|
Go back to Wildlife Festival Highlights 2005
Wednesday, 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. Information: (613) 831-2253
Thursday-Sunday, March 23 - 26:
Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod Street (at Metcalfe), Ottawa:
National Wildlife Week Hi Definition Movie Festival: Daytime screenings plus Thursday and Friday evenings. Celebrate watersheds with an exciting lineup of nature movies in spectacular high definition. Special screening of Water's Journey along with a guest speaker on Friday (doors open 6:30 p.m.) Sponsored by the Canadian Wildlife Federation and the Canadian Museum of Nature. Free with Museum admission. Movie descriptions, schedule and show times, check www.nature.ca
The Canadian Wildlife Federation and the Canadian Museum of Nature hosted four days of excellent movies related to watersheds. The Festival was well attended. A special screening of The Hidden Rivers of Florida was shown on March 24, preceded by a talk by Dr. David Sawatzky, a physician and diver who has explored and mapped most of the Ottawa River cave system. Dr. Sawatsky was intimately involved in exploring the aquifers in Florida and took the audience on a thrilling adventure to trace the connective path of water through the landscape. The divers explored the aquifers to see how the source water is being compromised and to look for ways to rehabilitate what was once thought to be an inexhaustive supply of fresh water. Dr. Swatsky is a medical columnist for Diver Magazine and has also authored the handbook, "Dr. Sawatsky's Diving Medial Notess". His help in rescuing a trapped diver in a Tobermory cave won him the Star of Courage.
Wednesday, March 29, 7-9 p.m.:
Mountain Equipment Store, 366 Richmond Road, Ottawa:
Justin Ellis, Leave No Trace Master Educator, will give presentation and workshop on the 7 principles of ensuring an outdoor experience on the water that is safe for both users and the environment.
Information: (613) 729-2700
LNT Canada will develop and implement outdoor ethics programs that will meet the needs of Canadian users and ensure the protection of the varied and complex Canadian environment. Justin provided an interactive workshop to the 15 willing participants on the 7 principles; 1) Plan ahead and prepare, 2) Travel and camp on durable surfaces, 3) Dispose of waste properly, 4) Leave what you find, 5) Minimize campfire impacts, 6) Respect wildlife, 7) Be considerate of other visitors
Friday, March 31, 7-10 p.m.:
Gatineau Park Visitors Centre, 33 Scott Road, Chelsea QC:
Friends of Gatineau Park present The Dusk Series 2006 – 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 a walk in the Park to call for owls and hear their haunting responses. Adults $15 - Members $12 - Children $7 Information and Registration: (819) 827-2020 http://www.rezoe.com/amicigatineau
35 participants took part in the program on March 31 and with a long waiting list, a second event was added on April 7. This meant that an additional 29 participants were able to enjoy Bernie Ladouceur's excellent program. Speaking from years of experience in observing owls in the wild, Bernie started the evening presenting the different owl species in the region, both year round residents and those that visit us during the winter months. He used some of his own footage to explain how to go about finding and identifying owls. The highlights of the outdoor portion of the evening were the barred owls responding to Bernie's calls and woodcocks carrying out their courtship display.
 |
Monday, April 3, 7-8:30 p.m.:
Centennial Library, 3870 Richmond Road, Bells Corners:
Slide presentation by John Waithaka, Parks Canada, on his experience in Kenya and the challenges of Conserving and Protecting the African Elephant. Information and registration (613) 828-5142
John Waithaka had planned to speak on Conserving and Protecting the African Elephant, but felt he had to describe the whole ecosystem in which the elephants live to the 16 participants. |
| We were treated to photos and descriptions of the difficulties faced by wildlife in Kenya, the population declines and the measures that are being taken to reverse the decline. John concentrated on the Masai-Mara Reserve which has the highest density of lions in the world and spoke of conservation practices he had helped to implement. A wonderful view of Kenya through the eyes of the expert. |
Wednesday, April 5, 7-8:30 p.m.:
Ottawa Public Library--Beaverbrook, 2500 Campeau Drive, Kanata:
Meredith Brown, Executive Director for the citizen-based Ottawa Riverkeeper focuses on the beauty, richness and issues of the Ottawa River and its Complex Watershed. Information and registration: (613) 592-2712
11 people enoyed the powerpoint presentation by Meredith Brown, Executive Director for the citizen-based Ottawa Riverkeeper which focussed on the beauty, richness and issues of the Ottawa River and its Complex Watershed with pictures of parts of the Ottawa River and 'slides' about Riverkeepers and what they do. She explained that one of the big problems with the Ottawa River is shared jurisdiction - Ontario, Quebec and Federal levels of government - so no one takes an overall look at what is happening on the river and in the watershed. That's what the riverkeeper can try to do. The project is only a few years old but networks, especially with the local communities, are being established. The talk was enthusiastically received and many had questions. One participant donated to become a member of the OttawaRiverKeeper project .
