Special Events & Programs for 2010 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.

2010 Special Events

·        Winter Trees:  February 20, 1:00 pm

You might know how to identify trees by their leaves, but what do you do in the winter when the leaves are gone?  Learn tips to identify a variety of trees using buds, twigs and bark.  Then it’s outside for a guided walk in Backus Woods.  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, 6:00 pm

Join the Norfolk Field Naturalists and LPRCA’s Outdoor Educator for a fun and informative evening.  Our outdoor adventure starts inside the Conservation Education Centre, with tips to help you identify local amphibians.  Then we head outside to explore the trails and wetlands in search of frogs, salamanders and other elusive spring songsters.  Bring rubber boots and a flashlight.  Admission $2.00/person.

·        Celebrating Earth Day:  April 17, 12:00 - 4:00 pm

This afternoon is all about conservation fun!  Wish the planet a happy Earth Day - plant a tree, enjoy guided nature walks, create an awesome craft, and other nature activities.  This family-friendly event is presented in partnership with Earth Day Canada, Norfolk County Community Services Department and Kids for Turtles. 

 

  • Mother's Day Wildflower Walk & Pancake Breakfast:  May 9

·        Pancakes served 9:00 am until 1:00 pm, $3.00 per child & $5.00 per adult

·        Hike starts at 2:00 pm, Admission $2.00/person

The Backus Advisory Board will be your host in the Heritage Village serving a pancake and sausage breakfast.   Afterwards, enjoy a stroll through the historic buildings.  Cost is $3/child and $5/adult.

In the afternoon there’s a walk through Backus Woods to view the variety of spring wildflowers blooming.  Learn some fascinating nature lore and tips to identify these beautiful spring ephemerals.  This popular woodland walk leaves from the Conservation Education Centre at 2 pm. 

·        Backus Yard Sale:  June 5, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

You’re sure to find some “treasures” of old and new at this annual fundraising event.  The sale is hosted by the Backus Advisory Board.

 

·        Backus Heritage Golf Tournament:  June 12, 11:30 am registration; 12:00 pm tee off

 

It’s time to tee one up at Stark’s Golf Course, Port Rowan in support of conservation and heritage projects at Backus Heritage Conservation Area.  Tickets are only $70.00 per person and include 18 holes of golf, a great steak dinner and fabulous prizes.  Call Stark’s Golf Course at 586-2802 for further information or to reserve your tickets or to sponsor a hole.

 

·        Backus Fishing Derby:  June 26, 8:00 am - 2:30 pm

 

Throw out a line and see if you can hook “the big one”.  Fun, fish and prizes in a great setting add up to a terrific family outing.  Regular park admission plus derby entry fee required.   You many want to make it a camping weekend at Backus. 

 

  • Pioneer Life Day:  July 10, 12:00 – 4:00 pm

 Step back in time…. Experience rural life as it might have been in the 1880’s through demonstrations and hands-on activities.

 

  • Heritage Hoedown:  July 31, 7:00 – 10:00 pm

Enjoy a toe tapping, hand clapping evening of music and fun at the historic Forbes Barn.  This barn dance is a special ticketed event.

·        Murder Mystery:  August 7, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

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

·        Bluegrass Jam:  August 28 & 29 various times throughout the weekend

Join us for a good old fashioned jamboree.  Each day musicians will gather in various locations throughout the park to share their music.  On Sunday morning, enjoy gospel music performed in the Teeterville Church.  Individuals and groups are invited to bring their instruments and participate. 

    ●      War of 1812 Re-enactment:  September 11 &12, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Hundreds of British and American re-enactors and settlers are expected to converge in the Heritage Village during this popular event.  Military re-enactors, merchants and military music will be part of this two-day event.  Re-enactors will take part in three battles during the weekend. Saturday at 11 am, watch a skirmish down by the Backhouse Mill.  A battle re-enactment takes place each day at 2:00 pm in the Heritage Village.  Visit the encampments and chat with the “soldiers”.  Purchase unique items from one-of-a-kind merchants in Sutlers Row.  Enjoy demonstrations and children’s mini militia.  Wander through the 1798 Backhouse Grist Mill National Historic Site and see how stone ground flour was produced.

 

·        Owl Prowl:  September 11, 7:30 pm (kids owl craft at 7:00 pm)

Whooo goes there?  Find out more about Ontario’s owls and learn some owl calls.  We’ll meet in the Conservation Education Centre before heading out to explore Backus Woods in search of owls.  Have a hoot of a good time learning how amazing these birds of prey can be.  Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.  Admission $2.00/child; $4.00/adult; $10.00/family

·        LPRCA Memorial Forest Dedication:  September 19, 2:00 pm

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) 428-4623 for program information.

2010 Camps for Kids:  New for 2010 Pre-registration and pre-payment required.  No daily walk-ins will be accepted.

 

No refunds except with a medical certificate or if program cancelled by LPRCA

Registration deadline June 25th for July camps & July 16th for August camps

 

1.      Summer Nature Day Camp:  July 5 – 9,  August 2 - 6 & August 23-27,  9:00 am to 4:00 pm

 

Children ages 6 to 12 can have a nature adventure this summer.  Go on an adventure hike, create cool crafts, swim, explore nature and play games.  Cost:  $32.50/child/day plus taxes.  Pre-registration is required by calling 519-586-2201.

2.      Heritage Day Camp:   August 9 - 13, August 16 - 20,  9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Discover for yourself what it might have been like to be a child in early Ontario.  Enjoy pioneer-style games, hands-on activities, friendly competitions, chores and swimming.  A week of old-fashioned fun in the Heritage Village for children ages 6 to 12.  Cost is $32.50/child each day plus taxes.  Pre-registration is required.  Call 519-586-2201 to register and for more information.