2019 Field Walks and Workshops

Feeling you’ve had enough of computers, phones and office buildings? Want to get outside for some fresh air, exercise, and nature connection, while learning more about local nature? Check out our upcoming Field Walks and Workshops at Green's Creek natural area and Just Food Farm!

See schedule below for upcoming events. Other dates will follow as we coordinate with field walk guides.


Field Walk/Workshop Topics (tentative):
  • Edible and medicinal plants
  • Winter survival - traditional fire-making, and building with snow
  • All about bugs - family-friendly
  • Bird language and birding basics
  • Creatures of the night - moths, owls, amphibians
  • Stories beneath our feet: geological and land-use history of the Ottawa region​

2019 Field Walk/Workshop Schedule

Sunday, February 24, 11 am - 2 pm
Animal Tracks and Sign, with Chad Clifford
Workshop will be rescheduled in the event of poor conditions.
Location: Just Food Farm/Green's Creek, 2391 Pepin Court, Blackburn Hamlet (east Ottawa). See Directions. Meet in parking lot past the red barn.
Your guide: Chad Clifford of Wilderness Rhythms
Ages: Geared towards adults/teens, but kids ages 8+ welcome with parent supervision. Program starts with 1hr indoor slide show.
Suggested payment, or pay what you can:
$20 per adult, $10 per child ages 8-17; or $40 for family of 4 ($ goes to our Scholarship Fund)
Advance registration required. Please see details below.

Ever wonder when you see animal tracks in the snow, "What animal came by here? Was it running to escape something or just strolling along? Could that be a wolf or maybe just a pet dog? When was it here?" Such are the questions you can explore with expert tracker/naturalist Chad Clifford as he shows us the basics of animal tracks and sign, which includes but is much more than looking at footprints! Together we will explore the landscape, unveil the stories of the secretive animals who live here, and find the evidence that they leave behind. You will learn some of the basics of identifying different animal tracks and enjoy an interactive afternoon in the fresh air of forest and meadow tracking animals.

Chad Clifford, owner of Wilderness Rhythms, is an advanced instructor of wilderness skills, animal tracking, orienteering, and bushcraft. He trained under internationally renowned experts in bushcraft and survival, such as: Tom Brown Jr. (Tracker School), Mors Korhanski, Indigenous elders, and other friends. He holds various degrees in the natural sciences and outdoor recreation and has consulted for the BBC survival series "Bare Necessities". We feel fortunate to have Chad lead this exciting workshop!

​What to Bring: 
  • Full winter gear: winter coat, snow pants, winter hat, neck warmer or scarf, 70-100% wool socks, well-insulated winter boots, water-resistant or water-proof mittens (preferable to gloves in colder conditions), thin liner gloves (e.g. from dollar store) to wear inside your mittens.
  • Lots of layers, especially if below 0C: e.g. thermal underlayers, pants, thick wool or fleece sweater
  • Hand warmers and toe warmers if your extremities get cold easily or if temps are below -15C
  • Backpack
  • Lunch and thermos or water bottle
  • Notebook and pen/pencil
​​Registering for a workshop or field walk? Please:

1. Send your payment by e-transfer to payment@EarthPath.ca and specify:
  • The name of the program you are registering for
  • Your name and the names of others whom you are paying/registering for.
  • Your email address and phone number so we have a way to reach you in case of updates about the walk, such as weather-related cancellation.
2. OR, if you plan to give a cash donation instead (pay-what-you-can), contact us at 613-858-8822 or info@EarthPath.ca to reserve your spot and bring your donation on the day. You can put it anonymously in our money jar.
​

If walk is rescheduled due to weather, you have the option of receiving a full refund or attending the next field walk or workshop.

Check again soon for more 2019 field walk/workshop dates.

Past Field Walks and Workshops

Thank you to TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for their generous support of the 2018-2019 Field Walk and Workshop Series! #TDCommonGround #ConnectingPeopleToPlace