Join us for our Holiday Bird Count at Riverwood to help monitor and gather data on our local bird species! All experience levels welcome.
After the count, we’ll come together, enjoy hot chocolate, tea and coffee, and share the number of species and rare finds that each group observed.
This program operates on a donate-what-you-can basis, with your donations supporting the preservation of Riverwood’s bird habitat.
Group A (Guided – Easy Trails): Embark on a guided walk with a Riverwood staff member on the upper terrace, which features the flat and even Green trail system. All experience levels are welcome, from beginners to experts.
Group B (Guided – Moderate/Hard Trails): Join a Riverwood staff member on a guided walk down the Yellow and Red trail systems, characterized by two to three large hills and some uneven terrain. All experience levels are welcome, from beginners to experts!
Group C (Guided – Hard Trails): Join a Riverwood staff member and volunteers on
an guided exploration of the lower trails at Riverwood, including the Culham
Trail and sections of Red trail. Please note these trails are very uneven and
washed out.
Group D (Unguided – Seated/Stroll): Enjoy a seated or short strolling experience on the back patio and surrounding areas of Chappell House, where you can count the birds visiting the feeders and the surrounding trees. Accessible entrances and washrooms are available for your convenience.
Important Information
Binoculars are available to borrow throughout the duration of the event. A bird checklist and map will be provided to all participants
We will meet in Chappell House, depart in our groups, and then come back together at Chappell House.
Dress for the weather; this event takes place rain, snow, or shine unless severe weather is forecasted. Consider bringing winter boots, crampons/boot spikes, or a walking stick based on conditions.
No dogs permitted.
Cancellations
If the program is cancelled due to weather, we will attempt to reschedule.
About the Presenters
Stephanie Keeler is a passionate environmental educator with a degree in biology and geography from the University of Guelph. She spent several years immersing herself in the diverse flora and fauna of Algonquin Park’s forests and lakes as a Park Naturalist. Stephanie enjoys birding, camping, and native wildflower gardening. In her current role as the Community Program Coordinator at The Riverwood Conservancy, she strives to bridge city communities with the beauty and benefits of urban nature.
Taya Kehler combined her passions for horticulture and design while completing her degree in Landscape Architecture at Dalhousie University. Her goal is to enhance gardens with eco-friendly practices and year-round interest to encourage pollinators and welcome visitors to Riverwood.