Evening Walk with Dave Kraus
2025-05-24 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit)
Saturday May 24, 2025 starting around 6pm at David Kraus’ property at 1515 Mersea Rd 7, Leamington. Park along the grass farm lane to the right from the gravel driveway before reaching the barn. Bring rubber boots.

We will walk around the property birding and looking at spring wildflowers and the many other native plant species in the forested areas, meadows, tall grass prairie, wetlands and swamps. The property also has habitat enhancements such as a variety of bird nesting boxes, bat boxes, snake nesting structures, and snake hibernacula.

When dusk approaches, we will listen to frogs (Spring Peepers, Chorus Frogs, etc.) and toads calling, possibly owls, woodcock, and coyotes. We will also look for the resident bats circling for insects and learn how a bat detector to determines their species. Dress for the weather.

Hopefully Carl will arrange beautiful weather for us !!!

Wildflowers with Graham Brown
2025-06-11 19:00 - 21:00
Save the Date – more info to come!

Evening Walk for Betty Learmouth
2025-06-12 18:30 - 20:30
Late spring is the perfect time to take advantage of the longer days and spend more time outdoors.

Recently a tree was planted at Holiday Beach Conservation Area in honour of Betty Learmouth. Enjoy an evening walk through the park as we take the opportunity to visit that tree in tribute to Betty’s legacy.

Pride Walk at Ojibway
2025-06-15 08:30 - 12:00
Meet 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Ojibway Park in Windsor to join OFO and the Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club (ECFNC) for a Pride Month Nature and Birding Walk. This second annual walk is a celebration of the LGBTQ2S+ community, but all members of the community are welcome. We start by exploring the trails of Ojibway Park before crossing the street to follow the Titcombe path between the Tallgrass Heritage Prairie Heritage Park and the Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve.

As a cooperative effort of OFO and the ECFNC, we invite all who are interested in the outing and encourage newer or first-time birders and nature enthusiasts to come along. Creating a respectful, welcoming and accessible environment is our first priority as we enjoy observing the breeding birds of Ojibway and their environs. It is a great opportunity to observe the late spring flowers and insects too!

Monthly Walk
2025-06-15 10:00 - 12:00

Hawk Trail Walk 'n Wine
2025-06-28 13:00 - 16:00
Cooper’s Hawk Winery
1425 Iler Rd, Harrow, ON

What wine pairs well with a nature hike?
How about one of the fine selections from Cooper’s Hawk Winery!

Join us for an afternoon walk around the Hawk Trail located right on the vineyard property. This 1.5 km easy stroll explores trees, wildflowers and birds. When the walk is done relax on the patio for a glass or a flight of wine.

Walk is free, wine is available for a fee.

Jr Egrets - Bugs and Blooms
2025-07-19 09:00 - 12:00
See Junior Egrets page for further details

Monthly Walk
2025-07-20 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-16 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-15 10:00 - 12:00
Who doesn’t love options?
If you’re planning on joining us this Sunday, please be aware of the following things: We’ll be exploring Tallgrass Prairie Heritage Park and/or the Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve (y’all get to decide what you’re feeling up to that day) We’ll be meeting at the Titcombe Rd Parking lot off of Matchett Rd. across from the Ojibway Nature Centre (Not Malden… unless you want to start your own mini walk) So maybe you got distracted by the rare wildflowers of Tallgrass Prairie or you find yourself flabergasted at what west & southwestern Ontario looked like thousands of years ago in the Nature Reserve, or you managed to not yell out “Oooh! This is a (insert name of bird, plant or insect here)” every step you take and find time to do both… and that’s why: we love options!
Nature is changing, come see what changes every month at Tallgrass Prairie Heritage Park & Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve!

Monthly Walks
2025-08-17 10:00 - 12:00

Nature Neighbours Series - Rowsom's Tilbury West Conservation Area
2025-09-06 13:00 - 15:00
Explore Rowsom’s Tilbury West Conservation Area with us as we are joined by our friends from Nature CK and the West Elgin Nature Club as part of our Nature Neighbours Series.
Located at 15172 South Middle Rd. Comber, ON
Take a stroll through this quiet carolinian forest while we connect with other nature lovers from our neighbouring clubs. This a great time to check out late summer blooms and early fall migrant birds in their non-breeding plumage.
Meet-up after for some coffee and treats at the nearby Iron Kettle Commissary Bakery and Cafe

FLAP (Fatal Light Awareness Program) with Dr. Brendan Samuels
2025-09-10 19:00 - 21:00

Festival of Hawks
2025-09-13 10:00 - 15:00
Visit us at our booth on September 13, for the Holiday Beach Festival of Hawks. We will be there with books, mugs and coffee for sale.
Make your way up to the top of the tower for your best chance to see migrating raptors and many other birds.
Join in as we host a birding hike with our friends from the Windsor Feminist Bird Club @ 11AM.
Always a fun event for everyone!
Event runs September 13 & 14.
ECFNC will be on-site Saturday September 13 only.

