Naturalists in Residence

There’s so much nature around us, and so many things to learn. Throughout the summer, we have dedicated naturalists on-site to keep you (or your kids), entertained with spontaneous salamander searches, advice on where to find the best kayaking, guided hikes, and foraging.

Over the years, we’ve learned – you don’t follow our recreation schedule. You don’t want to hike at 10 am when we say you should. So, any time you’re ready, track down our naturalists in the green hats and ask the questions you want.

Growing up, Jordan spent her summers cruising the beautiful Kawartha Lakes and camping in parks across Ontario. This instilled her with a passion for exploring and protecting the world around her and sharing that passion with others. While earning her Ecosystem Management diploma at Fleming College, Jordan spent several summers working for Ontario Parks. She travelled by foot and canoe to the heart of Ontario wilderness, introduced hundreds of people to the basics of fishing, and assisted biologists in valuable ecological research. She brings with her a drive to always be learning and her personal mission to help people create their own connection to the natural world.

Here she is handling a pretty little garter snake.

Ideas

Here are some ways you can take advantage of our Naturalist program:

• Send your kids off on a turtle hunt
• Ask for the best fishing spots
• Get a personal, guided paddle into prime wildlife spotting territory
• Learn about our native trees and shrubs we plant in our gardens and on the grounds
• Bring us your bugs! They’ll tell you all about them!
• Talk about wildlife safety and learn about ATWEY – Animals That Will Eat You – to find out how to protect yourself. Hint: make yourself big and make noise and make sure your friends eat lots of garlic so they’re tastier than you are.
• Learn about foraging – what you can eat and what you really shouldn’t!