We don’t just study nature: WE EXPERIENCE NATURE!

Our Next Event

17Oct2024

MPFN InPerson Mtg.

Guest Speaker: Robert Burcher "My Summer of Glorious Freedom: John Muir's Saunters Around Southern Ontario in the Summer of 1864"

From 7:30 pm until 9:30 pm

At Wye Marsh

Guest Speaker: Robert Burcher

Robert Burcher is a photographer, writer, historical researcher and wilderness explorer who has been fascinated by John Muir, the Scottish-born American conservationist and Sierra Club co-founder, for decades.

The discovery of an abandoned historical plaque in the Epping Conservation Area in the Beaver Valley galvanized Robert to action. The plaque honoured the fact that John Muir had lived in Meaford for two years during the late 1800s. That was the beginning of a 30-year research project culminating in a book called My Summer of Glorious Freedom. The book was a discovery process of tracing Muir’s 1864 wanderings in Southern Ontario using plant specimens that he had collected.

Robert recently led a group of MPFN members on a pilgrimage to the John Muir cabin site. This month’s meeting will give Robert a chance to tell us the full story of Muir’s time in Ontario.

The good news is that Robert will have several copies of his book for sale at Thursday’s meeting! It’s been out of print for some time as the first couple of printings sold out. The book was recently read and discussed by the MPFN Nature Book Club and received unanimous thumbs up. The book will sell for $40. Payment can be made by cash, cheque or e-transfer.

We will once again be fundraising at Thursday’s meeting by selling our 50/50 tickets. 1 chance for 2 dollars, 3 chances for 5 dollars.

We will also be running our GREAT NATURE BOOK SALE. You can bring along any used nature books you’d like to donate. Books donated will be resold for what the buyer thinks they’re worth with all proceeds going to club operations.

Our Mission.

To study and
appreciate nature.
To protect and preserve wildlife
and the environment.
To stimulate public interest in,
and promote protection
and preservation of nature.

Who we are.

The Midland Penetanguishene Field Naturalists Club (MPFNC) is one of the oldest affiliates of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists. The objective of the Club is to promote public awareness of natural history, conservation and the environment. We feature lectures by expert naturalists on a range of fascinating topics at our monthly meetings. We also schedule  outings (field trips) and nature study.

We meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month, 7:30 PM at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre No meeting in December, July or August.  Our June meeting is held at Tiny Marsh.

For a printable schedule of our meetings & events, click the link to view and download our MPFN 2024/2025 Program bookmark (opens in a new tab).

The MPFNC is involved in many projects in the area including the Christmas Bird Count as well as environmental and wildlife surveys, the Tiny Marsh BioBlitz and the Sweet Water Harvest at the Wye Marsh. The club also supports the Owl Foundation at the Christmas Bird Count Potluck Wrap-up at the Wye Marsh. This year we raised $440 for the Owl Foundation of Vineland through our famous Mystery Gift Not-So-Silent Auction.