Passport to Nature 2025-2026 by thamestalbotlandtrust

APRIL 2025-MARCH2026

IntroducIng thames Talbot Land TrusT

Thames Talbot Land Trust (TTLT) protects and restores nature within Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford, and Perth counties and the City of London, in the current and traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples including the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg, Lenaapeewak, Chonnonton, and Wendat Peoples.

With a focus on healthy habitats for wildlife, our work also contributes to human well-being and helps address climate change. TTLT safeguards land through purchase, donation, or Conservation Easement Agreements, and cares for the land through conservation and restoration initiatives. TTLT also hosts events and programs aimed at nurturing people’s connection to nature to inspire wonder, promote well-being, and increase support for these protected areas.

Since 2000, TTLT has protected nearly 930 ha (2,300 ac) of land across 29 sites and counting. These nature reserves include wetlands, forests, meadows, agricultural lands, and the homes of more than 70 species at risk. These lands and waters have been under the continuous care of Indigenous Peoples from time immemorial. We are committed to working in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration to build a greener and more inclusive future for all people.

Cover photo by Hugh Casbourn –see page 4

Paul Puff

aBout the CoVEr PhoTo

Hugh Casbourn’s photo showcases Watershield (Brasenia schreberi ), an aquatic plant that grows in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams. Interestingly, it appears in two different forms, both of which are present in the uncropped photo. On the left is the plant in its first day of blooming in the wind-pollinated pistillate form (female reproductive structures).

Overnight, between the first and second days, the flower recedes underwater and re-emerges as a staminate flower (male reproductive structures). This form is much taller than the pistillate form, as can be seen in the middle of the photo. The anthers release their pollen to pollinate nearby pistillate flowers. After the second day, the flower sinks below the water again, remaining there while the fruit develops. An interesting question is how do the flower stems submerge overnight and again after the second day?

How to Participate

1. Review Events (starting on page 10)

There are many ways to enjoy nature, including walking, birdwatching, taking photos, finding flowers, practising yoga, or just relaxing. At TTLT, we provide opportunities for you to connect with the wonderful world around you.

All Passport to Nature events are free but require registration. Registration opens one month before each event. Registration is on a first come, first served basis.

2. Register

Go to www.ttlt.ca, click on “Upcoming Events,” look for Passport to Nature, and select the event of your choice. You will receive a confirmation email upon registering. Please check the box to subscribe to our email list. This will ensure that you will receive event-specific details the day before the event.

If you have difficulty with registration, please email info@ttlt.ca or phone 519-858-3442.

3. Attend

Attend the event, enjoy, and learn. For in-person events, don’t forget to bring water, appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, and protection against biting insects. Please leave pets at home.

4. Share

Share your experience by tagging us in your photos on social media with #TTLT and #PassportToNature or send them to info@ttlt.ca.

5. Cancellation

If you must cancel, please let us know as soon as possible. Click the cancellation link in your confirmation email, call us at 519-858-3442, or email us at info@ttlt.ca. This will allow someone else to take your place.

HE alth and saF e TY In THE FIELd

Safety Tips

Please be safe when visiting our nature reserves!

• Cover up – a hat, long sleeves, and long pants are the first line of protection from sun and insects.

• Use sunscreen to protect exposed skin.

• Use an insect repellent that contains “DEET” or “icaridin” on skin and clothing. Always read and follow the directions on the label.

• Wear closed-toed shoes to protect your feet.

• Carry lots of water and snacks.

• Stay on marked trails.

• Be aware of your surroundings.

• Use the buddy system – if you’re alone, let someone know where you will be and check in with them occasionally.

Ticks and Lyme Disease

You may encounter ticks that can carry Lyme Disease at any outdoor space. To stay safe, please use the following precautions recommended by the Ontario government, in addition to those noted above.

• Wear light-coloured clothing to make it easier to see ticks, wear long pants, and tuck your pants into your socks.

• Consider wearing special clothing designed to repel ticks.

• Check your body thoroughly for ticks after being outdoors; promptly removing ticks can help prevent infection.

• When you get home, put your clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any ticks that might be in your clothing.

For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/page/lyme-disease

avoid bitEs From tiCkswHiCh may carry lYmedisEase

Consult a health care professional right away if you have been somewhere that ticks might live and experience any of the following symptoms: rash, fever, chills, headache, stiff neck, muscle aches, joint pains, fatigue (more tired than usual), swollen lymph nodes, spasms, numbness or tingling, or facial paralysis.

