Past Meetings - 2003

Click on the meeting date for a full report with pictures

December 21 - Credit River / Orangeville Town Canada Flag - Report.

December 7 - BRUCE TRAIL - off of Dunby Road - Report.

November 2 - BRUCE TRAIL - off of Dunby Road

October 19 - MONO CLIFFS - 25th Sideroad entrance (North side)
   No one showed up for this hike but I had a great time with the fall colours!
   I started out through the meadow walking very slowly as to not disturb anything on the landscape. It was very foggy today and the fog was starting to rise and evaporate. There were a lot of trails through the tall grass mostly cottontail trails. I noticed that everything was very quiet i would imagine from last nights rain. It was very wet this morning as well. The chickadees were singing and the crows were flying all over. As i approached "Northern Outlook"- a magnificent view atop a large hill surrounding the deciduous forest and fall colours below. There were signs of fall everywhere. Chipmunks and squirrels were working hard to prepare for the winter. The birds were conserving energy and singing there beautiful songs as if to say "the end of fall and the beginning of winter is coming ever so soon". I found some fox scat on the trail on the way back and a fox trail that lead along a fence line. The remains of what might be a golden crown kinglet were also noted. Today's hike was a lot of fun as always and we wish to encourage you to come out to the next one as we attempt to unravel the secrets and beauties that mother earth has in store for us.
--Nathan Burnett.

July 6 - MONO CLIFFS - 2nd Line entrance (West side) - Report.

June 15 - HOCKLEY VALLEY PROVINCIAL NATURE RESERVE -  3rd Line
    Two people showed up for a productive day of investigating plants & tracks, and simply absorbing the beautiful day.

June 8 - Credit River/ Orangeville Town Canada Flag
    Today's hike started off at the beginning of the Credit River located in the eastern section of Orangeville. Only 2 people came out for today's hike but nevertheless it was a gorgeous day. Signs of summer were visible everywhere and the breeze brought the fragrances of summer. Canada Geese were spotted at the bridge near the beginning of the trail. Red-winged blackbirds were in the marsh singing loudly to each other. The buds on the trees were out. We spotted a yellow shafted flicker's nest in a hollow tree cavity and heard a horned lark singing pleasantly in the meadow. As we continued down the trail we noticed Coyote scat on the trail. The Scots pine trees were showing their signs of new growth. Everything was looking so lush and so flourishing. 
    At the beaver dam we spotted a pair of Canada geese and their chicks from this year. Red-winged blackbirds were everywhere as well. Swallows were circling the beaver pond looking for little insects flying near the water. The neatest sighting of the day was a pair of yellow warblers - what an awesome looking bird! It is so neat to have seen a pair of them as well. Singing back and forth to each other proclaiming our presence. Marsh marigold was spotted on the edge of the marsh (be careful it has some edible and poisonous sections). 
    Coltsfoot leaves were found also along the marsh and new cattails were beginning to sprout too. As we made our way back to the cars we noticed some deer tracks in a favoured area. Today was a lot of fun and a lot of knowledge was shared (between the two of us) and I would like to thank Mother Earth for such a wonderful and enjoyable day. Hope to see some of you out there on future hikes.
Happy Tracking!

May 17 - BRUCE TRAIL - off of Dunby Road - Report.

May 4 - MONO CLIFFS - 2nd Line entrance (West side) - Report.

Apr 20 - BRUCE TRAIL - 4th Line Hockley Valley
   We started out on a journey on the 4th line Bruce Trail that would take us deep into the Hockley Valley located just northeast of Orangeville. A small group of 4 took part in this adventure and we hoped to further our understanding of spring tree identification. It was a beautiful day. A blue sky and a refreshing breeze. Shortly into the hike we noticed several different species of trees such as: Walnut, White and Black Ash, Highbush Cranberry, Hard/Sugar Maple, Ironwood (Eastern Hop Hornbeam) and abundance of Eastern Hemlock and Atlantic White Cedar to name a few. The ashes were difficult to ID at first but we recalled a rhyme to remember the bud pattern. On White Ash trees the buds are set up tight against the terminal bud (White is Tight) and on Black Ash the buds are set back from the terminal bud (Black is Back). [Also, Black ash grows in wet areas, whereas White Ash grows in more upland, drier areas]
   We noticed the first signs of mushrooms and ferns returning to the hardwood forest from their winter dorm. The stream that crossed the trail was flowing relatively fast and warm for this time of year. Unfortunately, it looked like parts of this beautiful hardwood forest had fallen victim to both clear and selective cutting in past years. The buds were beginning to form on the branches which led us to believe that spring is truly just around the corner. The trail looped around and back to the trailhead where we started. Also on this hike, we took a little bit of time to talk about edible plants as one of the hikers was planning on going on a full survival adventure north of Sudbury later this year. But, Edible and Medicinal Plants as a "Hike Theme" will have to wait until the forest comes entirely to life. Thanks to all who came out on this wonderful day, a lot was learned by all and we look forward to seeing you in the near future.
   Happy Hiking!
-- Nathan Burnett

April 6 - Credit River/ Orangeville Town Canada Flag - Report.

March 23 - MONO CLIFFS - 25th Sideroad entrance (North side) - Report.