Wednesday, March 12th, 7:00-8:00 PM, Virtual​

​

In 2021, members of the Ontario Butterfly Species at Risk Recovery Team conducted the first reintroduction of an endangered butterfly when they returned Mottled Duskywing to Pinery Provincial Park. Since then, a population has become well-established and the team has begun reintroductions to other formally occupied sites and fully restored habitats. This collaborative work by the University of Guelph, NRSI, Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, Wildlife Preservation Canada, NCC, and Ontario Parks is bringing attention to the loss of Ontario's rare tallgrass habitats and the inspiring work that is being done to restore and rewild them.

​

The Mottled Duskywing is found in the Rice Lake area near our Kirtland's Warbler habitat restoration sites. By including their host plants in our restoration work, these sites have the potential to help support this endangered butterfly. 

Tuesday, April 8th, 7:00-8:30 PM​

Rain date: Tuesday, April 15th, 7:00-8:30 PM

Location: StarCliff Nature Reserve, Schomberg Ontario

​

Join us at dusk to hear one of the most iconic sounds of spring: the calls of frogs! The StarCliff Nature Reserve is home to a kettle lake. It was formed about 13,000 years ago by the same retreating glaciers responsible for the Oak Ridges Moraine. Today, this lake is home to an amazing diversity of animals and plants. Learn about the species inhabiting this lake, including the Spring Peeper and Wood Frog. 

​

Accessibility: please note that the trail at this site contains some steep inclines and uneven terrain. Depending on the accessibility needs of attendees, we may take the trail to get closer views of the lake, or stay at the top of the hill overlooking it.  

​

​

Saturday, April 26th, 9:00-11:00 AM

Rain date: Sunday, April 27th, 9:00-11:00 AM

Location: StarCliff Nature Reserve, Schomberg, Ontario​

​

Come and experience the beauty of spring ephemeral wildflowers with a guided walk through our private nature reserve in Schomberg Ontario! 

​

This group of wildflowers includes species like Bloodroot, Yellow Trout Lily, Dutchman's Breeches, and Blue Cohosh. They flower very briefly in the early spring, often for only a few days. With any luck, we'll encounter some of these gorgeous species in full bloom! Discover the fascinating relationships these plants have with native pollinators. Learn how you can help protect forest habitats and the amazing species that call them home. 

​

Accessibility: please note that the trail at this site contains some steep inclines and uneven terrain. It is not accessible for community members with limited mobility.

Tuesday, May 27th, 5:30-7:30 PM

Rain date: Wednesday, May 28th, 5:30-7:30 PM

Location: StarCliff Nature Reserve, Schomberg, Ontario​

​

Join us for our annual Garlic Mustard pull. Help manage the spread of this invasive plant at the StarCliff Nature Reserve in Schomberg. Garlic Mustard is easy to manually remove, with no tools or training required. Protect biodiversity, spend an afternoon in the woods, and become a part of our volunteer community.

​

Accessibility: please note that the trail at this site contains some steep inclines and uneven terrain. It is not accessible for community members with limited mobility.

Wednesday, June 11th, 6:00-8:00 PM

Rain date: Wednesday, June 18th, 6:00-8:00 PM

Location: StarCliff Nature Reserve, Schomberg, Ontario​

​

Join us for our second annual Queer ecology Pride Month hike. Led by naturalist May Matchim (they/she), you'll learn about the amazing sexual diversity of the plants and animals around us. Discover frogs and wildflowers that can change their sex. Hear about same-sex bird parents and a group of salamanders that are entirely female. Prepare to have your assumptions about the natural world challenged!

​

This Pride Month event is a celebration of the LGBTQ2+ community, and all are welcome to attend. The safety of attendees is our top priority and all participants are expected to behave in a respectful manner. 

 

Accessibility: please note that the trail at this site contains some steep inclines and uneven terrain. It is not accessible for community members with limited mobility.

Saturday, July 5th, 9:00-11:00 AM

Rain date: Saturday, July 12th, 9:00-11:00 AM

Location: MapleCross King Nature Reserve, Schomberg, Ontario​

​

From Monarch Butterflies to Green Darners, the Oak Ridges Moraine region is home to an amazing diversity of butterfly, dragonfly, and damselfly species. Spend a Saturday morning out in nature discovering these amazing flying insects. Join us for this family-friendly guided walk and learn about the fascinating life cycles of these remarkable animals. Find out how you can help support butterflies and other pollinators at home. 

 

Accessibility: please note that there is no washroom at this site.

Friday, July 25th, 8:00-11:00 PM

Rain date: Saturday, July 26th, 8:00-11:00 PM

Location: MapleCross King Nature Reserve, Schomberg, Ontario​

​

Our annual Moth Night is back for 2025! Join us in celebrating National Moth Week. The project's Canadian coordinator, Aundrea Schneider will be returning to lead this event. Participate in a community science project and learn more about the fascinating biology of this amazing group of insects. Visit https://nationalmothweek.org/ to learn more.

 

Accessibility: please note that there is no washroom at this site.