Jr Egrets - Birds, Seeds & Leaves
2025-09-20 09:00 - 12:00
Celebrate the sights and sounds of the season with the Jr. Egrets!
As autumn sets in, nature guides Carolyn and Jen will take young explorers on an adventure through the woodlands and meadows of Essex County. We’ll find coloured leaves, search for migrating birds, and see how fall seeds support wildlife and make new plants to support these habitats. Through guided discovery and activities, participants will deepen their connection to the land and the life it supports. Together, we’ll reflect on the changing season and the small but important ways we can care for the world around us.
What to Bring:
To help your child stay safe and comfortable outdoors, please make sure they come with:
A reusable water bottle
Sunscreen
Bug spray
A hat for sun protection
Closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on trails
A snack (waste-free if possible)

Backyard Bat Accoustic Monitoring
2025-10-08 19:00 - 20:00
The results are in!
We are very excited to share with you the results of the Backyard Bat Acoustic Monitoring project conducted by the Toronto Zoo.
This summer club members volunteered to mount a bat monitoring device that listens for bats on their properties for several nights. A representative from the Toronto Zoo will join us virtually to speak about the project and how our volunteers contributed to a better understanding of bats in Ontario.

Nature Conservancy Property Walk
2025-10-09 10:00 - 11:00
NCC Property Tour
Thursday October 9, 2025
10:00AM
Corner of McCormick Side Rd and 6th Concession, Essex
Celebrate the latest conservation efforts of the club with a visit to land purchased on behalf of the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
We are thrilled to be able to contribute funds to this fantastic property that will now be preserved for years to come. This is because of all the hard work of the members of the Heritage Committee, those who help out with our community booths at events and all those who have purchased coffee, mugs and purchased your ticket to the annual dinner! Our legacy of conservation in this area would not be possible without your support.
A cheque presentation and tour of the property will begin at 10AM. Currently there is no numbered address. The tour will start here: 42°04’25.9″N 82°51’08.5″W – Google Maps
Parking will need to be on on McCormick road where you will need to walk to the property entrance. There will be someone at the entrance and at the roadside parking to make it clear where everyone should go.
Light snacks and water refills will be available. Bring your own water bottles. Regular hiking boots are recommended but as always watch the weather forecast and prepare rain boots in the event of inclement weather.

Fall in Point Pelee
2025-10-25 10:00 - 12:00
Fall is a great time to get outside and enjoy the cooler weather
Meet at the tip @ 10AM
Bring a lunch

2025 Annual Dinner
2025-11-08 17:00 - 23:00
ECFNC ANNUAL DINNER

Wheatley Harbour Big Sit
2025-11-29 10:00 - 12:00
Gather down at the harbour for a big sit.

This is a great time of year to spot gulls and ducks as they shelter in the safety of the harbour in Wheatley.

You never know what might show up.
Bring a lawn chair, a blanket and a warm beverage.

Member Showcase
2025-12-10 19:00 - 21:00
December is our annual member showcase!
Do you have anything you wish to share with the club?
A special talent
A place you’ve visited
Information you would think club members must hear

Let us know so we can out you on the speakers list.

Presentations should be about 10 minutes in length.

Winter Birds of the Detroit River
2026-01-10 09:00 - 15:00
OFO and ECFNC join together once again for our first outing of the year!

Winter is an excellent time of year to observe waterfowl, gulls and birds of prey that use the open water of the Detroit River. We will start the day at the marina, visit the Little River Corridor, and continue downriver to its end at Ojibway Park.

Be sure to dress for the weather and pack some snacks; bring a scope if you have one.

OFO members can register here. Not an OFO member? Not a problem! All ECFNC members are welcome to attend without registration.

Saving Lake Sturgeon
2026-01-14 19:00 - 21:00
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

Olivia Galloway (she/her/hers) is an Aquatic Ecologist who is passionate about species at risk recovery, biodiversity conservation and science communication
One quarter of the world’s freshwater fauna is at risk of extinction, and freshwater fishes face the most threats. Conservation reintroduction programs are a promising approach to restore declining populations of imperilled fishes. Olivia will share how her work supports recovery programs for the threatened Lake Sturgeon, the largest and longest-lived freshwater fish in the Great Lakes that has inhabited these waters for millions of years.

RESCHEDULED - Saving Lake Sturgeon
2026-01-28 19:00 - 21:00
Olivia Galloway (she/her/hers) is an Aquatic Ecologist who is passionate about species at risk recovery, biodiversity conservation and science communication
One quarter of the world’s freshwater fauna is at risk of extinction, and freshwater fishes face the most threats. Conservation reintroduction programs are a promising approach to restore declining populations of imperilled fishes. Olivia will share how her work supports recovery programs for the threatened Lake Sturgeon, the largest and longest-lived freshwater fish in the Great Lakes that has inhabited these waters for millions of years.

Purple Martins
2026-02-11 19:00 - 21:00

Member Orientation and Social
2026-02-23 18:30 - 21:00
Monday, February 23, from 6:30PM to 9:00PM
Ojibway Nature Centre
Come and join us as we explore the inner workings of the Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club. The meeting will be hosted by the Membership Committee of the Club and will cover the club’s activities, structure, history, and volunteer opportunities. Much of this meeting will be devoted to getting to know other members of the Club, answering questions about the club’s activities, and discussing suggestions for the future.
As seating for this special event is limited, please register by signing up at Eventbrite by Thursday Feb 12. If you have any questions about this event or are not able to register using the Evenbrite link please contact Carl Maiolani @ carlmaiolani@cogeco.ca or by calling him at 519-972-1399.
Pizza and other refreshments will be served at the beginning of the meeting so please don’t be late. This gathering is primarily intended for members who have joined the club within the last few years and want to know more about what we do, but all members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Friends or relatives that are interested in joining the club are welcome to attend as guests.
