🌟 Events for 2026 🌟
📅 April 30, 2026 – – Gardens On the Green – Markham
🎤 Guest Speaker: Paul Oliver, Founder of Urban Nature Store
📅 May 23, 2026 – Sam Smith Birding Festival
Urban Nature Store Exhibition
📅 May 25, 2026 – North York Garden Club
🎤 Guest Speaker: Paul Oliver, Founder of Urban Nature Store
📅 June 22, 2026 – Lake Simcoe Gardeners
🎤 Guest Speaker: Paul Oliver, Founder of Urban Nature Store
📅 July 25, 2026 – Oshawa – OHA Regional AGM – Marketplace booth
🎤 Guest Speaker: Paul Oliver, Founder of Urban Nature Store
📅 Oct 8, 2026 – Brantford Garden Club
🎤 Guest Speaker: Paul Oliver, Founder of Urban Nature Store
📅 October 14, 2026 – Cloyne Garden Club
🎤 Guest Speaker: Paul Oliver, Founder of Urban Nature Store
🐦2026 Birding Walks with Urban Nature Store
🎟️ Free Beginner Birding Walks
All walks are completely free, but spots are limited.
📩 Please RSVP in advance at support@urbannaturestore.ca to secure your place.
🦆 Lynde Shores Conservation Area
📅 Sunday, May 3rd at 9:00 AM
👤 Leader: Zunaid Khan
📍 Meeting Point: Parking lot, 623 Halls Rd South, Whitby
🚗 Getting There:
Exit Hwy 401 at Lakeridge Rd → head south → left on Victoria St → right on Halls Rd → parking lot on left
🚶 Walk Details:
1.5–2 hours, 4 km loop on mostly unpaved, uneven but fairly flat trails. No stairs.
🌿 Walk Description:
A scenic loop through Lynde Shores featuring marshes and diverse habitats—ideal for spotting a variety of bird species.
🎒 What to Bring: Water, snacks, binoculars and/or camera
All walks are completely free, but spots are limited.
📩 Please RSVP in advance at support@urbannaturestore.ca to secure your place.
📅 Friday May 8th – Friends of Second Marsh – Oshawa at 9:00 AM - Click here to Register
Location - McLaughlin Bay Trails, Oshawa, ON L1H
Join Friends of Second Marsh for a hike for beginner birders. This hike is for 16 years and up.
Curious about birdwatching but not sure where to start? Join us for a guided Spring Migration Hike and discover the amazing birds passing through McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve and Oshawa Second Marsh during one of the most exciting times of the year!
This relaxed hike is designed especially for beginner birders (ages 16+).
No experience needed, just bring your curiosity, comfortable walking shoes, and binoculars if you have them.
Free event | Ages 16+ No washrooms on site. No dogs or smoking permitted.
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📅 Saturday, May 9th – Friends Of Second Marsh – Oshawa - At 9:00 AM - Click here to Register
Location - McLaughlin Bay Trails, Oshawa, ON L1H
Join Friends of Second Marsh for a hike for beginner birders. This hike is for 16 years and up.
Curious about birdwatching but not sure where to start? Join us for a guided Spring Migration Hike and discover the amazing birds passing through McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve and Oshawa Second Marsh during one of the most exciting times of the year!
This relaxed hike is designed especially for beginner birders (ages 16+).
No experience needed, just bring your curiosity, comfortable walking shoes, and binoculars if you have them.
Free event | Ages 16+
No washrooms on site. No dogs or smoking permitted.
🌊 Colonel Samuel Smith Park
📅 Saturday, May 16th at 9:00 AM
👤 Leader: Zunaid Khan
📍 Meeting Point: Second parking lot on Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr (south of skating trail lot)
🚇 Getting There:
From Kipling Station → take 44 bus south → last stop → 5-minute walk
🚶 Walk Details:
1.5–2 hours, 1.5–3 km circular route on mostly unpaved, flat surfaces. No stairs.
🌿 Walk Description:
We’ll head toward the lake, explore the shoreline, and complete a loop back to the starting point.
🎒 What to Bring: Binoculars, snacks, drinks
All walks are completely free, but spots are limited.
📩 Please RSVP in advance at support@urbannaturestore.ca to secure your place.
Spring Migration: Warblers of Swan Lake Park 🐦
📍 Swan Lake Park, 25 Swan Park Rd, Markham
📅 May 17, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Join us for a guided bird walk during peak spring migration! Swan Lake Park is home to over 188 bird species—including 27 types of warblers. We’ll focus on spotting and identifying these vibrant spring migrants as they pass through.
What to expect: Chances to see warblers, vireos, herons, and more
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and binoculars (limited pairs available to borrow). Cameras welcome!
Meet-up: Please meet at the gazebo by the sign for the park at 25 Swan Park Road by 10:00 am on May 17th, 2026.
Parking: Street parking available along Swan Park Road. Note: No washrooms on-site. Nearby cafés and restaurants are available.
Walk Leader:
Kathleen Elizabeth is a passionate birder and ethical wildlife photographer since 2022. She is actively involved with several organizations including the Toronto Ornithological Club, Ontario Field Ornithologists, FLAP Canada, and Bird Friendly City Markham. Kathleen regularly leads bird walks and has contributed to multiple community and conservation projects, including the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas.
All walks are completely free, but spots are limited.
📩 Please RSVP in advance at support@urbannaturestore.ca to secure your place.
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🌇 Port Lands & Biidaasige Park
📅 Sunday, May 24th at 9:00 AM
📍 Meeting Spot: Cherry Beach (near washrooms)
🚶 Walk Details:
1.5–2 hour circular walk on mostly flat terrain with gentle slopes
🌿 Walk Description:
Starting at Cherry Beach, we’ll explore the Port Lands, walk along Cherry Street to Biidaasige Park, complete a loop, and return to our starting point.
🅿️ Free parking available at Cherry Beach
🚇 TTC Directions:
Line 1 to Union Station → 114 bus → Cherry St & Commissioners → walk to meeting point
🎒 What to Bring: Drinks, snacks, binoculars and/or camera
All walks are completely free, but spots are limited.
📩 Please RSVP in advance at support@urbannaturestore.ca to secure your place.
