Nature Guelph EcoLeaders

Connecting Teens to Nature Are you a high school student with a love of nature and a passion for environmental stewardship? Join Nature Guelph EcoLeaders, a program that connects teens to nature. Meet other like-minded students and grow your nature knowledge with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) and Nature Guelph Naturalist Team. Upon completion of the program, you could be selected to attend the Ontario Nature Youth Summit, with your registration fee paid by Nature Guelph! Nature Guelph EcoLeaders is a shared initiative between Nature Guelph and the GRCA. Participants: High school students between ages 14 and 18 Schedule: One Saturday a month, September through June, 10:00 am–12:00 pm with the exception of December’s Bird Banding and Christmas Bird Count for Kids, February’s Owl Prowl and April’s Dance of the Timberdoodle. See details below. Location: Guelph Lake Nature Centre, 7743 Conservation Rd., Guelph (located in the Guelph Lake Conservation Area) Program Overview 2026–27 September 12 Pond Creatures We will use nets to “dip” in the pond to find out who makes this habitat their home. We will search for creatures like dragonfly nymphs, damsel fly nymphs, water scorpions, frogs, turtles and more. There will also be an opportunity to look at some of the smaller creatures up close using a digital microscope. Bring boots or shoes that you can get wet. October 17 Edible Wilds Learn about common plants and trees in your neighborhood that are safe to eat. We will focus on identification features and safety when it comes to using these plants. November 14 Buddy Teaching “The Grand Escape” This is your chance to be a leader. Help run the “Grand Escape” activity for the Young Naturalists. A brief orientation will get you ready to lead a team along the Grand Escape. December 5 – 9:00–11:00 am Bird Banding/Winter Birds with Arboretum Naturalist Chris Earley Chris Earley will be leading this citizen science session about winter birds. If weather permits, we will be participating in bird banding to help monitor bird populations. The early bird gets the worm, so we will be starting this program at 9:00 am. Program Location: Meet at the J.C. Taylor Nature Centre at The Arboretum, University of Guelph. December 19 – 9:00 am–12:00 pm Christmas Bird Count for Kids Please visit the Guelph Christmas Bird Count for Kids web page to sign up for this program. With your family, join Nature Guelph for an annual tradition. There will be a short introduction to bird identification and binocular use before we head out for a bird counting hike. After the hike, enjoy a hot drink and snacks at the tally rally. Please bring your own mug. Nature Guelph EcoLeaders must be accompanied by an adult for this program. January 16 Porcupine Tracking at The Arboretum Today we will meet at The Arboretum, University of Guelph to search for resident porcupines. We will learn about porcupine ecology, and using the tracks and sign that they leave behind, track them to their winter homes. Program Location: Meet in the parking lot at the The Arboretum Centre, University of Guelph. February 13 – 6:00–8:00 pm Owl Prowl with an Introduction by Wild Ontario WHOOOO goes there? Let your eyes adjust to the dim light and keep your ears open as we explore the exciting world of owls and other night wonders. An introduction led by Wild Ontario includes close-up encounters with bird ambassadors. March 20 Tree-sure Hunt and Campfire Social Tree-sure Hunt 10:00–11:00 am; Campfire Social 11:00 am–12:00 pm Participate in a scavenger hunt using a handheld GPS unit. By the end of the adventure, you will be comfortable using this technology to find your way. Afterwards, enjoy a campfire social. Please bring your own mug, hotdogs and/or snack to cook over the fire for you and your family to enjoy during the Campfire Social. April 24 – 6:30–8:30 pm Dance of the Timberdoodle Timberdoodle, Mud Bat, Bog Sucker and Night Partridge are all names for the humble American Woodcock. Tonight, we will search for the Timberdoodle and witness their elaborate spring sky dance. May 15 Herptile Search at Sudden Tract Sudden Tract is one of the most biodiverse locations for herptiles in Southwestern Ontario. Nature Guelph Naturalists will be guiding this exploration as we search for snakes, frogs and salamanders. Nature Guelph EcoLeaders must be accompanied by an adult for this program. Program Location: Sudden Tract, Waterloo Regional Forest, 1841 Spragues Rd, Cambridge, ON June 12 The Great Bug Hunt Join us for The Great Bug Hunt. We will be using sweep nets to catch and release insects, spiders and other spineless wonders.