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Activities
Programs, Field Trips and Workshops:

Click HERE to see previous held activities

All outings, workshops and dates are subject to change and more will be added as the season progresses.

Some events have a maximum or minimum number of participants, so be sure to check the Nature Moncton website at www.naturemoncton.org or the Information line for updates. 

Pre-registration is required to assure effective planning, to allow for contact to be made in the event of changes and to make sure no one is left behind.  Pre-register with Judi Berry-Steeves at jbsteeve@nbnet.nb.ca or call her at 387-4778.

Details are announced on the Nature Moncton Information Line (384-6397) in the week leading up to the event.  Car-pooling is organized, so there are always seats available for those who need rides.   

Do you have ideas for other field trips, workshops or presentations?  Let Judi Berry-Steeves know at jbsteeve@nbnet.nb.ca or call her at 387-4778. 

 All are welcome, Nature Moncton members or not!  

“Impromptu in M-D-R” – These outings visit sites in the greater Moncton area and designed for everyone and especially those who have limited time or mobility.  They will normally take place on week days/evenings and will last 2-3 hours.  Timing will be dependent on nature’s schedule.  Listen to the Info Line 384-6397 and be ready to go. 

All are welcomed, Nature Moncton members or not!  

Annual bird feeder tour
Saturday, February 18th. 

On Saturday, February 18, join Nature Moncton for our annual Bird Feeder Tour. We’ll be visiting bird feeding areas at several member’s yards to enjoy winter bird species, share ideas for feeder types, seed preferences, favorable habitat recommendations and other successful techniques folks have used to attract birds and wildlife to their yards. Bring a sandwich and enjoy lunch at the Renton’s for one of Jean’s famous soup creations. Our final stop will be at the Poirier’s where Pat Poirier will treat us with a “surprise pot” for the après feeder tour get together. Please bring a dessert to share.  Carpool at the north-west corner of the Moncton Coliseum, 337 Killam Dr. at 8:30am. Bring any necessary gear for the season, winter wear and friends! Pre-registration is not required and everyone is welcome. The morning tour locations, although subject to change, will be:  Rosemary’s (28 Bessborough Ave); John Massey’s ( 749 LeBlanc Rd. Dieppe) and  Jean Renton’s, Stilesville.  Afternoon locations will include: Anne Marsch’s ( 51 Dryden St. Turn down Baxter St. off Hillsborough Rd. Lower Coverdale); Wendy Sullivan’s (22 Diligent St. Riverview) and Nelson and Pat Poirier’s (85 Mount Royal Blvd.)  To meet up with the group anytime during the day contact cell# 381-4831.  For further information contact Catherine Johnson johnson2@xplornet.com or phone 432-6478. Stay tuned to the information line 384-6397 for updates or cancellations. See you on the 18^th!

Guest Speaker: John Massey
Subject: 8 Years Enforcing the Migratory Bird Protection Act 
Date: Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Church of the Nazarene, 21 Fieldcrest Ave. , Moncton

John Massey is a retired RCMP officer having served 34 years with the force hopping from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Québec, and New Brunswick in all aspects of policing, traffic enforcements, VIP protection, homicide as well as eight years as a federal wildlife officer responsible for the Migratory Bird Protection Act in the provinces of Québec and New Brunswick. Working mainly alone, he has traveled from the shores of New Brunswick to the majestic islands in the Bay of Fundy and from the major cities of Québec right up to the coast of Labrador . Wildlife poaching takes many forms and John has seen them all. John will present a short synopsis of his career as a "Game Warden" and share some interesting stories and photographs of his storied career

John is an avid bird feeder and ardent admirer of Mother Nature's world and spends a great deal of time exploring it whether it be in is very interesting backyard or in some marsh, woods, stream, etc.

John Massey's presentation is sure to be a "gripper". The presentation starts at 7:00 PM so don't be late for this one.

Owl workshop
Jim Goltz
Saturday, March 17th
10 AM-2 PM at the Tankville School.

