MEETINGS AND EVENTS
George G Newton Nature Reserve work party:
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 1:30 – 5:30 pm at the nature reserve, 35913 Kitchigami Road, just east of Porters Hill Line.
This year we’ll have some extra help for our annual fall invasive removal. A professor at Niagara College and former Ontario Nature staff is interested in having her Ecosystem Restoration students join in restoration projects at some of Ontario Nature’s reserves. They’ll be in Goderich in October and will participate in the afternoon. We will be pulling small buckthorn with extractigators and cutting some larger trees with handsaws.
A portable toilet will be on site. Please bring water, work gloves, a hat and sturdy footwear. Dress for the weather and outdoor work. Some equipment will be provided but club members can bring shovels, hand saws and loppers. Some snacks will also be provided.
We will probably divide into teams to tackle removal and then infill with nearly 300 plants: 65 trees, 145 shrubs and 84 perennials. We are thrilled to have financial support for native plants and some extra strong backs to tackle the removal.
Please register in advance at: Select tickets – Habitat Restoration at George G. Newton Nature Reserve – George G. Newton Nature Reserve.
Looking forward to the first meeting of the new season – Tuesday, Sept. 22nd at 7 pm at Point Clark Community Centre.
Guest speaker is Jeannine Kralt, a Master Naturalist based in Grey County, and a dedicated volunteer for the Owen Sound Field Naturalists and the Peninsula and Sydenham Bruce Trail Clubs. Jeannine enjoys taking a closer look at the world around her and aims to help nature be more accessible, using her photography to tell stories. She regularly leads interpretive hikes for people of all ages, and documents some of her outdoor adventures through her blog, Saunter Nature.
Walk for Wenjack event in Kincardine on September 27
Check out these events happening this summer.
1. Saturday, July 18, 10 am – noon: Snake Appreciation Day at the Bruce
Botanical Food Gardens in Ripley. Bring yourself, kids and grandkids to
learn more about these misunderstood and much maligned creatures. There
will be a live snake to interact with and crafts for the kids.
2. Saturday, July 18, 9 pm: Moth Night at Bourgeois Farm in Tiverton.
Looks like another great learning opportunity. Registration is required to secure your spot. Check July 8th email from Christine Roberts and click on the moth night.jpg for registration form.
3. International Monarch Monitoring Blitz: July 31 – August 9th
The Monarch Blitz is a community science initiative open to anyone in North America. Last year, over 9,000 volunteers contributed thousands of observations. Participation is easy, and anyone can take part, whether in an urban or rural setting! On iNaturalist, join the “International Monarch Monitoring Blitz” project.
During the blitz dates, go outside and look for milkweed. Inspect the plants for monarch eggs, caterpillars and chrysalises and look out for monarch butterflies. Report your observations and the number of milkweed plants you saw.
Whether you participate once or throughout the 10 days, every observation matters and helps scientists better understand how to conserve this iconic species.
4. On August 8th or 9th, you can tour 4 amazing gardens – Folmer Botanical Gardens, Essentially Lavender and 2 beautiful, privately owned gardens. Tickets are $35.00/person. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Parkinson Society of Southwestern Ontario. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Folmer Garden Centre, Essentially Lavender, or at Cathy’s Flowers and Gifts in Port Elgin. 
5. Saturday, August 15, 10 am – noon: Shoreline Cleanup at Station
Beach, Kincardine. We’re once again partnering with the Coastal Centre.
6. HBN annual corn roast and welcome back potluck gathering: Sunday, August 23 (rain date Aug 30)
Our annual end of summer/beginning of new season gathering will be held at the home of Jim and Christine Roberts, 9 Green Brae Crescent, Blair’s Grove (detailed directions will be sent later). Note we will be outside in the backyard. Crockpots are welcome as we will be using the workshop for serving.
Bring your folding chair, cutlery, cup, plate, napkin and something yummy to share with friends old and new. HBN provides hot dogs, condiments, corn and drinks both hot and cold.
You are welcome to arrive any time after 3 pm. Enjoy our gardens, take a walk down to the beach or through the Blair’s Grove Trails. We will start the meal at 4 pm.
This is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and a good way for new members to meet and connect in a casual setting.
