Go back to Wildlife Festival Highlights 2001

Friday, March 1:
Awards for Excellence in Environmental Conservation Nomination Deadline. Awards are given to a youth/youth group, adult individual and adult group for sustainable contributions to wildlife in this region. Info (613) 831-2253

Monday, March 25:
Poster Contest Deadline for schools. Info (613)952-2407. Over 500 entries were submitted and judged by local artists.

April 1 to 28
Canadian Museum of Nature, 315 McLeod St., Ottawa.
Underwater Odyssey: Thursday to Sunday, English: 10:30 am and 1:30 pm;
French: 11:30 am and 2:30 pm- High Definition Cinema:
The inner sea floor of Truk Lagoon in Micronesia is the final resting-place of some 60 sunken warships from the Second World War. Wrapped in a veil of coral, these warships now attract a dizzying array of exotic sea life. At one time featureless, this lagoon is now a kaleidoscope of colour and a flurry of curious activity. General museum admission. Event Successful.

Wednesday, April 3 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.: Osgoode Public Library, 5630 Main Street, Osgoode:

"Year in the Life of a Forest", "Petrie Islands, Seasons in a Small Wilderness", "English Country Gardens": Audio-visual images of landscape and nature by Jim Robertson, a self-taught amateur photographer who is the chair of slide competitions of the Camera Club of Ottawa, and was formerly on the executive of the Toronto Guild for Colour Photography. Reservations (613) 826-2227. Eight people attended the superb presentation of excellent photography, sound and music.

April 4
Awards Presentation and Silent Auction: 5:00 - 8:00 p.m (viewing from 4pm)
Presentation of the Awards for Excellence in Environmental Conservation and silent auction featuring wildlife-related products and services. Reception, cash bar, door prizes. Presentation by Michael Runtz, Interpretive Naturalist, Educator, Author. Master of Ceremonies:John Lacharity from CBC's Ottawa Morning. Reservations required. $5 Madeline Kallio (613) 831-2253. About 200 people attended the event. John Lacharity controlled the evening as Master of Ceremonies. Michael Runtz made an excellent presentation with his exquisite slides and presented the Awards for Excellence to Michèle Andre-St. Cyr, the Greenspace Alliance of Canada's Capital and Blossom Park Public School. Seventy-seven items were auctioned and a number of door prizes were given. A cold buffet and a cash bar complemented the evening.
This event was a great success!

The Master of Ceremonies was John Lacharity, host of CBC's Ottawa Morning show. Catherine Dumouchel welcomed guests on behalf of the Canadian Museum of Nature. Jean Cinq-Mars, Executive Director of Wildlife Habitat Canada, and Karen Brown, Assistant Deputy Minister of Environment Canada, spoke on behalf of the partnering organizations.

John Lacharity	Catherine Dumouchel	Jean Cinq-Mars	Karen Brown

Sponsorship from TD Friends of the Environment was officially presented to Madeline Kallio, Coordinator, by Guy Milne, Manager, TD Canada Trust World Exchange Plaza Branch. Approximately 250 guests with a keen interest in wildlife conservation enjoyed the presentations by Mike Runtz, the opportunity to bid on the 77 silent auction items and the cold buffet.
	Awards for Excellence in Environmental Conservation were presented to individuals and groups whose long-term commitment to conservation of the wildlife and wildlife habitat have had significant, sustainable impacts. Presentations were made by Mike Runtz. Go to Awards Presentations

Mike Runtz, a well-known and well-respected naturalist, university lecturer, presented a spectacular slide show and commentary on the flora and fauna in Eastern Ontario, especially Algonquin Park. Mike has received Excellence in Teaching Awards, is an award-winning wildlife photographer, and author with a number of books. These books include the best-selling The Explorer's Guide to Algonquin Park, Wild Things: This Hidden World of Animals, Wild Wings: The Hidden World of Birds, Beauty and the Beast: Wildflowers, and Algonquin Seasons. His books are lavishly illustrated with his own stunning photographs. He has worked for many years as a professional naturalist in Canada's national and provincial parks, including Point Pelee National Park in southern Ontario. He has also conducted numerous biological surveys on such species as the Peregrine Falcon. Kelly Egan in the Ottawa Citizen said: "Runtz does a little of everything. He's a naturalist, photographer, wilderness guide, teacher, biologist, consultant, and all-around outdoors type. Going into the bush with a guy like Runtz is like walking through the National Gallery with a top curator."

