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Field trips

The T.E.A. conducts a number of field trips over the summer. Everyone is welcome. There is no fee. The field trips are held in locations in Toronto itself and in the rest of Ontario. Most trips require pre-registration so that we can contact those who wish to participate in case the trip is not held due to rain or other unfavorable conditions.

The field trips include the Canada Day Butterfly counts for the North American Butterfly Association, surveys of particular habitats to assess the insect fauna, and visits to favourite places to refamiliarize ourselves with, and introduce visitors to, old friends.

For more information on our field trips, or if you would like to be added to our e-mail list, contact us.

Sunday May 3, 10 AM
WEST VIRGINIA WHITE SURVEY
Leader: Brenda Van Ryswyk
We will be assisting Conservation Halton (formerly the Halton Region Conservation Area) by assessing the status of the West Virginia White population. We will have some instruction in identification and in the survey protocol. We will spend most of the day in the Park, but may visit some other sites. Bring lunch, water, sunscreen, clothing suitable for hiking through woods, also insect nets and close-focussing binoculars if you have them.

Directions: From Hwy 401 take Exit 212 and go north on Guelph Line a short distance to Campbellville Rd., then east on Campbellville Rd. to Hilton Falls Conservation Area. We will meet at the Park entrance. (Now completed: this was our first field trip of the year)

Click to view photos

Saturday June 20, 8:30 p.m.
WALSINGHAM MOTH NIGHT
Leader: Dave Beadle
We will be visiting the farm of TEA Members Mary Gartshore and Peter Carson, near Walsingham, in the Long Point area. Dave has found a lot of great moths there over the years, and in June we can expect a spectacular variety. Attendees can come just for the evening, camp out, or stay at a B&B and return the next morning for the 8 a.m. wrap-up, after Dave has emptied the traps and ID'd the last of the moths.

Directions: Exit Hwy.403 at Hwy.24 just west of Brantford, and drive south on 24. It stops being an official hwy. and turns west near Lake Erie (near Port Ryerse). Continue west about 22 km, cross "Hwy.59", then go another 5.5 km on Concession Rd 5 (Regional Rd 60) to Mary and Peter's farm, #316. For more information contact Carolyn King at 416-222-5736 or cking@yorku.ca. Bring insect containers, a flashlight, moth guides if you have them. (Now completed)

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Saturday June 27, 11 a.m.
BUTTERFLY REARING
Leader: Rod Parrott
We will be visiting Rod Parrott’s butterfly-rearing facilities in Port Hope, where he raises butterflies and moths for the Montreal Insectarium and other conservatories and butterfly houses. Rod has a wealth of knowledge on all kinds of Lepidoptera, in the wild as well as in captivity. In the afternoon we will go to several local butterfly and odonate habitats. Bring lunch, water, nets and guides.

Directions: Contact Carolyn King for directions at 416-222-5736 or cking@yorku.ca. (Now completed)

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Wednesday July 1, 9 a.m.
T.E.A. EAST TORONTO BUTTERFLY COUNT
Co-ordinator: Tom Mason
Bone up on your ID skills and help count butterflies in the Rouge or Don Valley. This is an official NABA count and the TEA will pay your participation fee. For those counting in the Rouge, meet at the Pearse House.

Directions: From Sheppard Ave go north on Meadowvale Rd; take the exit to the Toronto Zoo but turn RIGHT at the first turn and park along the side of the road. Bring nets, containers, lunch and water. No collecting in the Rouge. Call Tom Mason at 905-839-6764 if you plan to participate. (Now completed)

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Saturday July 25, 8:30 p.m.
RONDEAU MOTH NIGHT
Leader: Dave Beadle
We will be returning to Rondeau Provincial Park in southwestern Ontario. Dave identified some rare and wonderful moths on our previous visits, and we are hoping for more rarities from Ontario's "Deep South". Steve LaForest will be giving an introductory presentation at 8:30 p.m., before we go out to see what moths have been lured in by the lights and Dave's "moth goop".

Directions: Take Exit 101 from Hwy 401 and drive south 16 km on Kent Bridge Rd. (Chatham Kent 15). Follow the signs to the Park. We will meet at the Rondeau Visitor Centre, about 6 km inside the Park gate. For more information contact Carolyn King at 416-222-5736 or cking@yorku.ca. (Now completed)

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Thursday August 6, 8:15 p.m.
HIGH PARK MOTH NIGHT
Leaders: Dave Beadle, Tom Mason
This is a joint outing with the High Park Community Advisory Council. Members of the public are invited to join TEA members Dave Beadle, Tom Mason, Carolyn King, and Karen Yukich for an evening of moth-catching and identification. A $2 donation is requested.

Directions: Meet at the benches across from the Grenadier restaurant at 8:15 pm. This outing is especially good for children – bring the whole family! No collecting. Bring insect containers, a flashlight, moth guides if you have them. For more information contact Carolyn King at 416-222-5736 or cking@yorku.ca. (Now completed)

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Saturday August 8, 10 a.m.
SPIDERS OF BLACKWATER (Beaver Creek)
Leader: Tom Mason
This has been a popular outing for a number of years. We have found many species, from infinitesimal spiderlings to large Fishing Spiders. The Beaver Creek rail trail has a wealth of habitats for all kinds of insects and spiders. Streams, ponds, bridges, weedy vegetation: all the places spiders like to be. Bring insect containers, nets, hand lens, water and lunch. (Note: Easy walking)

Directions: Meet on the road shoulder where Beaver Creek flows under Hwy 12 just south of Blackwater. (Now completed)

Click to view photos

Saturday August 15 (raindate: Sunday August 16), 5:45 a.m.
INSECT PHOTOGRAPHY AT SCOTSDALE FARM
Leader: Kerry Jarvis
After the excellent talk Kerry gave on photography at our TEA meeting, several members requested a follow-up outing. Kerry will be glad to advise on the techniques and strategies for getting good insect shots. Scotsdale Farm (also see this link) has over 500 acres of pasture and woodland on the Bruce Trail. Arriving before sunrise, we can take advantage of the early morning light and sleepy subjects! There are several fields/meadows that usually show promise of spiders, spider webs, and a host of other critters. The shoot could end late morning. There are other locations nearby on the Bruce Trail you can explore later.

Kerry has recently written an article for the summer issue of Outdoor Photography Canada magazine. Click here for details

Directions: The main entrance to Scotsdale Farm is on Trafalgar road 1 km north of Hwy 7. Meet in the parking lot. Bring a digital SLR, tripod, rain pants and rubber boots (for the early morning dew), long sleeves and insect repellent, hat, water, snacks. If you are coming, please call Kerry to confirm by Friday, August 14, not later than 9 p.m. (905) 873-6178 kerryjarvis@kerryjarvis.com

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