Please note:
For all travel locations we meet at the municipal parking lot to the west of the Ingersoll Arena at 9:00 a.m., unless otherwise stated. For any activities at the Lawson Nature Reserve, please go directly there.
All activities are subject to change. We do our best to notify in advance.
Download the Activities Guide.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING and NATURE WALK WITH BARBEQUE at Lawson Nature Reserve
Saturday, September 12, 2026 – 3:00 p.m.
Come learn more about the Ingersoll District Nature Club and the Lawson Nature Reserve’s importance to our communities! Following an informative walk around the Reserve main trail, we will hold a meeting at 4:00 p.m. to acclaim our executive members, talk about the upcoming 75th anniversary year, planned projects for the Reserve and other items of interest. A BBQ and Refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP if you will join us for the BBQ. ALL WELCOME – both members and non members.
Contact Sheila, 519-485-2645
FINGAL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA WALK
Saturday, October 17, 2026 – 9:00 a.m.
This conservation area has a system of hiking trails geared to all tastes and ability levels. There are 21 km of trails altogether, through a variety of habitats. A waterfowl viewing stand allows visitors to observe a 3-acre pond. East of the pond are 9 acres of tall grass prairie encircled by a walking trail. With over 200 species of wildlife identified during breeding and migration seasons, the area is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The property is co-managed by Elgin Stewardship Council and MNR. Located at 34469 Fingal Line, Fingal.
Contact Ken, 519-539-5234
GUEST SPEAKER BRIAN CRAIG – ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 – 6:30 p.m. at the Ingersoll Public Library, Meeting Room
A timely discussion. Brian Craig, a member of the Board of Directors of the Long Point Biosphere Region, will speak to us on how we can influence and protect sustainability and quality of life for all on our planet. This engaging speaker brings years of experience in education, nature restoration and community involvement to enlighten his audiences about the need for ecological sustainability for future generations.
Contact Meg, 519-485-4220
PATULLO TRAIL, SOUTH WOODSTOCK
Saturday, November 14, 2026 – 9:00 a.m.
Join us for a pleasant and easy walk through Patullo Trail, located on Patullo Avenue, east of Highway 59 and just south of Highway 401. This trail is perfect for surrounding yourself in nature. A birding hotspot (as noted on eBird!), it offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all birding skill levels. Suitable walking for children and seniors.
Contact Meg, 519-485-4220
GUEST SPEAKER SCOTT GILLINGWATER, LOCAL CONSERVATIONIST – LOCAL SPECIES-AT-RISK PRESENTATION
Monday, December 7, 2026 – 7:30 p.m. at Huron Park Secondary School at 900 Cromwell St., Woodstock
Carpool an option for anyone needing a ride
Join us as the Woodstock Field Naturalists and Ingersoll District Nature Club co-host an enlightening conversation with Scott Gillingwater, the Species at Risk Biologist with Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). Scott will present an overview of Reptile Research and Conservation in Southwestern Ontario: The Ongoing Struggle to Conserve Some of Ontario’s Most At-Risk Species. This will be an informative and educational evening outlining the numerous obstacles that reptiles encounter. Scott has been a driving force in the Spiny Soft Shell turtle recovery along our Thames River.
Contact Sheila, 519-485-2645
CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
Monday, December 28, 2026 – 9:00 a.m. at Lawson Nature Reserve
Started in 1900, the Christmas Bird Count is North America’s longest running citizen science project. Counts happen in over 2000 localities throughout the Western Hemisphere. Join the camaraderie – come out to the Reserve and help with the count. We work as a group – no bird identification experience necessary. Binoculars are a definite asset.
Contact Peter, 519-425-0429
January 2027 – Celebrating 75 Years of Nature Stewardship
No January Event Planned at this time. Our Nature Notes lecture series runs once a month from February to April.
NATURE NOTES / CLIMATE ACTION SUPERHERO WITH DARIA KOSINSKI OF THAMES TALBOT LAND TRUST
Wednesday, February 10, 2027 – 7:00 p.m. at the Ingersoll Public Library, Meeting Room
Join us for an interesting overview and informative conversation with our speaker Daria Kosinski, Executive Director of Thames Talbot Land Trust. She will focus on nature-based climate solutions people can support – specifically outlining how different habitats (plant life) provide for carbon storage, the importance of protecting existing ecosystems to keep carbon in place, plus some key actions individuals can take to support nature-based climate solutions.
