pit and quarry sites after aggregate extraction is finished. He has also been involved with the restoration of Wainfleet Bog and will talk about the peat mining activities that occurred in the past and the techniques currently being used to re- establish a functioning bog ecosystem - including the species-at-risk that are still hanging on there!
Wednesday, October, 12th, 7:30 PM
PFN Monthly Meeting: “The Antler Growth Cycle”
CAMP KAWARTHA ENVIRONMENT CENTRE
John McGeeters will take us through a discussion about the cycle of antler growth. Other areas to be touched upon include: the purpose of antlers, composition and coloration, the difference between antlers and horns, causes of deformations in antlers, and the purpose of antler research.
Wednesday, September 14th, 7:30 PM
PFN Monthly Meeting: "Road Ecology"
Peterborough Public Library
Road ecology examines the interactions of roads with the environment, most noticeably 'Road-Kill'. Kari Gunson - Peterborough's only specialized road ecologist - will share her 12 years of road ecology experience gained from her travels and work through-out North America and Europe. Kari will start with her six years of research in western North America in Banff National Park and Montana looking at road impacts on large carnivores and ungulates, then she will travel east to share her experiences with moose and roads in Vermont and turtles and roads in New York State. Finally, Kari will share her road ecology experiences in Ontario, namely Toronto area and now Peterborough.
Saturday, September 10th
Prarie Day 2011, Rice Lake Plains
Sunrise to 4:00 PM at Alderville Black Oak Savanna
Rain or Shine!
Bring the whole family for a full day of free eco fun!
Sunrise Ceremony |
|
7:30 AM |
Balanced Yoga and Birding |
Complimentary Light Breakfast |
|
9:00 AM |
Opening Ceremony featuring Sugar Island Singers |
9:30 AM |
"Savvy Plants a Seed" - the Paddling Puppeteers |
10:00 AM |
Bus Tour to NCC Barr Property and Gallery by the Grove |
10:00 AM |
Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants |
11:00 PM |
Nature Photography |
12:00 PM |
RLPJI: From Inspiration to Restoration |
1:00 PM |
Butterfly Bliss |
2:00 PM |
Digging Roots with opening band, the Barnburners |
Plus on-going bird banding, food, vendors, wagon rides, kids'
entertainment, traditional skills, exhibits, and a special art display
featuring the work of Rick Beaver in collaboration with the Northumberland
Hills Studio Tour.
Wednesday, June 8th
PFN Monthly Meeting:
Road Ecology & Ontario's Amphibians & Reptiles
Joe Crowley is the Herpetology Species at Risk Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Joe completed a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Environmental Biology in 2003 at Nipissing University and an M.Sc. in Zoology in 2006 at the University of Guelph. His M.Sc. research focused on reptile distribution and decline in Ontario. Joe is an experienced field biologist and has worked on a variety of wildlife research projects throughout Ontario.
Joe coordinated a "Reptiles at Risk" project at Ontario Nature, which entailed field surveys for Ontario's species at risk reptiles and amphibians throughout Grey and Bruce counties. He also developed and coordinated the new Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas program at Ontario Nature from 2009-2010. Joe is an advisory member on the Ontario Multi-Species Turtles at Risk Recovery Team and the national Massasauga Recovery Team.
Sunday, May 29th
Wildlife Walk: Carden Plain Important Bird Area (IBA)
Leader: Jerry Ball
An all-day visit to the Carden Plain, an unusual alvar habitat that is home to an abundance of rare grassland bird species, butterflies and plants. Jerry will guide us through this globally rare habitat is only 65km from Peterborough. The trip offers the chance of seeing such birds as the Loggerhead Shrike, Golden-wing warbler, Osprey, Black Terns, Sedge Wren, Yellow Rail, Upland Sandpiper, Blue Bird, Eastern Towhee and Brown Thrasher. Bring some lunch, water and binoculars.
Meet at Sobey's parking lot on Landsdowne Street West at 7a.m.
Sunday, May 22nd
Wildlife Walk: Ganaraska Forest Visit
Leader: Ben Walkters
Celebrate International Biodiversity Day with a birding trip to the Ganaraska Forest, led by Ben Walters. We will explore the unopened road allowance of the 10th Line which has yielded Yellow-throated Vireo, Hooded Warbler and Red-bellied Woodpecker as well as many other forest birds. We will then walk through some trails in the Ganaraska's east forest to make a loop back to the vehicles.
The walk will not be difficult and will be on trails although there is one large hill. The focus of the outing will be on birds but there are also many butterflies, plants and dragonflies to be observed. Car pool from Sobey's parking lot on Lansdowne Street West at 7.30am or follow the following directions.
Directions: Follow County Road 10 south from Millbrook to the 10th Line, just south of the Peterborough / Northumberland County boundary.
