The Bancroft Field Naturalist Club mandate is to ensure local residents have a respect for the natural environment we have here. We encourage this respect by providing information to the public on how to protect animals, plants, amphibians, reptiles and birds that are found in our area.
We belong to Ontario Nature, the Federation of Ontario Naturalist clubs and support their mandate to protect and restore natural habitats through research, education and conservation, connecting thousands of individuals and communities with nature.
The Bancroft Field Naturalist Club meets monthly on the third Monday of each month in Riverstone Retirement Residence(the old hospital). The Residence is located at 34 Hastings St. South. Our meetings are from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm. We do not meet in July & August. Most meetings feature a speaker on topics of interest to Naturalists. We welcome new members at any time as well as the general public. Field trips and nature walks are held during the different seasons. Club members will identify birds, plants, insects and animals seen on our nature walks in this area. We encourage families and individuals to join us and discover who the area's inhabitants are.
Our club built The Eagle's Nest Hawkwatch platform in 2001. This platform shown in the above photograph overlooks the York River valley and surrounding area. In the spring and fall, several species of hawks, the turkey vulture and other birds may be seen soaring on the thermals as they migrate through our area.
We have also established a hiking trail in Eagle's Nest Park which leaves the lower or upper parking lot. The trail is of moderate difficulty with benches located at three different habitats. The trail is a loop approximately 1.5 k in length with a shortcut trail offered for those who wish to do only part of the trail.
Map of the trails Trail map.
The club builds bluebird houses and bat houses in partnership with The Bancroft Stewardship Council, Freymond Lumber, and TMBR Mart. We also provide information on bluebird and bat habitats. The bluebird houses or do it yourself bluebird house kits and bat houses are available for a nominal cost.
We formed a partnership with Hydro One in 2007. They provided an Osprey Nest pole and platform for us. The platform is located on South Baptiste Lake Road just west of the Redmond Bay causeway.
In 2009 the club has undertaken a new project building artificial loon nest platforms. We are providing local lake associations with information on these platforms. More information on this project may be obtained by e-mailing bfnaturalistclub@yahoo.ca.