Rain date Sunday, August 30.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026
The last meeting before summer will be at the Point Clark Community Centre on June 23 at 7 PM. Our guest speaker is Rob Wray, a member of the Owen Sound Field Naturalists club and wildlife photographer. It should be an interesting photography presentation entitled “Twelve months outside with a camera”. The AGM will follow his talk.
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2026
Our next meeting will be held at the Point Clark Community Centre on May 26th at 7 PM. Brian Folmer is the guest speaker who will address the importance of adding biodiversity through native plants. Brian will have a large selection of plants as models in his presentation. These plants will be available for purchase. Bring a friend, your mug, a napkin, and a wallet.
SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2026
There will be an invasive species removal event at The George G. Newton Nature Reserve on Sunday, May 24th, from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. We will be pulling in the morning and replanting with native plants in the afternoon. Come out to help and enjoy this hidden treasure.
EARTH WEEK- April 18-27th 2026 (good copy)
Use the link above to check out local events during Earth Week.
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026
Our Annual Dinner Meeting is being held on April 28th at Kintail Camp. Adam Shoalts will speak about his new book, Vanished Beyond the Map: The Mystery of Hubert Darrell, an explorer who was lost. This is a ticket event and sold out: there is a waiting list for cancellations. Please arrive at six o’clock. Dinner will be served at 6:30 PM.
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026
Our March meeting is on the 24th at the Point Clark Community Centre at 7 pm. The guest speaker is Mike Ward, who will talk to us about attracting butterflies to our gardens.
Donna Murray and Steve Pepper will have information about this year’s Bruce Explorer Trip and will take names of people who are interested in participating. This is not a commitment.
Christine will review how to make an observation on iNaturalist in preparation for the City Nature Challenge, April 24-27. If you don’t already have an account, please go to https://www.inaturalist.org/. Click on “sign up” in the top right corner and complete the information. In the menu across the top of the screen, go to “More” and choose “Getting started” from the drop-down menu for more information about making observations.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026- ANNUAL POTLUCK AND PHOTO CONTEST
The annual potluck and photo contest will be on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Point Clark Community Centre. Please arrive by 11:30 AM with your food to share, your own dinnerware, napkins, and mug. Hot drinks will be provided. The meal will begin at noon.
For the photo contest, members may submit one or two 4″x6″ photos based on the theme, NIMBY: Nature in My Back Yard.
Members with nature-related hobbies or collections can display their work at designated tables for others to see their creativity.
As well, we will have presentations on native plants and winter sowing. We will provide instruction, soil, seeds, equipment, and plant markers for the winter sowing workshop. If interested in participating, please bring transparent or opaque plastic containers.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2025-SPEAKER TAMARA McMULLEN
Our last regular meeting of 2025 is fast approaching. We’re looking forward to welcoming Tamara McMullen of Firmly Rooted Farm to talk about small-scale organic farming and bring some local produce for purchase. Or you might be one of the lucky ones to win a door prize of produce.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025-SPEAKER SHANNON WOOD
Good evening, everyone. A busy October is winding down, but we have a great meeting planned for Tuesday, October 28th, 7 pm at the Point Clark Community Centre. Shannon Wood will present, “Legends and Lore of the Greenock Swamp”. She is a very engaging speaker and an expert on native plants and their indigenous uses. I know you won’t want to miss this presentation.
–TUESDAY SEPT 23, 2025 -SPEAKER ARUNAS LISKAUSKIS
Arunas Liskauskis, Manager, Biologist with the Ministry of Natural Resources. Topic: The changing ecology of fish communities of Lake Huron
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
GUELPH to GODERICH RAIL TRAIL (G2G)
Chris Lee will speak to the club about the value of trails, especially the G2G.
The G2G Rail Trail is a 132 kilometre rail trail that runs from Goderich to Guelph.
“The G2G Rail Trail is all about bringing people together – whether it’s connecting with nature and your community or enjoying a peaceful adventure”…. Willow Hall, Executive Director, G2G Rail Trail Inc.
Tuesday May 13, 2025-ANNUAL DINNER MEETINGat CAMP KINTAIL, 85153 Bluewater Highway, R.R. #3, Goderich (Hwy 21)
Sarah McComb-Turbitt WHALES to PENGUINS
Sarah is our Annual Dinner Meeting speaker who grew up in Chatsworth. In 2013, she moved to Halifax to study Marine Biology at Dalhousie University. In 2017, she moved to Vancouver to research gentoo penguins with the University of B.C. in the Falkland Islands. Now she lives near Owen Sound with her husband and children.Sarah is also an avid artist painting wildlife in nature. You can find her work at www.smccombturbitt.com AMAZING ART!!
