Meetings
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.
October 22, 2024: Beth Gilhespy
https://walkingthroughtime.ca/home/about
Beth will share her vast knowledge of The Bruce Trail, having been CEO of The Bruce Trail Conservancy where she brought greater awareness to the vast natural wonder of the escarpment. She also led numerous hikes along the various sections of the trail and provided extensive information in the form of hand out sheets to those hikers. She has published 2 Bruce trail guides, one focusing on the Beaver Valley and the other on Singhampton. The books are titled Walking in Time. In March of 2024 she took on the job of CEO of the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy.
We look forward to her presentation sharing her Extensive knowledge about this unique landform, The Niagara Escarpment and the ecosystem supporting it.
September 24, 2024:Speaker Caley Doran
Caley is a Anishinabe Interpretive guide with the Cape Croker Anishinabe Cultural Experience at the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.
For his presentation in September, Caley will focus on the topic of sustainable tourism and how the history of their unceded territory, treaties, native plant use and its preservation, species at risk and the reach of his people to locals and visitors to the Bruce Peninsula.
Caley will be bringing homemade Cedar Tea for attendees to enjoy!
March 26, 2024: Dave Rankine – Coyotes of Inverhuron Park – arrival time of 7 pm, meeting starts at 7:20. Michelle Gade will speak for 10 minutes on her efforts to organize garlic mustard removal in Kincardine and Christine will talk about the City Nature Challenge.
April 23, 2024: Audrey Armstrong and Willie Waterton – Orchids Bruce & Grey
May 28, 2024 – ADM – Adam Shoalts
Tuesday June 25, 2024: 7 pm This is the last regular meeting of the 2023/24 season and features a presentation by Don Scallen on Salamanders.
Tuesday September 26, 2023: Dale Matthies: A 2023 Potpourri of Photos.
Dale is a retired elementary teacher from Goderich who took up photography upon retirement. Came
to Huron County in 1970 from Woodstock and was teacher for 31 years (elementary).
He has published photos in 19 magazines (Natural Science, local Chamber of Commerce, various
magazines under the banner of Reader’s Digest (mostly Our Canada and More of Our Canada) as well as
Canadian Geographic internet site, and in calendars – Toronto Humane Society and 2 Canadian
Geographic; also for the Weather Network – one minute mini documentary Point of Viewer.
Tuesday, October 24: Alyssa Bourassa
Alyssa is a Coastal Stewardship Technician with Lake Huron Coastal Centre.
She will discuss her education and outreach for her plastic pollution reduction program
and update us on the general work of the Lake Huron Coastal Centre.
Tuesday, November 28: Jennifer Pate: Love Your Greats
A Geographer and filmmaker from Bayfield, Jennifer will speak on the topic, Navigating the Pathway from
Environmental Connection to Protection.
Love Your Greats is an initiative that aims to raise awareness and inspire change for the future health of the
North American Great Lakes and its inhabitants
Tuesday, June 27th at 7:15 pm at the Point Clark Community Centre. Bring a mug. Please note the bridge on Lake Range Drive between Concessions 6 and 4 is out so you may need to detour by way of Hwy 21 to the 4th concession.
Our guest speaker is Sydney Shepherd, a technician with Birds Canada who will talk to us about the Ontario Piping Plover Program.
February 28, 2023
Thanks to the great team of Valerie Gibson, Jane Neilsen and Jayne Miltenburg with helpers Rhodora Doughty, Donald Andrew and Jim Roberts for the organizing and set up of yesterday’s very successful potluck lunch and photo contest. Thanks to the approximately 50 members and guests who participated and a huge thanks to Liz Addison for her great photo editing tutorial – we all learned a lot and will be “upping” our game for next year’s contest.
Congratulations to our winners: Bruce Edmunds, who coincidentally tied with himself for 1st place, Anne Scanlon and Ingrid Wypkema. Thanks to Helena Hill, Liz Addison and Carol Bowyer for sharing their beautiful nature-related hobbies with us.
September 27,2022
On September 27, Devin Glew, President of Bluewater Astronomical Society (BWAS) and a co-presenter will give a presentation on our night skies. The BWAS has been promoting the enjoyment of stargazing in Bruce and Grey Counties since as early as 1990. Following the presentation the BWAS has agreed to have available a few telescopes for a night viewing if conditions are right. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
October 25, 2022
The speakers will be Green Goderich.
November 22,2022
Kiah Jasper a well known birder from our area. More info will be made available closer to these dates.