WhaT is a Land TrusT?

Land Trusts in Ontario

Thames Talbot Land Trust (TTLT) is one of at least 50 conservation land trusts and Ontario Land Trust Alliance associates in Ontario. Together, these organizations protect more than 75,676 ha (187,000 ac) of land. As not-forprofit, charitable organizations, they act to conserve lands of significant natural, scenic, agricultural, or cultural value.

Being private entities, with no government authority or power, land trusts offer an appealing alternative for land protection, and attract a wide range of donors and volunteers. Land trusts secure land by purchase, donation, or through Conservation Easement Agreements. Land trusts care for the land in ways that protect its natural values.

More About Thames Talbot Land Trust

We Protect Lands, Habitat and Natural Heritage

With the help of passionate volunteers and supporters, we have created a growing network of nature reserves that protect and conserve our natural heritage. We work with landholders, donors, and other organizations to permanently protect significant habitats, ecosystems, agricultural lands, and places for species at risk. In 2024, TTLT added Lakeview Wetlands as a new nature reserve and completed the first Conservation Easement Agreement (CEA) in Middlesex County with the Livingstone CEA.

We Restore Ecosystems

We create healthy habitats for all species, including some of Canada’s rarest, by planting native plants, managing non-native species, and restoring wetland and meadow habitats. In this way, and through species monitoring, we provide native plants and wildlife with opportunities to not only survive but thrive. Restoration activities provide many opportunities for volunteers to roll up their sleeves and help.

We Nurture a Love of Nature

We love sharing our love of nature. TTLT offers a variety of events and programs to encourage natural connections, to enhance understanding, and to stimulate curiosity about the natural world. Through guided nature hikes, interpretive signage, webinars, and skill-building workshops, we strive to share our knowledge, experience, and love of nature with everyone. Volunteers play important roles in carrying our message into the community.

Explore and Connect with Nature

Visit one or more of the TTLT nature reserves open to the public:

• Meadowlily Nature Preserve

• Joany’s Woods

• Five Points Forest – Driedger Tract

There is Much More to be Done

• Wardsville Woods

• Sitler Woods

• Hawk Cliff Woods

• Tiedje Woods

While TTLT has achieved a great deal in its first 25 years, pressures on natural lands are greater than ever. Decisions we make today will determine our planet’s future. To ensure a healthy planet for ourselves and future generations, we need to protect the nature we still have, restore what we have lost, and ensure everyone in our communities has a chance to fall in love with nature. Working together, we can build greener and healthier landscapes so all living beings can thrive.

For more information on how you can help, please speak to our staff or visit our website at www.ttlt.ca.

WEsTminstEr Ponds CEn TrE

Birds of Spring (Beginner)

With Quinten Wiegersma at Westminster Ponds Centre

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Are you curious about birds and want to learn how to spot them?

Join Quinten Wiegersma, birding enthusiast, for a beginner session on birding. This family-friendly morning adventure will take you through the varied landscape at Westminster Ponds Centre (944 Western Counties Rd, London, ON) while we learn to look and listen for our feathered friends. Put your ears and eyes to the test! This event is for those with little-to-no birding experience, but all are welcome to join.

AprilSaturday, 19, 2025 10 am–12 pm

Registration is required and spaces are limited. Event may be subject to change or postponement due to unforeseen circumstances. Directions and additional information will be provided at time of registration, which opens March 19, 2025 at www.ttlt.ca.

Rebecca Launchbury

sitler woods

Birds of Spring (Advanced)

With Paul Nicholson at Sitler Woods

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Birds are, for many, long-awaited harbingers of spring. Grab your binoculars and join veteran birder Paul Nicholson to explore the unique habitats of Sitler Woods (near Wardsville, ON) in search of spring migrants. This session is geared towards those who have some birding experience already but who wish to “up their game” and further hone their identification skills. Paul will share some tips and tricks for locating and identifying birds. His expertise is matched only by his boundless enthusiasm for our feathered friends!

