Each year HNC staff and volunteers work to remove invasive plants #InvasiveSpeciesWeek We're kicking off our newest urban project at Bruleville Nature Park on Limeridge Rd E this spring! Join us for an info session onsite on March 7, 2026 from 2 - 3 PM >> RSVP to [email protected]

TONIGHT! Avian Influenza – Understanding the Virus Behind the Headlines Dr. Jolene Giacinti will share basics of the virus, how it is monitored in wild bird populations & results of recent surveillance. 📅 Feb 23, 2026 | 7:30 - 9 PM 📍 170 Dundurn St S #HamOnt 🔗 Livestream: buff.ly/libjr2i

Monthly Meeting: Intersecting Applied Science with Community Climate Action Lindsay Taylor & Sean Parkinson will share their experience creating a monitoring program to value urban trees as green infrastructure. 📅 March 9, 2026 | 7:30 - 9 PM 📍 170 Dundurn St S #HamOnt 🔗 Livestream: buff.ly/libjr2i

Join us for a Community Information Session & Discussion about restoring and caring for Bruleville Nature Park's urban forest 📅 Sat March 7, 2026 | 2 - 3 PM 📍 265 Limeridge Road East (Skylark Dr entrance) 🚌 Transit accessible, subsidy available upon request ✉️ RSVP to [email protected]

Thank you to everyone who joined us last Saturday for a winter walk around Sheelah Dunn Dooley Nature Sanctuary. Attendees visited various project sites and learned about the ongoing work at the sanctuary ❄️

Have you registered for our FREE webinar, Decoding Bird Names with Bob Bell 🇨🇦 🐦 For more info and registration steps go to https://www.burlingtongreen.org/events/decoding-bird-names-with-bob-bell/ #BurlingtonGreen #BirdingWebinar #BurlingtonOntario #BurlingtonOnt

Join us for a fascinating talk with PhD candidate Jonathan Chu as he shares what he’s discovered by fitting owned cats with tiny “CatCams” and GPS trackers. Visit www.raresites.org/ev... to register!

🌍🦞 Wow, just wow. A Grade 10 student in Mississauga discovered a prohibited invasive species, the red swamp crayfish, at Lake Aquitaine in Ontario, prompting a rapid response effort from conservation teams. More by @anushkayadav.bsky.social here: thepointer.com/article/2026... #ontarionature

Technology Walk in the Red Hill Valley 📱 Join us for a morning of outdoor exploration and hands-on learning about the community science apps iNaturalist, eBird, and Merlin Bird ID. 📅 Sat Feb 21, 2026 | 10AM - 12PM 📍 100 Greenhill Ave #HamOnt 📲 Download + create accounts prior to the walk

Come birding with us for the Great Backyard Bird Count this weekend! 🐦️#HamOnt 📅 Sat Feb 14, 2026 | 10AM - 12PM 📍 Gage Park, meeting outside the tropical greenhouse 📅 Mon Feb 16, 2026 | 10AM - 12PM 📍 Falkirk West Park, meeting at the Copperwood Ave entrance

🚨 A motion to reduce the climate change action plan capital budget by $2.5M for 2026 has been submitted. Let your councillors know you do not want this reduced! 🚨

#HamOnt residents! Reach out to the Councillors, Mayor & City Clerk before Fri Feb 13, 2026 to let them know you want the budget to support the environment, biodiversity, climate change initiatives & sustainability 🌿 Hamilton 350 has a one click link on their website to email all >> buff.ly/6syLMz3

We want to hear from you! 🖋️ The HNC is excited to embark on our first Strategic Plan which will help us organize, prioritize and guide our vision and actions for the future. Take part online: vpic.planlocal.ca/hnc Paper copies available. Contact [email protected] for assistance or questions.

TONIGHT! Monthly Meeting: Geology of the Niagara Escarpment Ann Grindall will present an overview of the Niagara Escarpment rock types and the geological drivers that explain the changes along its length. 📅 Feb 9, 2026 | 7:30 - 9 PM 📍 170 Dundurn St S #HamOnt 🔗 Livestream: buff.ly/libjr2i

Bird Study Group: Avian Influenza – Understanding the Virus Behind the Headlines Dr. Jolene Giacinti will share basics of the virus, how it is monitored in wild bird populations & results of recent surveillance. 📅 Feb 23, 2026 | 7:30 - 9 PM 📍 170 Dundurn St S #HamOnt 🔗 Livestream: buff.ly/libjr2i

New Date - Winter Walk at Sheelah Dunn Dooley Nature Sanctuary ❄️ Join Jen, HNC's General Manager for a winter walk to explore the property in a new season and see what animals might be active. 📅 Sat Feb 14, 2026 | 1:00 - 3:00 PM 📍 Burlington, ON ✉️ RSVP to [email protected]