Thursday, April 4: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m
Hazeldean Public Library, 50 Castlefrank Road, Kanata:
"Year in the Life of a Forest", "Petrie Islands, Seasons in a Small Wilderness", "Wonderful World": Audio-visual images of landscape and nature by Jim Robertson, a self-taught amateur photographer who is the chair of slide competitions of the Camera Club of Ottawa, and was formerly on the executive of the Toronto Guild for Colour Photography . Reservations (613) 836-1900. Once again, Jim Robertson amazed his audience with his superb photography and audio-visual presentations. Twenty people attended the presentation.

April 6 - 7 / April 13 - 14 / April 20 -21: Saturdays & Sundays,
Canadian Museum of Nature, 315 McLeod St., Ottawa.
Everybody Loves the Beach: 1 - 4 pm - Through slides, specimens and props, discover how beaches are habitats serving thousands of different users and facing many different challenges including the impact of climate change on this fragile environment. General museum admission. Event Successful.

April 9: 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
3rd Floor Salon Canadian Museum of Nature, 315 McLeod St., Ottawa.
Ottawa's Wild Life Workshop: Information sessions on deer, spotted turtles and bear in the region. Wildlife exhibits. Reservations required. $5 Michael Rosen, Ottawa Stewardship Council (613) 692-0014. Cancelled due to Ontario Government strike.

April 10
8th Annual Poster Contest Awards
See 2002 Poster Contest Awards:
7th Annual Poster Contest Awards Ceremony: Canadian Museum of Nature. Winners of the Poster Contest are bused with their classes to the Museum for a wildlife presentation, a visit to the Museum and an awards ceremony. Prizes are given to the children and their schools. Invitation only. For info: (613) 952-2407. About 325 children plus teachers and parents spent a day at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Poster Contest Awards were given in a ceremony from Noon until 1 p.m. David Pfeffer of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation, accompanied by Odo, the Barn Owl, entranced the children. They learned that barn owls are endangered in Ontario because there are few prairies and few barns.

April 11: 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Nepean Central Library, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Nepean.
"Portraits of Nature" Slide Show and Presentation by Isabelle Nicol, Nature and Wildlife Photographer: A photographic tour of seasons from spring to autumn, depicting the beauty of plants and animals, and learning about their wild ways, as well as natural history. Wildlife display. Reservations (613) 727-6660. About 15-20 people attended this slide show of Isabelle's exquisite photography. A wildlife display of specimens of butterflies, birds' nests, cocoons, etc. added to the evening.

April 12-14: Mall Hours
Wildlife Awareness Event at Carlingwood Shopping Centre
Carlingwood Shopping Centre donates space to us annually for a coming-together of approx. 30 wildlife organizations to exhibit and interact with the public (60,000 to 70,000 people) Visit displays featuring local and regional wildlife organizations. See live animals and meet some wild and wooly mascots. Face painting, scavenger hunt and lots of prizes and giveaways. Fun and learning for the whole family.
Carlingwood Shopping Centre, 2121 Carling Avenue. Volunteers from Katimavik, Merivale High School, Gloucester High School and Notre Dame High School painted faces and inhabited mascot costumes. Wildlife organizations gave everyone an insight into the resources available and the problems that face wildlife. A "wildlife cake", donated by Loblaws, put a great finishing touch on the event. Everyone went home with lots of material and lots to think about.

Alba Wilderness School Baxter Conservation Area Canadian Wildlife Federation Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society Canadian Nature Federation Canadian Wildlife Service, Ontario Region City of Ottawa Public Health Branch Educarium Dinosaur Nature Centre Ferret Rescue Society Fletcher Wildlife Garden Friends of Petrie Island Girl Guides - Ottawa Area Greenspace Alliance of Canada's Capital Katimavik Little Ray's Reptile Adventure Look and Listen Day Camps & Edible Wild McSab Farm Mississippi Valley Conservation Oasis Reptile Kingdom Ottawa Amphibian and Reptile Association Ottawa S. B. Outdoor Education Centres Ottawa Duck Club Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club Outaouais Wood Carvers Rideau Trail Ottawa Club Wildlife Artists	Wildlife Awareness Event at Carlingwood Shopping Centre April 12-14, 2002

April 14: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m
Canadian Museum of Nature, 315 McLeod St., Ottawa.
Exploring Science: Each month, a different scientist will be on hand to share their experiences in the study of birds, insects, snakes, marine life, fossils and other fascinating avenues of natural sciences. These unique interactive sessions are geared for all ages; please bring your questions! General museum admission. Event Successful.

