Updated Feb 21st /2008

Friday, March 14 and Friday, March 28, 7-10 p.m.: Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 33 Scott Road , Chelsea QC:
Friends of Gatineau Park present The Dusk Series 2008 - Owl Prowl. When day becomes night, when so many animals wake, when the sun gives way to the moon and stars… it's the Dusk Series in Gatineau Park ! A special indoor presentation by Bernie Ladouceur on owls and their nocturnal habits will be followed by an outing in the Park to call for owls and hear their haunting responses. Adults $15 (Members $12), Seniors/Students $12 (Members $10), Children $5 Information and Registration: (819) 827-2020 www.friendsofgatineaupark.ca

Friday-Sunday, March 28-30, Mall Hours: Billings Bridge Plaza, Bank Street at Riverside Drive, Ottawa: Wildlife Awareness Event: Exhibits by wildlife organizations, including Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments, environmental agencies, schools, wildlife artists, woodcarvers and much more. Live animals, mascots, giveaways, face painting, etc. Information: (613) 831-2253

Monday, March 31, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Ottawa Public Library--Main, 120 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa: Max Finkelstein, spokesman for the Canadian Heritage Rivers System, Canada's national river conservation program, will take you on a journey to discover Water, Earth and Sky - Canoeing a Continent : On the Trail of Alexander Mackenzie , the story of three summers spent retracing the route of Alexander Mackenzie from Ottawa to the Pacific coast in a canoe on the first trans-Continental route, providing glimpses of the tapestry of land and waterscapes, rivers and watersheds, cultures and communities that make up this nation. Information and Registration: (613) 236-0301 or 580-2945

Wednesday, April 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Ottawa Public Library--Beaverbrook, 2500 Campeau Drive , Kanata : John Nelson, veteran beekeeper, shares his knowledge of Beekeeping and Pollinators . He discusses the art of beekeeping and the incredible instincts of bees and their role in pollination, presents a video on bees, and is prepared to discuss issues such as the disappearance of bees from hives in many locations. Information and Registration: (613) 592-2712

Thursday, April 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Ottawa Public Library–North Gloucester , 2036 Ogilvie Road : Canadian butterflies are one of the best-loved and best-known groups of pollinators in this country. However, faced with climate change, habitat loss and other perils, what is the health of Canada 's butterfly populations? Peter Hall, co-author of The Butterflies of Canada, will present his findings on this question based on preparations for a report on the status and trends of Canadian Butterflies . Information and Registration : (613) 748-4208

Saturdays and Sundays, April 5-6, April 12-13, April 19-20 and April 26-27, Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod Street (at Metcalfe), Ottawa : The Canadian Museum of Nature celebrates National Wildlife Week with storytelling, theatre and dance. Join us each weekend in April for performances inspired by the miracle of pollination. Information: (613) 566-4729.

Tuesday, April 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Ottawa Public Library–Orléans, 1705 Orléans Boulevard, Orléans: French Presentation: Jean Lauriault, Environmental Specialist for the Canadian Centre for Biodiversity at the Canadian Museum of Nature and the lead for Canada on the Canada/Mexico/U.S. Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation and Management's Monarch Butterfly Advisory Group will present: Monarch Butterflies: Biology, Milkweed and Predators . His talk will include pictures, specimens and personal anecdotes from his numerous trips to the monarch over-wintering sanctuaries in the Oyamel fir forests of Mexico . Information and Registration : (613) 824-1962

Wednesday, April 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Ottawa Public Library–Sunnyside, 1049 Bank Street : Roy John, Canadian Field-Naturalist 's Book Review Editor and ardent eco-traveller, shares an account of his travels to Russia and Alaska as he takes us on a visit to the The Bering Sea , not under the ferocious conditions of the Deadliest Catch, but in the foggy mild days of summer. Look at some of the lovely and unique flowers that can be found on the multitude of islands. Find out about the many birds, especially the alcids, and the mammals that inhabit this remote area. Information and Registration (613) 730-1082

Thursday, April 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Ottawa Public Library–Elmvale Acres, 1910 St. Laurent Ottawa: Max Finkelstein, spokesman for the Canadian Heritage Rivers System, Canada's national river conservation program, will take you on a journey to discover Water, Earth and Sky - Canoeing a Continent : On the Trail of Alexander Mackenzie , the story of three summers spent retracing the route of Alexander Mackenzie from Ottawa to the Pacific coast in a canoe on the first trans-Continental route, providing glimpses of the tapestry of land and waterscapes, rivers and watersheds, cultures and communities that make up this nation. Registration: (613) 738-0619