AprilSaturday, 26, 2025 8 am–10 am

Paul Nicholson

JoanY’s Woods

Wildflower Walk

With David Wake at Joany’s Woods

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Spring is an exciting time to explore TTLT’s largest nature reserve, Joany’s Woods. The display of native wildflowers here is exceptional, thanks to numerous micro habitats created by the varied topography. Ridges and slopes occur in upland hardwoods while hummocks and flowing water are found in forested wetlands, enhancing diversity. David Wake will introduce you to the rich biodiversity of this section of the Ausable River corridor. Be prepared for muddy conditions.

MaySaturday, 10, 2025 10 am–12 pm

David Wake

NATIVE WILDFLOWER GARDENING AT HAWK CLIFF WOODS

Friday, May 23, 2025 12 pm–3 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

The Auzins Community Wildflower Garden at Hawk Cliff Woods (located east of Port Stanley) is a demonstration site for native plant gardening. It is also a source of seeds for people who want to grow native plants in their own gardens. Join us in the garden to learn about native plants and to help maintain the space (primarily weeding and keeping the trail clear). We can supply gloves, kneeling pads, and tools, but feel free to bring your own.

Reptile and Amphibian Search

With Paul Mikoda at Hawk Cliff Woods (south meadow)

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Herpetofauna, or herps for short, are reptiles and amphibians. In our region herps include frogs and toads, salamanders, snakes, turtles, and one lizard. These species are important members for a healthy ecosystem and are good indicators of water quality and habitat health. Come out for a hands-on exploration of herpetofauna with terrestrial ecologist Paul Mikoda. Learn how to identify species of amphibians and reptiles up close, and what you and your family can do to protect them. Hawk Cliff Woods is located east of Port Stanley.

MaySaturday, 24, 2025 11 am–1 pm

David Wake

Carrie Deer

ANNUAL

GENERAL MEETING AT

UTRCA WATERSHED CONSERVATION CENTRE

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Please visit www.ttlt.ca for the start time.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Join TTLT members and supporters at our annual meeting, where we make important decisions for the organization. Come and catch up with old friends and make new ones too! This will be a hybrid meeting, meaning you can join in-person or via Zoom. All are welcome to attend, but only members may vote and put forth motions.

Ponds CEn TrE

Nature Journaling and Sketching

With Rhonda Franks at Westminster Ponds Centre

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Are you looking for a creative spark, a way to develop your observational skills, or an immersive and mindful journey through nature? Join wildlife and nature artist Rhonda Franks for an engaging session on nature journaling and sketching. Foster your connection to the natural world: be present, observe closely, and explore methods to record what you see, hear, and feel. Share the joy and intimacy of recording your observations in nature while building your confidence in capturing them on paper.

JuneSaturday, 7, 2025 10 am–11:30 am

Registration is required. Event may be subject to change or postponement due to unforeseen circumstances. Directions and additional information will be provided at time of registration, which opens May 7, 2025 at www.ttlt.ca.

Rhonda Franks

Bren Martinez

Woods

Interesting Insects

With Stan Caveney at MeadowWoods

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Insects are important friends to our environment, and they are everywhere! Learn how to truly appreciate these incredible creatures on a hike at MeadowWoods in West Elgin.

Enthusiastic entomologist and naturalist Stan Caveney will help you discover unique characteristics and behaviours of butterflies, dragonflies, and all kinds of interesting insects. This is a rare opportunity to visit MeadowWoods, which is usually closed to the public. Whether you are an experienced hiker or just enjoy nature, don’t miss this chance to explore this fascinating nature sanctuary!

JuneSaturday, 14, 2025 1 pm–3 pm

Stan Caveney

Leigh Shand

Yoga and

Wellness

Classes in London & Online

Wellness Consultations (diet/lifestyle)

Meditation and Breathwork

Guided Nature Hikes

Sounds of the Forest: Cello and Poetry

With Luc Julian and Penn Kemp at Meadowlily Nature Preserve

REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED

Listening to the breeze, birdsong, and a bubbling creek has many healing benefits. In the forest, each season and being sings its own song. Join us for Sounds of the Forest, a musical performance and poetry reading celebrating the summer solstice in Meadowlily Nature Preserve. Penn Kemp will share her nature-inspired poetry, accompanied by cellist Luc Julian, as he transforms poetic words into a unique sound experience. Meadowlily Nature Preserve is in southeast London (17 Meadowlily Rd S, London, ON).

