Download the 2023-2024 Activities Calendar

2023-2024 ACTIVITIES CALENDAR

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.  Participants are encouraged to take any necessary precautions should a resurgence of COVID-19 occur.

 All activities are subject to change.  We will do our best to notify in advance.

Saturday, November 25 / HICKSON TRAIL – SIDE TRAIL For our first hike of the season, we’ll walk a side trail of the Hickson Trail. This side trail goes to the east of the first section of the Hickson Trail. We will start at the trail head of the Hickson Trail which is located east of Hwy 59 (Frederick St., just north of the bridge across the Thames River). The side trail does not have a known name but has existed for a few years and makes for a good walk on a Saturday morning. There is some parking at the intersection of Frederick St. and Pittock Park Road. Contact Ken, 519-539-5234.

Thursday, December 28 – 9:00 a.m. at Lawson Nature Reserve / CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT 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 a definite asset…some may be provided. Contact: Peter, 519 425 0429.

Wednesday, January 17 – 7:00 p.m. / Ingersoll Library Lecture Series – Nature Notes #1 – The Rise and Thrall of Invasive Goldfish in North America. Melanie Massey, PhD will share her recent research on the encroachment of invasive goldfish in our area and how climate change has helped them move north and survive. Goldfish and their carp relatives are damaging invaders and a massive threat to Ontario’s freshwater ecosystems. Contact Sheila, 519-485-2645.

Saturday, January 20 / 9:00 a.m. – EMBRO POND CONSERVATION AREA and 11:00 a.m. – LANGLOIS ECO HOMES This trail, situated north and west of Embro, is beautiful in summer or winter. The 2.7 km trail network that winds through the Conservation Area and into the County Forest is very popular. The site is wellmarked with ample parking. Great for walking or snow shoeing, should we have enough snow. Our walk will be followed by a tour of a Langlois Eco Homes model bungalow sited in Embro at 11:00. These buildings are designed for low environmental impact through Passive House and Net Zero building quality and standards. The result is a home featuring modern design that consumes up to 90% less energy than most existing buildings and 75% less than conventionally built new homes. Langlois Eco Homes are committed to quality, energy efficiency, sustainability, and healthy living environments. Sure to be an informative and inspiring tour. Contact Sheila, 519-485-2645.

Saturday, February 17 / SLIVER TRAIL, PITTOCK CONSERVATION AREA This is a new trail that the City of Woodstock has created over the past three years. The entrance is just to the east of the entrance kiosk to Pittock Camping area, located at 725198 Pittock Park Rd. Designated as an easy trail, 5.25 km in length, it is a dead-end trail with loops to explore. A lovely way to spend a winter morning hiking through varying ecosystems, including pine forests. Eventually the trail will extend to County Road 4, allowing a hiker to totally travel around the entirety of the Pittock Reservoir. Contact Ken, 519-539-5234.

Wednesday, February 21 – 7:00 p.m. / Ingersoll Library Lecture Series – Nature Notes #2 – Planting for the Future – Stress Free. Come hear owners Liam Kijewski and Crystal Bradford of Wildlife Gardening extol the virtues of low maintenance gardening with native plant species. Taking the work out of gardening and addressing changing weather patterns, these restoration ecologists continue to spread their passion about native plants and ecosystems. Start your garden planning now! Contact Sheila, 519-485-2645.

Saturday, March 16 /HERBERT MILNES TRAIL AND JAKEMAN’S MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL An established trail and city-owned, the trail sits in the south-east of Woodstock at 545160 Pattulo Avenue. It features ample parking and is a 1.1 km loop. The property was part of an annexation from Norwich Twp. From here, those interested can come along to enjoy pancakes at Jakeman’s Maple Syrup Festival where for over 140 years, Jakeman’s has been perfecting Ontario maple syrup craftsmanship. Producing since 1876! Contact Jim, 416-580-3832.

Wednesday, March 20 – 7:00 p.m. /Ingersoll Library Lecture Series – Nature Notes #3 – Wild Algonquin – A Climate in Change Join Tim Arthur, Field Biologist and Wildlife Photographer in a visual journey through Algonquin Park over recent years looking at the effects of climate change on nature, birds and wildlife. Contact Sheila, 519-485-2645.

Saturday, April 13 / KOMOKA PROVINCIAL PARK Join us for a hike through this fascinating landscape near London. Along the Thames River, the ravine is deep with steep edges. It forms a beautiful valley, heavily forested and punctuated with exposed cliff banks. By walking to the very end of the eastern blue trail we will be greeted with a sensational view of the Thames River and surrounding countryside. More than 100 rare species live here due to the park’s ideal location, landscape, and unique ecology of the ravine. Komoka Park provides vital protection for these rare species, several of which are endangered or threatened. This park is a must-see for its beauty and environmental importance. Contact Jim, 416-580-3832.

Parking: Please note there is a fee of $5.25 to park at Komoka. You will need a cell phone to place a call or pay online with a credit card. If you have a Provincial Park pass, please bring it and place it on your dash and your parking will be covered.

Wednesday, April 17 – 7:00 p.m. / Ingersoll Library Lecture Series – Nature Notes #4 – Bees, Monarchs and Climate Change Dana Church, Researcher and Author, will lead us through a fun and informative evening looking at the world of pollinators, their current challenges with climate change, and what we can do to help. Dana completed her PhD on animal cognition at the University of Ottawa and is passionate about making science fun and accessible for both children and adults. Contact Sheila, 519-485-2645.

Saturday, May 11 / Birding on OXFORD THAMES RIVER TRAIL (Beachville, East of village trail) This maintained trail through meadows and wetland is well marked for strolling and is a haven for migrating warblers in spring. Join club members for a bird watching and identification walk. Bring binoculars if you have them. This trail project, overseen by the Oxford County Trails Council, shows what can be achieved through hard work and dedication in restoring ecological function to the Thames River Corridor after years of neglect and misuse. Contact Sheila, 519-485-2645.

Saturday, June 8 – 9:00 a.m. meet at the Reserve / LAWSON NATURE RESERVE CLEAN-UP DAY Community members are welcome to join us for clean-up activities at the Reserve, including trail maintenance, garlic mustard extraction and painting. Bring gloves, bug spray, and wear sturdy boots. This property is solely managed by volunteer hours. Helping hands are always greatly appreciated. Contact: Peter, 519-425-0429.

NOTE:  Additional activities may be added on an ad hoc basis as opportunities arise.

We welcome newcomers to participate in any and all of our activities. We are interested in the development and preservation of nature in Oxford County.

For more information about the Club and the Lawson Nature Reserve, visit:

http://www.ingersollnatureclub.com