Monday, April 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Ottawa Public Library–Ruth E. Dickinson , 100 Malvern, Barrhaven: Maria MacRae, Canadian Wildlife Federation's expert wildlife gardener, lets us in on her secrets to finding Pollinators in Your Garden . Pollinators are a very important part of our environment and help provide us with many of the products we need to survive, from the fruit we have at breakfast to the cotton pajamas you put on to go to bed. This talk will share ideas on how you can create a beautiful garden that will also support a diversity of fascinating pollinators. Information and Registration (613) 580-2796

Tuesday, April 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Ottawa Public Library--Carlingwood, 281 Woodroffe Avenue : Have you heard arctic travelers speak of being above “bug line,” implying they should leave their bug jackets at home if they are far enough north? If there is a northern limit to insects, one would hypothesize that plants growing north of this line would be pollinated only by other means (wind, water, or other animals). Laurie Consaul, Canadian Museum of Nature, will show how Arctic plant species are pollinated, including a comparison of the distributions of potential pollinators to plant distributions, seeking explanations for the distribution of our Canadian Arctic plant species in Arctic Pollination Above and Below the “Bug-Line” . Information and Registration (613) 725-2449

Wednesday, April 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Ottawa Public Library--Hazeldean, 50 Castlefrank Road , Kanata : Roy John, Canadian Field-Naturalist 's Book Review Editor and ardent eco-traveller, shares an account of his travels to Peru . Journey to the ancient land of the Incas with its bleak deserts and lush forests. Peru has about the best diversity of bird species in the world, so you can see penguins and parrots within a relatively short distance. It also has great botany and impressive historical sights. The people are a colourful blend of the Inca and colonial Spanish cultural traits and you can order deep-fried guinea pig or chicken! Information and Registration (613) 836-1900

Friday, April 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Stony Swamp Parking Lot #8, Moodie Drive, south of Hunt Club, Nepean: Family Nature Walk at Stony Swamp: Naturalist Martha Webber will encourage participants to discover the wonders of the night sounds and sights of nature in spring. Information: (613) 839-5217

Friday, April 18 (English) and Friday, April 25 (French), 7-10 p.m.: Gatineau Park Visitors Centre, 33 Scott Road, Chelsea QC: Friends of Gatineau Park of Gatineau Park present The Dusk Series 2008 -Frog Chorus : When day becomes night, when so many animals wake, when the sun gives way to the moon and stars. it's the Dusk Series in Gatineau Park ! Join Rob Alvo, an amphibian specialist as he presents slides on these vocal amphibians and introduces us to their different songs. Afterwards, we will go into the Park, enjoy the concert and identify who is who! All participants will receive a free CD with frog calls from the Frogwatch Programme! Adults $15 (Members $12), Seniors/Students $12 (Members $10), Children $5 Information and Registration: (819) 827-2020 http://www.friendsofgatineaupark.ca

Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive , Ottawa : Eco-Stewardship Fair: Celebrating Green Living Ideas, Products and Services : Green living has never been easier given the exciting new products and services available in the Nation's capital! The 2008 Ottawa Eco-Stewardship Fair is an opportunity for the public to find out how to help the planet, save dollars, & improve health by exploring exhibits under several themes, including: Health, Beauty & Fashion, Local Food, Ecotourism & Lifestyle, Home & Garden, Nature, Transportation, and Energy. There will be food demonstrations, product displays and children's activities. An informative & fun filled day for the whole family to enjoy! Free admission. Information: www.ottawaecofair.ca ( 613) 230-3292

Sunday, April 20, 10 a.m.-Noon: Alba Wilderness School , Lanark: Nature Hike to Blue Berry Mountain : 5 km interpretive hike to the top of Blue Berry Mountain , the highest lookout in the area. Dramatization of the life of John Muir, famous adventurous conservationist with a natural scientific focus, and naturalist's ability to commune deeply with nature. Donations appreciated. Information and registration (613) 259-3412

Sunday, April 20, 1-3 p.m.: Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Alliance leads A Walk in the Woods . Naturalists' delight! Host to Ottawa 's largest stand of old growth trees and one of the most diverse turtle communities found within an urban environment, the Medeola Woods also boasts an impressive network of wetlands, woods and meadows. Not to be missed! Dress appropriately. Free. Information: www.ofnc.ca/ofgac

Wednesday, April 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Ottawa Public Library--Alta Vista, 2516 Alta Vista Drive , Ottawa : Tony Beck, acclaimed wildlife photographer and naturalist, guides you through the fundamentals of Beginning Birdwatching . (613) 737-2837