Alternate directions: Follow Highway 28, south from Peterborough to County Rd. 9 (Ganaraska Rd.). Follow County Rd. 9 west to County Rd. 10. Head north on County Rd. 10 to the 10th Line.
Meet at the corner of County Rd. 10 and the 10th Line at 8:15 and then travel to the parking location from there. Please ensure that there are no valuables left in your car during the outing as there are no secure parking areas in the Ganaraska.
Wednesday, May 11
PFN Monthly Meeting: Gardening for Nature
Peterborough Public Library, 7:30 PM
Gaven Trevelyan
Gavin Trevelyan is a self-described 'Plant Nerd at Large'. He has been working in the horticultural industry for over a decade, in many different capacities. He has been an independent landscaping contractor, a coordinator for an environmental non-profit organization, a plant health specialist at a large grower, and now employs his skills as a garden designer and consultant.
Sunday May 8th (Mother's Day), 8:30 a.m.
A River Runs Through It - A Jane's Walk
Shoreline and pedestrian spaces accessing the Otonabee play a vital role in our sense of place in Peterborough. Join us as we discuss mixed land-uses along the Otonabee River in downtown Peterborough.
We'll take in a portion of the Millennium Trail, pass by the Ministry of Natural Resources office, Quaker Oats factory, head though a residential area in East City and cross the pedestrian path on the railway bridge. We'll pause to listen to Warbling Vireos and Yellow Warblers singing along the banks for the Otonabee River and reflect on how the river has shaped our community.
The walk will begin and end at the Silver Bean Café (130 King Street), located in Millenium Park at the foot of King Street on the west side of the Otonabee River. The loop we'll follow will be about 2km.
More information about Jane Jacobs and other Jane's Walk events in Peterborough and beyond, check out janeswalk.net
In the news: Examiner Article, May 9th, 2011.
Saturday, April 30th, 7:00 p.m.
Sky Dance of the Timber-Doodle (woodcook)
Meet at Peterborough Zoo, north parking lot
An evening outing to watch the sky dance of the American Woodcock or Timberdoodle: a spring spectacular in this region. The American Woodcock has an elaborate courtship display which consists of a calling on the ground and then a spiral flight into the sky and a fluttering flight to the ground. With leader Martin Parker, we will visit a location where we can watch the display. Meet at the northern parking lot at the Peterborough Zoo at 7.00p.m.
All-Candidates Debate on Environment
Tuesday, April 26th, 12:00 PM
Peterborough Public Library
Questions include: Trent-Severn Waterway, climate change, protecting nature, agriculture, greening the budget, sustainability, and more. All are invited to participate.
For more information, please contact:
Ian Attridge, ian.attridge@nexicom.net, 705-743-9996
Click here for SAMPLE QUESTIONS
April 22nd, 7:00p.m.
Martin's Peep Show
that's right, frog calls — it's a show about frog calls, you know... spring peepers, get it?Meet at Peterborough Zoo, north parking lot
The sign of spring is filling the night air with the calls of frogs and toads. On this outing Martin Parker will be visiting a number of locations in the Peterbrough Region to listen for the songs of our spring calling frogs and toads. We will hear choruses of Spring Peepers and, hopefully, Chorus Frogs, Gray Tree Frogs and American Toads. Meet at the northern parking lot at the Peterborough Zoo at 7.00p.m.. See page 8 for information on some of the species that we might hear.
April 19 through June 16th
Beginner Birdwatching Course
Leaders: Sue Prentice & Andrew Jobes
Are you a beginning bird watcher or someone who has never explored the world of birding but would like to? Join Sue Prentice and Andrew Jobes as they introduce you to the fascinating and rewarding world of bird watching. This 20-hour course will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to identify local birds on their own, including selecting and using field guides and binoculars and what to look for when trying to identify an unfamiliar bird in the field.
The course will begin with a two-hour, classroom-based evening session on Tuesday, April 19th, followed by hour-long bird walks in local parks every Thursday morning from April 21st through June 16th. There will also be three 2-to-3-hour Saturday morning field trips on April 30th, May 14th, and May 21st.
Cost $120: all proceeds will go to the Peterborough Urban Ecology Centre; please make cheques payable to Andrew Jobes. Registration is limited to 20 participants, so reserve your space early! Call Peterborough Green-Up at 705-745-3238 to register. For more information contact Sue "esprentice at gmail.com".
Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ontario Nature Regional Meeting
The Peterborough Field Naturalist is hosting the Ontario Nature Regional Meeting at the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre located at 2505 Pioneer Road, Trent University, Peterborough. Clubs from the Lake Ontario North district will meet to discuss their projects, concerns and accomplishments. An update on the many provincial projects that On Nature is involved with will be given. Jacob Rodenburg, executive director of the Environment Centre, will talk about this unique building that is one of the most sustainable in Canada. A hike through the Trent University wildlife sanctuary will follow. Bring your own lunch and mug. Tea, coffee, juice and snacks will be available.
