MINESING RAPTORS
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 7 8:30 am TO 1:30 pm
Listening for Bats: Community Science and Conservation in Our Region
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2026
Listening for Bats: Community Science and Conservation in Our Region
Bats are among the most threatened mammals in Ontario, and several species found right here in this region have experienced steep declines due to white-nose syndrome, habitat loss, and other pressures. This talk introduces acoustic bat monitoring—how ultrasound detectors allow us to “listen” for bats—and how the Couchiching Conservancy is using this tool to support bat recovery through community science. We’ll look at Ontario’s bat recovery strategies, share local examples from the Conservancy’s monitoring program, and explore how land trusts can play a key role in bat conservation by protecting habitat and collecting valuable data. Together, local monitoring and land protection can help ensure bats remain an integral part of our nighttime landscape.
Toby Rowland is a dedicated conservation biologist with a passion for preserving biodiversity and ecosystems in this region. With over five years of experience at The Couchiching Conservancy, he has played a role in local conservation efforts, focusing on habitat protection, species monitoring, and working with community science volunteers.
Toby holds a degree and diploma in Ecological Restoration from Trent University and Sir Sandford Fleming College and has gained experience with a wide variety of species. This includes surveying for Bicknell's Thrush with Birds Canada, working on the Blanding's Turtle headstart program at the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, and participating in biodiversity research in Guyana with Operation Wallacea.
In his current role at The Couchiching Conservancy, Toby continues to work with a great team to protect the region’s natural heritage for future generations.
Northwest Barrie United Church, 464 Ferndale Drive North, Barrie and start at 7:30pm. Meetings are held in Westennial Hall at the back of the church. Park in the big lot off of Horsfield Drive
Remember to "LUG-A-MUG" for your beverages.
THE BUSINESS PORTION OF THE MEETINGS START AT 7:00 PM WITH THE SPEAKER TO FOLLOW. DOORS WILL BE OPEN AT 6:45 PM.
PRELIMINARY RESULTS BARRIE CBC 2025
The preliminary results of the Barrie CBC can be found clicking on the following link
BARRIE 2025 CBC PRELIMINARY RESULTS.
Two new species Mute Swan and Purple Sandpiper were added to the all time count list.
Upcoming Meetings Fall 2025/WINTER 2026
The following dates have been reserved for the Fall 2025/Winter2026 meetings
February 20
March 20
April 17 AGM and Potluck Dinner
Northwest Barrie United Church, 464 Ferndale Drive North, Barrie and start at 7:30pm. Meetings are held in Westennial Hall at the back of the church. Park in the big lot off of Horsfield Drive
Remember to "LUG-A-MUG" for your beverages.
THE BUSINESS PORTION OF THE MEETINGS START AT 7:00 PM WITH THE SPEAKER TO FOLLOW. DOORS WILL BE OPEN AT 6:45 PM.
BLUE HERON FALL 2025
The Fall 2025 issue of The Blue Heron can be reached by clicking on the following image.
MEMBERSHIPS NOW PAYABLE BY e-TRANSFER
You can now use e-transer to pay your Nature Barre Membership fee.
if you would like to become a member of Nature Barrie or to renew an existing membership, please complete the fillable pdf and return by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Membership dues can be paid:by e-transfer, details here. , OR
by mailing a cheque to Nature Barrie, P.O. Box 1084, Barrie ON L4M 5E1, OR
by paying cash or cheque at the next monthly meeting.
Lyme Disease in Ontario
Brochure author John Scott and his wife Catherine (Kit), have been researching Lyme and ticks since 1990. For more information on Lyme Disease in Ontario, click this link.
Bird Friendly Barrie
A link to the City of Barrie's Bird Friendly City web site
Barrie was certified as a Bird Friendly City on June 16, 2022. A Bird Friendly City is a community where key threats to birds are effectively mitigated, nature is restored so native bird populations can thrive, residents are actively engaged in admiring and monitoring local bird populations, and organizations are creating events to protect birds..