Thursday, April 24, 7:30 a.m.: Jack Pine Trail Parking Lot, Moodie Drive, South of Hunt Club, Nepean : Tony Beck's Guided Nature Walk at the Jack Pine Trail: Early spring field trip for adults into one of Ottawa 's most diverse natural areas. Experience marsh, forest and field as they awaken from winter. Bring waterproof footwear, binoculars and insect repellant. Dress for weather. $10 fee fundraiser for Wild Bird Care Centre. Information and reservations: (613) 828-2849

Friday, April 25, 7:30 a.m.: MerBleue Boardwalk Parking Lot at end of Ridge Rd., east of Anderson Rd., Ottawa East: Tony Beck's Guided Nature Walk at Mer Bleue Bog: early spring field trip for adults into one of Ottawa's most unique natural habitats. Experience the bog and surrounding environments after the spring thaw. Amphibians and insects come out of hibernation while migratory birds arrive from the south. Bring waterproof footwear, binoculars and insect repellant. Dress for weather. $10 fee fundraiser for Wild Bird Care Centre. Information and reservations: (613) 828-2849

Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Open House at Wolf Grove Woods: Explore the woods and harvest wild edible plants with botanist, Martha Webber. Bring a lunch and supplement from the wild. Meet at Metcalfe Park in Almonte. Information (613) 839-5217

Saturday, April 26, 8-10 a.m.: Down to Earth Gardens, 420 Haskins Road, Burritt's Rapids South between Merrickville and Kemptville, off Highway 43 and Burritts Rapids Road: Birding 101 Along the Old Stagecoach Trail: Explore nature's haven for bird watchers along the historic Old Stagecoach Trail with John Mackenzie, retired MNR wildlife technician, and Patti Pokorchak of Down to Earth Gardens. Information and registration: patti@storm.ca (613) 269 2687 www.downtoearthgardens.ca

Monday, April 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Ottawa Public Library--Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive , Nepean : Maria MacRae, Canadian Wildlife Federation's expert wildlife gardener, lets us in on her secrets to finding Pollinators in Your Garden . Pollinators are a very important part of our environment and help provide us with many of the products we need to survive, from the fruit we have at breakfast to the cotton pajamas you put on to go to bed. This talk will share ideas on how you can create a beautiful garden that will also support a diversity of fascinating pollinators. Information and Registration: (613) 580-2710

Tuesday, April 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Ottawa Public Library–St. Laurent, 515 Côté: Jean Lauriault, Environmental Specialist for the Canadian Centre for Biodiversity at the Canadian Museum of Nature and the lead for Canada on the Canada/Mexico/U.S. Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation and Management's Monarch Butterfly Advisory Group will present: Monarch Butterflies: Biology, Milkweed and Predators . His talk will include pictures, specimens and personal anecdotes from his numerous trips to the monarch over-wintering sanctuaries in the Oyamel fir forests of Mexico . Information and Registration : (613) 824-1962

Wednesday, April 30, 6-9:30 p.m.: Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod Street (at Metcalfe), Ottawa : Forum on Pollinators – For Food. For the future . The three topics for the evening are Gardening : creating a garden for pollinators ; Agriculture : the dependency of many types of food production (e.g. apples) on successful pollination ; Natural Environment: Restoration of natural areas with a focus on pollinators and the plants they require for survival. Information tables, displays, handouts, and refreshments. Free admission. Organized by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club/Fletcher Wildlife Garden, the Canadian Museum of Nature, Parks Canada , the Ottawa Stewardship Council and the Wildlife Festival. Information: (613) 831-2253

Saturday, May 3, 8 a.m.: Entrance to the Britannia Filtration Plant on Cassels Street: Dave Moore and Bev McBride, members of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club, will be leading a half-day, General Interest Nature Walk through the Britannia Conservation Area, a 40-hectare site along the Ottawa River near the Britannia Filtration Plant. Centered in this area is Mud Lake , around which the trails wander through both coniferous and deciduous forests, fields and scrub. This area is noted for its biodiversity and multitude of habitats – some natural, some man made. More species of birds have been found in this area than in any other area in Ottawa , and it's all accessible by bus! Limited to 15 participants. Information and Registration: (613) 613-729-9330 mooredw@vif.com

Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-Noon: Fletcher Wildlife Garden , Prince of Wales Drive (Experimental Farm): International Migratory Bird Day: Guided birding walk, free refreshments, displays and handouts. (613) 234-6767

CONTACTS
Madeline Kallio, NCR Wildlife Festival Coordinator Telephone: 613 831-2253 Fax: 613 831-4663 Email: mkallio@mondenet.com	Louise Hanlon, Media Coordinator Phone: (613) 599-9594 Fax: (613) 599-4428 Email: louiseh@cwf-fcf.org