Friday, April 15th, 6 to 9:00 p.m.
Creating a Culture of Nature Connection — Mark Morey
Camp Kawartha Environment Centre
pre-register through pineproject.org
What is the connection between nature, culture and resiliency?
Join Mark as he covers topics including:
- Differences in nature connection vs. nature education
- Tools to empower future generations to understand and care for the environment
- The power of cutural tools such as storytelling, rites of passage, and ceremony
- What "Cultural Mentoring" is and the power it has to create change
- International success stories
Wednesday April 13th, 7:30p.m.
PFN Monthly Meeting: "Sustainability Plan for Peterborough"
Peterborough Public Library
The Greater Peterborough Area has recently embarked on the formal development of a Sustainability Plan. These planning initiatives are developed through, and shaped by, community input. James Knott of Sustainable Peterborough will attend our April meeting to get input from club members. To get the discussion started he will draw from his experiences in Norfolk County to provide examples of outcomes (as they relate to our natural environment) that can arise from the pursuit of sustainability.
Birds of the Lakeshore
March 27th, 3:00p.m.
Join Tony Bigg on a day of birding along the Lake Ontario shore, beginning at Cobourg and heading west towards Ajax. There is usually a good variety of birds to be found in those areas, often including winter rarities not seen in the Peterborough area. Bring a lunch and binoculars, and meet in the Tim Horton's parking lot in the Canadian Tire/Sobey's shopping complex on Lansdowne St. W. We will carpool from there. Call Tony at 652-7541 if you need more information.
The Return of Waterfowl at Presqu'ile Provincial Park
Sunday, March 20th, 8:00am
Join Jerry Ball for a full day trip to Presqu'ile for some early spring birding, which should include opportunities for viewing the 1000's of ducks, geese and swans that use Presqu'ile as a resting spot on their return to their breeding grounds. Bring a lunch, binoculars and scope if you have one. Meet at the Country Style at the junction of Old Keene Road and Highway 7. Entry fee per vehicle. Contact Jerry Ball (705-745-3272) for more information.
PFN Monthly Meeting: Plants and Healing
March 9th, 7:30p.m.
Location: NOT LIBRARY!
Camp Kawartha Environment Centre
Many of the plants that grow in our area have medicinal qualities or have been used for centuries in Aboriginal ceremonies. Rick Beaver will be sharing his knowledge of the uses of the traditional and medicinal uses of these native plants. Rick is a biologist and artist from Alderville First Nation. He is an active member of the board of directors of the Alderville Black Oak Savanna project and is particularly interested in the cultural aspects of land use, management and preservation.
PFN Monthly Meeting: "Restoration & Harvesting of Wild Rice Beds near Rice Lake"
Wednesday, February 9th, 7:30p.m.
Peterborough Public Library, downstairs
Dave Mowat from Alderville First Nation and Janine McLeod will be giving a presentation on how wild rice is being restored to a number of areas near Rice Lake. A short video will show the traditional method for harvesting rice and how "dancing the rice" cleans it for use.
There may even be free samples to taste!
71st Annual General Meeting
January 21st, 5:30p.m.
Baker's Hill Centre, Peterborough
Join us for the PFN's Annual General Meeting – a tradition you won't want to miss. Keep January up to date on club business, elect the next executive, enter the raffle for fabulous prizes, enjoy a delicious meal and stay for an entertaining presentation.
Social hour begins at 5:30, supper starts at 6:00, meeting at 7:00, raffle at 7:30 and speaker beginning at 8:00p.m..
(To reserve your tickets, call Don & Emily Pettypiece at 750-1145.)
Keynote:
Dr. Laurence Packer 
Topic: Bees
Why are bees important? How many different bee species are there? (20,000!) Do all bees look and act the same? What can we do to help conserve these important insects? Dr. Packer will answer these questions and more! Dr. Packer has been a professor at York University for 23 years, has been studying wild bees for 35 years, runs the largest wild bee research laboratory in North America and oversees the largest collection of bees in Canada.
More About Dr. Packer
Dr. Packer is a melittologist—someone whose main academic passion is the study of wild bees. This means someone who studies bees other than the domesticated western honey bee. Dr. Packer, on his website writes "It's not that I do not like Apis mellifera, it's just that it is only one out of more than 19,500 described bee species.
Few people pay attention to the ~19,500 other bee species, whereas there are whole societies dedicated to the study and culturing of this one. When people find out that I study bees, invariably the next thing they say concerns the honey bee. I will then point out that asking me a question about Apis mellifera is like asking an ornithologist a question about chickens".