Tues., March 25th, 2025: Lauren Eby & Colleague
from Bruce County Economic Development discuss Bruce County Tourism, under the banner, ‘EXPLORE THE BRUCE’. Part of the presentation will highlight the early beginnings of tourism in Bruce County and the formation of the Bruce Peninsula National Park.
PAST OUTINGS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th 8:30 am Meet up at Sobeys to car pool departure 8:45 am (Rescheduled from September 4th)
Join us on day of Tripping the Bruce
Our first destination and stop is on Big Bay Point where we are visiting Keppel Croft Gardens, the creation of Bill and Dawn Loney. We will explore four acres of gardens, stone crafted walkways and art pieces throughout, a nature trail and its own version of Stonehenge, Keppelhenge, and some very interesting sundials built after different styles from ages past, and so much more! Our Host will set up tables in the garden where we will break for our picnic lunch.
Second Stop! Just up the road to Bruce’s Caves, before heading into the Peninsula and a visit to Spirit Rock, experience a spiral staircase down to the bottom and shoreline that leads into Wiarton, up top a walk on Spirit Rock side trails which begins with a step into history, as we walk through the ruins of what was once a very Grand Manor House and Gardens named “Corran”.
Walking on this trip Rated Easy to Difficult (at Bruce’s Caves) but with options to choose according to you mobility!
Bring your lunch, wear/bring weather suited clothes, bug spray perhaps, walking shoes or boots, poles etc.
There is a suggested donation of $5 a visit…my suggestion $10 since we are being hosted there for our picnic.
Please Rsvp Sue 905 967 5094 so that I can pass along numbers to our hosts
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 27th (rain date 28th)
HBN Walk, in Inverhuron Prov. Park. to enjoy the amazing sand dunes, beautiful beach and river trail. Birding and butterfly-spotting opportunities and maybe a flower or two here and there.
Wear good shoes for walking, dress for weather, bring walking poles or stick, bring along a snack and water .
Meet at the Ice Cream Shack to car pool at 9:30 am Quinns Plaza (South side of town on Queen Street)
Rated Moderate walking with some uneven terrain and slight hills.
- Invasive Species Removal: August 12, Kincardine
An upcoming volunteer opportunity lead by the Lake Huron Coastal Centre.
Dana and Evan, Environmental Technicians with the Coastal Centre, will be conducting field work in Kincardine on Tuesday, August 12th, focusing primarily on invasive species removal. They plan to meet at Station Beach to continue their efforts along the dunes.
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (stay as long as you’re able!)
All necessary tools, including shovels, hand tools, buckets, bags, and gardening gloves will be provided
In addition, they’ll be working in Port Elgin on August 13th in the Gobles Grove beach area and 14th TBD, and welcome volunteers there as well.
If you’re aware of any specific locations along the Kincardine shoreline that are experiencing invasive species issues, please let them know.
What to bring:
- Water
- Sun/safety glasses
- Closed-toed shoes
If you’re interested in participating, please contact Evan before the dates. evan.skinn@lakehuron.ca
- Sea buckthorn harvest: August 15 – 29, 9 am – 5 pm, #166 25 Sideroad South, Teeswater. (see attachment)
3. Septic Social: Saturday August 16, 9:00 am at 341 Lake Range Drive in Point Clark. This is a free workshop for residents, cottagers and renters to learn about the proper maintenance of septic systems.
- Every Pebble Tells a Story” beach walk: Monday, August 18, 9:30 am to noon-ish
Back by popular demand, Bob Geddes will lead a beach walk at the same location as last year, where the 7th concession north of Kincardine meets the lake. Turn west off of Bruce Road 23 or “B Line”. This is along the north edge of the Stoney Island Conservation Area.
The local residents are protective of this somewhat secluded stretch of beach, so we urge all due respect. We had some of the locals join us last year, and hope for the same this year.
PLEASE parallel park along the north side of the concession as you approach the lake, and leave the south side clear for traffic and turn arounds. Also, do not park in front of any driveways, whether they look recently used or not.
