Special Events & Programs for 2012 at Backus Heritage Conservation Area

Have you ever hooted with the owls; unraveled a murder mystery; imagined the life of pioneer settler; experienced the War of 1812; planted trees; hiked through a Carolinian forest or had a blast at summer day camp?  These experiences and more are waiting for you and your family at Backus Heritage Conservation Area.  Visit Backus Heritage Conservation Area and create some great family memories. 

 

Call the conservation area at 519-586-2201 for more information on the line-up of special events.

2012 Special Events

WINTER TREES

February 18, 1:00 pm

Learn how to identify trees by using the three “B’s” – buds, bark and branches.  The indoor presentation is followed by a guided walk to fine tune your identification skills.  This popular program is presented in partnership with the Norfolk Field Naturalists.  Admission by donation.  Meet at the Conservation Education Centre.

 

AMAZING AMPHIBIANS

April 14, 6:30 pm

This "ribbiting" adventure starts inside the Conservation Education Centre, with tips to help you identify local frogs, toads and salamanders.  Then it’s outside to look and listen for these cold-blooded songsters. Bring rubber boots and a flashlight.  A partnership event with the Norfolk Field Naturalists.  Admission is $2.00/person.

 

CELEBRATING EARTH DAY

April 21, 12:00 – 3:00 pm

Join us for an afternoon of family-friendly activities with an environmental theme.  Take part in a pond study, watch bird banding demonstrations, enjoy guided nature walks and more hands-on activities.  Event is presented in partnership with Norfolk County and Nature’s Calling!.  Admission by donation.

 

MOTHER’S DAY WILDFLOWER WALK

May 13, 2:00 pm

Celebrate Mom’s special day with a guided nature walk in Backus Woods.  View the variety of wildflowers blooming and learn some tips to help identify these spring ephemerals.  This popular woodland walk starts from the Conservation Education Centre.  A partnership event with the Norfolk Field Naturalists.  Admission is $2.00 per person. 

 

FISHING DERBY 

June 30, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Be sure not to miss this popular family fishing event.  Drop a line in the mill pond and catch the “Big One” for a chance to win great prizes. Regular park admission plus derby entry fee required.  The Backus Fishing Derby is a great way to start Ontario Family Fishing Week (July 1-9, 2012). 

 

OLD-FASHIONED ICE CREAM FESTIVAL

July 1, 1:00 – 4:00 pm

The 2012 Heritage Village season kicks-off with a fun-filled afternoon of demonstrations, building tours and hands-on activities.  Tempt your taste buds with fresh ice cream made the old fashion way.  

 

BUTTERFLY & DRAGONFLY FESTIVAL

July 8, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Enjoy butterfly and dragonfly identification hikes, pond studies, a nature craft, “Spread Your Wings” parade and more outdoor fun.  A partnership event with Nature’s Calling!  Call 519-512-0240 for program details.

 

PIONEER LIFE DAY

July 14, 12:00 – 4:00 pm

What was it really like to live and work in the 19th century?  Spend a day in the Heritage Village and watch history come to life.  Costumed interpreters demonstrate trades, domestic chores and social pastimes.    Stroll through the restored barns and homes or step through the doors of the 1798 grist mill to see how flour was made.

 

ANTIQUE MARKET

July 22, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Browse or buy that something special during this outdoor antique sale. A number of vendors will be set up throughout the Heritage Village with a wide variety of antiques and vintage collectibles for sale, including furniture, glass and textiles.  

 

INSECT SAFARI  

August 4, 1:00 – 3:00 pm (kid’s insect craft at 1:00 pm)

Explore the rich diversity of life in the field and forest during a naturalist led adventure.  We’ll search for those six-legged creatures that lurk under logs and in branches during this hands-on adventure and see just how beautiful bugs can be! Meet at the Conservation Education Centre.

 

HERITAGE HOEDOWN

August 4, 7:00 – 10:00 pm

Enjoy a toe-tapping, hand clapping evening of music and dance in the historic Forbes Barn.  Admission to the barn dance is $2.00/person.  Music performed by the Norfolk Old Tyme Music Association.

 

MURDER MYSTERY

August 11, 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Calling all detectives!  Enjoy this interactive “whodunit” set within the Heritage Village.  Gather clues as you attempt to solve the mystery.  Admission is $3.00/child, $4.00/adult or $10.00/family.

 

BLUEGRASS JAM

August 25, 12:00 – 8:00 pm (open jam)

August 26, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (gospel)

August 26, 12:00 – 2:00 pm (open jam)

Join us for a good old-fashioned jamboree.  More than 100 musicians will perform in various jamming areas throughout the Heritage Village, including Gospel Hour on Sunday morning at 10:00 in the Teeterville Church.  Enjoy two full days of performance including several talented local musicians. 

 

WAR OF 1812 RE-ENACTMENT

September 8 & 9, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Hundreds of soldiers and settlers set up camp in the Heritage Village for this popular event.  Visitors can inspect military encampments and learn first-hand by talking with soldiers and civilians what was happening in Upper Canada during the war.  Historic merchants, mini militia, demonstrations and much more are part of this colourful event.  Battle re-enactment each day at 2:00 pm. Twilight battle Saturday evening at 7:00 pm. 

 

OWL PROWL

September 15, 7:30 pm (kid’s owl craft at 7:00 pm)

Owls are amazing birds!  Meet in the Conservation Education Centre to learn some fascinating facts about owls before a guided walk in Backus Woods to look for and call owls. Bring your flashlights and dress for the weather.  Admission is $2.00/child; $4.00/adult; $10.00/family.

 

MEMORIAL FOREST DEDICATION SERVICE

September 16, 2:00 pm

Join us for the annual dedication of trees planted in memory of loved ones and friends.  The Memorial Forest is located at the conservation area’s entrance.  Call the LPRCA at 519-842-4242 for program information.

 

FALL HIKE IN BACKUS WOODS    

October 13, 11:00 am

Celebrate the International Year of Forests with us.  Enjoy a fall hike to discover the types of trees commonly found here and how they are important for the animals that call the forest their home.  Guided hike departs from the Conservation Education Centre.  Admission by donation.

 

 

2012 Camps for Kids

 

Does your child dream of becoming a member of the NSI (nature scenes investigation) team or a time traveler?  This summer, children ages 6 to 12 can have the ultimate summer adventure when they explore nature or become a pioneer during either Nature or Heritage Day Camp.  The camps include daily themes, nature hikes, environmental games, 1880’s activities like weaving and candle making, crafts, exploring the pond plus time for swimming.  Pre-registration is required.  Daily camp fee is $32.50 per child.

 

Six exciting day camps are being offered throughout the summer.  Each session runs 5 days, Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Nature Day Camp takes place the weeks of July 9-13, July 23-27 & August 20-24.  Heritage Day Camp runs the weeks of July 16-20, July 30 - August 3 &      August 13-17.  Call 519-586-2201 at least one week in advance to register your child