CURRENT
Complete 2026 Calendar
- Events We usually ask for a donation as in : Admission by donation.
- Workshops (all workshops are $25.00 pp; students $10.00)
- Rest:Cost will be at the Adventure
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Heading
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Date
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Event
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Theme
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Febr
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16
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Winterlude
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Event
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Event
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March
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16–20
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March Break Adventure
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Youth / Outdoors
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$250.00
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March
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Tba
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Annual ID / Spring Opening
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Nature / Community
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Workshops
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April
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4
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Easter EcoEgg Hunt
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Event
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Event
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April
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16
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Info Session Aging Successfully
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Seniors
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$250.00
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April
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18-22
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Earth Day Celebration
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Event
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Event
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April
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16
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Matt the Birdman & Raptors
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Special Guest
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$10.00 pp
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June
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6
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Birding ID with John Bick
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Expert Field Walk
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Workshop
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June
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20
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Summer Solstice Festival
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Annual Celebration
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Event
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July
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6-31
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Summer Day Camp Adventure
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Youth/ Outdoors
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$250.00
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Aug
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14-16
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Crooked Fest
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Concert by TO Youth
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tba
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Sept
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13
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Forest Bathing
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Workshop
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Workshop
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Sept
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26
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Manoomin at Curve Lake
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Cultural Harvest
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Event
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Oct
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2
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Forest School starts 10 sessions
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Youth/Outdoor
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$600.00
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Oct
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3
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Mushroom ID with Adam Mozzetti
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Science / Mycology
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Workshop
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Oct
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4
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Harvest Table Potluck
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Community / Social
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Event
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Oct
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4
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Mosses ID with Phaedra Cowden
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Science / Technical
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Workshop
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Oct
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18
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Aging Successfully virtual
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Seniors
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10 Workshops
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Oct
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31
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Fall Fest and Halloween
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Family / Seasonal
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Event
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Nov
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15
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Wreath & Planter Foraging
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Creative / Nature
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Workshop
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Dec
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21
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Winter Solstice with KLT
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Conservation / Ritual
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Event
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Easter EcoEgg Hunt April 4, 2026
Download our Eco-Explorer Checklist early to get the kids excited, or pick up a copy at the Hayloft on April 4th!
eco-explorer checklist
- Theme: Reconnecting with the Land
Family Day at Gamiing Nature Centre
Snowshoe Excursions
Discovery Trails: Explore the 100-acre property on snowshoes. Gamiing often provides guided walks where naturalists point out winter animal tracks (look for deer, wild turkey, and rabbit prints) and explain how local wildlife adapts to the cold.
Equipment: Limited snowshoes are available on-site, but bringing your own is encouraged if you have them. You also can get them at the library for free.
Shoreline & Forest Education
The Frozen Lake:Learn about the health of Pigeon Lake during the winter. The centre often hosts mini-workshops on shoreline restoration and the importance of native plants, even when they are dormant under the snow.
Winter Tree ID:Join a short workshop to learn how to identify local coniferous and deciduous trees by their bark and buds rather than their leaves.
Family Bushcraft & Survival Skills
Fire Building: Learn the traditional way to build a fire in the snow—a great skill for older kids and teens.
Shelter Building: Depending on snow conditions, families can try their hand at building "quinzees" or simple brush shelters in the woods. (lots of brush available as a result of the snowstorm last year.
Maze:depending on the amount of snow available John D. and Marthy will build a maze.
Warm-Up Station
The Hayloft:Head back to the main centre to warm up by the fire
Hot Refreshments: Expect hot chocolate and cedar tea (a traditional Indigenous beverage) to be served as you share stories of your trail discoveries. Hot dogs and marshmallows can be roasted.
Event Details
- Date:Monday, February 16, 2026
- Time:Typically 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
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Location:1884 Pigeon Lake Rd, between
Bobcaygeon and Lindsay ON - Cost:admission by donation.