JuneSaturday, 21, 2025 11:30 am–1 pm

Generously funded by the League of Canadian Poets and the Canada Council for the Arts

Registration is recommended. Event may be subject to change or postponement due to unforeseen circumstances. Directions and additional information will be provided on the event web page, which opens May 21, 2025 at www.ttlt.ca

Luc Julian

naturE reser VEs

Wachner Nature Preserve

Wachner Nature Preserve in Thames Centre was donated to TTLT in 2021 by Ann and Fritz Wachner. The 9.4-ha (23.2-ac) site protects a portion of the Dorchester Swamp, one of the largest and most significant wooded wetlands in the Upper Thames River watershed. Another section of the preserve is a small regenerating meadow where the Wachners established an arboretum that includes a variety of Carolinian trees. The lush forest teems with life, supporting a diverse assemblage of lowland (swamp) and upland species. Elm, maple, and White Pine provide shade for understorey shrubs such as dogwood and spicebush. Ferns, mosses, and wildflowers thrive among the hummocks. Wet, shallow depressions support species such as Water Avens. The reserve provides essential habitat for a multitude of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. In nesting season, thrushes, orioles, and other birds fill the woods with song. This reserve is not open to the public, except for special events.

Lakeview Wetlands

Lakeview Wetlands in West Elgin is one of TTLT’s newest nature reserves. Situated on a high bluff overlooking Lake Erie, this 10.9-ha (26-ac) site was acquired in three adjoining parcels during 2024 and early 2025. The reserve is located within an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest and a nationally significant Important Bird Area. It lies along a major bird and Monarch migration corridor and provides habitat for several species at risk. Lakeview boasts an intact forest in which the woodland floor undulates shallowly, creating a mosaic of wetland and upland habitats. These conditions support an abundance and rich diversity of ground-layer vegetation. Upland habitats contain numerous spring wildflowers such as Wild Geranium, Mayapple, and Trout Lily, and iconic trees, including Tulip Tree, Black Cherry, and several oak species. Silver Maple, Cottonwood, and Yellow Birch grow in swampy areas. Ferns, sedges and moisture-loving wildflowers form carpets among the network of vernal pools. This reserve is not open to the public, except for special events.

Payton Landsborough

BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL AT MEADOWLILY NATURE PRESERVE

Sunday, June 22, 2025

12 pm–3 pm

DROP-IN, REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED

Join us in the meadow at Meadowlily Nature Preserve (17 Meadowlily Rd S, London, ON) to learn about the amazing diversity of butterflies that can be found in London! Dr. Nusha Keyghobadi and students from her Western University lab will teach you how to catch butterflies with a net, gently observe them up close, and release them back into the wild. On your way in/out of the meadow, play some nature bingo and make native wildflower seed balls to attract butterflies to your yard at home. All ages are welcome! This event is generously sponsored by the City of London.

Rob Paterson

NATIVE WILDFLOWER GARDENING AT HAWK CLIFF WOODS

Friday, June 27, 2025 12 pm–3 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

The Auzins Community Wildflower Garden at Hawk Cliff Woods is a demonstration site for native plant gardening. It is also a source of seeds for people who want to grow native plants in their own gardens. Join us in the garden to learn about native plants and to help maintain the space (primarily weeding and keeping the trail clear). We can supply gloves, kneeling pads, and tools, but feel free to bring your own.

Hawk Cliff Woods is located east of Port Stanley.

David Wake

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 7 pm–8 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Do you want to help protect, restore, and nurture nature with TTLT? Join us for our virtual Volunteer Orientation event over Zoom to learn more about volunteer opportunities with TTLT! Discover what interests you with our stewardship, outreach, and office volunteer programs. The session will consist of a general introduction to TTLT, a brief overview of the program, and how to get started!

Lily Vuong

PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE CUTTING AT NEWPORT FOREST

Monday, July 21, 2025 12 pm–3 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Join us at Newport Forest (near Wardsville, ON) to help us cut down Purple Loosestrife. Purple Loosestrife is an invasive species that produces an abundance of seeds and creates dense stands that block out native plants. Our goal is to cut off the flower heads to reduce the number of seeds available to spread into the surrounding habitat. Training, safety equipment, and tools will be provided.

Payton Landsborough

Meadow Wildflowers

With Payton Landsborough at Deer Haven

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Explore the restored meadow at Deer Haven (near Wardsville, ON) with certified plant nerd Payton Landsborough. Learn about showy native wildflowers that host a diversity of native pollinators and other insects. We’ll also talk about meadow ecology and the importance of open-country habitats for birds, insects and other wildlife. This is a rare opportunity to visit Deer Haven, which is usually closed to the public. Whether you are a plant ID expert or just enjoy meandering through a meadow, don’t miss this chance to explore this fascinating nature sanctuary!

