Thickson's Woods Land Trust
Thickson Road South L1N 9Z7 Whitby, ON, Canada

Hi Everyone, Just a reminder that, due to the pandemic, the annual Nature Festival originally scheduled for this coming Saturday at Thickson’s Woods Nature Reserve will not be happening this year.... The format for the festival is based on close-up, hands-on interaction between visitors and our volunteers. That approach is not possible under current circumstances. Many of our volunteers are in the high-risk group, and many of our keenest visitors are very young and enthusiastic, but perhaps not always accustomed to following social distancing guidelines, even if that approach were practical. However, the seasonal sequence of natural happenings in the reserve continues in all its variety, and folks are welcome to come spend time in nature. The chickadees still greet visitors who bring sunflower seed treats.

Notice from the Thickson’s Woods Nature Reserve All posted regulations must be strictly followed, regarding social distancing, staying on the paths and protecting wildlife and vegetation. Do not post any sightings or photos from the reserve on ebird, Facebook, Ontbirds, etc., during the month of May. Any contravention will result in cameras and tripods being banned from entry.

Thickson's Woods Winter Walk Public Hosted by Durham Region Field Naturalists Tomorrow at 10 AM - 1:PM

Here is some important information.

Thickson's Woods Winter Walk Public Hosted by Durham Region Field Naturalists Tomorrow at 10 AM - 1:PM

Come join us! Don't forget some sunflower seeds!

Come join us! Don't forget some sunflower seeds!

Please be respectful of all of the precious creatures in the woods! If they are trying to rest, let them rest!! Keep your distance, be quiet, stay a short time, then let them be. Follow the ethical rules of birding. http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/aboutus.ethics

Thank you, Phil, for all that you do for Thickson's Woods! Please support the Matt Holder Fund! Please find the link to the latest copy of The Aquila, the Newsletter of The Matt Holder Environmental Research. Please forward this to anyone who you think may be interested. ... https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/

Please read the following message from the president, Otto Peter, of Thickson's Woods Land Trust: I am President of Thickson’s Woods Land Trust and I have been informed that a photographer who was on our Thickson’s Woods Reserve property was observed baiting a roosting owl using a dead mouse. This practice must stop immediately. I wish to post a warning to all that there will be zero tolerance in the future for this unacceptable practice. Since the Reserve is private property, where people are allowed access if they follow our posted rules, trespass charges will be automatic and immediate for any and all caught baiting any owls or for that matter any bird species going forward at the Thickson’s Woods Reserve.

Please be respectful of all of the precious creatures in the woods! If they are trying to rest, let them rest!! Keep your distance, be quiet, stay a short time, then let them be. Follow the ethical rules of birding. http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/aboutus.ethics

Thank you to everyone who braved the chilly weather and dug up garlic mustard! We will have beautiful wildflowers in the spring!!

The current issue of ON Nature has a great article about Thickson's Woods and the incredible biodiversity there!

Garlic Mustard Day this Saturday, November 30 9:00 to Noon Hi Everyone,... Despite the wintry weather in early November, the ground in the woods is not frozen and the weather promises to cooperate, so the garlic mustard dig in Thickson’s Woods Nature Reserve this Saturday in on. Temperatures are supposed to be just below freezing, so dress appropriately, and wear warm gloves for the task. Enter the woods at the entrance on the south side of the Waterfront trail east from Thickson Road. Walk south through the woods to the house with the big garden where we’ll meet to collect tools and plan our attack. I know this is a busy time of year with lots of other things happening, so if you can’t make it today, you’re more than welcome to come join the fight any other time. Don't forget to bring sunflower seeds for the chickadees!

Thank you to everyone who braved the chilly weather and dug up garlic mustard! We will have beautiful wildflowers in the spring!!

Garlic Mustard Day this Saturday, November 30 9:00 to Noon Hi Everyone,... Despite the wintry weather in early November, the ground in the woods is not frozen and the weather promises to cooperate, so the garlic mustard dig in Thickson’s Woods Nature Reserve this Saturday in on. Temperatures are supposed to be just below freezing, so dress appropriately, and wear warm gloves for the task. Enter the woods at the entrance on the south side of the Waterfront trail east from Thickson Road. Walk south through the woods to the house with the big garden where we’ll meet to collect tools and plan our attack. I know this is a busy time of year with lots of other things happening, so if you can’t make it today, you’re more than welcome to come join the fight any other time. Don't forget to bring sunflower seeds for the chickadees!

From the Thickson's Woods newsletter! Coming Events: Saturday, November 30, 9:00 to Noon - Invasive Plant Removal Unfortunately, due to government funding cuts, we weren’t lucky enough to have summer staff to help... with invasive species removal this year. So we really need your help to control both garlic mustard and dog strangling vine. Late fall is a good time to remove garlic mustard plants that would otherwise flower next spring, producing thousands of seeds to reinvade the woods. The weather is cool, so biting insects aren’t a bother, and most annual plants have died back, making the green garlic mustard easy to spot. Dress for the weather and bring your favourite tools for the job. Or just come and we’ll provide the equipment. Late fall migrants will also be on the move, while wintering birds should be arriving. And resident chickadees will be looking for a handout, so bring a few sunflower seeds in your pocket. In case it’s rainy on Saturday, we’ll try again on Sunday at the same hour. And if you can’t make it, but would like to help any other time, contact us at [email protected] or 905-725-2116. See more

These are amazing!

Come hear this important presentation!

From the Thickson's Woods newsletter! Coming Events: Saturday, November 30, 9:00 to Noon - Invasive Plant Removal Unfortunately, due to government funding cuts, we weren’t lucky enough to have summer staff to help... with invasive species removal this year. So we really need your help to control both garlic mustard and dog strangling vine. Late fall is a good time to remove garlic mustard plants that would otherwise flower next spring, producing thousands of seeds to reinvade the woods. The weather is cool, so biting insects aren’t a bother, and most annual plants have died back, making the green garlic mustard easy to spot. Dress for the weather and bring your favourite tools for the job. Or just come and we’ll provide the equipment. Late fall migrants will also be on the move, while wintering birds should be arriving. And resident chickadees will be looking for a handout, so bring a few sunflower seeds in your pocket. In case it’s rainy on Saturday, we’ll try again on Sunday at the same hour. And if you can’t make it, but would like to help any other time, contact us at [email protected] or 905-725-2116. See more

Come to hear all about this!