Nature Club: Gamiing Nature Centre presents Gamiing's Saturday Nature Club from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Gamiing Nature Centre (1884 Pigeon Lake Rd., Lindsay, K9V 4R5). Children ages 6-12 are invited to join us for this outdoor activity for kids. Activities include: bug collections, raising butterflies and moths, plant pressing, sampling aquatic invertebrates, water quality sampling, interactive group games, orienteering challenges, carbon calculators and measuring ecological footprints, frog monitoring, weather studies, plant a butterfly garden and web of life games . Cost: $5.00 per child. For more information please visit www.gamiing.org.

Walk: Peterborough Field Naturalists presents "Wildlife Walk" beginning at 8 a.m. at Riverview Park and Zoo (1230 Water St., Peterborough, K9H 7G4). Join us for an outing to explore the joys of late Spring in our beautiful part of the country. We will meet at the parking lot of Peterborough Zoo and carpool from there to local habitats. Please bring binoculars and a small contribution to carpooling costs. The outing will last around 3 hours. For more information please visit www.peterboroughnature.org.

NEW THIS WEEK
Workshop: Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority presents "Growing Biodiversity" from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) (2216 County Road 28, Port Hope, L1A 3W4). The warm weather is here and many people are getting ready to plant colourful flowers or ground covers in their gardens and yards. However, some commonly planted species can actually escape from gardens and invade local natural areas, disrupting ecosystems. There are alternatives to be considered that can actually do nature a favour and help address some important biodiversity conservation issues. This event, held in partnership with the Central Lake Ontario and Lower Trent Conservation Authorities will demonstrate how some garden plants can be invasive, and how the Grow Me Instead program of the Ontario Invasive Plant Council promotes non-invasive alternatives. The workshop highlights some important conservation concerns that can be addressed through gardening and landscaping. The workshop will cover options such as providing stopover habitat for migratory birds and supporting populations of pollinator insects and how to successfully garden using native plant species. Cost: Free, including a light lunch and a short walk to look at invasive plants and their impacts on the Millenium Conservation area behind the GRCA office. For more information or to register by noon on May 24th, please contact Pam Lancaster at 905-885-8173 xt 247 or email .

NEW THIS WEEK
Exhibition: The Endeavour Centre presents Open House at Canada's Greenest Home from 1 - 4 p.m. in Peterborough. Come and tour Canada's Greenest Home and see its straw bale walls, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, composting toilets, air source heat pump, non-toxic finishes and more. The house is located at 136 1/2 James Street in Peterborough. Cost: Free. For more information please visit www.endeavourcentre.org.

NEW THIS WEEK
Festival: Couchiching Conservancy presents Carden Nature Festival at Carden Recreational Centre (258 Lake Dalrymple Road, Sebright, L0K 1W0). Back for a 7th year, this is a smorgasbord of environmental delights set amidst a globally-rare landscape. With almost 100 field trips, workshops, and presentations, theres something for every nature lover. The festival is an exceptional opportunity to learn more about the unique limestone plain known as the Carden Alvar. Located between Orillia and Lindsay and just north of Kirkfield, this area is familiar to many naturalists across Ontario for its variety of bird species. The Carden Alvar has been designated by Birdlife International as an Important Bird Area. Plant life is abundant as well and Festival events include rare alvar plants and exploration of the mosses and lichens found there. The Festival events are led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic experts. Highlights include opportunities to learn more about birding, the opportunity to see the area by bike or paddle, stargazing, moth sightings, Kim's Kids Nature safari and the Birds of Prey Show. Cost: Each event is individually priced.. For more information please visit www.cardennaturefestival.ca.

NEW THIS WEEK
Festival: Otonabee Conservation presents Second Annual "International Trails Day Festival" from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Peterborough. Trails offer a wonderful way to explore nature through the urban and rural landscapes of Peterborough City and County. Communities throughout the region invite residents, their families & friends to celebrate our trails. This is an annual celebration to promote trail development, their use & the healthy lifestyle they encourage. The festivities are being organized by a committee including Otonabee Conservation, Rotary Club of Peterborough, trails enthusiasts (Cycling Dudes, Cycling Chicks, Biker Babes), Peterborough County, City of Peterborough, Township of Smith-Ennsimore-Lakefield, Peterborough Green-Up, Peterborough Cycling Club, Peterborough County-City Health Unit, and the Millbrook Valley Trails. We will explore the new Lang-Hastings Trail and various other locations in the County and City. As the details of this years festival are finalized we will post them on our website - stay tuned. Cost: Free. For more information please visit www.otonabee.com/parks-trails/trails/.

Walk: Peterborough Field Naturalists presents "Wildlife Walk" beginning at 8 a.m. at Beavermead Park (2011 Ashburnham Dr., Peterborough, K9L 1P8). Join us for a Sunday Morning Bird Walk around Beavermead Park. This popular camping location surrounded by Little Lake and Meade Creek is home not just to tents and trailers – it is a haven for local bird and wildlife species. With the help of local naturalists, come and discover the wild side of Beavermead Park. Meet at the Chip Truck within the Beavermead parking lot at the corner of Ashburnham and Marsdale Roads. For more information please visit www.peterboroughnature.org.

Workshop: Hutchison House Museum presents Herbal Vinegar Workshop from 1 - 3 p.m. at Hutchison House Museum (270 Brock St., Peterborough, K9H 2P9). Want to make the most out of your herb garden′ Come learn how to make your own vinegars out of herbs at Hutchison House. Herbal Vinegars make great salad dressings or additions to marinades, gravies or sauces. Use at home or give as a gift. Materials are included and refreshments will be provided. Cost: $25/person. For more information please contact the museum at 705-743-9710 or visit our website www.hutchisonhouse.ca.

Nature: Ganaraska Forest Centre presents "Tree I.D. Hike" from 1 - 3 p.m. at Ganaraska Forest Centre (10585 Cold Springs Camp Road, Campbellcroft, L0A 1B0). In recognition of National Forest Week, we welcome guests to join us on a guided tree identification hike through the Ganaraska Forest. Learn which species grow in our area, and which ones are right for your own property. . Cost: $12 adults, $6 children (must be 8 years or older to participate). For more information visit www.ganaraskaforestcentre.ca To register, call 905-885-8173 or email .