2026 Upcoming Hikes and Events:
April:
City Nature Challenge Weekend:
Bring your phones, download the app and start taking pictures and making discoveries.
Saturday, April 25th: Stoney Island Treasures with Sue Greco, 434 County Road 23, from 2 to 4 PM
Sunday, April 26th: Birding Hike with James Turland, Kincardine Lagoon, from 9 to 11 AM
May:
19th – 21st inclusive: Bruce Peninsula Explorer with Donna Murray:
Three Days of Discovery in the Bruce Peninsula
HFBF EVENT: Birding Festival – May 22 – 25, May 28 – 31
Check out the Festival’s numerous hikes and
events. Sign up ASAP; these events fill up very quickly
June:
June 5 th – Along the KIPP Trail – Biking in Nature – led by Catherine and Bill Hodges. Use the links above for more information.
Mysteries of the Greenock Swamp – Guided by Shannon Wood
June 12 10 AM – 12 noon (Picnic Lunch afterwards – optional)
Greenock Swamp is the largest forested wetland in Ontario. Part of its attraction is the intrigue and mystery surrounding this 8000-hectare natural area. Shannon Woods, tour guide, will lead us on a walk, unlock some of the mysteries, and talk about the natural heritage.
We will meet at Sobey’s west side parking to carpool at 9:20 AM. Leaving by 9:30 AM prompt.
If you live closer and wish to meet us at Greenock Swamp, please let us know so we do not wait for you in Kincardine.
Wear weather-appropriate clothes – long pants and long sleeves. Prepare for it to be buggy (mosquito season is in the swamp). Spray ahead or bring it along. If you have a netted hat, bring it too. It will be wet in some areas, so wear waterproof boots or sturdy shoes.
Rated: Easy to moderate walking. Walking poles are always helpful.
There is no cost for this event, but a suggested minimum donation of $5 to Shannon’s favourite charity would be appreciated.
You will be required to sign a waiver to participate in this event.
RSVP Sue – Text 905 967-5094 or email limeysue2000@yahoo.ca
Those who signed up at Tuesday night’s meeting are confirmed. If you signed the interest sheet, send a reply to confirm. Looking forward to seeing our members at this event.
Waterfalls and Wild Flowers Hike: TUESDAY, JUNE 3OTH Full Day outing up to and in Grey/ Bruce Peninsula
We will be visiting waterfalls, with stops along the way in various locations to explore for orchids and many other species of wild flowers. Bird sightings and other surprises will make this an outing for every interest.
Meet: 8:30 am @Sobey’s Car Park -West side Depart: 8:40 sharp We will carpool as desired, in consideration of gas cost a nominal $5/10 is suggested if you are a rider not the driver.
Level of difficulty of this outing is rated Easy with levels of Difficulty due to possible uneven ground, rock, tree roots and slight hills/incline.
What to Bring: Packed lunch, snacks and drinks; Walking Poles (are always a help on uneven ground}; Walking Boots, waterproof ones as wet areas are quite likely; Bug Spray, Binoculars. Wear/Bring weather appropriate clothes (long pants and long sleeves recommended to guard against ticks} and prepare for change of weather.
You will be expected to sign HBN’s Trip Waiver before we begin our day of exploring.
PLEASE RSVP limeysue2000@yahoo.ca Susan 905 967 5094 Include your mobile numbers in your email. Thank you!
Tuesday, August 4th from 9 AM to 11 AM, or longer if people wish to stay on – Rocks on the Beach Walk (Rain date Friday, August 14th, 9 AM – 11 AM)
Once again Bob Geddes is leading a walk on the beach. Bob shares a wealth of knowledge regarding geology by telling how and where these rocks come from that we see on our local beaches. This year’s walk is entitled, “Beach Rocks: Every pebble tells a story.”
It is 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, 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 previous years, 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 questions? Contact Bob Geddes at bobgeddes@rogers.com.
Friday, August 7 – Bike Event led by Catherine and Bill Hodges
The next 30 km bike excursion will start at 10 AM at Station Beach Kincardine Gazebo. The planned route will run along the lakeshore to Point clark Lighthouse Park/marina area. A Lighthouse Tour is an option, depending on group feedback. The tour costs $7 per person with admission to the museum included.
If it is a high humidity/heat wave, we will do a shorter ride to the Bruce Beach home of James Turland and Becky Grieveson, where they will do a short talk on backyard birds. This trip will be closer to 15 km in total.
There is no room for more cyclists at this time. Email Catherine at chodges@gmail.com, if you would like to join, pending a cancellation.
MONDAY, AUGUST 31st – RAVENSTAR SCULPTURE GARDEN & TRAILS Forest Bistro
COME ENJOY AND EXPLORE
Where MAGIC lives
WITCHES GARDENS-LABYRINTH-FAERIE DOORS
MEDITATION AREAS-RUNES-GEODESTIC DOME
UNPLUGGED EXTERIENCES-SPECILIAL EVENTS
RavenStar offers Inspirational Magical Experiences in a Sacred Setting for Real People Craving Nature, Spirit, and Creativity.
Raven Star is near Lion’s Head. This will be a leisurely outing where you may choose your pace to wander around the garden spaces. We will enjoy a lunch/snacks in the Forest Bistro. The food looks delicious and is prepared on the property.
8:45 AM We will meet at Sobeys west side of the parking lot to gather and arrange car pooling. A waiver must be signed to participate in this event.
9:00 AM Departure for unhurried ride up to our destination.
11:30 AM arrival at RavenStar.
Visits to the gardens are booked for approx 1.5 – 2hrs time session, excluding time for lunch.
The cost per person is ten dollars plus tax ($11.30). Please have the right cash in hand as it will be collected prior to our departure.
Rsvp Sue by Sunday, August 23rd for booking purposes. limeysue2000@yahoo.ca or text/call 905 967 5094.
Fall: Date TBA
Anishinaabe Cultural Discovery Hike in Cape Croker led by a leader from the cultural team
Look for listings of ongoing hikes throughout the year on the website, at monthly meetings, and on sign-up sheets or in emails. Call Sue at (905) 967-5094 for further information, questions, suggestions for hikes, or leading hikes.