Toronto Field Naturalists  –  Enjoy and preserve nature with us!
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The Toronto Field Naturalists have been promoting a love of nature in Toronto since 1923. Learn more about us and what we're doing.
Check out the TFN volunteer opportunities.
May Photo Spotlight
Moss
Young Squirrels Emerging by Wendy Rothwell
Weekly Photo Challenge
Visit our Facebook page to participate in our photo challenges. How good are you at identifying plants and animals?
TFN Grant Program
Through generous donations and bequests, funding is again available for programs and projects that further TFN goals. To apply for a grant, please fill out the Funding Request form and return it to the TFN before April 12, 2012.
Information about previous grants can be found here.
New Publication
We are happy to announce that we have published a booklet written by TFN member Frank Remiz that describes, in chronological sequence, the geology (& Ice Ages) of Toronto, with a particular focus on High Park.
The booklet, Toronto's Geology (including history, biota and High Park), can be bought for $1 or you can download it here.








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Calls to Action
Baillie Birdathon
Looking for a way to support bird research and conservation this spring? Register for Bird Studies Canada's Baillie Birdathon. Each May, more than 7000 people across Canada (and in countries around the world) participate in and/or sponsor the Birdathon.
There are many Birdathon events planned across the country during the month of May. To conduct a Birdathon, please register online and you will receive a participant's kit, a 2012 Baillie Birdathon t-shirt, and the chance to win prizes.
Snapping Turtle Petition Response
The Government of Ontario has issued a response to the FROST petition calling for an end to the snapping turtle hunt in this province.
The only step they are taking is to require annual manditory reporting of snapping turtle harvest activities. This ammendment has been posted to the Environmental Registry, and is open for public comment until May 10, 2012. We strongly encourage everyone who is concerned with the legal yet unsustainable hunt of this species at risk to click here to let the government know your views on this issue.
Bats Need Our Help
The Ministry of Natural Resources is looking to citizen scientists to help monitor bats. "White-nose Syndrome", a fungus that grows on affected bats, has now killed more than five million bats in eastern North America. It is important to monitor the spread of the disease and determine its impact on Ontario's bats.
The Ministry values information provided through Summer Bat Roost Surveys in which participants count bats at summer roosts. Continued monitoring by citizen scientists is increasingly important to document declines, survival and reproductive success.
If you are interested in helping, download the packet for conducting surveys.
Ontario SwiftWatch
Bird Studies Canada's Ontario SwiftWatch is looking for dedicated individuals or groups willing to take the lead and coordinate Chimney Swift monitoring within their communities. BSC will provide a free SwiftWatch workshop and continued support in subsequent seasons.
If you are interested in establishing a SwiftWatch monitoring program in your community, you can find more information here.
Upcoming Events

TFN Monthly Lecture
The Urban Coyote
May 6, 2:30 pm, 2012
Lesley Sampson, Co-Founder, Coyote Watch Canada takes us for a closer look at the conflict surrounding these magnificent and very much misrepresented North American canid and demonstrates the key role that compassionate conservation and community based education plays in reconnecting us with the wildlife in our landscapes. Directions are here. Visitors are welcome!

