By Nikki May
This year, the Saugeen Nature club is celebrating fifty years of exploring, sharing and protecting nature in and around the Saugeen Watershed in Grey and Bruce counties. Every year since 1975, with the exception of the COVID years 2020 and 2021, members of Saugeen Nature have gathered together several times a month, to learn about the flora and fauna that call Ontario home. Once in a while, we also discuss and/or explore the geology and physiography that shape the nature of that home.
On April 28th, 2025, we held an extraordinary gala evening to commemorate our many years of enjoyment of the natural beauty and diversity of our region. Many former members travelled from near and far to share in the celebration, and we were joined by a few local leaders who share our love of nature. Eric Downing of the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, Warden Andrea Matrosovs of Grey County, and Chris Peabody, Mayor of Brockton and, former Warden of Bruce County, all gave speeches commending our efforts to share the beauties of nature in our communities.
President Byron Monk gave a high-level summary of the history of the group. He talked about our stewardship work at the Ontario Nature properties of the Kinghurst Nature Reserve, the Murray Tract and the former Fahselt farm. Members of Saugeen Nature work hard to protect and enhance the natural features of this Significant Natural Area so that it can be enjoyed by generations of Bruce and Grey residents. Byron also reviewed several highlights from the hundreds of outings that Saugeen Nature has organized over the years.
Jerry Asling, long-time member and former president of the club for several periods covering about 13 years was awarded an honourary lifetime membership to Saugeen Nature. Jerry also served on the board for over 25 years and was the leader of the Program committee for almost that whole period of time.
In the second half of the evening, Saugeen Nature celebrated the accomplishments of Martin and Kathy Parker, founding members of the club:
‘Fifty years ago Martin took a leading role in the establishment of the SFN. He was appointed the first Secretary of the SFN. His connections to the Federation of Ontario Naturalists now Ontario Nature were most valuable. He acted as our first Newsletter Editor…Martin was the President of the Saugeen Field Naturalists from 1978 to 1980…In December 1976 Martin organized our first Christmas Bird Count for the SFN. This December we will celebrate 50 years of counting.’
In recognition of their contributions to the club, and their life-long promotion of the enjoyment and protection of nature Martin and Kathy Parker were awarded the Saugeen Nature Conservation Award.
Following the award ceremony, two members of the club gave talks on subjects of much interest in the club. Julie Weinstein spoke to us about her experiences with other birders during the 2024 Christmas bird count. This count takes place across Canada. Saugeen Nature covers a 10 km circular area centred around Walkerton. Several teams cover different portions of ‘our’ area. Julie and her team counted 100s of birds. Julie’s pictures were stunning and showed how the count in December 2024 was done on a cold day with about a foot or more of snow on the ground.
Julie’s talk was followed by one given by John Reaume on snowflakes. John illustrated his talk with extraordinary pictures of individual snowflakes. It turns out that there are several different kinds of snow and snowflakes and John showed us examples of them all.
Membership Reminder!
Did you miss the renewal time for membership, by March 31?
Fear not, we will be happy to accept your renewal now so you can continue to receive the news-
letter and join in club activities.
We also received some new membership applications and would love to welcome you to the
club. Unfortunately, not all applications were accompanied by the fee.
Here’s the info you may need:
You may pay by e-transfer at saugeenfieldnaturalists@gmail.com
OR
Send your cheque made out to Saugeen Nature, with your name and address to
Saugeen Nature
P.O. Box 20156
Hanover, ON N4N 3T1
Looking forward to hearing from you or seeing you at a meeting or an outing!