FIELD TRIPS

UPCOMING OUTINGS

Note: In the event of a forecast of bad weather, an email will be sent to the DRFN distribution list the evening before a trip, with trip cancellation or re-scheduling information. If you are not on the list, you may check the DRFN website or call the outing leader.

To find out about upcoming outings for Pickering Naturalists, check their website: www.pickeringnaturalists.org

Upcoming Outings and COVID-19 Guidance

These are challenging times due to COVID-19. We all embrace nature and long to see our favourite wildflowers, birds, mammals, insects and other wildlife. DRFN will follow the guidance, laws and regulations of Canada, Ontario and local municipalities to limit the spread and minimize the danger.

Next Outings

Saturday, May 03 at 9:00 AM Stephen's Gulch Wildflowers and Nature Walk

Leader: Lois Gillette

Stephen’s Gulch is a little jewel in Spring with a wide assortment of wildflowers. Meet at the Stephen’s Gulch parking lot. Note: $7 parking fee Difficulty: Easy walking. Stephen's Gulch Conservation Area is located northeast of Bowmanville. To reach the Stephen's Gulch Conservation Area parking lot, follow these directions: If coming from the south: From Liberty Street North, turn east (right) on Concession Road 4, turn north (left) on Bethesda Road, turn east (right) on Stephen's Mill Road, proceed along Stephen's Mill Road to Stephen's Gulch Conservation Area parking lot. If coming from the north: From Taunton Road (east of Liberty Street North), turn south on Bethesda Road, turn east (left) on Stephen's Mill Road, proceed along Stephen's Mill Road to Stephen's Gulch Conservation Area parking lot. Bring appropriate clothing based on the weather forecast. Portions of the area may be slick and muddy depending on the weather so bring appropriate footwear. Bring water and insect repellent (just in case). Consider bringing a lunch.

Butterfly Garden Spring Clean-Up

Saturday, May 24, 10:00 a.m.

This past summer, with help from volunteers from the Oshawa Garden Club and elsewhere, we managed to clean up the centre garden so well that we can refurbish some of the plants that have survived but dwindled. I have applied for a TD Friends of the Environment grant to purchase these plants, and hope to have the garden and the plants ready when all the DRFN volunteers come to help on May 24! PLEASE DO! Photo from DRFN website There's lots more to do as well to get the gardens ready for summer - edging, spreading woodchips, weeding, pulling grass, pruning, cutting dead stalks, planting a few annuals, cleaning up litter, etc. Please come and lend a hand to keep this garden thriving. The pollinators and other visiting critters (and people) will thank you! Bring garden tools, gloves, drinking water and dress for the weather. Park on side streets Glencairn or Ansley, then walk a short distance to the garden on Rossland Road just west of the Oshawa Creek. There are three gardens, so lots of work for everyone. Note: Help is also needed over the summer – a couple of hours a week, or as often as you can come. It’s really a great place to spend time if you like gardening and nature! Contact Dianne to arrange, or if you have questions: Dianne Pazaratz 905-433-7875 or dpazaratz@sympatico.ca.