Sydenham Field Naturalists

Mitchell's Bay Exploring and BBQ
2019-06-15 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Mitchell’s Bay, Park St, Mitchell's Bay, Ontario, N0P 1L0, Canada
Meet at 10 am at the corner of Park St and Pinsoneault St. Enjoy the short drive to the Bay for a relaxing morning viewing the Purple Martins, learning about the care-taking of the houses and the past and present success of these T14 houses, and then walking the Lakeshore Trail. There will be a free barbeque following for SFN members. Memberships available prior to picnic.

Native Plant Sale
2019-05-18 09:00 - 13:00 | Peers Wetland, 29644 Kimball Rd, Wallaceburg, Ontario, N8A 4L1, Canada
Garden in Harmony with Nature. Plant sale 9 am – 1 pm. Located at Peers Wetland, 29644 Kimball Side Rd. Come early – plants sell fast. Tour Peers Wetland while you are there and discover its biodiversity.
Inquiries: Larry Cornelis 519-330-8981 and Tom Chatterton 519-627-2986

Fairbanks Woods
2019-05-05 14:00 - 16:00 | Fairbanks Woods, 4637 Aberfeldy Line, Oil Springs, Ontario, Canada
Enjoy a spring walk to view Marsh Marigolds and other wildflowers. Meet at 2 pm at the corner of Aberfeldy Line and Kelly Road, just east from Hwy 21. Aberfeldy Line is between Edys Mills and Oil Springs.
Inquiries: Larry Cornelis 519-330-8981

Nature in Chatham-Kent Winter Guest Speaker Series
2019-04-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Chatham-Kent Public Library, 120 Queen St, Chatham, ON, N7M 2G6, Canada
Join in with our 2019 Winter Guest Speaker Series being held at Chatham Branch Meeting Room, Chatham-Kent Public Library.

Managed Forest In All Its Splendor
2019-04-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Wilkins Property, 15060 Selton Line, Bothwell, On, N0P 1C0, Canada
Meet at 10 am southeast of Moraviantown on Selton Line, between Duart and Little John. The property we are touring is just east of Little John on the south side of Selton Ln. Rick Wilkins is opening his 40 acres property for a tour of this managed forest. Using good forestry practice, Rick has increased the woodlot diversity to over forty tree species and a vast array of Carolinian wildflowers. Pack a lunch if you wish.

Annual Dinner, Country View Golf Course
2019-04-03 18:00 - 21:30 | Country View Golf Course, 25393 St Clair Rd, Dover Centre, On, N0P 1L0, Canada
Doors open 6 pm. Buffet dinner 6:30 pm
Tickets in advance only.
Sturgeon of the Great Lakes
Guest Speaker – Kathy Johnson
Hear of the oldest and largest fish of the Great Lakes and their fascinating life. Kathy and her husband are professional divers and she will present some fantastic underwater video of Lake Sturgeon.
Contact: Larry 519-330-8981 or email larry.cornelis@gmail.com to purchase tickets

Amateur Observations by a Birding Addict
2019-03-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Wallaceburg Municipal Service Centre, 786 Dufferein Ave, Wallaceburg, Ontario, N8A 2V3, Canada
Many things have changed during 30 years of birding in Lambton County. Some changes are definitely negative while some are both surprising and positive at the same time. When we look hard enough, there is some good news out there. Join us as Deryl Nethercott shares some entertaining birding stories.
How Geocaching Helped Us Find a Piping Plover
Our love for birding and photography has taken us to many locations in Ontario and beyond. In the past few years, we have added Geocaching to the mix and it has provided us with the opportunity to make some exciting birding finds, including the Endangered Piping Plover.

The Peruvian Amazon
2019-02-20 19:30 - 21:00 | Wallaceburg Municipal Service Centre, 786 Dufferein Ave, Wallaceburg, Ontario, N8A 2V3, Canada
Please note change of date to Feb 20 due to construction at Wallaceburg Civic Centre.
Let’s journey to eastern Peru and the upper region of the Amazon Basin. This river even in its upper reaches is huge, magnificent and largely pristine. We will examine the diversity of its wildlife and the uniqueness of its scattered river dwellers.

Bickford Oak Woods Winter Walk
2019-01-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Bickford Oak Woods, 701 Bickford Line, Sombra, Ontario, N0P 2H0, Canada
Weather permitting, meet at 10 am at the corner of Hwy 40 and Bickford Line. Clean out and repair wood duck nesting boxes. See a beaver lodge while hiking through Bickford at its wintery best. Bring the family, pack a lunch. Hot chocolate and cookies to follow.