Tuesday June 28, 2022: Marina Wintemute-7:30 p.m.-Ripley Arena
Marina is and R.N. who has travelled to Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario and Northern Manitoba. Her talk is called ‘Experience the North’ and details her many trips and experiences in the north.
Tuesday, September 24th, 2021: Robert (Bob) Barnett
Bob will speak to us about the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy.
The Conservancy is a non-profit organization. Their Mission is to create nature reserves
allowing for sustainable, low impact recreation.
To date the Conservancy has protected over 162 Nature Reserves with over 13,000 acres of
land.
Join us to hear Bob’s update and learn about current activities in our area.
Tuesday, October 22nd, 2021: Kerry Jarvis
Kerry will once again join us to give a presentation on Photo Tips & a Nature Presentation
(reptiles, Amphibians, insects, plants etc.) Kerry is an accomplished photographer who enjoys
exploring the world through the lens of a camera. Here is your chance to ask questions
about taking photos with your camera, be it an iphone, SLR, etc.
Tuesday, November 26th, 2021: Club Member Night.
Each year I would like to have our talented members make presentations to our club. For our
November meeting Janice Larson & Jorgen Hertzum-Larson, will update us on their experience
viewing Monarch Butterflies in Mexico. A second speaker for the night is still being confirmed.
Outings
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
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 9TH, 2024-BEAVER VALLEY TOUR
Three Waterfalls, Preposterous Pumpkins, Old Baldy Lookout and miles of stunning forest views.
This is an all day trip. We will meet at Sobeys on the west side of the car park at 8.30 am. Carpooling can be arranged where possible. We will leave at 8.45 sharp! If at the last minute you have to cancel coming/ or are running late, please inform Sue 905 967 5094 ASAP to avoid the group waiting for someone not coming/ or to arrange a catch up place.
Bio stops will be allotted along the way. The first one will be in Hanover at Tim Hortons were also you can pick up a Bevy of your choice and morning snack.
Mostly Rated Easy walking with some rocks along the way. Good supportive footwear should be worn for all of our trips. Walking poles or hiking sticks are always a great asset. Although most walking is easy there are some rocks to navigate here and there.
We will be walking up to Old Baldy, a short walk, to enjoy magnificent views. There is a slight elevation to the top. Along the viewing areas there are rocks, but providing you take your time and use your poles or stick; all will keep safe.
Pack a lunch as we will picnic; bring snacks and drinks to keep hydrated. If room in your cars allows, throw in a chair just in case as picnic tables are limited.
MONDAY AUGUST 19TH-BEACH ROCK WALK
Bob Geddes will lead the beach rock walk – Every Pebble Tells a Story – tomorrow, Monday, August 19, from 2.00 pm to about 4.00 pm. It will be at the lake end of Concession Road 7, north of Kincardine, turning west off of Bruce Road 23 or “B Line”. It is immediately north of the Stoney Island Conservation Area.
Let’s meet at 1:45 pm in the parking lot of Stoney Island Conservation Area to car pool so we take the smallest number of cars.
Please dress for the weather, wear good footwear/runners, but NO SANDALS and bring walking poles if you have them. The beach is very stony, which is a good thing. Distance walked may depend on the waves.
THURSDAY AUGUST 8TH – “BIRDS NEST FARM” – IN THE BRUCE PENINSULA (Nestled in the Purple Valley North of Wiarton
Meeting at 9:30 AM for this day outing at Sobey’s Car park on the west side.
We will stop at Southampton for bio break and coffee pickup for those who wish.
Then proceeding to Wiarton where we will enjoy a picnic at Wiarton’s Lake Front Park before heading on to “BIRDS NEST FARM” for 1pm.
Our hosts Peter and Erin will be waiting to show off how they manage to farm off the grid on this totally eco-friendly farm growing produce and raising chickens and sheep whilst living in a house with a grass roof!
They are constantly tweaking their methods of farming and how they do things to suit the environment on their part of the Bruce Peninsula amid meadows and trees and trails including sections of The Bruce Trail.
Dress according to weather: prepare for rain, sun, bugs, including safeguarding against ticks.
Sturdy foot wear recommended, walking poles- helpful.
Bring your lunch unless you pick it up on the way, drinks etc.
Peter informs me he will have some drinks for us and will have few chairs,on hand, for those needing a sit.
SUGGESTED DONATION FOR OUR TOUR $15 PP. For easy collection please have correct cash on hand.
Please RSVP so I can relay the number participating to our hosts.
If you could text me it would ensure I have your phone numbers on my phone, in case I have to call you.