Quick Tips for Visitors
- Pack a "Sit-Upon": If you plan to enjoy the fire pit, a waterproof cushion or piece of foam is handy for sitting on snowy logs.
- Bird Seed: Gamiing is a haven for winter birds. Bring some black oil sunflower seeds to fill the feeders at the lookout points.
- Check the Ice:If you plan to walk near the shoreline, always follow staff directions regarding ice safety on Pigeon Lake.
Know Before You Go: Family Day at Gamiing
- Easter EcoEgg Hunt April 4, 2026
Easter EcoEgg Hunt at Gamiing
- For the Easter EcoEgg Hunt on Saturday, April 4, 2026, | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM the focus shifts to sustainability and outdoor discovery. This event is a hallmark of Gamiing’s spring season, held the Saturday before Easter Sunday.
- Join us for a "gentle" egg hunt that respects our forest and its wild inhabitants. Instead of traditional candy-filled eggs, children will search for eco-friendly alternatives hidden along the Activity Area
- Sustainable Seek-and-Find:We use large plastic eggs with a surprise photo and story hidden in the tall grass and hollow logs.
- The “Token” System:Once children find 10 eggs, they return them to where they found them for the next participant. They mark it on their sheet and return to the Hayloft to trade for a
- Pollinator-Friendly Prize (like seed packets for a butterfly garden or a small locally-made treat). This ensures no plastic is left behind in the forest.
- Egg-Laying Education:Along the trail, stop at our Discovery Shack to learn about the “real” eggs of Gamiing—from the tiny blue eggs of the American Robin to the leathery eggs of the Painted Turtle.
- Location:1884 Pigeon Lake Rd, Lindsay, ON
- Registration:Pre-registration is highly recommended to ensure we have enough “eco-prizes” for every little explorer.
- What to Wear:April in the Kawarthas can be “mud-season!” Rubber boots and splash pants are strongly advised.
- Cost:Admission by donation. All proceeds go toward our education projects.
Aging Successfully: An “Aging in Place” 10-Part Series
Information and registration April 16
The Virtual Workshops will be offered during October and November.
The info session is to wet your appetite.
A virtual workshop series facilitated by Mieke Schipper
Meet Your Facilitator: Mieke Schipper “I am passionate about helping individuals navigate the transition into their later years with intention, community, and joy. As a facilitator, my goal is to create a safe, engaging space where we can tackle the big questions together—from the logistics of co-care to the spiritual growth of ‘Saging.’ I look forward to exploring these possibilities with you and helping you design a future that feels vibrant and connected.”
“When she isn’t facilitating discussions on community living, you can often find Mieke exploring the outdoors, practicing the very navigation and survival skills she is supporting John in the specialized workshops.”
- Meet Mieke:An informal Q&A about “Aging in Place” and Co-housing.
- Taking Stock:A brief group exercise on “Spring Cleaning” our goals and intentions for the year ahead.
- Date:[Insert Date – e.g., Late March/Early April]
- Location:[Insert Location/Virtual Link]
- Cost:[Insert Price or “Free Community Event”]
What does it truly mean to age well? This immersive 10-part series is designed to make vivid the opportunities, challenges, and joys of “aging in place.” Together, we will explore the significant advantages of aging within a supportive community or neighborhood compared to more traditional alternatives.
Throughout the series, we will take stock of our lives and reconsider our futures through these ten focused lenses:
- Defining Our Future:Assessing our current quality of life and defining what we want—and how we want it.
- Working Together:Learning new communication and shared decision-making skills.
- The Realities of Aging:A grounded look at the physical and logistical shifts of getting older.
- Co-Care & Outside Care:Navigating the balance of community support and professional assistance.
- Community Health:Understanding the vital role others play in keeping us healthy and happy.
- The Economics of Aging:Practical insights into the financial aspects of getting older.
- Spirit & Soul:Nurturing continued growth and strengthening bonds by exploring the inner self.
