Message From the President

Welcome to the Saugeen Field Naturalists (SFN) website. We hope that the varied events outlined on this site will stimulate you to come join us for any of our indoor meetings or outdoor excursions. See our links section for contact information.

The SFN club was founded over 30 years ago by a group of individuals with a shared love of the environment. Their intent was to develop an appreciation and understanding of all aspects of nature. Through education and by cooperation with other organizations the SFN has promoted the wise use and conservation of natural resources and encouraged the preservation of wild species and natural areas, especially in Grey and Bruce counties.

Our members come from all over the Saugeen River watershed and we meet monthly at the Conservation Education Resource Centre at the former headquarters of Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority just south of Hanover, Ontario.

We are an active club with broad natural interests. Recent outings have included opportunities to study birds, wildflowers, trees as well as exploring some of the lesser known Natural Areas in Grey and Bruce counties. These guided hikes led by local naturalists have something for everyone - from the novice just starting to explore the natural world to the avid birdwatcher or botanist looking to discover the many hidden jewels of our area. The SFN are stewards of the Kinghurst Forest just west of Dornock as well as coordinators of the Christmas Bird Count for the Walkerton area. Our club participates in such public programs as “Maplefest”, “Christmas in the Country” as well as hands on projects like roadside cleanups.

We take an active role in educating our youth with our Junior Naturalist Program where 6 to 12 year olds discover, investigate and have fun and adventures in the natural world. We also sponsor some of our young naturalists to summer nature camps.

We invite you to come and  find what we are all about. Join us at one of our indoor meetings or come explore with us during one of our many outdoor events as outlined elsewhere on this website. A membership application is available on this site for those of you who share our passion for the environment - we look forward to meeting you.

Jerry Asling, President of the Saugeen Field Naturalists