JulySunday, 20, 2025 10 am–12 pm

Payton Landsborough

SEDGE SEED COLLECTING AT NEWPORT FOREST

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

12 pm–3 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Join us at Newport Forest (near Wardsville, ON) to collect sedge seeds! Sedges are an extremely underrated wetland species that support many native species and stabilize soil from erosion. We'll provide training in seed head identification during the event, so all are welcome. No knowledge, experience, or equipment is needed to join in on the native plant fun! Generously funded by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

NATIVE WILDFLOWER GARDENING AT HAWK CLIFF WOODS

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

12 pm–3 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

HAPPY HABITATS FESTIVAL AT WESTMINSTER PONDS CENTRE

Saturday, August 16, 2025

12 pm–4 pm

DROP-IN, REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED

Join us at the Westminster Ponds Centre (944 Western Counties Rd, London, ON) to learn about different types of habitats and how to keep them happy! This family-friendly festival will focus on the health, diversity, and wonder of our local habitats through a variety of activities and presentations with live animals. Let's keep our habitats happy and have fun while doing it! This event is generously sponsored by the City of London.

Darby Alderson

David Wake

Payton Landsborough

NATIVE WILDFLOWER GARDENING AT HAWK CLIFF WOODS

Friday, September 12, 2025 12 pm–3 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

HAWK CLIFF WOODS MIGRATION WEEKEND

Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28, 2025

Please visit www.ttlt.ca for the start time.

DROP-IN, REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED

Celebrate the spectacular fall migration of hawks and other raptors and Monarch butterflies at this free outdoor event hosted in partnership with the St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club, Hawk Cliff Raptor Banders, and volunteers of Monarch Watch. Learn about migrating raptors and Monarch butterflies, their lives, and conservation challenges and opportunities. The schedule of presentations will be available on the TTLT website on August 27, 2025. Hawk Cliff Woods is located east of Port Stanley.

Leigh Shand

David Wake

Aquatic Adventures

With Erin Carroll and Dave Johnson from Upper Thames River Conservation Authority at Meadowlily Nature Preserve

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Did you know that dragonflies and damselflies start their life underwater? Benthic invertebrates include aquatic insects, worms, molluscs, and crustaceans that live at the bottom of a waterbody for a portion of their life cycle. They are good indicators of water quality and habitat health. The species you find can tell you a lot about potential stressors a water body might be facing. Come out for a hands-on exploration of benthic invertebrates with aquatic biologist Erin Carroll and aquatic biology assistant Dave Johnson to discover more about these fascinating organisms. As an added bonus, participants will be treated to an electro-fishing demonstration. Registration is required and spaces are limited. Event may be subject to change or postponement due to unforeseen circumstances. Directions and additional information will be provided at time of registration, which opens August 13, 2025 at www.ttlt.ca.

Erin Carroll

SEED COLLECTING AT HAWK CLIFF WOODS

Sunday, October 5, 2025

12 pm–3 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Join us at Hawk Cliff Woods to collect seeds in the meadow! We'll be collecting from a range of native wildflowers and grasses for use in restoration projects, our community wildflower gardens, and seed packets to give away at community events. We'll provide training in seed head identification during the event, so all are welcome. Feel free to take seeds home to use in your own garden or restoration project. No knowledge, experience, or equipment is needed to join in on the native plant fun!

SEED COLLECTING AT WARDSVILLE WOODS

Thursday, October 9, 2025

12 pm–3 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Join us at Wardsville Woods in Southwest Middlesex to collect seeds in the meadow! We'll be collecting from a range of native wildflowers and grasses for use in restoration projects, our community wildflower gardens, and seed packets to give away at community events. We'll provide training in seed head ID during the event, so all are welcome. Feel free to take seeds home to use in your own garden or restoration project. No knowledge, experience, or equipment is needed to join in on the native plant fun!