- Saging:Growing into “Elderhood” and recognizing the wisdom we have to offer the world.
- Embracing Risk:Finding the courage to pursue new opportunities and lifestyles.
Case Studies: Learning from real-world examples of successful community aging
For the Virtual Workshops (Aging Successfully)
- Platform:We use [Zoom/Google Meet]. A link will be emailed to you 24 hours before each session.
- Environment:Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can participate in our group discussions.
- “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s go!'”— Join us as we start the season with the right skills, the right mindset, and a shared sense of adventure.
Spring Activities [Date and Time TBA]
- Natural Dye Workshop:See a live demonstration of how to color eggs using kitchen scraps like red cabbage (blue), onion skins (gold), and turmeric (yellow).
- Build-a-Nest Challenge:Using only materials found on the forest floor—twigs, mud, and dried grass—can you build a nest strong enough to hold an egg?
- Pigeon Lake Spring Watch:Take a guided walk to the shoreline to look for the first signs of spring returning to the water.
- Early Flora:Distinguishing spring ephemerals and emerging medicinal herbs.
- Tree Bark & Buds:Learning to identify local trees before their leaves unfurl.
- Tick Identification:A vital “ID” session on recognizing different tick species as they become active, paired with our Lyme Disease Herbal Protocol for early-season safety.
- The Spring “Waterless” Clean:Learn the eco-friendly way to wash off winter road salt and grime from your vehicle without using a single hose—perfect for early spring when outdoor taps might still be frozen!
- Navigation Tune-Up:A quick-start guide to recalibrating your GPS and dusting off your compass skills for the hiking season ahead.
- Spring Survival:Understanding “hypothermia weather” and how to stay safe during the unpredictable damp and cold of early spring.
Date: May 16th
We are thrilled to announce a very special guest and friend of Gamiing for our spring lineup! In the heart of winter, we visited Matt at his home in Kilworthy, ON, and we are so happy to report that he is recovering well from his recent illness and is ready to get back to what he does best.
Matt the Birdman is officially returning to Gamiing Nature Centre with his incredible birds of prey!
This is a rare opportunity to see these majestic raptors up close and learn from Matt’s deep well of knowledge about their behavior, habitat, and the importance of conservation.
Event Details
- When:May 16th
- Where:Gamiing Nature Centre
- Cost:Cost $10.00 pp for this event to support Matt and the care of these incredible birds.
Stay Updated
Full details regarding timing, specific birds attending, and ticket pricing will be posted soon. Please check our Instagram page for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes photos from our winter visit with Matt!
- Comfortable walking shoes or boots.
- Binoculars (if you have them).
- A field guide or birding app (like Merlin).
- Small Notebook and pencil
- Your curiosity!
Date: June 6th
Time: 8.30am
Join us at Gamiing for an immersive morning of birdwatching led by local expert John Bick. Whether you are a seasoned “birder” with your own spotting scope or a curious beginner looking to identify the songs in your own backyard, this workshop is for you.
June is a vibrant month at the Nature Centre. With the spring migration complete, we will focus on our resident species, observing nesting behaviors and learning to identify birds by both sight and sound.
What to Expect:
- Guided Hike:A gentle walk through Gamiing’s diverse habitats (wetlands, forests, and fields).
- Expert ID Tips:John will share his secrets for spotting elusive species and distinguishing between similar-looking birds.
- Ethics & Conservation:Learn how to observe birds responsibly without disturbing their natural habitats.
What to Bring:
John D. is handling the BBQ
Hannah and Aubrey Fricker are playing with Ally .
Date: June 20th
Celebrate the peak of summer and the longest day of the year at Gamiing Nature Centre! Our Annual Summer Solstice Festival is a time of community, reflection, and appreciation for the natural world in its full glory.
As the sun reaches its highest point, we gather to honor the abundance of the land and the warmth of our community. This family-friendly event features a blend of traditional celebration and outdoor exploration.
