Join Ontario Nature and the Owen Sound Field Naturalists on Saturday, May 27th at Sauble Dunes Nature Reserve to identify the diverse flora and fauna on this property!
Located inland from the eastern shore of Lake Huron on the Bruce Peninsula, the Sauble Dune property is one of the best remaining beach ridges, sand plains, sand dunes and swales in the region. This nature reserve falls entirely within the Sauble Falls North Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). Sauble Falls North ANSI is home to several provincially rare plant species including long-leaved reed grass, dwarf lake iris and stiff yellow flax. These areas also provide habitat for the provincially threatened Massasauga rattlesnake and other wonderful species including the red-shouldered hawk and Cooper's hawk.
A Bioblitz is an event where we try to identify as many species as possible within a short period of time. It's a great opportunity for novice naturalists and people interested in the local flora and fauna to have a hands on learning experience! You can join up with one of our expert biologists who specialize in identifying reptiles, amphibians, plants and birds.
On Saturday, join us for a half-hour introduction to Sauble Dunes Nature Reserve (8:30 am OR 11:30 am) followed by an expert-guided hike in the morning (9:00-10:30 am) OR afternoon (12:00-1:30pm).
Morning Session
8:00-8:30am: Registration
8:30-9:00am: Welcome and Land Acknowledgment
9:00am-10:30am: Guided Hikes
-Birds with Meghan Douglas
-Butterflies and Odonates with Bob Curry
-Sand Dunes from an Anishinaabe Perspective with Caley Patrick Nadjiwon Doran
Afternoon Session
11:00-11:30pm: Registration
11:30-12:00pm: Welcome and Land Acknowledgment
12:00-1:30pm: Guided Hikes
-Herps with Marcus Maddalena
-Forest Ecology /Topography with Bruce Mackenzie
-Vascular Plants & Insects with James Kamstra
**Please register for only ONE hike in EITHER the morning session or the afternoon session. Choices can be made when selecting tickets**
You are also welcome to explore the nature reserve independently IF you are an EXPERT naturalist (birds, herps, plants, etc.). A GPS and/or competent map & experienced navigation skills are an essential requirement to explore the nature reserve on your own. If you are interested in exploring independently on either Saturday or Sunday, please register for the event here.
Whichever way you choose to experience Sauble Dunes Nature Reserve, be prepared for buggy conditions, exercise tick precautions, and understand there are NO established trails on this nature reserve. This is an exciting opportunity to explore a nature reserve that is not usually accessible to visitors.
The property is located about one-kilometer due west of Sauble Falls. There is minimal parking at the reserve access point; stay tuned for parking information and directions in your pre-event email!
If you have any questions about the event, please get in touch with tharanyar@ontarionature.org or 1-800-440-2366 ext. 230.