At an international biodiversity meeting sponsored by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Dr Packer opined that "If all birds dropped dead tomorrow, only chicken farmers and academic ornithologists would be inconvenienced. If indeed all bees died out, there would be worldwide food shortages and perhaps one-quarter of the human population would starve."
Christmas Bird Counts (x2)
Sunday December 19th (Peterborough)
Monday, December 27th (Petroglyphs)
Christmas Bird Counts (CBC)
The Peterborough CBC will be Sunday, December 19th, and the Petroglyphs CBC will be Monday, December 27th. Participants should let Tony Bigg know as soon as possible if they are available for either or both. For the Peterborough count the compilation will be at Kelsey's, opposite the Canadian Tire plaza on Landsdowne St. at 5:00p.m. and for the Petroglyphs count it will be held in Hamblins in Lakefield also at 5.00 p.m.
Contact Tony at tanddbigg@sympatico.ca or phone 705-652-7541. Newcomers to the area, and newcomers to birding, are welcome to participate. They would be partnered with more experienced local birders. More eyes result in more birds seen! This count is an all day affair starting at daylight, or preferably earlier if you wish to add owls to the day's list and finishing in time to make the compilation.
Bird watching trip to the Niagara Region
Sunday, December 5th
Join a full-day's outing to the Niagara region for some winter bird watching, especially the rarer gulls. Participants will meet at Tim Horton's on Landsdowne St. in the Canadian Tire Plaza at 6:00 a.m. Bring binoculars, lunch (we will also make stops at convenient Tim Horton's) and be sure to dress warmly. Leader: Tony Bigg, 705-652-7541 or tanddbigg@sympatico.ca
PFN Monthly Meeting: Open House at Camp Kawartha Environment Centre
Wednesday, Oct 13th, 7:30p.m.
Doug Sadler Memorial Library Ribbon Cutting
The highlight of the evening will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the recently installed library. This will be performed by Doug Sadler’s daughter Heather. Before the ceremony members will have an opportunity to tour the Environment Centre which is billed as the ‘greenest building’ in Ontario, if not in Canada. This will be followed by a short address from Jacob Rodenberg of Camp Kawartha on his goals for the Centre and the role of the Library in these. Following the ribbon cutting Drew Monkman will discuss the central role played by Doug in the PFN and in the study of natural history in Ontario. Other members who knew Doug will share their reminiscences. If you have a good story about Doug please come and share it. The evening will conclude with a wine and cheese reception jointly hosted by the PFN and Camp Kawartha.
The Camp Kawartha Environment Centre is located on Pioneer Road 200 meters east of the intersection with Nassau Mills Road. From Town take the Lakefield Road, turn right at Nassau Mills Road, cross Armour Road and take the second road on the right, Pioneer Road.
PFN Monthly Meeting: The Gambia Bird Watching
Wednesday, September 8th
The speakers planned for the September meeting will not be available, due to circumstances beyond our control (as they say). We can look forward to enjoying Eileen Nolan & Lorne Kelsey's presentation about the Galapagos Islands at a later date.
On Wednesday September 8 for our first meeting of the fall; Martin & Kathy Parker will be sharing their experiences as bird watchers in The Gambia. They will be telling us about Rollers, Bee Eaters & Walking Fish and sharing their photos. I have been told there will be costumes involved. This sounds like a fun presentation and should not be missed. Martin held the position of President of PFN a few years ago and is pleased to be back in Peterborough again.
Bat Walk in Jackson Park
Saturday, June 19th, 9:00 p.m.
Meet Paul Elliott in the parking lot where Fairbairn Street meet Parkhill West. We will use ultrasonic bat detectors to try find local bat species on the wing and watch them catching insects over the pond. Bring a flashlight for your comfort if you wish. The walking is fairly level but sensible footwear is a good idea when out and about after dark! Accompanied children are very welcome.
Ontario's Reptile and Amphibian Atlas Guided Field Day
Sunday, June 13th
9:00 am to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Camp Kawartha Environment Centre
2025 Pioneer Rd (in the Trent Nature Area)
Many naturalists will be familiar with the Atlas of Breeding Birds of Ontario. But did you also know that there is an Atlas of Ontario?s Reptiles and Amphibians?
Join us to learn how to identify and search for amphibians & reptiles, and how to report your observations to the atlas. Atlas Coordinator Joe Crowley will give a slide show from 9am to 10am, then we will carpool to field sites to search for salamanders, snakes, turtles, frogs - and Ontario's only lizard the 5-lined skink! Please bring a bagged lunch and plenty of water.
Questions? Contact Gina Varrin at gina@theorem.ca.
PFN Monthly Meeting: Where have all the Red-headed Woodpeckers gone?
