NatureCK

06/08/2026

A wonderful morning on the trail last Wednesday, June 3, at Brian Cammaart’s property on Croton Line brought together a small group of NatureCK members for a truly special walk through a landscape in transition.

Brian graciously hosted the visit, and he and his wife Laurel welcomed Marylou, Gill, Ayrika, and Bill as they explored mature woodlands, riverside views along the Sydenham, and the beginnings of prairie and wetland habitats that are steadily growing into something remarkable. It was a great reminder of what patient stewardship and care for the land can create over time.

NatureCK members often have a few special opportunities like this one, where they are invited to experience unique places and conservation work up close.

🌿 Coming up next: our Summer Walk in the Woods will be open to the public on June 27 at Devereaux Conservation Area. Everyone is welcome to join us for an afternoon of exploration, fresh air, and connection with nature. Keep an eye on our page for full details.

We hope to see you on the next trail 🌿

05/23/2026

05/23/2026

🐝 Buzz... buzz... something exciting is happening!

Our busy bees have been working their wings overtime pulling online orders and getting everything ready for our Native Plant Sale. They’ve been pollen all the stops to make sure there’s a little bit of everything waiting for you.

Come visit us tomorrow and don’t leave our busy bees hanging. They’ll be buzzing around helping with online order pickups and helping you discover something new for your garden.

The hive is also humming with rumours that flowering Dogwood may be making a special appearance... 👀🌸

📍 8886 Pioneer Line, Chatham
📅 May 23
⏰ 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
☔ Rain or shine! 🐝🌿

05/21/2026

Ticks are active in southwestern Ontario, and they are often picked up without people realizing it. 🌿

Nature does help keep tick populations in balance. Wild turkeys 🦃, opossums, birds 🐦, and other wildlife all play a role in reducing ticks at different stages of their life cycle.

But what makes ticks so effective is their behaviour.

Ticks do not jump or fly. Instead, they wait in grass and low vegetation and use a behaviour called questing, where they hold their front legs up and latch onto the first animal, person, or object that passes by. 🕷️

From there, they can travel on clothing, pets 🐾, and outdoor equipment. They can even end up inside homes and garages, waiting for the right moment to attach.

A quick check after being outdoors can make a real difference.

Take a look at the images included with this post. They show:

Natural predators that help reduce tick populations
How outdoor gear and machines can unintentionally carry ticks home

Simple awareness helps protect families, pets, and outdoor spaces. 🏡

Shared by NatureCK for local education and outdoor safety

05/18/2026

🌿 Mark Your Calendars! 🌿

Join us for our in-person Native Plant Sale & Pre-Order Pick Up 🌱

📅 Saturday, May 23, 2026
🕘 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📍 8886 Pioneer Line, Chatham

🌼 Pre-order pick up will be available, along with additional plants for purchase on site, where you may find a few of your wish list items for this year.

📚 We will also have nature and native species books from the Herman Giethoorn collection available by donation.

🛍️ NatureCK merch will be available, along with a few other fun surprises throughout the morning.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Bring your family, children, friends, and fellow nature lovers for a fun community morning surrounded by beautiful native plants and great company.

💳 Payment options: cash and cheques, with debit and credit cards hoped to be available as well.

We look forward to seeing you there 🌼

05/16/2026

The rain can not keep them away. Still dry under the Pavilion in Crothers.

05/16/2026

It nice and dry under the pavilion for Herman Giethoorn memorial celebration of life. While the sky shed tears we will share memories. Stop by and share your memories of Herman.

05/14/2026

🌿 Herman Giethoorn Memorial Day
📅 May 16, 2026

A gentle reminder for those wishing to attend Herman Giethoorn’s Memorial Day.

Friends, family, and community members are invited to join us for a simple day in nature as we gather to remember and celebrate Herman’s life. This day is open to anyone who knew him, spent time with him, or would like to honour his journey.

Herman’s family will be present throughout the day, offering space to connect and share memories.

The day reflects what Herman loved most:
🌱 Curiosity | 🌿 Patience | 👀 Observation | 📷 Photography | 🌲 Nature

🌅 Morning Gathering & Walk
📍 Peers Wetlands
🕤 9:30 AM

A short gathering followed by a peaceful walk in Herman’s spirit.

🌼 Midday Memory Space
📍 Crothers Park
🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

A relaxed drop-in space with:
• Photos and photography work
• Memory book for stories (to be shared with family)
• Small keepsakes in remembrance

Pavilion and washrooms available. Feel free to bring a picnic.

🌿 Afternoon Reflection Walk
📍 Sycamore Woods
🕑 2:00 PM

A quiet, self-guided walk for reflection and remembrance.

05/13/2026