Members' Night
2019-01-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Wallaceburg Municipal Service Centre, 786 Dufferein Ave, Wallaceburg, Ontario, N8A 2V3, Canada
All SFN members are welcome to share their nature-related pictures, items and stories in brief presentations. Contact Tom Chatterton 519-627-2986.

Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
2018-12-05 19:30 - 21:30 | Wallaceburg Municipal Service Centre, 786 Dufferein Ave, Wallaceburg, Ontario, N8A 2V3, Canada
Amanda Blain will be discussing the role of the conservation authority and how landowners can help the environment through a variety of natural restoration projects.

Ojibway Prairie Complex
2018-11-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Wallaceburg Municipal Service Centre, 786 Dufferein Ave, Wallaceburg, Ontario, N8A 2V3, Canada
Jessica Middleton and Jennifer Nantais: Wetlands, forest, savanna and prairie provide habitat for a great number of rare plants, insects, reptiles, birds and mammals often found nowhere else in Canada.

Tree Identification Walk
2018-11-03 14:00 - 17:00 | Wallaceburg Sycamore Woods, Maplewood Cres, Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada
Meet at 2 pm at Wallaceburg Sycamore Woods. Join Larry to learn about the different tree species growing here at WSW. With trees bare but leaves still intact lying on the ground, this is the perfect time of year to learn about tree identification. WSW has a great variety of trees for this outing. Enter from Maplewood Crescent.
Leader: Larry Cornelis 519-626-9591

Reid Conservation Area
2018-10-21 14:00 - 16:00 | Reid Conservation Area, 601 Duthill Rd, Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada
Meet at 2 pm at the Reid Conservation Area south of the Darcy McKeough Dam on Duthill Road between Kerr Line and Tulloch Line. Explore this 170 acre protected property that was donated to St Clair Conservation Area. Join us to enjoy a fall walk in this deciduous forest and along the Sydenham River.

Sydenham River Nature Reserve
2018-10-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Wallaceburg Municipal Service Centre, 786 Dufferein Ave, Wallaceburg, Ontario, N8A 2V3, Canada
Our season starts with guest speakers from Ontario Nature. They will share the results of surveys and inventories at the Sydenham River Nature Reserve. Learn about the rare and endangered species living at this amazing ecological gem south of Alvinston that the SFN was instrumental in protecting.

Wardsville Woods
2018-09-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Wardsville Woods, 1632 Longwoods Road, Wardsville, Ontario, Canada
We start our new season with a tour of Wardsville Woods at 10 am at 1632 Longwoods Road. Wardsville Woods is a 50 acre tract located in the Skunk’s Misery Natural Area and is a great mix of upland, slope, and floodplain forest. This is an excellent place to see a wide representation of Carolinian trees including the Tulip and Sassafras trees.

Naturalized Gardens Tour - Night 3
2018-07-25 19:00 - 20:30 | University Ave, Wallaceburg, 369 University Ave, Wallaceburg, On, N8A 4A4, Canada
Naturalized Gardens Tour – Wednesdays, July 11, 18 and 25, 2018
Here is an opportunity to visit three ecologically responsible gardens that are designed with native plant species to attract and benefit wildlife including birds, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. Meet the gardeners and hear first hand info and stories about their gardens. All dates – 7:00 pm
Night 3 – July 25, 369 University Ave, Wallaceburg

Naturalized Gardens Tour - Night 2
2018-07-18 19:00 - 20:30 | North River Line, Wallaceburg, 8589 North River Line, Wallaceburg, On, N8A 4L1, Canada
Naturalized Gardens Tour – Wednesdays, July 11, 18 and 25, 2018
Here is an opportunity to visit three ecologically responsible gardens that are designed with native plant species to attract and benefit wildlife including birds, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. Meet the gardeners and hear first hand info and stories about their gardens. All dates – 7:00 pm
Night 2 – July 18, 8589 North River Line, east of Wallaceburg, or turn south off Hwy 78 at Brigden Side Road, first house

Naturalized Gardens Tour - Night 1
2018-07-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Dora Ave, Wallaceburg, 407 Dora Ave, Wallaceburg, On, N8A 2K2, Canada
Naturalized Gardens Tour – Wednesdays, July 11, 18 and 25, 2018
Here is an opportunity to visit three ecologically responsible gardens that are designed with native plant species to attract and benefit wildlife including birds, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. Meet the gardeners and hear first hand info and stories about their gardens. All dates – 7:00 pm
Night 1 – July 11, 407 Dora Ave, Wallaceburg

Swallow Nesting Colony
2018-06-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Core Farm, 4082 Confederation Line, Wyoming, On, N0N 1T0, Canada
Meet at 10 am at Ron and Linda Core’s farm (4082 Confederation Line east of Mandaumin) to observe bank swallows, a species at risk, as they enter and leave their nests to feed their young. Ron refaces the bank every spring so the swallows can excavate new nests. Bring your binoculars. Ron will also take us on a hike on their nature trail to view wildflowers and trees.

