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2022 Watershed Explorer Programs Registration

2022 Watershed Explorer Programs Registration

Registration is now open for the LRCA’s 2022 Watershed Explorer programs!

Join the LRCA and special guests on a series of expert-led guided hikes at several different Conservation Areas. Our Watershed Explorer programs are geared toward older learners ages 16+, but everyone is welcome.

The tentative programming dates, topics, locations and times are as follows:

April:

Thursday, April 14 – Owl Prowl at Hazelwood Lake; 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. PROGRAM FULL
Join the LRCA and local birding expert Brian Ratcliff for a twilight exploration of Hazelwood Lake in search of nesting owls. Headlamps/lanterns/flashlights required.

May:

Monday, May 16 – Frogs & Amphibians at Mills Block Forest; 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. PROGRAM FULL
Join the LRCA and Dr. Adam Algar of Lakehead University for an evening exploration of Mills Block Forest in search of frogs and frog calls. Headlamps/lanterns/flashlights required. Note: no washroom on site.

Thursday, May 26 – Spring Birding at Wishart Forest; 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PROGRAM FULL
Join the LRCA and local birding experts as we search Wishart Forest for signs of spring migratory birds. Note: no washroom on site.

June:

Thursday, June 16 – Spring Photo Workshop at Mission Island Marsh; 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join the LRCA and local professional photographers for a photography basics workshop with a focus on environmental portraiture and landscape/nature photography.

Thursday, June 23 – Plants & Wildflowers at Fisherman’s West CLimate Change Awareness Park; 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. PROGRAM FULL
Join the LRCA’s resident wildflower expert and Watershed Stewardship Intern Jessie McFadden for a hike of Hazelwood Lake in search of wildflowers and other plants of interest.

July:

Thursday, July 14 – Butterflies at Hazelwood Lake; 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join the LRCA and members of the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists as we explore Hazelwood Lake in search of butterflies.

August:

Thursday, August 25 – Fish & Aquatics at Hazelwood Lake; 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join the LRCA and guest experts where we will learn about fish and other aquatic life.

September:

Sunday, September 11 – Fall Mushroom Hike at Hazelwood Lake; 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. PROGRAM FULL
Join the LRCA and Dr. Leonard Hutchison of Lakehead University for our popular mushroom hike, where we will learn all about fungi.

Thursday, September 22 – Trees & Fall Colours at Wishart Forest; 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join the LRCA and Stephane Audet of KBM Resources Group for a fascinating discussion about the various tree species found in our area and enjoy the fall colours. Note: no washroom on site.

Thursday, September 29 – Fall Photography Workshop at Cedar Falls; 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. PROGRAM FULL
Join the LRCA and local professional photographer Damien Gilbert for a photography workshop with a special focus on landscape/nature photography, wildlife photography and fall colours.

October:

Saturday, October 1 – Fall Waterfowl Viewing Day (sponsored by Ontario Power Generation) at Mission Island Marsh; 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PROGRAM FULL
Join the LRCA and local birding expert Brian Ratcliff as we walk the trails at Mission Island Marsh in search of waterfowl and other migratory birds.

Thursday, October 6 – Archaeology at Silver Harbour; 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. PROGRAM FULL
Join the LRCA and special guests Dave Norris of Woodland Heritage Northwest Archaeological Services and Chris McAvoy of Lakehead University as we explore the archaeology and anthropology of the Lakehead Region and Silver Harbour area.

NOTE: Event dates, times and topics are subject to change and/or cancellation.

These complimentary programs have once again been made possible through the generous sponsorship of the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

*Please Note: a separate registration must be submitted for EACH PARTICIPANT.

*If the event does not appear in the drop-down menu, the program is full.

***PLEASE SEE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION BELOW***

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***PLEASE READ***

Please take note of the following important points:

  • There will be no formal presentation component at the LRCA Administrative Office as in prior years, as we are not able to provide adequate physical distancing in our Multi-Purpose Room. Each entire program will take place at a Conservation Area.
  • The LRCA will not be providing bussing or transportation of any kind. It is the participant’s responsibility to get themselves to and from the field trip location.
  • While every effort will be made to ensure adequate physical distancing, there may be times (such as along certain points along the trails) where this is not possible. As such, you are encouraged to wear a mask whenever adequate physical distancing is not possible.
  • Regular hand-sanitizing is encouraged.
  • By signing up for a program, you are agreeing to abide by the LRCA’s rules and safety measures, and you are agreeing to comply with any instruction from LRCA staff or expert guide.
  • We appreciate your support, understanding, patience and cooperation.

Some other items to consider when planning on attending a Living Classroom Program:

  • Dress appropriately for the weather
  • Wear appropriate footwear
  • Bring a hat
  • Bring bug spray
  • Bring sunscreen
  • Bring water and a snack
  • Programs run rain-or-shine (unless torrential downpour, thunder and lightning and/or unsafe winds)
  • No dogs allowed on guided hikes
  • Please remember that the expert guides we have arranged for these programs are volunteering their time and expertise. We are greatly appreciative of their commitment to sharing their knowledge with us.

DISCLAIMER:

Visitors to a Conservation Area acknowledge and understand the risks associated with visiting and recreating at the Area, including but not limited to: weather, trip hazards, wildlife, insects, actions of other people, the inherent risks associated with participating in various activities while on Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) property and operators of motor vehicles around the parking area. Being aware of these hazards, visitors voluntarily elect to fully accept and assume all risks and responsibility for any injury, loss and/or damage to persons or property that incur as a result of visiting and recreating at the Area. The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is not responsible, nor held liable, for any injury, loss and/or damage to persons or property incurred by visitors to a Conservation Area. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.

These events are offered free of charge thanks to the generous support of the TD Friends of the Environment Fund and in the case of Fall Waterfowl Viewing Day, Ontario Power Generation (OPG). However, donations to the LRCA’s environmental education program are always welcome and help offset the cost of these and other LRCA education initiatives. The LRCA’s education program and Education Coordinator position does not use any municipal or provincial funding, and is funded solely through charitable donation, program fees and grants.