KITCHENER’S NATURAL AREAS PROGRAM
Finding nature’s beauty within the city boundaries
Finding nature’s beauty within the city boundaries
by Mark Hall
Kitchener Citizen
December 4, 2014
Kitchener may be a bustling city, but there are still spots where you can experience tranquility.
And Kitchener’s Natural Areas Program (KNAP) staff are ready to show you the way.
KNAP is an environmental program that is focused on the stewardship of natural areas in Kitchener. KNAP was created in 2006 from a partnership between the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists and Waterloo Stewardship Network. Today, it is funded and delivered by the City of Kitchener and offers residents free seasonal programs that explore nature within the city.
On November 29, about a dozen people bundled up against the early morning cold, and headed to the Walter Bean Trail to hike along the Grand River near Pioneer Tower, in search of water fowl, songbirds, and raptors that inhabit the area. Their guide was City of Kitchener Natural Areas Coordinator Joshua Shea.
Early into the hike, Shea pointed out a flurry of activity in a growth of small trees and bushes, where cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, juncos and nuthatches were flitting about in search of berries and seeds. An American Kestrel, a small raptor, was also drawn to the activity, and made a low pass overhead before veering off across the river.
Shea discussed some of the feeding habits and food sources of many of the trail’s feathered residents, as he pulled burrs and pods from bushes and broke them open to reveal the nuts and grubs inside that the birds rely on to survive through the winter months.
Further along, wave after wave of Canada geese were landing in a harvested cornfield that runs along the trail, where they scour the ground for kernels. On the other side of the trail, paths lead to the river where mallards, American black ducks, mergansers and, yes, more Canada geese cruise the waterway.
The hike led to the Walter Bean Grand River Pedestrian Bridge, which crosses the Grand near Doon Valley Golf Course.
On the return trip, the group was treated to appearances by a couple of other members of the raptor family. Not far from the bridge, a large red-tailed hawk was gliding high above in its search for prey.
And near the end of their trek, a juvenile American bald eagle was sighted flying just over the treetops along the river’s edge.
KNAP organizes these urban nature trips in every season, according to Shea. “We try to do one a month,” he said.
Most of the programs are outdoor, but some have an indoor component, so for those, preregistration is required.
Shea said he usually gets 20-25 people participating, but because it is outdoors, the weather plays a major role in how many people come out.
Kitchener Citizen
December 4, 2014
Kitchener may be a bustling city, but there are still spots where you can experience tranquility.
And Kitchener’s Natural Areas Program (KNAP) staff are ready to show you the way.
KNAP is an environmental program that is focused on the stewardship of natural areas in Kitchener. KNAP was created in 2006 from a partnership between the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists and Waterloo Stewardship Network. Today, it is funded and delivered by the City of Kitchener and offers residents free seasonal programs that explore nature within the city.
On November 29, about a dozen people bundled up against the early morning cold, and headed to the Walter Bean Trail to hike along the Grand River near Pioneer Tower, in search of water fowl, songbirds, and raptors that inhabit the area. Their guide was City of Kitchener Natural Areas Coordinator Joshua Shea.
Early into the hike, Shea pointed out a flurry of activity in a growth of small trees and bushes, where cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, juncos and nuthatches were flitting about in search of berries and seeds. An American Kestrel, a small raptor, was also drawn to the activity, and made a low pass overhead before veering off across the river.
Shea discussed some of the feeding habits and food sources of many of the trail’s feathered residents, as he pulled burrs and pods from bushes and broke them open to reveal the nuts and grubs inside that the birds rely on to survive through the winter months.
Further along, wave after wave of Canada geese were landing in a harvested cornfield that runs along the trail, where they scour the ground for kernels. On the other side of the trail, paths lead to the river where mallards, American black ducks, mergansers and, yes, more Canada geese cruise the waterway.
The hike led to the Walter Bean Grand River Pedestrian Bridge, which crosses the Grand near Doon Valley Golf Course.
On the return trip, the group was treated to appearances by a couple of other members of the raptor family. Not far from the bridge, a large red-tailed hawk was gliding high above in its search for prey.
And near the end of their trek, a juvenile American bald eagle was sighted flying just over the treetops along the river’s edge.