Who gives a HOOT? We do! Although OWLS may be creatures of myth and mystery, some are remarkably commonplace …. if you know when and where to look for them. On Saturday March 17 from 9:45am-2pm at the Tankville school, 1665 Elmwood Dr. Moncton, join Nature Moncton and Dr. Jim Goltz on a workshop journey to discover the fascinating lives of NB owls. Dr. Goltz will review what species of owls have been reported in the province, how and where to find them, how to identify them from their appearance and vocalizations, and information on their biology, including geographic range, diet, breeding and nesting habits, and anatomic adaptations that make them successful predators.   Pre-register with Judi Berry-Steeves at jbsteeve@nbnet.nb.ca or 387-4778 Registration fee $10. ($5 for each additional family member) $5 NM members

Bring a lunch, indoor footwear and friends!  

Nature Moncton Monthly Meeting

Guest Speaker: Émile Gautreau
Subject: Native Culture and Mother Nature
Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Church of the Nazarene, 21 Fieldcrest Ave. , Moncton

Émile will be giving Nature Moncton an insight into his native culture and the 
importance of showing respect to all Mother Nature has to offer. Each aspect of nature has a spirit from the tiny ant to the large maple tree. As naturalists we must show Nature respect if we want to learn what Mother Nature has to offer us.

Émile Gautreau from Amherst , Nova Scotia is a Métis elder and a highly- esteemed spiritual leader within his community.  When he was around 23 he went into the far north and the Dene people told him he was one of them. They eventually they made him 
an honorary member of their tribe. They taught him who he was, and taught him the culture of his people.

His career has involved the air force for five years, before going to work for the provincial government for 2 years. This was followed by work with the Canadian Forestry Service involving forest biology and forest botany and etymology. He did this for 15 years and then was ready to learn something else. He transferred from Canadian Forestry Service to Correctional Services Canada. He went into the social work field and eventually became a parole officer until he retired. He was involved with the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Fitness in Nova Scotia , and while there  taught courses in survival, 
woodsman ship, and edible plants for 20 years.

Nature Moncton’s April Meeting:
Guest Speaker: Jim Goltz
Subject: Ticks and Lyme Disease
Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Church of the Nazarene, 21 Fieldcrest Ave., Moncton

Ticks and Lyme disease continue to generate considerable media interest and public concern, especially for naturalists and others who love the outdoors. Veterinary pathologist and naturalist, Jim Goltz, will share with you information about what species of ticks occur in New Brunswick, when and where they occur, what threats they pose to human and animal health, how to identify them, what new information has been learned from tick research in the province and how climate change is likely to affect tick populations and increase health risks.

Guest Speaker: Ally Manthorne
Subject: The Chimney Swift and Maritimes Swiftwatch 
Date: Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Time: 7:00 p.m.Location: Church of the Nazarene, 21 Fieldcrest Ave. , Moncton

Nature Moncton 's guest for May 15 will be Ally (Allison) Manthorne, the Maritimes Swiftwatch coordinator located at the Bird Studies Canada office in Sackville. It is perfect timing to learn more about a very special bird that is joining us at the moment, unfortunately in reducing numbers as the years pass.

Chimney Swifts roost together in large groups during spring migration en route from South America . With the arrival of European settlers, the savvy Chimney Swift became pleased to use the chimneys people were erecting since the tree cavities they previously occupied were mostly gone. However, as the chimneys are now disappearing, the plight of the chimney Swift is in serious decline.

Bird studies Canada has taken on the project to start a stewardship and conservation program to try to help the Chimney Swift and Maritimes Swiftwatch is that initial effort here.

Let's all learn how to readily spot these birds that are easily identified by anyone looking skyward and hear about the life and times of this fascinating bird species.

Ally has excellent photos and short video clips to share what Maritimes Swiftwatch has collected in its first year of efforts of monitoring Chimney Swift sites and looking for ways they can be helped.

Ally's presentation starts at 7:00 PM with Nature Moncton activities to follow after the break so don't be late.