Essex County Nature

CANCELLED: Essex County Nature Meeting
2020-04-08 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Detroit)
We regret that we have had to cancel this meeting.
Our guest presenters will be Jackie Serran, the remedial action plan co-ordinator for the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup, and Gina Pannunzio, the Essex Region Conservation Authority’s partnerships and outreach co-ordinator. Jackie will provide an update on the cleanup progress, share preliminary results of the fish consumption survey and highlight some habitat work taking place in the watersheds. To wrap up, Gina will share some of the outreach events taking place in the spring, including community restoration projects, watershed cleanups, invasive species pulls, nature hikes and more.
Location: Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, Ont.

CANCELLED: Evening Spring Herp Walk
2020-04-04 18:30 - 20:30
We regret that we have had to cancel this event.
Keep checking the event calendar regularly for future hikes.
Take an evening stroll with club member Dave Kraus on his property a 1515 Mersea Road 7 in Leamington. Look for spring wildflowers, turtles, waterfowl, shorebirds, snakes and spring birds. At dusk, watch for foraging bats, woodcock aerial displays, and maybe screech and great horned owls. Even if they can’t be seen, expect to hear woodcocks, spring peepers, chorus frogs, leopard frogs, screech owls, great horned owls and coyotes.
Park on the grass farm lane off to the right before reaching the barn when coming down the gravel driveway. Wear waterproof boots and layers for the weather. You might want a headlight or flashlight if you have one. If you wish, bring a lawn chair to sit out after the walk and listen to the (hopefully) loud evening chorus, chat, star gaze and enjoy a beverage (bring your own).
If the weather is poor on April 4 the event will be rescheduled to April 11.
Location: 1515 Mersea Road 7, Leamington, Ont.

CANCELLED: Jack Miner Nite Hike
2020-03-26 19:00 - 21:30
We regret that we have had to cancel this event.
Keep checking the event calendar regularly for future hikes.
Join other club members for an evening search for owls and other night life at the Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary.
Location: Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary, 332 Road 3 West, Kingsville, Ont.

Essex County Nature Annual General Meeting
2020-03-11 19:30 - 21:30 | Ojibway Nature Centre
At this meeting club members elect board members, review last year’s minutes and club finances, and participate in the always popular year-in-review quiz.
After the meeting, stay for some coffee, tea, snacks and socializing.

Meeting location: Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor.

Discover Ducks in the Detroit River
2020-02-29 10:00 - 13:00 | King’s Navy Yard Park, 242 Dalhousie Street, Amherstburg, Ontario, N9V 1W4, Canada
Learn about ducks that depend on the Detroit River in the winter. Use binoculars and scopes to get a close-up look at ducks on the river. Expert birders will be on hand to help with identification.
Take part in a duck scavenger hunt and leave with a beginner guide to ducks on the river.
Warm up with some hot chocolate and snacks. (Bring a mug if you can.)
This is a free, drop-in event for all ages at King’s Navy Yard Park, 242 Dalhousie St., Amherstburg.
It is sponsored by Birds Canada and the Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club.
For more information email abichel@birdscanada.org.

New Member Orientation Meeting
2020-02-19 18:30 - 20:30 | Ojibway Nature Centre
Join other members as we explore the inner workings of the Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor.
The meeting will be hosted by the membership committee and will cover the club’s activities, structure, history and volunteer opportunities. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and provide suggestions for the future.
Please confirm attendance by Feb. 11 to carlmaiolani@cogeco.ca or by calling Carl Maiolani at 519-972-1399. Pizza will be served at the beginning of the meeting.
All members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Native Trees and Shrubs Winter Identification Walk
2020-02-16 14:00 - 15:30
This native trees and shrubs identification walk/workshop will be led by Dave Kraus.
Meet outside the Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, by the parking lot. (Remember to hide valuables and lock your cars.)
We will take a leisurely walk on some of the trails, observing wildlife and learning some simple clues that are helpful in distinguishing some local native trees and shrubs when they are leafless.
Binoculars will be helpful for both wildlife and tree identification.

Essex County Nature Meeting
2020-02-12 19:30 - 21:30 | Ojibway Nature Centre
Tom Preney, the City of Windsor’s biodiversity co-ordinator, will talk about how fun and easy it is to contribute to citizen science using iNaturalist.
iNaturalist blends science and technology and uses social networking to discuss real time observations while documenting biodiversity. Through an interactive presentation Tom will introduce you to the world of iNaturalist and provide a tutorial on how to use both the web and mobile version so you can contribute to the world’s leading citizen science project.
Before attending the presentation participants are encouraged to download the iNaturalist app on their mobile device.
Meeting location: Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor.

Winter Birding Along the Detroit River
2020-01-12 09:00 - 15:00 | Lakeview Park Marina, 9200 Riverside Drive East, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Meet at 9 a.m. at Lakeview Park Marina, 9200 Riverside Drive East, Windsor.
Leaders: Kory Renaud and Jeremy Hatt.
This event is held in partnership with Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Winter is an excellent time of year to observe waterfowl, gulls and birds of prey using the open water of the Detroit River. We will start the day at the marina, make a visit to Little River Corridor, continue down river to check a few spots and end at Ojibway Park.
Be sure to dress for the weather, pack some snacks and bring a scope if you have one. Due to the duration of the outing (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), we will make a brief stop for lunch along the way.