KNAP organizes these urban nature trips in every season, according to Shea. “We try to do one a month,” he said.
Most of the programs are outdoor, but some have an indoor component, so for those, preregistration is required.
Shea said he usually gets 20-25 people participating, but because it is outdoors, the weather plays a major role in how many people come out.
A GRAND TOUR
Natural Areas Coordinator Joshua Shea explains a peculiar trait of Shrikes, a bird that resides in the Grand River Trail area near the Pioneer Tower. The Shrike is a small, predatory songbird that will impale its catch on the thorns and barbs of trees, to be consumed later. Photo by Mark Hall
Natural Areas Coordinator Joshua Shea explains a peculiar trait of Shrikes, a bird that resides in the Grand River Trail area near the Pioneer Tower. The Shrike is a small, predatory songbird that will impale its catch on the thorns and barbs of trees, to be consumed later. Photo by Mark Hall
A merganser gets the catch of the day from the Grand River off the Walter Bean Trail, just below the Pioneer Tower.A merganser gets the catch of the day from the Grand River off the Walter Bean Trail, just below the Pioneer Tower.
A gaggle of Canada geese land in a nearby cornfield. Most Kitchener Natural Areas programs are outside so it is important to dress appropriately. Photos by Mark Hall.
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KNAP Programs Winter Season
WINTER WILDLIFE TRACKING
Sunday January 18, 10 a.m.
Wednesday January 21, 10 a.m.
Huron Natural Area, 801 Trillium Drive, Kitchener.
Meet at the main entrance picnic shelter
Learn how to recognize some of the common winter animal tracks and enjoy a leisurely hike through the forests and fields of the Huron Natural Area.
Dress appropriately for the outdoor hike.
Free – All Ages Welcome!
Note: Washroom facilities will not be available.
BIRDS AROUND THE CITY
Tuesday February 10, 7 p.m.
Thursday February 26, 1 p.m. (Lunch & Learn)
Stanley Park Community Centre
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced birder, you will want to attend this presentation to learn more about birds and birding in Kitchener. We will discuss different tips on bird identification and bird feeding as well as some different places within the city where you can go to discover birds in your neighbourhood. Register through the Stanley Park Centre Call: (519) 741-2504
OWLS IN KITCHENER’S NATURAL AREAS
(PROGRAM FULL FOR THIS DATE)
Saturday February 21, 7 p.m.
Huron Natural Area, 801 Trillium Drive, Kitchener
Meet at the School Portable
Spend an evening learning about the different owls that live in Kitchener’s Natural Areas. We will begin with an indoor slideshow about owls and their habitats and behaviours. We will also go for a night hike to call and look for owls in the Huron Natural Area. Dress appropriately for the outdoor hike.
WINTER WILDLIFE TRACKING
Sunday January 18, 10 a.m.
Wednesday January 21, 10 a.m.
Huron Natural Area, 801 Trillium Drive, Kitchener.
Meet at the main entrance picnic shelter
Learn how to recognize some of the common winter animal tracks and enjoy a leisurely hike through the forests and fields of the Huron Natural Area.
Dress appropriately for the outdoor hike.
Free – All Ages Welcome!
Note: Washroom facilities will not be available.
BIRDS AROUND THE CITY
Tuesday February 10, 7 p.m.
Thursday February 26, 1 p.m. (Lunch & Learn)
Stanley Park Community Centre
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced birder, you will want to attend this presentation to learn more about birds and birding in Kitchener. We will discuss different tips on bird identification and bird feeding as well as some different places within the city where you can go to discover birds in your neighbourhood. Register through the Stanley Park Centre Call: (519) 741-2504
OWLS IN KITCHENER’S NATURAL AREAS
(PROGRAM FULL FOR THIS DATE)
Saturday February 21, 7 p.m.
Huron Natural Area, 801 Trillium Drive, Kitchener
Meet at the School Portable
Spend an evening learning about the different owls that live in Kitchener’s Natural Areas. We will begin with an indoor slideshow about owls and their habitats and behaviours. We will also go for a night hike to call and look for owls in the Huron Natural Area. Dress appropriately for the outdoor hike.