April 22nd: Night Sounds – leader, Dan Bone
Pond, wetlands and forest come alive as spring peepers, trilling toads and wide-eyed owls break their winter silence. Event concludes with stone oven fireside supper.
May 6th: Song Bird Sighting – leader, Ian Attridge
As morning is breaking greet the arrival of migrating songbirds – to find their mates, build their nests and raise their young. Bring your binos. Event concludes with hearty breakfast at South Pond Farms.
May 13th: Wild Flowers and Other Wild Things – leader, Mike McMurty
Follow the woodland trails to discover the delicate ephemeral flowers of spring. Watch and listen as songbirds reclaim their summer habitat. Enjoy lunch at the farm.
June 18th : Dragons & Damsels…and Butterflies too – leader, Colin Jones
Beginning with lunch spend an early summer afternoon enjoying a close up encounter with the fascinating winged –world of dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies. Learn to identify – and build your list through the summer months.
July 23rd : Wetland Wonders – leader, Bill Crins
In the cool headwater streams, wet meadows and marshes in of Ballyduff’s “back-40” marvel at the diversity of ferns, sedges and rushes this landscape has to offer. Watch and listen for breeding birds that make the wetlands their home. Share summer fare by fields of ripening grain.
August 13th : Seeing the Forest for the Trees – leader, Thom Unrau
Trees tell a story - of the dynamics of nature and of interaction with humankind. Listen with care and probe gently into the secret life of trees. You may see them – and yourself – in a whole new way. Lunch is served behind the barn.
September 17th : Feathers, Flowers and other Finery – leaders, John Vandenberg & Eric Davis
Nature clothes herself in new colours – gold and mauve and brilliant red. You are there. Walk through the tallgrass prairie, watch for waxwings in the locust trees and savour the scent of fall. The trail ends with the fruit of the harvest on the table.
October 1st : Fleetwood Valley – Then and Now – leader, Barbara Heidenreich
The Fleetwood Creek valley is a distinctive part of Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage. Following brunch and an opening presentation explore the valley terrain. Learn of its glacial origins. Trace the history revealed in its current fields and forests. Ponder its future – and ours