You can also email me limeysue2000@yahoo.ca by August 6 Please
Wednesday July 31st, 2024 – Walk at the Ark confirmed: 9:30 AM to 11:3O AM.
MEET AT QUINN’S PLAZA at 9:15 am to car pool to “The Ark”.
If you missed this popular walk last year or want a repeat visit this year, here is your chance!
Come join us to view this amazing bio diverse property carved out of what once was a gravel pit!
Wear good walking shoes, you may need bug spray, long pants recommended to safeguard against ticks. Easy to Moderate walking …some slight hills and uneven ground.
With grateful thanks to Janice and Art for their generosity in sharing this “Special Space”
For more info. or RSVP: text Sue 905 967 5094 or email limeysue2000@yahoo.ca
Beaver Valley Fall Outing, Wednesday October 11th
Meeting at Sobey’s 8.15 am where people can gather to car pool and leave as a group.
This is a full Day Trip making stops along the way to visit various places of interest whilst soaking up the colours of fall in the Beaver Valley portion of the Niagara Escarpment. (At our time of visiting colours will be at peak)
Stops include Eugenia Falls; an easy short walk with a beautiful view,
Preposterous Pumpkin Farm visit, Old Baldy; one of the highest Peak along the escarpment, moderate to hard walk (optional)
Blue Gold Cidery visit and tour and, Ii time and energy remain, stop at Epping Forest Lookout.
Bring along a Packed Lunch, wear your sturdy hiking boots or shoes (a must) hiking poles or stick, and be prepared with clothes suitable for varying temperatures.
Please RSVP Susan at 906-967-5094 or email limeysue2000@yahoo.ca
Happy to announce the new Date for the rained out outing on the 23rd August
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH
Arrive at 1.45 p.m. for hike beginning at 2 p.m.
Folks will meet Trail Leader Donald Andrews at the Tiger Dunlop Trail carpark
situated just off the 21 hwy on the west side(right) before the bridge going over the Maitland River into Goderich; it is marked.
This is an easy walk and you can do as little or much as you like. Donald will lead you along beside the Maitland River and will cross over the old railway bridge at the Harbour There are some lovely views along the way, stopping perhaps to visit the Heritage oak tree. Just over the bridge at the harbour the trail continues along Goderich’s lovely water front parklands. Before returning home you might want to enjoy the best fish and chips ever
at the Harbour Restaurant aka “Old Salty” you will not be disappointed!
Wear your good walking shoes, dress for change in weather.… ENJOY!
Call or text Susan if you want more info or have questions. Call a friend to join you sign up to go. RSVP 905 967 5094
Please Note Donald’s Cell Phone # 519 530 9019 for the day of the walk
There is also a tour of the Ark Farm scheduled for Aug. 28. Reminder details will be sent out in a few days.
Wednesday June 14, 2023
A Day Trip to enjoy the Peninsula during Lady Slipper Season.–Two short walks, a visit and a picnic.
From Sobey’s car park we set off stopping in Oliphant for a washroom break and visit to The Fen Boardwalk. Then onwards to Red Bay where we will visit “Earth Bound “Garden Centre (specializing in Native Plants.) Next up we will picnic at Red Bay Beach and then on to Petrel Point (Ontario Conservation) for a leisurely boardwalk stroll to view delights of nature, such as Ladies Slippers, Orange Paint Brush, Bluets Orchids and more. The birders amongst us will find something of interest too!
Meet at Sobeys carpark on the west side at 9.00 am for departure at 9.15 am sharp. Bring packed lunch. Dress for weather and possibility of bugs. Good walking shoes, poles or sticks as preferred.
Walk is rated as EASY.
For more info or to indicate you will be joining us call or text Susan 905 967 5094 or you may email but include your mobile number limeysue2000@yahoo.ca
Day in The Bruce Peninsula – Wednesday, 31st of May, 2023
Hike on the Jone’s Bluff portion of the Bruce Trail on the Territory of the Nawash community Chippewas of The Saugeens. We will walk through beautiful forest and scenic look out areas that award exhilarating views overlooking Cape Crocker and Sydney Bay.
En route (There or Back) We will stop for a Bathroom Break in Oliphant and a quick trip along the boardwalk trail. We will lunch before setting out on the Hike in Wiarton at the Lakeside Park where bathroom facilities are available. Note: There is none on the trail.
The hike is 7km long, listed as an easy to moderate walk. but participants can chose to shorten their walk if need be according to individuals’ liking.