Essex County Nature Meeting
2020-01-08 19:30 - 21:30
Essex County Field Naturalists Kory & Sarah Renaud will talk about their trip along the rugged Dempster Highway through the Yukon and Northwest Territories. They will share their stories and photos of this adventure of a lifetime!

Essex County Nature Meeting
2019-10-09 19:30 - 21:30 | Point Pelee Visitor Centre
Wednesday, October 9 at 7:30pm – Point Pelee National Park Visitor Centre
Join us for this monthly meeting in a special location. Sarah Rupert will be presenting on Fall Bird Migration in the Park.
Refreshments are welcomed. Attendees will not have to pay admission to the park.

Essex County Nature Meeting
2019-06-12 19:30 - 21:30
Our guest speaker will be Larry Cornelis, an award winning naturalist, who will guide us on how to invite nature into our lives and backyards.
Larry says we need our landscapes to do more and be better for our natural environment. Learn how to attract and benefit birds, pollinators and other creatures by creating an ecologically functional and responsible landscape.
The presentation will focus on the success of Larry’s home landscape. Larry Cornelis was born and raised in Sarnia, but his passion for nature was born on the family farm situated on the banks of the Sydenham River near Wallaceburg, Ont.
Larry is a naturalist, horticulturist and self-taught ecologist. He’s been active with many naturalist clubs and conservation organizations including Carolinian Canada Coalition, Lambton Wildlife, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ontario Nature, Ontario Nativescape (a division of Rural Lambton Stewardship Network) and the Sydenham Field Naturalists. He has been involved in many conservation projects, including 25 acres of habitat on the family farm. He has been instrumental in protecting ecologically significant properties in Southwestern Ontario, such as the recently protected Sydenham River Nature Reserve now owned by Ontario Nature.

World Turtle Day
2019-05-23
Shellebrate World Turtle Day today! In May 2018, COSEWIC designated the Midland Painted Turtle as Special Concern. This meant that all of Ontario’s eight turtle species are now at risk of disappearing from Ontario ( article link). How can you help?

Reduce turtle road mortality by driving with caution in their habitat range, and keep an eye for wildlife corssing signs along roadways.
If you see a turtle, consider submitting the sighting to the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas (ontarionature.org/atlas).
Keep learning about turtles in Ontario and check out this great page here, from the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.

World Biodiversity Day
2019-05-22
The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.Essex County faces many ecological challenges, as it is part of one of the most populated corridors in Canada. As well, it is part of the unique ecoregion, the Carolinian Life Zone. This region is only 1% of Canada’s total land mass, but is home to more flora and fauna species than any other area in Canada.
Essex County is home to an estimated 2,200 species of herbaceous plants, 64 species of ferns, 110 species of grasses, over 130 species of sedges and 70 species of trees. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in this area, which is over half found in Canada (Carolinian Canada, 2006). Celebrate World Biodiversity Day by getting outside and learning about our natural heritage in Windsor-Essex!

International Migratory Bird Day
2019-05-11
This day highlights the need to conserve migratory birds and protect their
habitats. (After 25 years, the name of this event has shifted from International World
Migratory Bird Day to World Migratory Bird Day!) Celebrate WMBD by visiting Point Pelee National Park and Hillman Marsh Conservation Area to catch some of the spring migration happening!

Essex County Nature Meeting
2019-05-08 19:30 - 21:30
Details to come

Earth Day
2019-04-22
This year’s Earth Day theme is “Protect Our Species.” A sustainable future is one where the rights of all species to exist in their natural habitat, at the population size nexessary to maintain their species and genetic variation is recognized. To learn more about threats to species on a global level click here.

Essex County Nature Meeting
2019-04-10 19:30 - 21:30
Join us in welcoming Tammie Dobbie from Point Pelee National Park! More information on her topic coming soon.

World Water Day
2019-03-22
World Water Day, on 22 March every year, is about focusing attention on the importance of water. Windsor-Essex County is surrounded by water with many watersheds! What can you do to help improve the health of our lakes and rivers?

Join a spring community planting event late April throughout the month of May with the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup and Essex Region Conservation.
Learn more about our natural spaces and amazing recreation spots by attending our monthly membership meetings and field trips.
Learn about local environmental issues and challenges that affect you by reaching out to the Citizens Environmental Alliance of Southwestern Ontario.
Learn about local household and hazardous waste diversion programs run by the Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority

Essex County Nature Meeting
2019-03-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Ojibway Nature Centre
Member Meeting – Elections, a review of the previous year’s budget and minutes, with a fun quiz throughout. Held at 7:30pm at the Ojibway Nature Centre.