Wednesday, June 9th, 7:00 p.m., Library
Red-headed Woodpeckers are oft identified by their striking coloring and pugnacious nature. As of late they are recognized for a more infamous reason, their inexplicable and sudden disappearance from the parks and woodlands of Ontario. Barbara Frei, a doctoral candidate from McGill University, will speak about her search for the disappearing Red-headed Woodpecker, factors that may be leading to their declines and the interesting lives of these beautiful birds. Whether you are a conservationist, a local landowner or just a bird lover (or all three!), this talk should amuse and educate you about a local wildlife gem.
Royal Botanic Garden outing
Sunday, June 6th, 8:00 am
A chance to admire the ornamental collections and explore the natural areas and trails that abound at the Royal Botanic Gardens, near Hamilton. This is an all-day trip so you may wish to bring refreshments with you, although there are cafes at the gardens. We will car pool from the Sobey's parking lot by Tim Horton's on Landsdowne Street West at 8am. We expect to be back in Peterborough by 7p.m.. There is an admission charge for entry to the gardens ($12.50 adults/$9.50 Seniors & Students/ $7.25 Children 5-12 years) but we have around twenty of coupons offering 50% the regular admission price (first come, first served).
Don't forget to bring binoculars for spotting bird life and a contribution towards gas. For information on the gardens, visit: http://www.rbg.ca/
PFN Monthly Meeting:
"Oceans? There are no oceans in Peterborough"
Wednesday, May 12th, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Peterborough Public Library
Did you know that Fisheries and Oceans Canada has an office in Peterborough? Tracy Allison a Fish Habitat Biologist/Species at Risk biologist will speak about who DFO is, what they do, and different types of impacts on fish habitat due to develop.m.ent that DFO sees regularly in the Kawartha Lakes. General mitigation measures that are commonly used to minimize disturbance on fish and fish habitat will also be briefly discussed. So whether you have a cottage, are interested in larger develop.m.ents (such as hydroelectric), or just love our lakes it should be an interesting and informative presentation.
Nature in the City: Jackson's Park
also part of JANE'S WALK
Sunday, May 2nd, 8:00 am for ~ 1.5 hours
Meeting Place: Jackson's Park parking lot at the intersection of Parkhill Rd. and Monaghan Rd.
We’ll start by listening for Pine Warblers in the tall White Pines next to the parking lot. Then we’ll make our way down the ravine slope to the trails of Jackson’s Park, listening for other birds, looking for wildflowers and enjoying the spring weather. Along the way we’ll talk about our favourite natural areas in Peterborough, the functions they provide and how we can maintain them in the future. Bring your Bins! (That's binoculars in cool bird talk.)
Evening Amphibian ID Session
Wednesday, April 28th, 7:00 p.m.
Riverview Park & Zoo Orientation Centre, Rain or Shine
Although most of us are familiar with the cheerful call of the spring peeper, many don't realize that submitting their observations of frog calls or salamander sightings can help scientists track the distribution and status of amphibians.
Join us to learn more about the Ontario Amphibian and Reptile Atlas, and how easy it is to contribute observations to this citizen science project. If the weather is favourable we will carpool to some nearby wetlands to listen for different frog species and look for salamanders. If the weather is not-so-good we will have an indoor presentation on identifying Ontario amphibians by sight and sound.
Need a ride to the zoo? Meet at the Chamber of Commerce building (the old train station at 175 George Street North) by 6:40p.m. sharp and RSVP to Gina at info@kawarthaturtle.org to ensure a spot in a carpool.
Earth Week 2010 Nature Walk on the Lakefield Trail
Sunday, April 24th, 10:00 am
The Lakefield Trail Stewardship Committee invites everyone to get active and celebrate Earth Week 2010 on the Lakefield Trail, Sunday April 25th with a guided hike, and a presentation by the Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre. Meet at the Marshland Centre, Hague Blvd., Lakefield at 10 am. The Lakefield Trail Stewardship Committee will be serving up back bacon on a bun to raise funds for needed Trail maintenance. Bring your mug for drinking water.
Call 652-0747 for more information.
PFN Monthly Meeting: "Why did the frog cross the road?"
Wednesday, April 14th, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Peterborough Public Library
Christina M. Fridgen, a Ph.D Candidate at Trent University, will give a presentation covering amphibian calls and local issues influencing amphibian population health including road crossing, spread of virus and chytrid fungus and pesticide use.
The Return of Waterfowl at Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Sunday, March 21st
Jerry Ball will lead us on a trip to Presqu’ile for some early spring birding, which should include opportunities for viewing the 1000’s of ducks, geese and swans that use Presqu’ile as a resting spot on their return to their breeding grounds. Bring a lunch, binoculars and scope if you have one. Meet at the Country Style at the junction of Old Keene Road and Highway 7. Entry fee per vehicle. Contact Jerry Ball (705) 745-3272 for more information.