Birding 101 Workshop
May 10 & 13, 2012
Learn the basics of birding from naturalist and long-time birdwatcher, Zak Smith. This workshop will teach how to identify birds by sight and sound, how to use a field guide and binoculars to their maximum potential, and where to look for them in Toronto's biggest park and beyond. Practice your new skills with a guided birding hike to the many birding hotspots in High Park and look for some of the Park's common, rare and migratory spring birds early Sunday morning. $35/adult, $15/youth. More information here.
Spring Bird Festival at Tommy Thompson Park
May 12, 7 am - 4 pm, 2012
Join the TRC at the Spring Bird Festival to learn about the amazing phenomenon of migration and the importance of bird conservation. A variety of activities will be offered for people of all ages and all birding abilities! More information here.
Etobicoke Creek Valley Garlic Mustard Pull
May 12, 10 am - 1 pm, 2012
Come learn about the impact of invasive species on the natural environment. Help keep the Etobicoke Creek Valley beautiful and invasive free by removing garlic mustard. More information here.
Native Plant Sale
May 12, 10 am - 3 pm, 2012
The North American Native Plant Society is having their annual native plant sale at the Markham Civic Centre (101 Town Centre Boulevard in Markham). Wildflowers, ferns, grasses and sedges, as well as trees and shrubs will be available. The 370 native plant species for sale are all grown from locally-sourced seeds and spores. A wide selection of nature books will also be available for purchase. More information here.
The History & Future of Boulevard Trees
May 17, 7:00 - 8:30pm, 2012
LEAF lecture with Peter Simon, Architect, Urban Forest Specialist. Join us on a trip back through time, to a day and age when boulevard trees were nothing but an idea. Explore the deep rooted reasons why we need trees in our cities and what we need to be able to plant them properly. Learn where, who and why trees were first planted in cities and the challenges of planting them today. More information here.
Portlands Public Meeting
May 24, 6:30 - 9:00pm, 2012
This is the last public meeting to discuss planning for the Lower Don Lands and the Port Lands before a written report is prepared and submitted to City Hall. The meeting is held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, Room 105, Constitution Hall, 255 Front Street West. If you are unable to attend this final meeting about the Port Lands Acceleration Initiative, you can also participate online at portlandsconsultation.ca.
Spring Bird Festival
May 26, 8am - 1pm, 2012
Join the TRC at the Spring Bird Festival at Colonel Sam Smith Park. Hourly bird walks start at 8 a.m. Beginning at 9am there will be children's activities, crafts and games, displays, bird box building, live birds, reptiles and amphibians, and art workshops. More information here.
KSR Spring Wildflower Walks
May 26, 11-12:30pm & 1:30-3pm, 2012
Spring wildflowers are unique and beautiful plants, with stories as fascinating as the flowers themselves. Learn to identify common spring herbs and find out why they're special with Dr. Ivana Stehlik, ecologist and lecturer at UofT Scarborough. More information here.
Carden Nature Festival
June 1-3, 2012
The Carden Nature Festival is a smorgasbord of more than 100 environmental delights celebrating the remarkable biodiversity of the Carden Plain. You'll see birds, butterflies, dragonflies, moths and unique alvar flowers. Last year, many events sold out by April, so don't wait to register. More information here.
KSR Birding for Beginners
June 2, 9:30am - 4:30pm, 2012
Birding can be a rewarding hobby, even in your own backyard. Learn how to navigate field guides and spot birds from afar. Experienced international birder Antonio Coral will help you identify and appreciate birds in the field. ($75) More information here.
KSR Summer Wildflowers: Exploring Nature's Bounty
June 23, 9:30am - 4:30pm, 2012
Learn to identify dozens of wildflower species, both native and non-native, using field guides and hand lenses. Naturalist & educator Richard Aaron will also share insights into their fascinating natural history, ecology, lore, and uses. ($75) More information here.
Rouge Park Bioblitz
June 15-16, 2012
In celebration of International Biodiversity Day, this event will feature a traditional 24-hour bioblitz in Rouge Park beginning on Friday June 15, as well as a child and family-focused bioblitz at the Toronto Zoo on Saturday June 16.
KSR Trees and Shrubs for Beginners
July 14, 9:30am - 4:30pm, 2012
Got a hankering for hemlocks or a yearning for yews? From diminutive dogwoods to towering white pines, naturalist Richard Aaron will introduce you to the more common trees and shrubs found at the Koffler Scientific Reserve. ($75) More information here.
KSR Bugs, Bees and Butterflies
July 21, 11-12:30pm & 1:30-3pm, 2012
Insects might have a reputation for being creepy and gross, but they're actually diverse, highly evolved, beautiful creatures who play important roles! Discover more during this family-friendly nature walk with KSR's very own Director, Dr. Arthur Weis. http://ksr.utoronto.ca/BBB_2012.
Ontario Nature Youth Summit for Biodiversity
Sept 28-30, 2012
Mark your calendars and spread the word! The third annual Ontario Nature Youth Summit for Biodiversity will take place at YMCA Geneva Park on Lake Couchiching. Like its predecessors, this year's Youth Summit will feature inspiring speakers, informative workshops, and fun outdoor activities. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.

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