Festival Highlights:
- Sunrise & Sunset Observances:Special moments to mark the sun’s path across the sky.
- Guided Nature Walks:Explore the lush, mid-summer beauty of our trails at their most vibrant.
- Community Circle:A gathering led by Mieke Schipper to celebrate our “Aging Successfully” community and the strength of our local bonds.
- Art & Music:Local creators and sounds to celebrate the rhythm of the seasons.
- Solstice Education:Learn about the science and folklore behind the solstice and why it has been celebrated across cultures for millennia.
Plan Your Visit
- Admission:” Admission by Donation”
- What to bring:A blanket or lawn chair, sun protection, and your spirit of celebration!
- Food & Drink:[Insert details about refreshments or if it’s a potluck/BYO].
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” — Albert Camus.
Come help us celebrate that “invincible summer” at Gamiing
While Gamiing Nature Centre doesn’t currently list a specific “Forest Bathing” program by that name, we offer several “Re-Connect with Nature” workshops that follow the same principles of Shinrin-yoku. Located on the shores of Pigeon Lake (near Bobcaygeon and Lindsay), the centre features 5 km of trails through a young, evolving forest of black spruce, white pine, and sugar maple—perfect for a self-guided experience. Forest Bathing & Mindfulness at Gamiing with Mieke Schipper If you are looking for guided sessions, Gamiing typically offers these mindfulness-based programs:
- Mindfulness Workshop Series:Guided sessions designed to reduce stress through sensory awareness.
- Yoga in the Forest:Combines physical movement with the meditative atmosphere of their “West Woods” or “The Gathering Place”
- Interpretive Walks:While educational, our medicinal plant and moon walks emphasize a slow, observant pace similar to forest therapy.
- Unplug:Turn off your phone or leave it in your car.
- Slow Down:Walk with no destination. Gamiing’s trails wind through diverse habitats (forest and wetland) that are ideal for wandering.
- Engage Senses:Notice the scent of the pines, the sound of the wind in the marsh grasses, and the texture of the tree bark.
- Find a “Sit Spot”:Use one of the quiet areas near the Provincially Significant Wetland to sit still for 15–20 minutes and observe the wildlife (like Blanding’s turtles or various bird species).
A Celebration of the Wild Rice Harvest
Join us as we support and participate in the Manoomin (Wild Rice) celebrations at Curve Lake First Nation. Manoomin is more than just a food source; it is a sacred gift and a vital part of the ecosystem and Anishinaabe culture.
September is the time of the “Rice Moon,” when the harvest traditionally takes place using cedar knocking sticks and birchbark canoes.
What to Expect:
- Cultural Learning:Understand the traditional methods of harvesting, drying, and parching the rice.
- Ecological Importance:Learn how Manoomin supports local waterfowl and maintains water quality in our shared Kawartha lakes.
- Community Connection:This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from our neighbors at Curve Lake about the restoration and protection of wild rice beds.
Important Notes for Attendees:
- Respectful Observation:We encourage all Gamiing community members to attend with an open heart and a spirit of learning.
- Location:Curve Lake First Nation (Specific meeting points to be announced).
- Sustainability:Discover how the resurgence of Manoomin is a key part of local food sovereignty and environmental health.
“Manoomin is the only grain native to North America, and its return to our waters is a victory for biodiversity and tradition alike.”
Fall and Winter Workshops and Events
Unlock the Secrets of the Fungal Kingdom
Join us at Gamiing Nature Centre for a fascinating dive into the world of mycology with expert Adam Mozzetti. Autumn is a magical time on the forest floor, and October 3rd is the ideal window to discover the diverse mushrooms that call our region home.
Whether you are interested in the ecological role of fungi, their medicinal properties, or simply learning how to tell one species from another, Adam’s wealth of knowledge will change the way you look at the ground beneath your feet.