Also, be sure to wear sturdy footwear. The beach is very stony and no place for sandals or flip flops. The walk is not long, and we will go north then south of the access as time allows. We will start with a brief review of geology and a look at some of the rocks and fossils. Hope we see many out, and that we have a good “beach day”. Any question? Contact Bob Geddes at bobgeddes@rogers.com.
If necessary, a rain date will be chosen.
- Dune Health and Coastal Processes Workshop, Point Clark, Tuesday, August 19
My name is Evan Skinn, and I’m an Environmental Technician with the Lake Huron Coastal Centre.
On behalf of the Lake Huron Coastal Centre, I would like to invite you to our upcoming Dune Health and Coastal Processes Workshop in Point Clark on Tuesday, August 19th, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. If you’re interested in learning more about the coast and ways to keep our shoreline resilient, this workshop is for you!
- Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
- Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Point Clark (exact address will be shared with registrants closer to the date)
- Who’s welcome: Everyone!
- Cost: FREE!!
- Registration Link: Dune Health and Coastal Processes Workshop
The workshop flyer is attached for more information. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
- Shoreline in Motion: Exploring the Coastal Dynamics of Point Clark
Friday, Aug 22 – 9:30 am to approximately 11:00. Rain date Aug 25.
Description:
Join us in Point Clark for a guided shoreline tour exploring the dynamic coastal processes that shape this unique stretch of Lake Huron’s shoreline. Learn how natural forces like waves, wind, and water levels continually reshape the coast, and how these changes affect the local landscape, ecosystems, and communities.
Participants may wish to tour the Lighthouse following the shoreline session to get an aerial view of the information discussed. (The Lighthouse tour is $7.50)
Meet at the pavilion by the Lighthouse children’s park.
We are very fortunate to have Daniela Klicper, a Coastal Specialist with the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority leading this outing.
There is a 25 person limit for this event. Register with Christine by replying to this email. This is a first come, first served offering.
SHORELINE CLEANUP AT STATION BEACH KINCARDINE.-July 19, 2025-10:00 till Noon. Partnering with Lake Huron Coastal Centre, KEAN and Kincardine Lions. Lunch provided for volunteers. Bring water bottle, work gloves, bucket and dress appropriately for weather and walking on sand.
OLIPHANT AND RED BAY FLOWER AND NATURE WALK – WEDNESDAY 2ND JULY, 2025
Looking for new phase of flowers and orchids, birds, and all things nature
9:30 AM MEET AT SOBEYS WEST SIDE CAR PARK-9:40 DEPARTURE
Bring a packed snack/lunch for beach-side picnic, dress for season: ticks and bugs, remember ’tis the season!
i.e. long pants, (though tempting to wear shorts), bug spray, waterproof, boots or sturdy shoes, hat etc. Though walking is mostly rated easy on the boardwalks there might be some off tracking on gravel and uneven terrain. Walking poles for some might be an asset, best to have rain gear on hand and bring your binoculars for bird spotting.
Bathroom Availability on route and locations. Trip will be cancelled if severe weather is on the radar, looking good so far!
Possible rain date .Thurs 3rd.
Call/Text to RSVP or MORE INFO Sue 905 967 5094
Returning home approximately 3:30 pm
CAPE CROKER Early Spring Outing – SUNDAY MARCH 23RD, 2025
Cayley Doran will lead us on an Anishinaabe Cultural Experience sharing his knowledge about the geology and cultural history of the land and of the natural world. Learn about plants used for traditional food, medicine and ceremonies. He will share stories and take us on a tour of the sugar bush and thriving award-winning maple sugar industry that the Chippewas of Nawash have produced for centuries on their territory.
We will sample maple tea prepared by Caley and sample the maple syrup and much more. Hope you can join us for this unique experience!
Meeting time: 8:45 at Sobey’s – west side of car park
Leaving sharp: 9:00 am
Travel time: 1:30 mins plus allowing washroom break en route.
Arrival time: 11:am for this 4 hr guided walk and tour winding up at 3 pm (includes lunch break)
Dress well for weather: warm waterproof boots, poles and sticks, snowshoes optional.
Pack a lunch
There is a fee for our guide – cost per person depends on number of participants.
RSVP Sue to Sign Up or more info text/call 905 967 5094 or email limeysue2000@yahoo.ca
Please include mobile phone numbers in case last minute info needs to be relayed.
Cancellation may be necessary due to severe weather and road conditions