Wednesday, March 10th
PFN Monthly Meeting: "Ontario's Rare Vascular Plants"
7:30 p.m. Ptbo Public Library
Mike Oldham, senior botanist and herpetologist with the MNR’s Natural Heritage Information Centre will speak about rare vascular plants in Ontario. The talk will include information about how rarity is assessed and how these rare plants are protected in the province.
Wednesday, February 10th
PFN Monthly Meeting: "Antarctica First Journey"
7:30 p.m. Ptbo Public Library
Geoff Carpentier, a former longtime member of the PFN, has recently written a resource guide titled "Antarctica - First Journey". He is a veteran expedition guide and will tell us about the wildlife and the many, varied and interesting sites to be seen in Antarctica. Jeff will have copies of his guide for sale.
Friday, January 22nd
70th PFN Annual General Meeting
Location: Bakers Hill Centre, map
Join us for the PFN’s Annual General Meeting – a tradition you won’t want to miss. Keep up to date on club business, elect the next executive, enter the raffle for fabulous prizes, enjoy a delicious meal and stay for an entertaining presentation.
- 5:30p.m. Social hour begins
- 6:00p.m. Dinner
- 7:00p.m. Meeting
- 7:30p.m. Raffle
- 8:00p.m. Guest Speaker
Tickets are $25 per person, which includes admission and large dinner (vegetarian option available). To reserve your tickets, call Don & Emily Pettypiece at 750-1145
Guest Speaker: John Etches
"Whales in the Desert: The Wadi El Hitan World Heritage Site, Fayoum Depression, Egypt"
Fossils of ancient whales found in the Sahara Desert have helped unlock the
secrets of whale’s evolution from land to sea. Geologist and environmental educator, John Etches, will guide you through this fascinating story and spectacular landscape via his work developing the educational experiences for the site with the United Nations Develop.m.ent Program.
December 20th
Peterborough Christmas Bird Count
Birders wishing to participate in the annual Peterborough Christmas Bird Count should contact Tony Bigg by phone at 705-652-7541 or by e-mail at tanddbigg at sympatico.ca
December 9th
PFN Monthly Meeting: Member’s Slide Night
7:30 p.m. at the Library
It’s time again for our December regular meeting. We will once again be asking members to come with nature-related slides presentations and stories to share with fellow club members. To make things even sweeter, please bring along some
holiday baking to enhance the festivities.
Note: if you are interested in making an informal slide presentation and/or talk, please contact Roger Jones at 742-0132.
December 5th
Bird watching trip to the Niagara Region
Sunday, 6:00 a.m.
Join a full-day’s outing to the Niagara region for some winter bird watching. Participants will meet at Tim Horton's on Lansdowne St. in the Canadian Tire Plaza at 6:00 a.m. Bring binoculars, lunch (we will also make stops at convenient Tim Horton's) and be sure to dress warmly. Leader: Tony Bigg.
November 11th
PFN MOnthly meeting: "A New Reptile Atlas for Ontario"
7:30 Library is closed! Meeting will be west down the street at Trinity United Church, between Rubidge and Reid St.
Speaker: Joe Crowley, Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas program coordinator, Ontario Nature.
Joe will provide a brief summary of reptiles at risk in Ontario, discuss the new atlas program and how to get involved, and explain how to search for and identify local reptiles and amphibians. The Kawartha Turtle and Trauma Centre will also provide an update on their work and activities.
October 28th
Peterborough Horticultural Society's hosts their monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 28th at the Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer Street N. at 7:30 p.m.. Doors open at 7 for socializing and refreshments. This month's guest speaker will be Anna Leggatt talking about rock garden construction.
October 18th
Birding at Presqu'Ile Provincial Park
8:00 a.m. at Country Style
Jerry Ball will lead us on an all day trip to Presqu’ile for some fall birding. Bring a lunch, binoculars and rubber boots (may or may not need them). Meet at the Country Style at the junction of Old Keene Road and Highway 7.
October 17th
Peterborough Museum will be holding an event for children on a Halloween theme, with talks about bats and owls. Please contact the museum for details.
October 14th
PFN MOnthly meeting: "Vampire Bats: the True Story"
7:30 at the Library
Speaker: Paul Elliott, PFN and Trent University. People’s view of vampire bats is clouded by myth and legend. These animals are fascinating in their own right, so, just in time for Halloween, come and learn something of their remarkable behaviour and why they excite medical scientists. The truth is almost stranger than fiction.