NATIVE WILDFLOWER GARDENING AT WARDSVILLE WOODS

Thursday, October 16, 2025

12 pm–3 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Join us for some fall garden maintenance at the Wardsville Woods Community Wildflower Garden in Southwest Middlesex. The garden is planted with native perennial plants that provide important food and habitat for birds, insects, and other creatures. In addition, it serves as a demonstration site and source of seeds for the community. Come volunteer and help us weed and clear the trail to maintain this beautiful garden. We can supply gloves, kneeling pads, and tools, but feel free to bring your own.

Daria Koscinski

JoanY’s Woods

Old Beaches and Beeches

With Desmond Moser at Joany’s Woods

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Join Desmond Moser, professor in Earth Sciences at Western, to read nature’s stories about the evolution of the landscapes now home to the Carolinian forest. Learn about common minerals and rocks, and how they arrived here. Appreciate how water, climate and tectonics have shaped the southwestern Ontario landscape and the distribution of Carolinian trees and plants. Joany’s Woods, TTLT’s largest reserve, is located along the Ausable River in North Middlesex.

Payton Landsborough

bEbEnseE TraCT

Tree ID and Forest Health

With Donald Craig at Bebensee Tract

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

The Carolinian Zone of southwestern Ontario is home to a great diversity of tree species. Join Donald Craig, a professional forester with over 40 years of experience, for a leisurely walk in the woods. He will help us identify different trees and also explain how diseases, insects, invasive plants and other factors affect our native trees and forests. Bebensee Tract, located in the Skunks Misery forest complex in Southwest Middlesex has no formal trail system and is normally closed to the public. Choose appropriate footwear.

OctoberSunday,26, 2025 10 am–12 pm

David Wake

WOODY INVASIVES REMOVAL AT MEADOWWOODS

Monday, November 10, 2025 12 pm–3 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Come out to MeadowWoods (near Rodney, ON) to help us remove woody invasive species! We'll be tackling a variety of shrubby invasives such as Autumn Olive and Multiflora Rose. These aggressive perennials produce many seeds, grow rapidly, and form dense thickets that crowd out native species. We'll need all the muscle power we can get to pull out young seedlings by hand and larger seedlings with weed wrenches. Training, safety equipment, and tools will be provided. This is not a suitable event for people under the age of 18.

Bren Martinez

WEsTminstEr Ponds CEn TrE

Backyard Birding

With Jeff Lee and Cathy Bradbury from Wild Birds Unlimited at Westminster Ponds Centre

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Grab your favourite hot beverage, a pair of binoculars, and get bundled up to birdwatch at the Westminster Ponds Centre bird feeders in London, ON!

Suitable for all ages and skill levels, this event will sharpen your bird knowledge. Highlights will be some of the common backyard birds that tough out the winter cold and frequent our bird feeders. From brightly coloured Northern Cardinals to cute Dark-eyed Juncos, you can expect many birds and great fun for the whole family. The Bruce Pavilion will be available for warmth and washrooms!

Terry Parker

Sunday, November 16, 2025 10 am–12 pm

Registration is required. Event may be subject to change or postponement due to unforeseen circumstances. Additional information will be provided at time of registration, which opens October 16, 2025 at www.ttlt.ca.

PassPorT weBInar

Virtual Constellation Walk

With Trevor Chandler – Online

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Learning the night sky is like getting to know a new neighbourhood. At first, it may seem big and confusing, but as you become familiar with prominent landmarks, you begin to realize the neighbourhood is no longer new, it’s home. Join Trevor Chandler, professional geoscientist and lifelong amateur astronomer, for a virtual constellation walk. Participants will be introduced to prominent stars and constellations of the winter sky. You will receive a downloadable star map to help you make your way in the sky as you get to know your starry neighbourhood a little better.

Trevor Chandler

PhoTo Con Test

December 1 to December 31, 2025

Submit your nature photos for the chance to have one of them featured on the cover of the next Passport to Nature booklet! The rules are simple:

1. Individuals can submit up to three (3) photos each.

2. Subjects of the photos should align with species, habitats, and events that occur within the Carolinian Zone.

3. Submissions will only be accepted between December 1, 2025 (12:01 am EST) and December 31, 2025 (11:59 pm EST).

Contest details are available on the Passport to Nature web page. Please submit your photos to passport@ttlt.ca.

Thank you to our sponsor

PassPorT weBInar

What’s on Your Nature Bookshelf?