Annual Native Plant Sale
2018-05-19 09:00 - 13:00 | Peers Wetland, 29644 Kimball Rd, Wallaceburg, Ontario, N8A 4L1, Canada
Garden in Harmony with Nature. Plant sale 9 am – 1 pm. Located at Peers Wetland, 29644 Kimball Side Rd. Come early – plants sell fast. Tour Peers Wetland while you are there and discover its biodiversity.
Inquiries: Larry Cornelis 519-626-9591 and Tom Chatterton 519-627-2986

Sydenham River Nature Reserve Spring Walk
2018-05-05 10:00 - 14:00 | Sydenham River Nature Reserve, 2740 Buttonwood Dr, Glencoe, ON, N0L 1M0, Canada
Meet at 10 am at the south entrance on Oil Springs Line, 1km east of Nauvoo Road. Witness the splendour of spring in all its beauty.

Nature in Chatham-Kent Speaker Series - Night 4 - Larry Cornelis
2018-04-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Chatham-Kent Public Library, 120 Queen St, Chatham, ON, N7M 2G6, Canada
We invite all to attend each evening of this exciting speaker series being presented by Sydenham Field Naturalists and hosted by Chatham-Kent Public Library in Chatham. Each presenter is sure to appeal to what you would like to learn more about the nature in Chatham-Kent.

Rowsom’s Tilbury West Conservation Area
2018-04-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Rowsom’s Tilbury West Conservation Area, 15172 S. Middle Road, Town of Lakeshore, On, N0P 1J0, Canada
Meet at 10 am at the conservation area 15172 S. Middle Road, Lakeshore. Join us on the trails through various habitats on this 25 hectare (61 acre) property of the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority. Pack a lunch if you wish.
Inquiries: Larry Cornelis (519-626-9591)

Annual Banquet 2018
2018-04-04 18:00 - 22:00 | Country View Golf Course, 25393 St Clair Rd, Dover Centre, On, N0P 1L0, Canada
Annual Dinner, Country View Golf Course
Doors open 6 pm. Buffet dinner 6:30 pm
Tickets in advance only.
The Return of the Bald Eagle
Guest Speaker – Phil Roberts, one of our most popular presenters in 32 years, is returning. Hear of the recovery efforts of these magnificent raptors.
Contact: Larry Cornelis (519) 626-9591 or email larry.cornelis@gmail.com

Nature in Chatham-Kent Speaker Series - Night 3 - Stan Caveney
2018-03-29 19:00 - 20:30 | Chatham-Kent Public Library, 120 Queen St, Chatham, ON, N7M 2G6, Canada

Raising The Ecological Bar
2018-03-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Wallaceburg Municipal Service Centre, 786 Dufferein Ave, Wallaceburg, Ontario, N8A 2V3, Canada
Past President, Larry Cornelis, will guide us on how to create a naturalized garden that will raise the ecological values of our home landscapes. Learn about the best species of plants to attract, benefit and support wildlife. Even native species aren’t all equal in their abilities to support nature.

Nature in Chatham-Kent Speaker Series - Night 2 - Paul Pratt
2018-02-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Chatham-Kent Public Library, 120 Queen St, Chatham, ON, N7M 2G6, Canada

Bickford Oak Woods Winter Walk
2018-02-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Bickford Oak Woods, 701 Bickford Line, Sombra, Ontario, N0P 2H0, Canada
RESCHEDULED We are now rescheduling this event to Sunday (Feb. 11). We will meet at the corner of Hwy. 40 and Bickford Line at 10 a.m. We will be cleaning out and repairing wood duck boxes as well as seeing a beaver lodge and other interesting nature features at their winter best. Bring the family and lunch if you wish. Hot chocolate and cookies to follow. This is a great mid winter outing.

Birds in Action
2018-02-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Wallaceburg Municipal Service Centre, 786 Dufferein Ave, Wallaceburg, Ontario, N8A 2V3, Canada
Butch Dompierre is a SFN member and one of the best wildlife photographers in this area. At the end of every weekend, Butch puts his ‘Sunday Evening Post’ on his blog showing some of his best shots of the week. His action photos are exceptional as he will show in this illustrated presentation.