We'll be at Hamilton's 15th Annual Seedy Saturday! 🌱 Drop by our table next to Butterflyway Hamilton, featuring our Pollinator Paradise Project and free native plant seeds! 📅 Feb 7, 2026 | 10 AM - 3 PM 📍 Central Library, 4th floor (55 York Blvd #HamOnt) 👉 Learn more: greenventure.ca/seedysaturday

Nominations are open for the 2025 Environmentalists of the Year Awards! 🏆 Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their contributions to Hamilton's environment? Nominate an individual, group, or organization today! Nominations close on March 7, 2026 >> buff.ly/C0RxPIm

Wetlands are incredible ecosystems that are vital to human health and the environment #WWD2026 💧 What do wetlands do? They provide food and habitat for plants and animals, clean water, reduce flooding, buffer against erosion, store carbon, and give humans a place to enjoy!

Today is World Wetlands Day! Wetlands are often overlooked and undervalued. However, acre for acre, few places on Earth give back to our water, climate, and wildlife more than wetlands. Learn about wetlands and how to protect them with our e-library resources: library.watersheds.ca/search/?q=we...

What’s happening in February? ☃️ ▪️ Feb 7: Hamilton’s Seedy Saturday ▪️ Feb 9: Monthly Meeting ▪️ Feb 14: Great Backyard Bird Count - Gage Park ▪️ Feb 14: Winter Walk at SDDNS ▪️ Feb 16: Great Backyard Bird Count - Falkirk West Park ▪️ Feb 21: Technology Walk - Red Hill Valley ▪️ Feb 23: Bird Study Group

Monthly Meeting: Geology of the Niagara Escarpment Ann Grindall will present an overview of the rock types that form the Niagara Escarpment and the geological drivers that explain the changes along its length. 📅 Feb 9, 2026 | 7:30 - 9 PM 📍 170 Dundurn St S #HamOnt 🔗 Livestream: buff.ly/libjr2i

Are you ready for the Great Backyard Bird Count? 🐦️We're hosting two group outings to count birds that weekend! #HamOnt 📅 Sat Feb 14, 2026 | 10AM - 12PM 📍 Gage Park, meeting outside the tropical greenhouse 📅 Mon Feb 16, 2026 | 10AM - 12PM 📍 Falkirk West Park, meeting at the Copperwood Ave entrance

[POSTPONED] - too much snow to park or walk! New date is Saturday February 14, 2026 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM.

Join us for the Great Backyard Bird Count February 13-16! You can be anywhere in the world, any age & any level of experience. Count birds for at least 15 minutes, then let us know what you see. Your observations help researchers learn more about how to help birds. birdcount.org

Public opposition was clear. Despite 98% of 14,000+ comments rejecting the plan, the Government of Ontario is moving ahead with transferring Wasaga Beach from provincial to municipal control including endangered piping plover habitat. Reporting by @fatimabsyed.bsky.social for @thenarwhal.ca ⬇️

MAJOR NEWS! We just launched an awesome new tool! The illustrated Birds of the World Phylogeny Explorer lets users trace any bird’s lineage, compare species relationships, and explore major evolutionary milestones with a click of a button. SHARE and EXPLORE! birdsoftheworld.org/bow/news/phy...

Cue AC/DC's "Highway to Hell"... An internal provincial government report quietly admits that Highway 413, a developer-driven mega-road, will cause devastating environmental harm, threatening at-risk species. Read more by @anushkayadav.bsky.social: thepointer.com/article/2026... #ontarionature

We'll be at Hamilton's 15th Annual Seedy Saturday! 🌱 Drop by our table next to Butterflyway Hamilton, featuring our Pollinator Paradise Project and free native plant seeds! 📅 Feb 7, 2026 | 10 AM - 3 PM 📍 Central Library, 4th floor (55 York Blvd #HamOnt) 👉 Learn more: greenventure.ca/seedysaturday

TONIGHT! Bird Study Group: Birding & Field Recording in Alberta Rob Porter travelled to Alberta to find and record the songs of various bird species for his podcast, “Songbirding" 📅 Jan 19, 2026 | 7:30 - 9 PM 📍 170 Dundurn St S #HamOnt 🔗 Livestream: buff.ly/libjr2i

Winter Walk at Sheelah Dunn Dooley Nature Sanctuary ❄️ Join HNC staff Jen and Brittany for a winter walk to explore the property in a new season and see what animals might be active. 📅 Sat Jan 31, 2026 | 1:00 - 3:00 PM 📍 Burlington, ON ✉️ RSVP to [email protected]

