News
Bat Walk Worked
Saturday, June 19th
Four hardy souls turned out for the bat walk on Saturday evening. It
worked out okay because it was in a one hour gap between torrential
down-pours. Talk about good planning!
PFN Herp Walk a Success
A photo journal by PFN board member, Gina Varrin
Sunday, June 13th
Here are a few pics Gina uploaded from the PFN herp atlassing workshop Sunday, June 13th. No salamanders or skinks, but they did see a baby milk snake, a couple frogs, and a map turtle! Great shots, Gina!
Magical Bookcase installed in Camp K. Environment Cnt.
The PFN donates the Doug Sadler Memorial Library
Monday, May 31stWhen The PFN and the Sadler Family decided to create and donate the Doug Sadler Memorial Library to Camp Kawartha's Environment Centre, we knew we needed a serious bookcase. The PFN commissioned Dave Sharpe, Tall Tree Woodworks, to build something worthy and sturdy enough for the job.
The magical bookcase is now on display at the Centre. The creation, which was delivered and installed this month, will contain books about nature from Doug's lifelong collection, as well as other books donated from various PFN sources. If you get a chance to visit the Centre be sure to inspect the case — it tells a great story.
Janes's Walk and PFN Coverage on CHEX News 5:30
Thursday, April 29th
Jackson's Park, Peterborough ON
posted May 7thMike McMurtry and I (your humble webmaster) spent a wonderful Thursday, April 29 morning with Teresa Kaszuba, Producer of the CHEX 5:30 News program, filming the main feature for Thursday's show—Jane's Walk and Jackson's Park. You'll also see Sue Sauve as a very qualified extra walker in the background. We walked around Jackson Park discussing the philosophies of Jane Jacob's, her ideas around walkable cities, and how the natural elements of the park provide great opportunities for Peterborough residents to get out and engage with nature close to home.
The show is about 20 minutes long with three segments about our walk throughout the program (you'll also learn about dogs and wells). It was a great hit, (Thanks for the spotlight, Teresa!) and the shots are fantastic (Way to go, Kevin!). We look forward to doing it again next year. And by the way, our Jane's Walk "Nature in the City" on Sunday morning, May 2nd, was lots of fun and well attended.
Evening Amphibian ID Session
Wednesday, April 28th, 7:00 pm
Riverview Park & Zoo Orientation Centre, Rain or Shine
Although most of us are familiar with the cheerful call of the spring peeper, many don't realize that submitting their observations of frog calls or salamander sightings can help scientists track the distribution and status of amphibians.
Join us to learn more about the Ontario Amphibian and Reptile Atlas, and how easy it is to contribute observations to this citizen science project. If the weather is favourable we will carpool to some nearby wetlands to listen for different frog species and look for salamanders. If the weather is not-so-good we will have an indoor presentation on identifying Ontario amphibians by sight and sound.
Need a ride to the zoo? Meet at the Chamber of Commerce building (the old train station at 175 George Street North) by 6:40pm sharp and RSVP to Gina at info@kawarthaturtle.org to ensure a spot in a carpool.
Elephant Retirement Friends
Posted April 17th, 2010Alright, this is not about nature in Peterborough, but it's a wonderful story about two creatures who get along splendidly. A must see.
Well Grounded:
"The Unexpected Benefits of Being Close to Nature"
Can Greenspaces Make us Feel Better?
Peterborough Public Library
April 12th, 2010
7:00 p.m.
Get Outdoors and Active
Visit displays from local groups with fabulous outdoor programs: trails gardens, trees, hikes, cycling and more.
7:30 p.m.
Guest Speaker Brenlee Robinson
“Well Grounded: The Unexpected Benefits of Being Close to Nature”
Brenlee Robinson, director with the Ontario Urban Forest Council, presents an uplifting and empowering exploration of how dramatically we are affected by our outdoor spaces. Recent research shows astounding links to personal and community health.
Join this celebration of being outdoors in Peterborough. A showcase of ideas and things to do, places to visit, plus an inspiring guest speaker. Free of charge. For more information call Cathy at 745-3238 ext 212.
Peterborough Field Naturalists will have a representative at the talk. Join us!
Local Photographer Spotlight
Stewart Stick pro photographer donates image
March 17th, 2010
I wanted to freshen up our banner image, so I put a call out on Twitter looking for a new seasonal photograph, and Stewart answered. It's amazing when our online community grows, so do the connections and mutual interests we have in nature. This news feature is to recognize Stewart's generosity as well as his genuine talent and interest in nature photography. He has captured some great images. Check out his work: http://stewartstick.wordpress.com
Maybe we'll convince him to lead a Peterborough Nature Photography outing one of these days. How cool would that be? Thanks for answering the call, Stewart.
Barred Owl, Trent Nature Area, March 2010, by Stewart Stick
Why is Nature Important to Human Health?
Nature Deficit Disorder Explained
A fantastic short video produced by KQED-QUEST about the real impacts of nature on the psyche and well-being of children (and adults). A must see.
PFN Donation to Environment Centre in the works, Doug Sadler Memorial Library
The late Doug Sadler, famous Peterborough writer and naturalist, had many great books. Some of these will be included with other books on nature and the environment in a memorial library at Camp Kawartha's new Environment Centre.
Junior Field Naturalist to use new Environment Centre
The PFN is working in partnership with Camp Kawartha to deliver great programming and events to Junior Field Naturalists, at the new Trent Environment Centre.
Updated: June 1st, 2010