September 29 to October 2nd
Fabulous Fall Fungi: Spend 21⁄2 days learning about mushrooms and other fungi with naturalist and fungal aficionado Richard Aaron. All levels welcome, from beginner to advanced. The emphasis will be on developing hands-on identification skills, enriched by discussions on ecology, natural history, and uses. Dates: Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2009. Cost: $295; covers tuition, meals, accommodation, use of lab space & microscopes. Location: Queen’s University Biological Station.
For details & to register: www.queensu.ca/biology/qubs/events/fungi.html. Richard can be reached at: natureteacher1@gmail.com.
September 23rd
Peterborough Horticultural Society's hosts their monthly meeting on Wednesday, September 23rd at the Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer Street N. at 7:30 p.m.. Doors open at 7 for socializing and refreshments. Guest speaker, Martin Galloway, a teacher at Seneca & York University, as well as former presenter/writer on the Canadian television series Harrowsmith Country Life and The Secret World of Gardens will talking about "Bugs in the Garden".
Sunday, September 13th
Urban Forest Workshop: Tree Pests & Diseases
Ecology Park, 2:00 to 3:30p.m.
Shawn Bloom of Ethic Tree Creations will be hosting a workshop at the Ecology Park talking about tree pests and diseases. You’re invited to come with your tree questions, and any samples of tree pests (in a plastic bag, of course) you may have.
The workshop is absolutely free and will be taking place from 2:00 to 3:30 in the afternoon. The park is located next door to Peterborough Utilities and we ask that you park in the Beavermead parking lot just down the street. For more info, call Chris Gooderham, Our Urban Forest, Peterborough Green-Up at 745-3238 x211.
September 12th
Prairie Day at the Alderville First Nation Black Oak Savannah.
Featuring:
- Washboard Hank
- The Funky Mamas
- Jim Bob and The Sweetgrass Band
- Sciensational Sssnakes
- Kids' Jumping Castle
- Prairie Tours
- Bird Banding Demos
- Monarch Butterfly Presentation
- Tradisional Native Foods
- Tepee Set-Up
- And more!
September 9th
PFN Monthly Meeting: “Alfred Russell Wallace: a naturalist between worlds.”
7:30 p.m. Peterborough Public Library
*Note the meeting is 7:30, NOT 7:00, as published in Orchid
Speaker: Dr. Chris Willson, MNR
Best known for jointly discovering natural selection with Charles Darwin, Wallace's work in the Amazon and Indonesia established the foundations for biogeography. A self-made man in an age of entlemen naturalists, his many contributions to the natural and social sciences profoundly influenced the scientific and social landscape of Victorian times.
June 21st
Trip to Ganaraska Forest
Car pool from Sobey's parking lot on Lansdowne Street West at 7:30 a.m. or follow the following directions:
Follow County Road 10 south from Millbrook to the 10th Line, just south of the Peterborough / Northumberland County boundary.
Alternately: Follow Highway 28, south from Peterborough to County Rd. 9 (Ganaraska Rd.). Follow County Rd. 9 west to Coutny Rd. 10. Head north on County Rd. 10 to the 10th Line.
We will meet at the corner of County Rd. 10 and the 10th Line at 8:15 and then travel to the parking location from there.
Please ensure that there are no valuables left in your car during the outing as there are no secure parking areas in the Ganaraska Forest.
Leader: Ben Walters, Trent University
We will explore the unopened road allowance of the 10th Line which has yielded Yellowthraoted Vireo, Hooded Warbler and Red-bellied Woodpecker as well as many other forest birds. We will then walk through some trails in the Ganaraska's east forest to make a loop back to the vehicles. The walk will not be difficult and will be on trails although there is one large hill. The focus of the outing will be on birds but there are also many butteflies, plants and dragonflies to be observed.
June 14th
Trent University Nature Areas Bioblitz
8:00 a.m. Meet along Pioneer Rd, opposite the entrance to Peter Gzowski road 
Join PFN members for a bioblitz adventure at the Trent University Nature Areas. We will be identifying breeding birds, plants and other natural things in the natural areas adjacent to the ecology centre under construction by Camp Kawartha and its partners. There is an existing inventory (Ben-Oliel, Jones and Marsh, 1989), so the challenge to us will be to add new species to the list. This inventory will, we hope, inspire naturalists visiting the centre to learn more about the flora and fauna of the area and perhaps add their own observations. The main group will meet along Pioneer Road, opposite the entrance to Peter Gzowski College at 8:00 am. A sub-group will be meeting at 5:30 am for breeding bird surveys (contact Mike McMurtry at 748-5353, michael.mcmurtry@sympatico.ca, if interested in the early group). Click here for a map of the Trent campus.
Please park on the right hand side of the shoulder of the road without blocking the entrance to the site. We expect to be active until about noon. Bring your binoculars, field guides and notebook. All levels and ages of naturalists welcome.