📢Free webinar: Protect Our Conservation Authorities! The provincial government is undermining Conservation Authorities across Ontario. Learn why it matters for our communities and ecosystems, and how you can help push back. RSVP here: tinyurl.com/mca3dfyv Sign our petition here: tinyurl.com/muamjn9r

TONIGHT! Monthly Meeting: Grimsby Wetlands 🦆 From a former sewage lagoon treatment plant to a leading environmental success, come hear the interesting story of the Grimsby Wetlands with Bruce Mackenzie. 📅 January 12, 2026 | 7:30 - 9:00 PM 📍 170 Dundurn St S #HamOnt 🔗 Livestream: buff.ly/libjr2i

Winter Tree ID at the RBG Arboretum 🌲 Join RBG's Nadia Cavallin and friends as they identify trees by only the buds, bark and branches on a slow-paced walk through the woods. 📅 Sat Jan 24, 2026 | 2 - 4 PM 📍 16 Old Guelph Rd #HamOnt 🚗 Paid RBG parking, meet at the pavilion.

Bird Study Group: Birding & Field Recording in Alberta Rob Porter travelled to Alberta to find and record the songs of various bird species for his podcast, “Songbirding”, observing 143 species along the way. 📅 Jan 19, 2026 | 7:30 - 9 PM 📍 170 Dundurn St S #HamOnt 🔗 Livestream: buff.ly/libjr2i

What's happening in January? ❄️ ▪️ Jan 3: Walk at the Grindstone Marshes ▪️ Jan 4: Peach Tree CBC ▪️ Jan 10: WELO KBA Survey ▪️ Jan 11: Duck Count ▪️ Jan 12: Monthly Meeting ▪️ Jan 16: Evening Screech-Owl Outing ▪️ Jan 19: Bird Study Group ▪️ Jan 24: Winter Tree ID Walk ▪️ Jan 31: Winter Walk at SDDNS

Happy New Year! What #bird did you see or hear first this year? 🐦

Nice CBC article with some of the highlights and notes from @songbirder.social!

Our volunteers spotted an Orange-crowned warbler during the Hamilton Christmas Bird Count this year! #HamOnt Check out the full article from CBC, featuring HNC members and our Bird Study Group Director >> www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

Monthly Meeting: Grimsby Wetlands 🦆 From a former sewage lagoon treatment plant to a leading environmental success, come hear the interesting story of the Grimsby Wetlands with Bruce Mackenzie. 📅 January 12, 2026 | 7:30 - 9:00 PM 📍 170 Dundurn St S #HamOnt 🔗 Livestream: buff.ly/libjr2i

Still looking for some counters on the 30th for the Flamborough #ChristmasBirdCount! If you're in or around the #HamOnt area it's a small count in a big open mostly rural space. Just under half our zones are still available needing counters. 🪶 Signup below: airtable.com/appvSaKid1lv...

Walk at the Grindstone Marshes ❄️ Join Peter Langballe for a walk where Grindstone Creek meets Hamilton Harbour to see the marvelous view, naturalization work, and wildlife. Walk will take place on mostly paved surfaces. 📅 Sat Jan 3, 2026 | 1 - 3 PM 📍 Parking lot near 1260 Spring Gardens Rd #BurlON

We need more counters for the Flamborough CBC on December 30th! If you or someone you know is a birder with free time that day, consider signing up and contributing to a long-term community science project while enjoying the winter birds 🐦‍⬛

Happy #Winter Solstice! As the days grow longer, get outside and explore what nature has to offer - animal tracks in the snow, winter ducks, frozen streams and lakes, and even snow-loving insects!

You have until 11:59 PM on December 22, 2025 to comment on the province's proposal to amalgamate Ontario's 36 conservation authorities into seven regional conservation authorities. Share your thoughts on the ERO #025-1257 public consultation and contact your MPPs >> buff.ly/VWTPojH

Sign and share our Action Alert to urge Minister McCarthy and your local MPP to re-empower the Conservation Authorities and not proceed with the consolidation from 36 to just seven overseen by a new centralized provincial agency.  ✍️: ontarionature.good.do/conservation...

✨2025 was a year of growth, learning, and many achievements for biodiversity. As the year wraps up, we look back and reflect on five key highlights. In 2026, we will keep working and advocating for the protection of nature's most significant sites for biodiversity worldwide. 🌿🌎

In 2025, HNC staff and volunteers continued to make a positive impact on the #environment by restoring natural areas and connecting people with nature. Check out the highlights below and we hope to see you at our stewardship events in 2026! #HamOnt

The power of community science! Illinois Tick-Trefoil (Desmodium illinoense) was considered extirpated in Canada, but an @inaturalist.bsky.social observation in 2018 revealed a remnant population that sparked a COSEWIC reassessment. Just one observation can make a world of difference for a species!