April 16: Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Main Library, 120 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa:
"Nature and Wildlife in Ottawa": Slide Presentation by Tony Beck, Acclaimed Naturalist and Wildlife Photographer. The Ottawa Valley, nestled in the St. Lawrence Lowlands, and bordered by the Canadian Shield, is home to a great diversity of wildlife. Join Tony for this entertaining presentation about the wonderful animals found around the National Capital Region. Reservations (613) 236-0301 Ext. 239 or 561. Seven people enjoyed Tony's spectacular slides on the flora and fauna of the region.

April 17: 7:00-8:30 p.m
Alta Vista Public Library, 2516 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa:
Antarctica: In the Wake of Shackleton: A Slide Show Presentation by Roy John, Experienced Naturalist and Presenter: Follow in the wake of the famous Irish explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, on his epic voyage around the Antarctic. Visit the dramatic and desolate places and see the wildlife that Sir Ernest and his men lived with at the beginning of the First World War. See this amazing continent through the eyes of the world's most respected explorer. Reservations (613) 737-2837. About 13 people showed up for this exciting journey with Roy John. His descriptions of flora and fauna of the region brought us there.

April 18: 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Orléans Public Library, 1705 Orléans Blvd., Orléans:
"Petrie Islands, Seasons in a Small Wilderness", "Iqaluit", "Wonderful World": Audio-visual images of landscape and nature by Jim Robertson, a self-taught amateur photographer who is the chair of slide competitions of the Camera Club of Ottawa, and was formerly on the executive of the Toronto Guild for Colour Photography . Reservations (613) 824-1962. About a dozen people attended this spectacular show of sound and slides. From the nearly barren regions of Iqualuit to the lush vegetation on Petrie Islands, it was a varied adventure.

April 18: 7:00- 8:30 p.m
Carlingwood Public Library, 281 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa
"Attracting Wildlife to Your Garden": Slide Presentation byTony Beck, Acclaimed Naturalist and Wildlife Photographer, describes some of his techniques for making your property wildlife-friendly. This includes bird feeding strategies and plant preferences. An entertaining slide presentation will reveal some of his successes. Reservations (613) 725-2449 or (613) 828-5936. This show was well received with about 25 people attending. The hour & half was full with several questions and lots of subject matter to discuss.

April 19
Guided Nature Walk at Jack Pine Trail, Moodie Drive. 8:00 am - noon
Join naturalist Tony Beck for this wonderful hike into one of Ottawa's best natural areas. Experience marsh, forest and field as they awaken from winter. Bring waterproof footwear, binoculars and insect repellant. Listen to weather forecasts and dress accordingly. Phone 828-5936 for reservations. This excursion was very successful. About 14 people attended including 3 well-behaved and enthusiastic children. The day was comfortable with only a tiny bit of drizzle at the start. The trails were very active. We found several resident species and migrating birds. Highlights included a cooperative Star-nosed Mole, a tame Snowshoe Hare, singing Virginia Rails, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Swamp Sparrows, Leopard Frog and a few blooming spring flowers. Weekday field trips are very popular and this may be worth trying again. It is important to note that many people who phoned to register wanted to bring children. I discouraged the parents from bring children, advising them that these field trips require attention and focus. If the parents promised to keep their children under control, I then agreed to allow them to attend. In the case of this excursion, there was a young girl that was very enthusiastic, and found many animals before I did. She was better behaved (and quieter) than many of the adults.

April 20: 8:00 - Noon
Guided Nature Walk at Mer Bleue Bog
Join naturalist Tony Beck for this wonderful hike into one of Ottawa's best natural areas. Experience the bog as it awakens from winter. Bring waterproof footwear, binoculars and insect repellant. Listen to weather forecasts and dress accordingly. Phone (613) 828-5936 for reservations. With sunny & cool weather, this event was very successful. However, because this excursion was on a weekend, many people attended. I had about 30 people for this event. While taking phone registration, I decided to give up and just let everyone attend. The evening before the excursion, I called on Dave Moore to help me with interpreting the trails, and keeping the people under control. It is very important to figure out ways to limit registration for this event in the future. Regardless of the number of people, and, although the marsh was quiet, we found many birds and insects. Without question, the highlight was Sandhill Cranes flying high over the bog. Other resident and migratory birds were present.

