Bug Safari at Pittock Conservation Area

When you think of a safari, you might imagine lions hunting antelope, elephants munching on fruit and bark, or cheetahs racing through the grass in Maasai Mara National Reserve. But since Kenya is pretty far away, why not try a mini safari right here in Ontario? And when we say mini, we mean bugs! Join us for Bug Safari at Fanshawe Conservation Area and discover the wonders of a tiny but amazing world hiding in plain sight. In this world, Praying Mantis wait to ambush frogs, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars chew on the leaves of towering Tulip Trees, and Autumn Meadowhawk dragonflies zoom through the air along shorelines. Bring your excitement and curiosity and we’ll bring the bug nets and field guides. UTRCA staff will be on hand to offer support and answer questions throughout the program, but you will be free to explore and collect insects to your heart’s content. At the end of the safari, we will gather to show and tell some of the amazing creatures we found.

Bug Safari is a great event for budding and experienced entomologists alike, although all children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Sign up soon because we only have 30 spots available. We can’t wait to explore with you!

Program Notes

-Bug Safari is a free event, but the regular vehicle gate fee will apply when entering the park.

-Registration through Eventbrite is required to attend Bug Safari. All participants must receive their own ticket, including children and babies, so we can have an accurate head count.

-Please come dressed appropriately for a morning adventure in the forest, pond, and grass. The better prepared you are, the more bugs you are likely to find! Bug Safari will run rain or shine, but will be canceled in the case of severe inclement weather. If the event is cancelled due to inclement weather, we will notify all participants through email by 8 am on the day of the event. We will do our best to reschedule the event to a new date/time.

-Onsite washrooms will be available, if needed.

-Don’t forget to pack a water bottle and nut-free snacks.

All UTRCA summer events will be led by UTRCA Environmental Educators. Staff have First Aid training and Vulnerable Persons Checks. We are excited to share our passion for nature and the outdoors with you!

Questions?

Contact Karlee Flear, Community Education Supervisor (Fanshawe), Upper Thames River Conservation Authority

[email protected]

Host or Publisher Upper Thames River Conservation Authority