 |
Thursday, April 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m.:
Ottawa Public Library--
Alta Vista, 2516 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa:
Jim Robertson, talented wildlife photographer, presents the AV multimedia slide shows:
Wonderful World: spectacular sights of Banff, Jasper and other Rocky Mountain National Parks set to "Wonderful World" song. Information and registration: (613) 824-6926 |
Turtles of Petrie Island: aspects of the three main types of turtles-the Painted, the Map and the Snapping Turtle-are explored;
A Year in the Life of a Forest: 12 months of photographs depicting the annual life cycle of a Maple Forest with musical accompaniment, featuring wild flowers of the hardwood forest, Bruce Peninsula: orchids and other plants that grow in the unusual environment of the Bruce Peninsula;
Maple Magic: making of maple syrup;
Petrie Islands, Dawn to Dusk: waterfront picnic area, nature trails, turtles, wild flowers and various birds and other animals, such as the Great Blue Heron, raccoons and beavers;
Birds of Petrie Island: birds and their calls;
Seasons in a Small Wilderness: a tour of Petrie Island through the four seasons
Fourteen Aprils: 14 years of images in the month of April;
Unicorn: images set to "Unicorn" song.
Jim Robertson presented 8 audio-visual multimedia slide shows depicting wonderful images from a variety of settings and in a variety of seasons. The session was attended by 16 people who appreciated Jim's terrific photographic eye and commentary. |
 |
Thursday, April 6, 7-8:30 p.m.:
Ottawa Library--Hazeldean, 50 Castlefrank Road, Kanata:
Isabelle Nichol, nature interpreter, will help us appreciate and discover the wonders of her family-oriented Life in a Pond. Information and registration (613)836-1900
Through her presentation, Isabelle helped the small, yet enthusiastic crowd appreciate and discover the wonders of Life in a Pond . This show interested the children and parents as well. We learned about the animals and creatures that live in and near water, how they interacted and needed each other. Isabelle also brought along props for the participants to look and feel. It was a very enjoyable evening. |
Friday-Sunday, April 7-9, Mall Hours:
Billings Bridge Plaza, Bank Street at Riverside Drive, Ottawa:
Wildlife Awareness Event: Exhibits by 34 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
33 local and national organizations participating by presenting attractive, informative displays, as well as our coordinating booth and a display of winning posters from the Poster Contest. Volunteers from Ridgemont High School painted faces and inhabited mascot costumes provided by local individuals/groups. Wildlife organizations gave everyone an insight into the resources available and the problems that face wildlife. The wildlife artists donated paintings which were auctioned at the event. An estimated 60,000 people from around the region visited the shopping centre during the event, about 6,500 of whom came because of the festival, and exhibitors reported a keen interest in their displays. The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation provided $2,420 to fund this event. Several wildlife organizations who were not able to put in a display provided brochures and other information which was distributed by the coordinating booth. A "wildlife cake", donated by Loblaws, put a great finishing touch on the event.
