Date – Thursday, October 16th, 2025 Time – 1:00PM – 3:00PM (approx.) Where – Upjohn Nature Reserve, Bracebridge (final details will be provided after registration) What is Forest Bathing? Also known as Shinrin- Yoku refers to the practice of spending time in forest or natural areas for the purpose of enhancing health wellness and happiness. The practice follows the general principal that it is beneficial to spend time bathing in the atmosphere of nature. The Japanese words translated into English as forest bathing. Although Forest Bathing is inspired by the Japanese practice, the use of the terms forest therapy and Shinrin-Yoku do not mean a specifically Japanese practice. It means spending time in nature in a way that invites healing interactions. There is a long tradition of this in cultures throughout the world. It’s not just about healing people - it includes healing for the forest or river or desert or whatever environment you are in. There are an infinite number of healing activities that can be incorporated into a walk in a forest or any other natural area. An activity is likely to be healing when it makes room for listening, for quiet and accepting presence, and for inquiry through all of the eight sensory modes we possess. About Laurie Lamont - The Forest is the Therapist, the guide opens the door…………… Laurie landed in Huntsville at the age of 13 spending most of her adolescent and adult years in Muskoka. She has spent her career as a counsellor and public educator at a local social service agent. She has had a special relationship with the land and water of the area having spent countless hours in the lakes, rivers and forests that is Muskoka. Laurie has completed an intensive practicum with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides to become a certified Nature Therapy Guide. She is trained in Wilderness First Aid and local foraging. She brings a calm and gentle approach to sharing the practice that she is so passionate about. What to bring: - Appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather - Water and a snack - Allergy or other emergency medicine if needed - Binoculars or a camera are recommended

In collaboration with District of Muskoka Climate Hero program

Fall Colours at Silver Doe Nature Quest Date – Thursday, September 25th, 2025 (Back-up date: Thursday, October 2nd) Time – 2:00PM – 4:00PM (approx.) Where – Silver Doe Nature Reserve, Gravenhurst What – Enjoy the autumn colours in the wetlands and rock barrens and put your steps to use by helping us stomp down the new trail loop. Learn about the changing colours and how the critters that call Silver Doe Nature Reserve home are preparing for the cold winter months ahead.  What to bring – - Appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather - Water and a snack - Allergy or other emergency medicine if needed - Binoculars or a camera are recommended

Summer '25 Muskoka Steward is hot off the press! Learn about new Nature Reserves, meet new team member and more.

Join us for our August Paddle Quest at one of Muskoka Conservancy's newest Protected Areas, Buck Lake Nature Reserve in Huntsville.

Marvelous Mosses of Muskoka Nature Quest w/ Special Guest Adam Storey Date – Saturday, August 9 th , 2025 Time – 9:30AM – 3:30PM (approx.) Where – Upjohn Nature Reserve, Bracebridge What – Muskoka is host to a wide variety of mosses and liverworts, two of the three types of bryophytes. Small but mighty, bryophytes grow in every corner of the globe and have adapted to some of the world's harshest conditions. Many species are critical components of ecosystems across Muskoka. From wetlands to forests to rock outcrops, Muskoka's characteristic landscape would not be the same without expansive carpets of soft mosses and liverworts. The UpJohn Nature Reserve near Bracebridge contains around 80 species of mosses and liverworts, including 10 species of peat mosses! Adam Storey Bio : Recent Lakehead University graduate Adam Storey has been studying bryophyte diversity across Canada for the past 3 years, including a year and a half working on the bryophytes of the Hudson Bay Lowlands at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Adam grew up in Simcoe-Muskoka and has taken a special interest in the bryophytes of this region. He returns to the region each year and hopes you will join him to learn more about the mosses and liverworts that call Muskoka home. What to bring Good shoes for hiking bug spray sunscreen water, snacks & lunch hand lens/loupe medications (if applicable)

Our upcoming Paddle Quest will take place at Pen Lake in Huntsville. We will explore the lake by paddle, before arriving at our Wolf Mountain conservation easement. Followed by a hike up the mountain to get a birds eye view of Pen Lake. Location: Pen Lake, Huntsville Date: Tuesday July 22nd (Back up date is July 24th) Time: Meet at 9:30am and will go until 12:30pm This event is BYOC- Bring your own Canoe (or kayak). This event Is not suitable for stand-up paddleboards. More info will be provided after registration.

Join us for an up close adventure at Sage Creek Nature Reserve, where we’ll explore the hidden world of benthic invertebrates—tiny but fascinating creatures that thrive in creek beds. This more challenging hike will take you through scenic trails and steep inclines as we uncover the secrets of freshwater ecosystems. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just curious about the critters beneath the water’s surface, this is your chance to connect with the wild in a whole new way. Date: Wednesday July 16 2025 Time : 9-11 am (approx) Location: Sage Creek Nature Reserve *exact location will be provided with registration* What to bring Good shoes for hiking bug spray sunscreen water & snacks magnify glass if you have one *Please note that there are steep inclines at this Nature Reserve*

J oin us for our June Nature Quest - Birding with Taylor & Cameron Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025 Time: 8am-10am (approx.) Where: Upjohn Nature Reserve, Bracebridge (exact meeting location provided with registration) Description: Join our summer Conservation Technician, Taylor & Cameron, at Upjohn Nature Reserve for a morning outing! Learn about the birds in the area and listen for different bird calls throughout our hike. What to bring: Appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather Water and a snack Allergy or other emergency medicine if needed Binoculars Bird guides Click HERE to register!