Contact Meg, 519-485-4220
NATURE NOTES / DESTINATION COLOMBIA WITH RICHARD SKEVINGTON
Wednesday, March 10, 2027 – 7:00 p.m. at the Ingersoll Public Library, Meeting Room
Back by popular demand! A lifelong naturalist and member of the Woodstock Field Naturalists’ Club, Richard Skevington will join us to present an engaging talk and slideshow on his recent travels to Colombia, one of the richest birding environments on the planet. Richard weaves a compelling and enlightening story that you won’t want to miss.
Contact Meg, 519-485-4220.
PANCAKES AT SPRINGWATER and WALK AT ARCHIE COULTER CONSERVATION AREA
Saturday, March 13, 2027 – 9:00 a.m.
Our March favourite continues to be Springwater’s Maple Syrup Festival – come enjoy great pancakes and maple syrup across from the Springwater Conservation Area. We will eat first!! Then off a short distance for a walk through Archie Coulter Conservation Area. On the way home, a stop at the Aylmer viewing stands to watch migrating swans and geese is also an option for those interested.
Contact Meg, 519-485-4220
NATURE NOTES / WILDFLOWERS OF POINT PELEE NATIONAL PARK WITH DAVE JOLLY
Wednesday, April 14, 2027 – 7:00 p.m. at Ingersoll Public Library, Meeting Room
Turn your sights to spring! Local Canadian biologist Dave Jolly will offer an informative evening of what it takes to identify hundreds of species within a national park. With 30 years of professional experience his extensive knowledge guarantees an interesting and informative showcase of Point Pelee’s natural diversity. This talk will be timely, as spring’s bounty plus bird migration will be in full swing early May.
Contact Meg, 519-485-4220.
CALTON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA WALK
Saturday, April 17, 2027 – 9:00 a.m.
The Calton Swamp Wildlife Management Area is a 208-acre site located at 52591 John Wise Line near the hamlet of Calton in Elgin County. Managed jointly by the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA) and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, this Provincially Significant Wetland is a popular spot for birdwatching and hiking. The complex provides crucial breeding habitat for waterfowl and is home to rare plant species like Slender Sedge, Putty-root, and Virginia Creeper. The mix of wetland, deciduous forest and coniferous plantation within the Wildlife Management Area supports a diversity of wildlife species, including pileated woodpeckers, wild turkey and ruffed grouse as well as a diversity of waterfowl. This is an easy walk on flat ground. Waterproof footwear is recommended for this time of year as trails can be muddy.
Contact Ken, 519-539-5234.
“TALK AND WALK” PLANT IDENTIFICATION AT LAWSON NATURE RESERVE WITH DAVE JOLLY
Saturday, May 15, 2027 – 9:00 a.m. at the Lawson Nature Reserve
Join Dave Jolly, local instructor, botanist and author, of EARTHQUEST Biological Field School for a stroll throughout the Lawson Nature Reserve as he brings his extensive knowledge to bear on this guided wildflower walk. Spring ephemerals are the loveliest of woodland plants and abound within the reserve. Take advantage of this free workshop. Located in Port Burwell, EARTHQUEST operates as a consulting firm, education centre and lodge engaged in the identification, protection, restoration and enhancement of endangered, threatened or vulnerable species.
Contact Sheila, 519-485-2645.
No planned event for June
Additional activities may be added on an ad hoc basis as opportunities arise.
There are no July/August club activities.
Celebrating IDNC turning 75 + Lawson Nature Reserve turning 50!
LAWSON NATURE RESERVE CLEAN-UP and CELBRATION OF NATURE RESERVE’S 50th ANNIVERSARY
Saturday, September 18, 2027 – 9:00 a.m. meet at the Reserve
Community members are welcome to join us for clean-up activities at the Reserve, including trail maintenance, garlic mustard extraction and painting. Bring gloves and wear sturdy boots. This property is solely managed by volunteer hours. Helping hands are always greatly appreciated. Help will also be required in celebrating 50 years of the “Tract’s” existence… solely powered by volunteer hours, care and stewardship.
Starting at 9:00 a.m., barbeque and refreshments planned for 12:30 p.m. Please RSVP if attending BBQ.
ALL WELCOME. Contact Meg, 519-485-4220.
FINALE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Saturday, October 16, 2027 – 2:00 p.m. at Ingersoll Seniors’ Centre (Location to be confirmed)
This AGM will be the finale event in our celebration of 75 years supporting nature in our local region and beyond. Volunteer driven, the club has provided stewardship to the Lawson Tract (Lawson Nature Reserve) for 50 years of its existence. Recognition to be given to the founding members of 75 years past, those who continued with their vision, and to Ontario Nature and South West Oxford, key partners in all we have accomplished over the years. Key speakers to be confirmed, but we hope you and our extended communities will join us in this milestone achievement. Refreshments will be provided.
Ingersoll District Nature Club 