Organizations
Exhibiting at Billings Bridge:
1. Alba Wilderness School
2. Animalerie Tout Poils
3. Canadian Wildlife Federation
4.Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
5.Canadian Wildlife Service
6. Eastern Ont. Biodiversity Museum
7. Educarium School
8. Fletcher Wildlife Garden
9. Friends of CEFO/Forêt LaBlanche
10. Frontier Trails Camp
11. Ottawa Area Girl Guides
12. Greenspace Alliance of Canada's Capital (GACC)
13. Little Ray's Reptile Adventure
14. Look & Listen Day Camps, Carp Ridge Society
15. Ontario Nature
16. Ontario Parks, Southeast Zone
17. Ottawa Amphibian & Reptile Assoc
18. Ottawa Duck Club Inc
19. Ottawa Stewardship Council
20. Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club
21. Outaouais Wood Carvers
22. Rideau Trail Association
23. Parks Canada
24. Sierra Club
25. The Reptile Rainforest
26. TD Friends of the Environment
27. TURTLE S.H.E.L.L.
28. Wildlife Artists
29. Ontario Wetland Habitat Fund
30. Wildlife Festival Booth
31. Poster Contest Display |
  |
 |
|
 |
  |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
Monday, April 10, 7-8:30 p.m.:
Ottawa Library--Carlingwood, 281 Woodroffe Avenue:
Max Finkelstein, spokesman for the Canadian Heritage Rivers System, Canada's national river conservation program, will focus on one of Canada's Premier Heritage Rivers-The Thelon River, the largest river in Nunavut Territory flowing into Hudson Bay. Information and Registration (613) 725-2449 |
20 participants were mesmerized by Max Finkelstein as he described his personal experience in exploring one of Canada's Premier Heritage Rivers-The Thelon River , the largest river in Nunavut Territory flowing into Hudson Bay. His stories of the eskar which are "roads" left by the glaciers, caribou migration, the flora and fauna, the incredible tracery of lakes connected by rivers, and the people who inhabit and visit the area made us all want to go and see it for ourselves.
|
 |
Thursday, April 13, 7-8:30 p.m.:
Ottawa Library--Main, 120 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa:
Tobi Kieswalter, Senior Natural Heritage Education Leader at Murphys Point Provincial Park, will present a short video, powerpoint and a live captive snake to describe the Black Ratsnake and Other Reptiles at Risk in Eastern Ontario. Information and registration: (613) 236-0301 or 580-2945
Tobi presented a very interesting talk on the Black Ratsnake and other reptiles at risk in Eastern Ontario. Given that this talk took place on the evening before the start of the Easter long weekend, it was relatively well attended by 15 people. Tobi brought a black ratsnake for people to see and handle this amazing reptile! |
 |
Friday, April 14, 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
Martha Webber guided 40 participants to discover the wonders of the night sounds and sights of nature in spring which included mice, a red-bellied snake, beavers, frogs, and geese. The group participated in frog calls.
|
Tuesday, April 18, 7-8:30 p.m.:
Ottawa Library-Orleans, 1705 Orleans Boulevard, Orleans:
French Presentation: Teacher and forestry expert, Jacques Bouvier, Wetland Habitat Fund Program, will discuss an ecotourism project highlighting the valuable, excellent Birding Opportunities in the Region of Alfred and Plantagenet, including Alfred Bog, wetlands and shorelines in E. Ontario. Information and registration: (613) 824-1962
Jacques Bouvier introduced the participants to the Wetland Habitat Fund Program and its work with landowners. He then presented the new "Circuit ornithologique d'Alfred" developed by the municipalities of Alfred and Plantagenet and by the Prescott-Russell Stewardship Council to raise awareness about some very important habitats for birdlife. The third part of his talk focused on the Alfred Lagoon. Using photos, bird calls and data from the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, we all discovered the unique fauna that makes this area a favourite amongst birdwatchers and naturalists. The presentation was given in French and attended by 8 keen participants
Wednesday, April 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m.:
Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod Street (at Metcalfe), Ottawa:
Awards Presentation: Presentation of the Awards for Excellence in Environmental Conservation for sustainable contributions to wildlife and wildlife habitat.
