More Than 40 Years of Caring for Nature in Chatham-Kent
Preserving our history. Continuing our legacy
Welcome to the historical home of Sydenham Field Naturalists, an organization built by people who cared deeply about nature and the importance of protecting it for future generations.
For more than four decades, members and volunteers have helped shape the conservation story of Chatham-Kent. Through education, advocacy, fundraising, habitat restoration, and hands-on stewardship, their efforts have helped connect people with the wildlife and natural spaces that make our region special.
This page celebrates the people, places, and accomplishments that have helped shape our history and continue to inspire conservation work today.
Our Roots
Our story began in 1985, when the Wallaceburg and Area Nature Club held its first meeting. In 1986, the organization became known as Sydenham Field Naturalists, establishing a name that would become part of the local conservation community for decades to come.
The organization was incorporated in 1987, with charitable status following in 1992.
Over the years, members brought people together through nature outings, educational programs, publications, community activities, and conservation initiatives. They shared their knowledge, encouraged others to discover the natural world, and worked to ensure our region’s natural heritage would be valued and protected.
Every meeting, field trip, fundraising effort, and volunteer contribution helped build the foundation for the work that continues today.
A Legacy Rooted in Conservation
The legacy of Sydenham Field Naturalists can be seen in the conservation efforts, partnerships, and natural spaces connected to its history.
Through fundraising, donations, advocacy, habitat restoration, and stewardship, the organization contributed to protecting important natural areas throughout the region.
Its conservation history includes support for properties such as Sinclair’s Bush, Clear Creek Forest, and Bickford Oak Woods, along with other initiatives that have helped protect local natural heritage.
Closer to home, the purchase and restoration of Wallaceburg Sycamore Woods, stewardship of Wallaceburg Paw Paw Woods, and establishment of tallgrass prairie sites reflect a longstanding commitment to local biodiversity.
Beginning in 1985, the organization also sponsored the Wallaceburg/Walpole Christmas Bird Count, helping support the tradition of observing and documenting birdlife in our region.
Behind these efforts were people who gave their time, knowledge, energy, and resources because they believed nature was worth protecting.
Their contributions are an important part of our shared conservation history.
From Sydenham Field Naturalists to NatureCK
As the organization’s work and community connections grew, the name Nature Chatham-Kent, known as NatureCK, came to reflect its broader reach across the municipality.
Sydenham Field Naturalists remains the organization’s legal name, with NatureCK serving as its recognized operating name.
The NatureCK name reflects a commitment to connecting people and conservation efforts throughout Chatham-Kent while carrying forward the knowledge, experience, and values built over decades.
This is an evolution of the organization’s identity, not a rejection of its past. The history of Sydenham Field Naturalists remains an important part of NatureCK, and the contributions of past members continue to provide a foundation for today’s work.
The name may reflect a wider community, but the purpose remains familiar: protecting nature, sharing knowledge, restoring habitat, and inspiring future generations to care for the natural world.
Discover NatureCK Today
The work continues through NatureCK, a volunteer-powered conservation organization bringing people together to care for the natural world throughout Chatham-Kent.
From native habitat restoration and community partnerships to environmental education and opportunities to explore local nature, there are many ways to be part of the story.
We invite you to visit our current website to discover our projects, upcoming activities, and ways to get involved.
Preserving our history. Growing a greener future together.
Sydenham Field Naturalists Historical Archive
This page honours the history and contributions of Sydenham Field Naturalists. For current organizational information, conservation projects, programs, and activities, please visit NatureCK.ca.