With Vicki Hammond and Adrienne James – Online REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Back by popular demand, join us for our own “Thames Talbot Reads”! Former TTLT Board members Vicki Hammond and Adrienne James will moderate a panel of guests from the conservation community. Panelists will share their best nature book recommendations, a brief summary, and reasons why each is a great read. Science, memoir, travel, mystery? Best sellers or hidden gems? Tune in with your favourite warm drink and cozy reading socks to hear about what book might be on your nightstand next.

FebruaryThursday,19, 2026 7 pm–8 pm

Vicki Hammond

libro.ca/invest

Libro Owner, Noella

PassP or T To HaWk cLiFF woods

Moss and Lichen Walk

With William Van Hemessen at Hawk Cliff Woods

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Join William Van Hemessen at Hawk Cliff Woods to learn about mosses and lichens, tiny organisms which are easy to find but are often overlooked. Be prepared to walk at a slow pace –and don’t be surprised if we take an hour to lose sight of the parking lot! A basic knowledge or appreciation of Latin nomenclature is suggested, since many mosses and lichens don’t have English names. Magnifying glasses and hand lenses are recommended. Hawk Cliff Woods is located east of Port Stanley.

Saturday, March202621, 10 am–12 pm

David Wake

Civil

Geotechnical

Building

Environmental

Structural

Surveying

mte85.com

tEsTImonIaL

Buds and Bark

“It was a terrific hike. I learned so much. Bernie was so well prepared and his way of drawing our attention to the fine points of identifying trees by their buds and bark was very engaging. He was super patient when answering all of our questions. As always, a nice bunch of people showed up for the hike.”

— 2024 Event Participant

Maples and Mastodons

“Des does so much preparation: pre-hike, handouts, artifacts. He borrowed a mastodon tooth and carried it in a box to show us at the appropriate time! He had good knowledge of the vegetation in the various areas and was clear about various geological times. He was patient and careful that everyone had arrived before he gave each area talk.”

— 2024 Event Participant

“It was a beautiful day for the tour. The leader gave excellent information. The highlight was seeing and being allowed to touch the Mastodon molar which was, for sure, the oldest artifact I had ever touched! THRILLING!”

— 2024 Event Participant

Bec Smythe

FE

naturE reser VE

Livingstone Farm (CEA)

In 2024, the owners of Livingstone Farm, David Livingstone and Lynn Hjartarson, finalized a Conservation Easement Agreement (CEA) with TTLT. A CEA is a voluntary agreement between a landholder and a conservation organization. It is a legally binding agreement, placed on the land title, that identifies specific conservation measures that are to be maintained in perpetuity, even if the land changes hands.

Located near Komoka, this 40-ha (100-ac) farm has been in David’s family since the 1800s. The farm includes mature upland hardwood forest and lowland swamp forests and thickets. The woodlands contain some provincially rare ecosystems, large specimen trees, and an array of unique plant life. Species such as Sugar Maple, Bur Oak, Bitternut Hickory, and Black Walnut flourish.

For nearly 30 years, the family has been actively returning cleared lands to natural habitat. Through tree-planting and the creation of wetlands and prairies, 23 ha (56 ac) of habitat have been restored. David’s wish is for these lands to regenerate into a Carolinian forest. This reserve is not open to the public.

Cathy Quinlan

acknowLEdgmEn Ts

Thank you to the 50 individuals, businesses, and organizations identified in the booklet that make it possible for Thames Talbot Land Trust (TTLT) to present the free activities in the Passport to Nature program. Their support also helps TTLT to protect, restore, and nurture native species and habitats. We extend our thanks for their generosity and hope that you will “Shop Local. Support Local.”

We express special gratitude to the event leaders, presenters, and other volunteers who share their time and expertise with our Passport to Nature participants. These are the people who create the fascinating free events that provide insight into nature in all four seasons. TTLT also extends its sincere appreciation to the photographers who have provided the images that illustrate this Passport booklet.

Throughout the year, TTLT’s dedicated staff supports the Passport program in many ways, including program administration, participant registration, communications, and site preparation.

It takes a great deal of creativity, organization, and volunteer effort to plan and deliver the events in this booklet. Special thanks are due to the Passport to Nature working group: Darby Alderson, David Belford, Ella Bui, Trish Grant, Terry Grawey, Vicki Hammond, Adrienne James, Daria Koscinski, André Lachance, Jim Rule, Leigh Shand, Ric Symmes, Bernie VanDenBelt, and David Wake.

2023 2023