What We’ll Explore:
- Field Identification:Learn the key features used to identify mushrooms, including cap shapes, gill structures, and spore prints.
- The Wood-Wide Web:Discover the vital role fungi play in supporting the health of our local trees and soil.
- Safe Foraging Practices:Understand the “Golden Rules” of mushrooming—focusing on safety, sustainability, and respect for the ecosystem.
Workshop Details:
- When: Saturday, October 3
- Time: 10:00 am – noon
- Where: Meet at The Hayloft at Gamiing Nature Centre
- What to bring:
Exploring the Miniature Forests of Gamiing
Step into the fascinating, small-scale world of bryophytes! Join expert Phaedra Cowden for an intimate look at the mosses, liverworts, and hornworts that carpet our forest floor and cling to our ancient trees.
Often overlooked, these resilient plants play a massive role in our ecosystem, acting as nature’s sponges and providing habitat for countless tiny creatures. Phaedra will help us slow down and use our “macro” eyes to appreciate the incredible diversity of these ancient plants.
Phaedra will help us slow down and use our “macro” eyes to appreciate the incredible diversity of these ancient plants.
Workshop Highlights:
- Micro-Identification:Learn how to identify common local mosses using hand lenses.
- Moss Ecology:Discover how mosses survive extreme weather and their importance in carbon sequestration.
- The “Green” Carpet:Distinguishing between mosses and their look-alikes, such as lichens and clubmosses.
What to Bring:
- A hand lens or magnifying glass (if you have one).
- Kneepads or a small waterproof mat (we’ll be getting low to the ground!).
- A camera with a “macro” setting.
The Details:
- When: Sunday, October 4
- Time: 10:00 am – noon
- Where: The Hayloft at Gamiing Nature Centre (same here)
A Community Celebration in the Hayloft
After a busy season of learning and exploring, it is time to slow down and share in the bounty of the year. We invite you to the Gamiing Hayloft for our annual Harvest Table Potluck—a Sunday afternoon dedicated to good food, warm stories, and community connection.
Whether you’ve been part of our “Aging Successfully” series, attended a summer camp, or are just joining us for the first time, there is a seat for you at our table.
The Details:
- When:Sunday, October 4th
- Time:[Insert Start Time – e.g., 1:00 PM]
- Where:The Hayloft at Gamiing Nature Centre
- What to Bring:A dish to share (savory or sweet!), your own plate and cutlery to help us keep this a “zero-waste” event, and a story from your summer adventures.
Why We Gather:
As we transition into the cooler months, this gathering is our way of “taking stock”—not just of the harvest, but of the friendships and skills we’ve grown throughout the year. It’s a time to relax in the rustic charm of the hayloft and enjoy the company of neighbors and friends.
Aging Succesfully start.
Aging Successfully: An “Aging in Place” 10-Part Series. The Virtual Workshops are offered during October and November, starting October 18..
Throughout the series, we will take stock of our lives and reconsider our futures through these ten focused lenses:
- Defining Our Future:Assessing our current quality of life and defining what we want—and how we want it.
- Working Together:Learning new communication and shared decision-making skills.
- The Realities of Aging:A grounded look at the physical and logistical shifts of getting older.
- Co-Care & Outside Care:Navigating the balance of community support and professional assistance.
- Community Health:Understanding the vital role others play in keeping us healthy and happy.
- The Economics of Aging:Practical insights into the financial aspects of getting older.
- Spirit & Soul:Nurturing continued growth and strengthening bonds by exploring the inner self.
- Saging:Growing into “Elderhood” and recognizing the wisdom we have to offer the world.
- Embracing Risk:Finding the courage to pursue new opportunities and lifestyles.
Case Studies: Learning from real-world examples of successful community aging
For the Virtual Workshops
- Platform:We use [Zoom/Google Meet]. A link will be emailed to you 24 hours before each session.
- Environment:Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can participate in our group discussions.