Good Hiking Shoes or boots with good gripping power and support is essential on any part of the Bruce Trail. Poles/ walking sticks are very helpful. Dress and be prepared for change in weather and possibility of bugs. Bring your own packed lunch and drinks.
Meet at Sobey’s car park on the west side at 9.00 am for departure at 9.15 am
RSVP me or for further info or questions Sue’s email limeysue2000@ yahoo.ca ( include mobile phone # please) or call Sue’s mobile 1(905) 967 5094
Wednesday afternoon (May 17th) Flower 🌼 Walk visiting a couple of places if time allows. Meeting at 1:45 pm at Stoney Island car park. Dress appropriately for weather, sturdy foot wear, easy to moderate walking.
Spring Walk at Inverhuron: Wednesday, April 12th
Meeting at 1.30 pm ( leaving sharp at 1.45) in the Quinn Plaza south end of town behind the Ice Cream Shack. This is a moderate to hard walk.
Dress for weather: sturdy hiking boots as slippery conditions may occur after the rain we’ve just had. Walking poles or sticks are always an asset; bring your water bottle as always. After the walk you may consider stopping for dinner at Finn City fish and chip shop as it is very handy to where we’re walking. Looking forward to seeing you!
Call Sue if you have questions: 905 967 5094
- Farm and Forests Rally in Kincardine: Saturday, April 15th, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
If you’re walking, park at the Davidson Centre. Or, you could park at either Canadian Tire or Sobey’s and meet on those corners of Hwy 21 and Durham St.
We’d like a few helpers to keep an eye on pedestrian safety on Durham St, at the highway intersection and help direct parking and people at the Davidson Centre. If you’re interested in helping, please let me know.
There will be Greenbelt signs available but homemade signs would be fantastic. At noon we will reconvene at the park behind the splash pad where Mayor Kenneth Craig, Eric Cunliffe and others will speak briefly.
We hope HFFN members will come out in force to show their support for the environment. Phone your Councillor and encourage them to join you at the rally.
- Huron Fringe Birding Festival – May 26-29, June 1-4
There are still spots in lots of interesting program offerings but they’re filling up! Go to https://huronfringebirdingfestival.ca/ to check out the listing and register.
- Become a Monarch Ambassador
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is looking to build a team of community volunteers to help us gather information about Monarch Butterfly Migration in Ontario. The data collected through this study will aid us in better protecting and conserving Monarchs and the irreplaceable habitat needed for their long journey south!
We’re looking for individuals and groups who can volunteer as Monarch Ambassadors to frequently monitor local shores of Southern Ontario’s Great Lakes during Monarch migration (mid-August to mid-September).
If you are interested in registering as a Monarch Ambassador, learning more, or being notified of future information sessions, follow the link to the registration form: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=A8N2i-wB1UCNmmwvbXjc13Kk06RUyXtPiE1__z4WH5NUNVU1QVNUVVVQTDFXT1Q1N0YyOE1VMDRYTS4u
Afternoon Welcome to Spring Walk along the Kincardine scenic River Trail System Friday March 24th, 2023
An easy to moderate walk, Friday March 24th meeting at 1:45 pm at 627 Sky Court. If you are coming in from 21 head west on Russell St. and take the last street before the bridge,left on McGaw, then left onto Skye Court. If coming from in town at the top of Victoria Park head onto Russell St head East take the first street right just over the bridge up the hill to McGaw, once on McGaw turn second left onto Skye Court .
Dress for weather, good sturdy waterproof shoes, and if you have them, it’s a good idea to tuck your icers in your gear as well. I am hoping to start off on the trails from my house location from where we will hop on the trail from across the road. The walk will follow the Pentetangore River in the wooded ravine. On this walk you can adjust your pace and length according to your will as the trail offers a variety of loops and exits. I can offer offer washroom facility before or after the walk, sorry none on the trail!
As conditions change daily I will be checking in case of a necessary change in location, but to keep things simple we will stick with the same meeting place.
Please phone if you need any other info or to RSVP, lost or late on the day 1 905 967 5094 or before the date email limeysue2000@yahoo.ca
Snowshoe Outing: Sunday, March 5th, 2023:
Meet at 1 pm at the entrance to the Zinn property, 659 Karishea Ave (6th Con Kinloss)
Dress appropriately for winter. Bring snowshoes, skis or just walk in winter boots. As the cabin is in “winter mode”, there will be NO washroom or kitchen facilities available. Bring your binoculars, camera, bird seed (for chickadees), snack and a thermos or travel mug of hot chocolate.
