A passionate look at trees, including those currently afflicted by various pathogens. But more positively, a celebration of the virtues of trees and an exploration of native trees suitable for the urban landscape.

Don Scallen is a writer and naturalist in Halton Region. He is fascinated by the natural history of plants and animals and their interactions with the environment. His heroes include Charles Darwin, Jane Goodall, and the venerable David Attenborough. Here’s an Attenborough quote that resonates with Don: "It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living."

 Don writes frequently about nature for In The Hills https://www.inthehills.ca/author/don-scallen/. He has published two books: Nature Where We Live and Spotted Salamanders and Their World. Don enjoys speaking to naturalist clubs, horticultural societies, and environmental groups about diverse nature-oriented topics.

 Photo: American Elm, Ulmus americana, Gananoque, Ontario

Members only

During this outing in southeast London, we will walk and look for late-summer plants and birds.

Directions: Meet in the parking lot east of 1545 Trafalgar Street. Look for the Kiwanis Park sign.

Google Map

Cathy McCrae
cmcc@sympatico.ca

Members only

On this outing to Elgin County, we will be looking for early fall birds and plants. We hope to see migrating raptors at Hawk Cliff and waterfowl at Yarmouth and Port Stanley. Carpooling is encouraged as parking is limited at Yarmouth.

We will be walking on uneven paths. There are stairs at the Port Stanley Sewage Lagoons. Bring a bagged lunch, binoculars, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Walking poles may help on the trails. For Yarmouth, the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority requests that each participant deposit $3.00 for property maintenance in the appropriate box on site.

Meet in the parking lot at Value Village, 4465 Wellington Road South.

Google Map

Cathy McCrae
cmcc@sympatico.ca

Members only

This outing will be focused on enjoying fall colours and looking for fall birds.

We will walk trails and boardwalks to view 2 or 3 of the ponds on the site. Wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots. There will be some hills. Bring binoculars, a water bottle, and walking poles, if appropriate.

Head south on Western Counties Road off Commissioners. Drive to the T-intersection and turn left. Park near the baseball diamond. This is east of the buildings that house TTLT, LEN, etc.

Google Map

Cathy McCrae

cmcc@sympatico.ca

Rivers, streams and ponds are essential supports for important elements of nature and species in the London Region. For more than 50 years, fishing clubs have nurtured aquatic habitats and advanced public appreciation of this important community resource. At the Nature London meeting on October 9 th, join Frank Colozza and Stan Gibbs of the Western Ontario Fish and Game Protective Association (OFGPA) to learn about their centre at Westminster Ponds and their work to improve aquatic habitats around London.

Frank is a member of OFGPA and a geoscientist who has spent his career studying groundwater beneath Ontario's landscapes. Stan Gibbs is the President of OFGPA

Frank Colozza

Frank Colozza has been a member of the Western Ontario Fish and Game Protective Association () since 2022, where he enjoys both spin cast and fly fishing on the club's pond. By profession, Frank is a geoscientist who has spent his career studying groundwater beneath Ontario's landscapes — knowledge that gives him a unique window into the natural forces that shaped the club's grounds.

Frank will present a look at the club’s natural setting. Drawing on his background in geology and hydrogeology (the study of groundwater), he'll explain why the club's pond exists where it does, how it was formed, and what it takes to keep its ecosystem healthy for the fish, plants, and wildlife that depend on it.

Stan Gibbs

Members only

We will enjoy interesting sightings of the flora and fauna of mid-fall.

We will be walking on paved and uneven trails. Bring binoculars, a water bottle, and walking poles, if appropriate.

Meet at the east end of Windermere Road, at the Thames River.

Google Map

Cathy McCrae
cmcc@sympatico.ca

Members only

We will visit sewage lagoons in Strathroy and Forest, as well as sites along Lake Huron near Port Franks and Ipperwash to look for waterfowl and late fall birds.

Most of the walking will be on uneven ground. Some small hills will be encountered. Carpooling is encouraged. Dress warmly. Bring binoculars, snacks, a water bottle, and walking poles, if appropriate. We will stop at Tim Hortons or another restaurant for lunch.

Meet at the Tim Hortons at 1255 Fanshawe Park Road West, near Sunripe. It is a short distance east of Hyde Park Road.

Cathy McCrae
cmcc@sympatico.ca