A Day of Autumn Magic and Spooky Trai
End the season with a day of outdoor fun and community spirit! Our Fall Fest & Halloween event is designed for all ages—combining the best of the harvest season with a touch of Halloween mystery.
Whether you’re coming for the crisp forest air or the festive atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to spend the last day of October.
Festival Activities:
- The Spooky Nature Trail:Take a walk through our forest and discover the “creepy-crawly” side of nature. We’ll highlight the spiders, bats, and owls that make our ecosystem so special.
- Costumes in the Woods:We encourage campers, families, and even our “Aging Successfully” members to dress up! (Please ensure costumes are outdoor-friendly and warm).
- Pumpkin Carving & Decorating:A chance to get creative with the season’s most famous gourd.
- Warm Treats by the Fire:Enjoy hot cider and seasonal snacks as we gather to share stories of the year gone by.
Event Logistics:
- Date:October 31
- Time:[Insert Time – e.g., 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM]
- Cost:[Insert Details – e.g., Free for members / $10 for families]
- What to Wear:Costumes are highly encouraged, but remember to wear sturdy boots and warm layers for the trails!
Bring the Beauty of the Wild Home for the Holidays
As the forest settles into its winter slumber, there is still so much beauty to be found! Join Mieke or John for a creative, hands-on workshop where we will explore the trails of Gamiing to forage for natural holiday decorations.
Learn how to identify various evergreens, winter berries, and unique dried textures that will make your home feel festive and connected to the land.
What We’ll Do:
- Ethical Foraging:Learn how to harvest boughs and berries without harming the trees or the ecosystem.
- Species Identification:We will identify various conifers (Cedar, Pine, Spruce) and deciduous hollies or dogwoods perfect for winter color.
- Design & Prep:Once we’ve gathered our materials, we’ll head back to share tips on how to assemble stunning wreaths and outdoor planters that will stay fresh all season long.
Workshop Details:
- Date:November 15
- Time:11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- What to Bring:A pair of sharp garden pruners, a sturdy bag or basket, and warm work gloves.
- Registration:Please check our Instagram for pricing and to reserve your spot, as space is limited to ensure sustainable harvesting.
Honouring the Return of the Light
Join the Kawartha Land Trust and Gamiing Nature Centre as we gather to mark the Winter Solstice. On this shortest day and longest night of the year, we come together to celebrate the official start of winter and the quiet, restorative power of the season.
This collaborative event is a time for reflection, gratitude for the land we protect, and the warmth of community.
Solstice Activities:
- Guided Sunset Hike:Experience the stillness of the winter woods as we walk the Gamiing trails.
- Fire & Storytelling:We will gather around a communal fire to share stories of the land and the “Return of the Light” as the days begin to lengthen once again.
- KLT Conservation Talk:Learn about the vital work being done across the Kawarthas to protect our natural heritage and how Gamiing fits into this larger landscape.
- Quiet Reflection:A moment of silence to honor the cycle of the seasons and our connection to the Earth.
Event Details:
- Date:December 21st
- Time 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM]
- Location:Gamiing Nature Centre
- What to Bring:Very warm layers, sturdy winter boots, a headlamp or flashlight, and a mug for a warm beverage.
To ensure you have the best experience at Gamiing, please keep the following in mind:
How to Prepare for Your Visit
- Get in Touch
Have questions about a workshop or want to register?
- We would love to hear from you! Whether you are curious about the "Aging Successfully" virtual series or looking to sign up your child for an outdoor adventure, please reach out.
- Email:info@gamiing.org Social Media: Follow us on Instagram Get in Touch
- Have questions about a workshop or want to register?
- I would love to hear from you! Whether you are curious about the “Aging Successfully” virtual series or looking to sign up your child for an outdoor adventure, please reach out.
- Email: info@gamiing.org
- Social Media: Follow us on Instagram @[YourHandle] for the most up-to-date pricing and event photos.