Guest speaker, Becky Mason, daughter of Bill Mason, shares Watershed Moments: Memorable Rivers I've Paddled. Becky continues the family tradition of sharing her passion for canoeing through Classic Solo canoe courses, and painting, writing, environmental activism, filmmaking and speaking projects. No charge. Light refreshments. Reservations appreciated. Information and registration: (613) 831-2253
A very successful event. The Master of Ceremonies was Catherine Dumouchel from the Canadian Museum of Nature. Joanne DiCosimo, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Nature warmly welcomed the guests. Awards for Excellence in Environmental Conservation were presented to individuals and groups whose long-term commitment to conservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat have had significant, sustainable impacts. Approximately 200 guests with a keen interest in wildlife conservation enjoyed the presentation by Becky Mason, canoeist, painter, writer, environmental activist, filmmaker, and daughter of Bill Mason, who shared Watershed Moments: Memorable Rivers I've Paddled , and an opportunity to bid on the over 35 silent auction items, and the cold buffet.
Click here to see the full report
Thursday, April 20, 7-8:30 p.m.:
Ottawa Library-Ruth E. Dickinson, 100 Malvern, Barrhaven:
Roy John, Book Review Editor for the Canadian Field Naturalist and an ardent eco-traveller, takes you to Visit Peru's Arid Coast with its teaming marine life, its hot, humid jungle (the source of the Amazon) and its rugged mountains (the home of the Incas). Information and registration (613) 580-2796
Around 15 participants were enchanted with the slides of Peru's vibrant natural live - the teaming marine life, its hot, humid jungle - the source of the Amazon - and its rugged mountains - the home of the Incas. John delighted the crowd with stories of his travels and chance meeting with some of Peru's 1800 species of birds, including 118 endemics and varied habitats that range from coast and deserts to 10000 m snow-capped Andean mountains with prairie-like intermontane valleys, plus cloud forests dotted with Inca ruins and tropical rainforests. He also provided us with some insights in the culture and people of Peru that they encountered during their trip.
Friday, April 21, 7-10 p.m.:
Gatineau Park Visitors Centre, 33 Scott Road, Chelsea QC:
Friends of Gatineau Park of Gatineau Park present The Dusk Series 2006 –Frog Chorus (en français). 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 - Children $7 Information and Registration: (819) 827-2020 http://www.rezoe.com/amicigatineau
A total of 63 participants, young and old, join Rob Alvo in discovering the amphibians of Gatineau Park. During his indoor presentation, Rob gave an overview of the diversity of species that inhabit the Park and participants learned about their characteristics. The outdoor portion of the program was memorable with spring peepers making an appearance and with some participants having their first encounter with salamanders. Everyone left with a free frog call CD from the Frogwatch Programme to continue their explorations _
Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.:
RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive, Ottawa: Eco-Stewardship Fair:
Exhibitions and seminars on steward conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy. Incorporates Earth Day Ottawa Celebrations. Hands-on educational activities for kids, seminars, and Award Presentation Ceremony for Earth Day Ottawa, all-faith Sacred Earth Celebration. Information: www.stewardshipcentre.on.ca/sc_ow/main/index.asp (613) 599-3112
A large crowd enjoyed the exhibitions and seminars A very successful event.
Saturday, April 22, 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
15 people came out to join naturalist Martha Webber, a wild food expert, and enjoy a very nice day. Participants tasted wild horseradish, fiddleheads, wild leak and supplemented their lunches. A good outing.
 |
Sunday, April 23, 10 a.m.-Noon:
Alba Wilderness School, Lanark:
Nature Hike to Blue Berry Mountain: 5 km hike to the top of Blue Berry Mountain, the highest lookout in the area, while observing points of interest. Dramatization of the life of John Muir, a famous conservationist with an adventurous spirit, a natural scientific focus, and a naturalist's ability to commune deeply with nature. Donations appreciated. Information and registration (613) 259-3236
A number of participants enjoyed the 5 km hike to the top of Blue Berry Mountain, the highest lookout in the area, while observing points of interest. The Part of Grey Owl was played by Howard Clifford.
|
Tuesday-Thursday, April 25-27:
Ninth Annual Ottawa Envirothon: Hands-on high school environmental competition. Subject areas include: Aquatics, Forestry, Soil and Wildlife. This year's special theme: Water Stewardship in a Changing Climate (English) Information: Joffre Côté (613) 692-0014
The Elmwood School Envirothon team has won a chance to compete at the Provincial competition at Science North in Sudbury, Ontario from May 10 th to 13 th , 2006. The team of five high school students will represent Ottawa at the Provincial event as they compete against teams from schools across Ontario in the next round of the Environmental Olympics _ The Environmental Olympics do not end with the provincial competition. The winning team from Ontario will continue their quest to win gold at the Canon Envirothon international competition that will take place in Winnipeg Manitoba in July 2006. At the international competition the winning teams from the provincial and state competitions compete for recognition, prizes, and scholarships in a series of hands-on and problem solving environmental activities .