Maple Syrup Festival
2019-03-02 08:00 - 2019-03-03 17:00
Saturday and Sunday March 2/3 2019, John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area, 915 Essex County Rd 50, Essex, ON

Wear your boots to Essex County’s premier Maple Syrup Festival. Make maple taffy in the snow and see syrup being made the pioneer way. Learn the science of maple. Pure maple products for sale. $4 per child, $6 per adult, $20 family maximum. More details to come.

World Wildlife Day
2019-03-02
World Wildlife Day is recognized globally to celebrate and raise awareness for plants and wildlife across the planet. Celebrate flora and fauna today by heading out for a walk at the Ojibway Nature Centre, Point Pelee National Park, along the Little River Corridor, a Conservation Area, the Greenway or any other green space where there is wildlife!

Native Trees and Shrubs Winter Identification Walk
2019-02-17 14:00 - 17:00 | Ojibway Nature Centre
Native Trees and Shrubs in Winter Identification Walk/workshop lead by Dave Kraus on Sunday February 17, 2019 at 2pm at the Ojibway natural area. Meet outside of the Ojibway Nature Centre by the parking lot (remember to hide valuables and lock your cars!). We will leisurely walk some of the trails, observing wildlife and learning some simple clues that are helpful in distinguishing some of our locally native trees and shrubs when they are leafless. Binoculars will be helpful for both wildlife and tree identification.

Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON

Essex County Nature Meeting
2019-02-13 19:30 - 21:30
Join us in welcoming Vic Bernyk, from Native Trees and Plants! More information on his topic coming soon.

New Member Orientation Meeting
2019-02-05 18:30 - 21:00 | Ojibway Nature Centre
Come and join other new members of our club as we explore the inner workings of our club. The meeting will be hosted by the Membership Committee and will cover the club’s activities, structure, history, and volunteer opportunities. This is a chance to ask questions and provide suggestions for the future. Please RSVP by Jan 31 to carlmaiolani@cogeco.ca or by calling Carl Maiolani at 519-972-1399. Light refreshments will be served.
All members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

World Wetlands Day
2019-02-02
It’s World Wetlands Day! Since European settlement, 97% of Windsor-Essex county’s wetlands have disappeared. Wetlands improve water quality, provide fish and wildlife habitat, reduce impacts of erosion on shorelines, provide cultural and spiritual significance, help to mitigate climate change, offer recreation and tourism opportunities and so much more! In Ontario, wetlands provide habitat for at least 47 plant and animal species that are identified as “at risk.”
Wetlands are the kidneys of the planet and deserve our protection! What can you do to protect wetlands?

Keep learning about them by visiting them and grow your appreciation.
Participate in community restoration projects.
Consider adopting a wetland each spring to monitor frogs and aquatic birds.
Attend public presentations by environmental groups who advocate for their protection.
Teach the young ones about the importance of wetlands.
Don’t litter, or put nasty stuff down the toilet.
Keep storm sewers clean from litter.
Report illegal dumping.
Don’t wash your car near a storm sewer.

Tree Planting and Care Workshop
2019-01-29 18:30 - 20:00
Tuesday January 29 2019, Committee Room C, Essex Civic Centre, 360 Fairview Avenue west, Essex, ON, 6:30pm to 8pm.
This exciting and dynamic workshop hosted by the Essex Region Conservation Authority will discuss ways in which you can get involved in the reforestation of Essex County. Learn about the environmental benefits of tree planting, grants and financial assistance to landowners for planting trees, the different tree planting techniques and the ways to care for your future forests and special shade trees. Click here to register.

Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club 34th Annual Dinner
2018-11-03 17:00 - 23:00
Our speaker is Tom Hince. His topic is “POINT PELEE: The Park that Birds Built”. Please join us for this talk on the history of Point Pelee. Tom is a great speaker and always has great pictures to go along with his tallk. We will have our silent auction, door prizes, a share the wealth draw, and a cash bar. Tickets are $40.00 each if prepaid, and $45.00 if preordered and paid for at the door. If not preordered, $45.00 at the door, only if there is space. Tickets can also be purchased for a period of time through our website: essexcountynature.com/tickets. Join us for this great evening!

Hike at the Essex Sewage Lagoons/Greenway Trail
2018-10-13 09:00 - 23:30 | Essex Sewage Lagoons/Trail, 3980 N Malden Rd, Essex, Ontario, Canada
Join Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club member Kory Renaud on the Greenway trail at the Essex Sewage Lagoons at the corner of North Malden and Highway 3. The Greenway trail extension provides an excellent vantage point to see waterfowl and shorebirds that are refuelling in the lagoons before their long flights south. The hike will continue down the trail to the wooded areas to see what other fall wildlife can be found. Meet in the parking lot on North Malden Road at 9am (3980 N Malden Rd).

Essex County Nature Meeting
2018-10-10 19:30 - 21:30 | Ojibway Nature Centre
Join us to welcome former ECFNC president Phil Roberts who will discuss Bald Eagles and what efforts are being undertaken to protect their population across Windsor/Essex. We’ll be at the Ojibway Nature Centre in Windsor, starting at 7:30pm.
