Quartier Northcrest: New ideas for learning outdoors this winter in Peterborough

For those interested in nature and wildlife, or those who want to learn more, there are some exciting opportunities ahead this week, including learning more about wildlife conservation efforts, all about owls and sign up for outdoor winter learning kits for the whole family.

Peterborough Field Naturalists

Peterborough Field Naturalists (PFN) meet virtually via Zoom Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The presentation, Keeping Kawartha Wild, with Professor Thom Luloff, will highlight current work being done by the Kawartha Wildlife Center and other groups to help wildlife in need in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

The Kawartha Wildlife Center is Ontario’s newest wildlife rehabilitation center and, despite many challenges over the past two years, it has grown and developed since its inception in 2017. Over the past year, it welcomed more than 700 animals.

During the presentation, attendees will learn about the types of animals that have received care, hear interesting patient stories, and learn about the center’s challenges and opportunities. Information will also be given on how to promote a healthy wildlife coexistence with all of our animal neighbours.

Luloff, a professor of conservation biology at Fleming College, received his medical science degrees from the University of Western Ontario. He is Chairman of the Board of the Kawartha Wildlife Center and uses his background in natural history to help this new wildlife rehabilitation organization implement environmentally sound practices that best serve Ontario’s native species.

NFP meetings are open to members only. Not a member? It’s easy to register online at peterboroughnature.org. Join the organization and participate in discussions, outings and all that PFN has to offer. Membership fees are $15 for students and youth, $30 for adults, and $40 for a family. You can also print the form available online and mail it with your cheque.

Family Learning Kits

Just in time for Family Day, TRACKS (Trent Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge and Science) is offering learning kits for families. They can be ordered starting Monday, February 7 at 9:30 a.m. They are available for Indigenous and non-Indigenous families.

The kits include ten winter activities that the whole family can enjoy. Themes include owl diets, maple syrup season, basic tracking skills and more. The kits were developed with support from Pathways to Stewardship and Kinship.

TRACKS is an educational program hosted by Trent University as part of the Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences (IESS) program and operating in partnership with founding partner organization Kawartha World Issues Center and the First Peoples House of Learning.

The cost is $15 per kit. To order yours, visit trackprogram.ca/family-learning-kits.

owl workshop

Join the TRACKS Education team for a free virtual owl workshop, Kokokoo Onaagosh, An Evening with Owls, Thursday at 5 p.m. Learn all about owls, their migratory patterns, cultural significance, and methods we can use to learn more about their diet. Everyone is welcome.

This workshop is made possible through the support of the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough and Pathways to Stewardship & Kinship.

Workshop places are limited. For more information and to register, visit trackprogram.ca/a-free-evening-with-owls.

Conscious movement

Lavender and Play presents Mindful Movement Practice, a workshop for everyone from teenagers to seniors. Taught by yoga and meditation teacher Sonja Martin, the class takes place on Wednesday, February 16 at 7:30 p.m.

This interactive and informative workshop will be presented via Google Meet. Come learn simple ways to move your body to support all aspects of being. Participants will explore the benefits of conscious movement and begin to practice and develop skills.

The workshop is suitable for all levels of movement ability. The cost is $15 per household. Register online at lavenderandplay.ca/collections/programs.