KWFN Outings - Scheduled and submitted by Mary Voisin

           

From time to time, some members may schedule impromptu outings not advertised in the Heron.  These additional last minute outings are posted on the Kitchener Waterloo Field Naturalists’ website.  Occasionally check the website for these outings by googling KWFN for details.  By the way, if you would like to lead an outing anytime, email maryvoisin@rogers.com .

 

Outings Schedule for September 2010

By Mary Voisin

 

It’s time to shine up your hiking boots and make plans to join KWFN on an outing or two!  September is a great month to enjoy the outdoors and observe the transition from summer into autumn. If would like to lead an outing or have suggestions for new outing locat

Last year I introduced a new style of outing so more opportunities can be offered for people to enjoy the outdoors together. The difference in this outing? There is no designated leader. It’s a shared experience!

ions, please email me at maryvoisin @rogers.com or speak to me at a meeting.    

Meet at the given location.

Greet your fellow naturalists. (experieinced and new) Guests are always welcome.

Explore together. Share your questions and knowledge as you enjoy your hike together.

 

Note regarding guests – Please email me for waiver form for your guest to sign and drop the signed form off at the next meeting.

 

           

Health Valley Trail

Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010.

Meet, Greet and Explore! A shared experience!

 

Meeting Time/Place:

9:00 a.m. at the Riverworks parking lot, St. Jacobs, at the extreme east end (follow the signs for buses and campers)

 

The Health Valley Trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail. This part of the trail goes from St. Jacobs to Martin’s Creek. Varied habitats will be encountered as you follow the trail along the river through woods, cross open pastureland and skirt some backwater ponds. Be on the lookout for a variety of wildflowers, butterflies (Monarchs are on the move migrating south) and birds such as warblers, flycatchers, herons and shorebirds. Bring a drink and snack for this leisurely 2 ˝  hour hike. Binoculars, field guides and appropriate footwear would add to the enjoyment of this outing.

 

Fern Hike at Laurel Creek Nature Centre

Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010.

Fraser Gibson 519 576 9287

 

Meeting Time/Place

9:00 a.m. at the entrance to Laurel Creek Nature Centre - Beaver Creek Rd.

 

Join Fraser on a leisurely walk through the Nature Centre's beautiful hardwood forest. Our focus will be on fern ID where we should be able to find about 10 species. We'll be on the lookout for any other objects of interest so bring your sharp eyes and curiosity.

 

Fall Raptor Migration at Hawk Cliff

Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010.  (Alternate Date: Friday, Sept. 17)

Randy Fowler  519-576-2788

 

Meeting Time/Place:

8:00 a.m. at the carpool parking lot, Fountain Street (Homer Watson) and the 401.  (In the event of poor weather, this outing will take place on Friday, September 17)

 

Once again we travel to Hawk Cliff near Port Stanley to observe raptors as they migrate south to their winter destinations. Hawk Cliff is one of the best places in Ontario to witness this spectacle due to its geographical location and cliffs along the shoreline.

 

Various species such as Sharp-shinned Hawks, Kestrels, Northern Harriers, Osprey, Broad-winged Hawks, Merlins and Bald Eagles will be moving at this time of year.

 

If you get tired of watching hawks, then check out the migrating warblers and other passerines that are usually found in the nearby trees and thickets along the roadside.

 

Bring a lunch and drinks, a chair to sit back in, your hat, binoculars, field guide and a scope if you have one. This outing will consume most of the day with a one and a half hour travel time each way. Porta-potties should be on location. If you would like to meet us there, you can get directions on the Hawk Cliff website. For detailed information and photos, go to: www.ezlink.ca/~thebrowns/HawkCliff/

 

Armchair Birding at Laurel Creek Reservoir

Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010.

Jim Burrell  519-699-4695

 

Meeting Time/Place:

6 p.m.  park near the bridge just past the entrance gates to Laurel Creek Nature Centre on Beaver Creek Road

 

An experienced or beginner birder would enjoy this outing to one of our local haunts. Bring your own lawn chair and viewing equipment and join Jim and other birding enthusiasts for a laid back evening. Extra binoculars and field guides will be available to share. The large concrete culvert on Beaver Creek Road overlooks the Laurel Creek Reservoir and is a good spot to observe waterfowl as they stop and stage themselves for their fall migration. Other migratrating birds, such as Osprey, may be also be seen. Bring a coffee or cold drink, have a seat in your cosy lawn chair and let the bird games begin !

 

September Outings at a Glance  - refer to this Heron for full outing details

 

Sun

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat

 

 

 

 

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Health Valley Trail 9:00 a.m.

8

9

10

11

Fern Hike at Laurel Creek

9:00 a.m.

 

12

13

14

Fall Raptor Migration

8:00 a.m.

15

 

16

17

(rain date)

Fall Raptor Migration

8:00 a.m.

18

Armchair Birding

6:00 p.m.

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

 

26

 

27

KWFN Meeting

28

29

30

 

 

 

 

Very Important.  If you are not a member of the KWFN, please bring the following form filled out to the outing.

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------    Cut here. " ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

KITCHENER-WATERLOO FIELD NATURALISTS   

Waiver and Assumption of Risk Form

 

In consideration of the Kitchener- Waterloo Field Naturalists allowing me to accompany them on this trip, I hereby agree to release, save harmless and indemnify the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists, its officers, directors, its agents and members from and against all claims, actions, costs and expenses in respect to death, injury, loss or damages to me or my property arising as a result of my participation in this trip, notwithstanding that the same may have been contributed to or occasioned by the negligence of the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists, its officers, directors, agents and members.

 

I affirm that I am in good health, capable of participating in this trip, and I accept as my personal risk the consequences of such participation.

I agree to follow the safety instructions and other rules of the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists. I will not participate in this trip if I am under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In the event of an accident or medical problem suffered by me, I consent to the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists seeking out the appropriate medical care required.

I declare this Waiver and Assumption of Risk is binding on me, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns.

I have read this Waiver and Assumption of Risk and I fully understand all aspects of it.

 

 

Date

Signature

Phone No.

Witness

    Emergency Contact

Phone No.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More KWFN Information

Meetings of KWFN

KWFN Home Page

Webmaster: Neil E. Taylor
Copyright © 1998 Kitchener Waterloo Field Naturalists.
A
ll rights reserved.