Please RSVP to Susan Greco (limeysue2000@yahoo.com; 1 905 967 5094) for questions or additional information.
Address: 659 Karishea Ave (6th Con Kinloss) Directions: From Holyrood, go south on Bruce Rd 1 to next concession onleft or, from Lucknow, north on Bruce Rd 1 to the 3rd concession on right (Karishea Ave), then east 1.5 miles to property on the right in the 2nd block just before the pavement ends #659. It’s a good idea to consider car-pooling with other members.
Oct. 2nd, 2022 – Exploration of Camp Kintail trails: Meet at Amberley gas station (hwy 21 & 86) at 2 pm. RSVP to Susan Greco 1 905 967 5094 or email limeysue2000@yahoo.ca
Oct. 6th, 2022 – Star gazing with Bluewater Astronomical Society in Kincardine: Soccer field closest to dog park on Bruce Ave. Arrive about 7:30 pm.
Fall birding outing and social: Saturday, October 15, 2022 (possible Oct 22 rain date?) Meet James Turland at 9:00 am at the Kincardine Dog Park, Bruce Ave, Kincardine. Location link from google maps:
https://goo.gl/maps/Q6ksRJ1vzfaEmc297 .
We will spend some time birding at the lagoons then stop at a few other locations before driving to the Peppers’ for the lunch social.
For the social: We will be eating outside. Bring a lawn chair and sandwich. Hot drinks and dessert will be provided.
George G Newton Nature Reserve invasive species removal: Tuesday, Oct. 18, 10 am (Friday, Oct. 21 rain date): HFFN member Donna Butson once again generously invites us to eat our lunches at her home near the reserve. Donna will provide coffee and soup if folks would like to come back. And, importantly… a bathroom. If it’s a nice day she has space for us to sit out of the wind or she also has an empty cottage with no covid germs and lots of space to spread out.
1) Rural Rootz Friday, 16th September, 2022
Wonderland of Rocks at Rural Rootz, Wiarton, with Tom & Dee Ashman
Highlights include Cliffscape Ecology with amazing formations of limestone, fossils and fungi, a Beaver Pond tour, and “check out our incredible crop of Hart’s Tongue Ferns. They are astonishing!” There is a woodland Labyrinth in the unique gardens with many other hidden treasures.
Bring you lunch, water, dress for weather and be sure to wear good sturdy walking gear. We will aim to have lunch 11.30 – 12pm and begin exploring the gardens, walks and/or hikes at 1 pm Departing at 4.pm
WASHROOMS ON SITE
Meet at Sobey’s west portion of parking lot. 9.15 am
*Please register for this event in order to let our hosts know our group numbers.*
Text or call Susan 1 905 967 5094
2) Monday, September 26th, 2022
Malcolm Bluff’s Hike in the Purple Valley on the Georgian Bay side of the Peninsula.
Beautiful walk along the top of the bluffs with breathtaking views of Islands, Cloud,
Griffin and Hay.
Meeting at 9.30 a.m. Depart from Sobeys car park 9.45 a.m.
Bring your lunch, dress for weather, good sturdy shoes, walking poles recommended.
Med. to difficult terrain/walking level due to tree roots and rocks but no climbing involved. Note: no washrooms, we will stop before reaching the trail head for a bio break.
Please register/Questions by text or calling Sue Greco at 1905 967 5094 or email limeysue2000,@yahoo,ca
3) Sunday, October 2nd, 2022
Sunday afternoon leisurely stroll, on the trails at Camp Kintail, opportunities to sit just to take in the lovely surroundings. Easy walking. This date has been chosen as it is Camp Kintail’sDinner Night so that anyone wishing to stay and have Sunday dinner cooked for you, there is that choice for you. However, YOU MUST book right away, these once a month dinner fill up quick. Sittings for 4.30 pm are already full, at this time 5.30, and 6.00 are still open for seats. You can book take out too. Cost of dinners are $25 Anyone attending our AGM will testify to how good the dinners are.
Meet at Amberley Gas station hwy 21. at 2 pm
Again, please register so I can let them know the size of our group
More outing dates and places to be confirmed. Stay Tuned!
Since the first Rocks on the beach walk was so popular Bob Geddes has agreed and is more than happy to repeat this beach walk. Bob has a lot of knowledge to share, and if you didn’t retain all of that info. on rocks; what, where and how they got here, from the first walk (like me) here’s your chance to refresh you mind.
Look forward to seeing you as we discover the very best nature has to offer
Susan Greco
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