April 20
Open House at Wolf Grove Woods 10:00 am Explore the woods and harvest wild edible plants with botanist, Martha Webber. Bring a lunch and supplement it from the wild. Meet at Metcalfe Park in Almonte.
Information: (613) 839-5217. About 30 people walked through the lush forest, enjoyed lunch while sitting on the rocks in the sun, the meal supplemented with wild leek and other wild salad greens. Adults and children alike were impressed by the porcupine den.

April 20, 2:30 p.m.
Auditorium, Canadian Museum of Nature, 315 McLeod St., Ottawa.
The Role of Botanical Gardens in Conservation: Dozens of plant species are being driven to extinction around the world every day with more than 35,000 species known to be at risk of extinction right now. In the face of such challenges, can institutions like botanical gardens hope to make a valid contribution to stem the present rate of loss of biological diversity? Biologist David Galbraith takes a critical look at present plant conservation programmes in botanical gardens and arboreta around the world and at home in Canada. Ottawa Botanical Garden Society - $7 - Reservations or information at (613) 291-2820. Event Successful.

April 21
Earth Day Ottawa Eco-Forum
Carlingwood Shopping Centre: an exhibition of eco-friendly vehicles and organizations. Information on contests for students will be available. Information: www.earthdayottawa.cyberus.ca
Children enjoyed building miniature solar cars. Queen's University displayed their winning solar car. Other solar car displays showed what schools will be doing in their solar event when 46 school teams will compete at the Canadian Museum of Nature on June 1. A guest artist painted one side of the 8 ft. x 4 ft. mural; the second side was designed by students and the other sides were painted by children who attended the event.

April 25, 7:00 p.m.
Canadian Museum of Nature, 315 McLeod St., Ottawa.
Storm Warning: Gambling with the Climate of Our Planet: Perspective on Nature Lecture Series - One of Canada's premiere science writers Lydia Dotto discusses the issues of global climate change and the environmental and social impacts we can expect. $10 ($8 for students, seniors and members) - Information and Registration at (613) 566-4791. Event Successful.

April 26
Family Nature Walk at Stony Swamp 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Naturalist Martha Webber will encourage participants to discover the wonders of the night sounds and sights of nature in spring. Contact: (613) 839-5217. Although the beaver never showed up to end the evening's activities, the 30 people who attended hunted for mouse runs and found a mouse nest, played the prey-predator Camouflage Game. The woods were alive with sounds, especially the spring frogs.

April 24 - 26
Envirothon at YM/YWCA Outdoor Centre in Kanata
Fifth annual North American competition featuring students from 12 high schools who strive to be the best at topics ranging from forests and soil to wildlife aquatics and wildlife management. Contact: Mike Rosen (613) 692-0014.Ten teams participated in the activity that was run by teachers this year. Colonel By High School won for the fourth year in a row and went on to compete at Sir Sandford Fleming College.

Saturday, April 27: All Day: Canadian Museum of NatureConference - Workshop - Best Stewardship Practices at the Community Level: Enhancing Plant Biodiversity: - A series of presentations and field trips with local specialists on a range of topics: native plant gardening, gardening for wildlife, heritage seeds, gardening without pesticides, plants at risk, invasive and exotic plants - Information and registration (613) 364-4033 Successful event.

L'Envirothon Franco-Ontarien au Collège Alfred, Alfred, Ontario
L'Envirothon vise à augmenter les connais-sances des questions environnementales chez les jeunes gens au moyen d'études en classe, d'excursions sur le terrain et de compétitions en plein air portant sur les thèmes suivants : le monde aquatique, la foresterie, les sols, la faune et cette année le thème d'actualité porte sur la pollution des sources diffuses en milieu urbain. Si votre école ou groupe est intéressé à prendre part au programme, communiquer avec Kathy Moss par téléphone au (613) 692-0014 poste 127
ou (613) 443-3848 Cancelled because of lack of volunteers and the Ontario Government strike.