June 10th
PFN Monthly Meeting: “Turtles of the Trent-Severn: Research on a Species-At-Risk”
7:30 p.m. Peterborough Public Library
Speaker: Amanda Bennett (MSc. Candidate, Laurentian University)
Seven of the eight species of turtles in Ontario are considered to be at risk of extinction. Of these, six occur on the Trent-Severn Waterway (TSW). My research concerns whether the locks and dams on the TSW are fragmenting Northern Map Turtle habitat, and what that means for the persistence of these populations.
June 6
Bat Watching in Jackson park
8:45 p.m. Meet at Jackson Pond, north of parking lot
Meet Paul Elliott in the parking lot where Fairbairn Street meet parkhill West. We will use ultrasonic bat detectors to find local bat species on the wing and watch them catching insects over the pond. Bring a flashlight if you wish. Accompanied children are welcome.
May 31
Sunday Morning Bird Walk With Jerry Ball
7:00 a.m. Sobey's parking lot
Guided by Jerry Ball, we will head out to the Carden Plain, an unusual alvar habitat that supports an abundance of rare grassland birds. The Carden Plain is a popular destination for bird, butterfly, and plant watchers alike. At only 65 km from Peterborough, it offers globally rare alvar habitat supporting an abundance of grassland birds, including the endangered Loggerhead Shrike and the rare Golden-wing Warbler plus Osprey, Black Terns, Sedge Wrens, Yellow Rails, Upland Sandpipers, Blues Birds, Eastern Towhees, and Brown Thrashers. This is an all day trip, please bring a lunch, water and your binoculars! Meet at Sobey’s parking lot on Lansdowne Street at 7am on May 31st.
May 24
Sunday Morning Bird Walk With John Bottomley
8:00 a.m. Peterborough Zoo parking lot
Meet at the zoo parking lot and we'll carpool to secret location from there.
May 13th
PFN Monthly Meeting: “Develop.m.ent of Terrestrial vegetation Inventories for Northern National Parks – A Pilot in Torngat Mountains National Park, northern Labrador"
7:00 p.m. Peterborough Public Library
Speaker: Sam Brinker (Botanist, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources) Torngat Mountains National Park, located in northern Labrador, is Canada’s newest national park in the national park system established in 2005. Learn how Parks Canada is assessing climate change in Canadian arctic tundra ecosystems through an arctic-wide International Polar Year (IPY) project, and follow a photo-documentary of researchers conducting vegetation mapping and botanical surveys of two major watersheds within the parkpark.
April 8
PFN Monthly Meeting: "A Land of Contrarities: The Role of Fire in the Ecology of Australia"
7:30 p.m. Peterborough Public Library
Speaker: John Bottomley
John will speak to us about the way in which Australian habitats have adapted to increasing aridity caused by the northward drift of the continent following the break-up of Gondwanaland. This northward drift has resulted in a set of habitats that require periodic burning to maintain their productivity. The presentation will look at the manner in which fire plays an essential role in maintaining environmental health and will include spectacular photos of Australian fires.
March 11
PFN Monthly Meeting, "Our Feathered Friends"
6:30 p.m. Peterborough Museum (NOT at the Library)
Joint event with Peterborough Museum and Archives.
Speaker: Mike Cadman from Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Coordinator
Note: March meeting will be held at the Museum instead of the library. The event will start at 6:30 to give you a chance to visit the Museum’s exhibit prior to Mike’s presentation. For information contact the Museum at 743-5180.
Past Other Events
April 2nd
Carbon Footprints... Leading Back to Trent
Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada
March 14-15, & March 21-22
Presqu'ile Provincial Park Waterfowl Viewing Weekends
10 am – 4 p.m.
Presqu’ile will once again be hosting waterfowl viewing weekends, where nature enthusiasts can come and appreciate one of the great natural spectacles on earth – the return of migrating waterfowl to their staging areas along the lower Great Lakes. Presqu’ile is well situated to experience this phenomenon with close viewing and a good variety of species. Seeing 20 different species of waterfowl in a day is not unusual and 25+ species are usually tallied during the season. During viewing weekends, volunteers with scopes are situated at key areas to help visitors find and ID the different species.
The Nature Centre, featuring “ducky” displays and children’s activities is open 10am to 3p.m. and the Lighthouse Centre with hot drinks and snacks and the friends Gift Store is open 10am to 4p.m.. A Bushnell representative is usually on hand one weekend to answer your questions and show you the latest in optical equip.m.ent.
If you want to come learn about ducks this is a great opportunity. If you are interested in
coming out and helping with duck ID or in one of Visitor Centres I would be more than
happy to hear from you. For more information on the event or on volunteering please
contact David Bree at 613 475-4324 ext 225 or david.bree@ontario.ca.
For more information or to register call (705) 748-9153.