 |
Wednesday, April 26, 7-8:30 p.m.: Ottawa Library--Centrepointe, Room 1C, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Nepean:
Tony Beck, acclaimed naturalist and outdoor photographer presents Wildlife on Ottawa's Water, a close look at wildlife using water surfaces and wetlands in the Greater Ottawa area, and an eye-opener to the mysteries and beauty of life in an often misunderstood part of the Ottawa River watershed. Information and registration (613) 580-2710
Twenty-six people attended and many questions were discussed. |
Wednesday, April 26, 7-8:30 p.m.:
Ottawa Library--North Gloucester, 2036 Ogilvie Road, Ottawa:
Award-winning author/freelance writer, Katharine Fletcher, shares tales and photos of her explorations of Habitats Along the Ottawa River Watershed in her virtual tour of flora and fauna of the Gatineau, Black and Brewery areas in the National Capital Region. Copies of Katharine's books will be on sale. Information and registration (613) 748-4208.
Katharine Fletcher shared her knowledge of the natural and cultural heritage of the area as she took us on a virtual tour of various locations in the watersheds of the Ottawa and Gatineau Rivers. Her talk ranged from the significance of native artifacts, to stories of settlement in the Gatineau Hills, to the antics of otters along the Black River. In addition, her books on walks and rambles in the Ottawa area were of interest to the 11 participants who attended the presentation
Thursday, April 27, 7-8:30 p.m.:
Ottawa Library--Main, 120 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa:
Roy John, Canadian Field Naturalist's Book Review Editor and ardent eco-traveller, takes you by camel to share his experience in Tunisia, a peaceful Islamic country with bazaars, factories and mosques. The mild, lush Mediterranean coast and dry hinterland merge into the Sahara. Information and registration (613) 236-0301/(613) 580-2945
A crowd of close to 45 people were enchanted and fascinated by the slides and stories of Tunisia - a peaceful Islamic country where one can experience the bazaars, factories and mosques with ease. It has a mild, lush Mediterranean coast and a dry hinterland that merges into the Sahara. Its wildlife was devastated to feed the Roman circus, but enlightened government policies have allowed much of it to recover. During his travels, Roy John was able to encounter many of the wildlife, along with experiencing the rich and varied culture of Tunisia.
Thursday, April 27, 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
A very successful event with 11 people attending. The weather was great, and lots of early spring birds were active. The group had a lot of fun
Friday, April 28, 7-10 p.m.:
Gatineau Park Visitors Centre, 33 Scott Road, Chelsea QC:
Friends of Gatineau Park of Gatineau Park present The Dusk Series 2006 –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 - Children $7 Information and Registration: (819) 827-2020 http://www.rezoe.com/amicigatineau
A total of 63 participants, young and old, join Rob Alvo in discovering the amphibians of Gatineau Park. During his indoor presentation, Rob gave an overview of the diversity of species that inhabit the Park and participants learned about their characteristics. The outdoor portion of the program was memorable with spring peepers making an appearance and with some participants having their first encounter with salamanders. Everyone left with a free frog call CD from the Frogwatch Programme to continue their explorations.
Saturday, April 29, 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
A group of 24 people include one eleven year old. Some people travelled quite a distance to come here while some were locals. Our guide, John McKenzie, a retired ex-MNR wildlife technician, started the session by showing the group his stuffed animals - a raccoon and fisher. He explained that wildlife is not the problem, but people make them into a problem by moving into their territories. His raccoon has quite a fierce expression as he wanted to show that they are not cute cuddly creatures but can be quite ferocious. They are a serious threat if infected with rabies. Many were surprise at how small the fisher was, when you think of the stories which say that they can bring down horses and cows, which is obviously not true. We started the walk headed through an open hay field where we could see some wild turkey tracks. John related how small thorny shrubs are an ideal refuge for grouse and rabbits to hide in and that many species of birds like to stay on the fringe of an open field while robins and crows are happy to be out in the open when no human is around......
Tuesday, May 2, 6:00-9:30 p.m.:
Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod Street (at Metcalfe), Ottawa:
All About Watersheds: A panel of speakers will look at watersheds, what they are, why they are important, and threats they are facing. Community groups will discuss their actions to protect watersheds and experts will comment on watershed-based source water and habitat protection. Information tables, displays, handouts, and free refreshments. Organized by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club, the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Wildlife Festival. Information: (613) 831-2253
Based on the 2006 National Wildlife Week theme, "Watersheds...more than just water...explore yours _ ", the Forum was highly successful with about 130 very interested people attending, many of whom were involved in protecting our watersheds, and the speakers were excellent. Sponsored by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club, the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Wildlife Festival, the Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Johanne Ranger from Parks Canada. Joanne DiCosimo, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Nature, welcomed the guests and participants. Participants had an opportunity to network with groups and individuals. Five excellent speakers presented an excellent overview of watersheds, and the audience prompted more discussion by asking questions. For more event info, click here
Wednesday-Thursday, May 10-11:
MacSkimming Outdoor Education Centre, 3635 Highway 17 East, Cumberland: L'Envirothon Franco-Ontarien: Annual French high school environmental competition for schools in Prescott-Russell and Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry. Subject areas include: Aquatics, Forestry, Soil and Wildlife. This year's special theme: Water Stewardship in a Changing Climate. (French) Information: Suzanne Lafrance (613) 679-0936
The event was successful.
Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.-Noon:
Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Prince of Wales Drive (Experimental Farm):
International Migratory Bird Day: Guided birding walk around the 5 hectare garden, free refreshments, displays and handouts. Information (613) 234-6767
Guided birding walk around the 5 hectare garden, free refreshments, displays and handouts. Information (613) 234-6767 Another success _ Despite overcast, damp conditions, 29 people turned out to participate in a guided birding walk during which 38 species of birds were seen. Afterwards, people gathered at the Interpretive Centre for coffee, cookies, conversation and to pick up handouts and posters and browse displays. This event is co-sponsored by the FWG and the Wildlife Festival
Saturday, May 13:
Gatineau Park Lauriault Trail Parking Lot (Champlain Parkway):
Birding By Ear Walk in Gatineau Park: Introduction to the birdwatching approach of identifying birds by sound by using the different songs and calls birds make to communicate with each other. Lead by experienced NCC Gatineau Park naturalist, Justin Peter. Presented by Friends of Gatineau Park in collaboration with the NCC. English walk 8:00-10:00 a.m.; French walk 10:30-12:30. For novice or intermediate birders; intermediate hiking level. Participants will be provided with a booklet summarizing common birdcalls one can expect to hear in the National Capital Region. Binoculars recommended. Maximum 20 participants per session; registration deadline May 12. $7/Member; $10/Non-member; $5/Child. Information and registration: (819) 827-2020
Zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee. Teacher-teacher-teacher. We-see-we-see-we-see . Despite the doubtful weather forecast, the birds were in full song in Gatineau Park, and a full 80% of participants who signed up for these walks showed up in order to explore the world of bird sounds. After an auditory warm-up in the parking lot, the groups headed onto the trail to listen more closely to Ovenbirds, Black-throated Green Warblers, and Black-and-white Warblers, among others. A lucky few glimpsed the flaming orange face of a male Blackburnian Warbler, the understated beauty of a singing Hermit Thrush, and a Pileated Woodpecker drilling for insects. The groups later got some tips on Raven-calling. Birding is an all-weather pursuit
Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.-Noon (English), Sunday, May 14, 10 a.m.- Noon (French): Meet at 9:30 at Mackenzie King Estate Parking Lot (Champlain Parkway):
Tree Identification in Gatineau Park: Join Jean Lauriault, author of the "Identification Guide to the Trees of Canada" for a nature walk along the Lauriault Trail in Gatineau Park, where he will explain how to identify trees using your senses. Sponsored by the Canadian Museum of Nature. $10 ($8 members and students) Information and reservations (613) 566-4791
The event was a success. |
|
