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FCA Events

Our special events are a great way to enjoy Fanshawe CA! Join us for one
(or all) of the following. Events are
free but regular gate entry fees apply. 

You can find more details on our Facebook Page.

 

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Scales
Nature Park

Saturday, July 5th at 3:00 pm

Scales Nature Park provides outstanding programming about Canadian reptiles, amphibians, fish, and their habitats. Their goal is to facilitate the conservation of these creatures through increasing awareness, changing attitudes, and engaging people to take action. 

Speaking
of Wildlife

Saturday, July 12th at 4:00 pm

 

Speaking of Wildlife brings their interactive wildlife presentation to us! Learn from expert wildlife interpreters as they present 5-6 native Ontario wildlife ambassadors. This presentation highlights information about each individual animal, their species, adaptations, and their habitat. 

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Wild Ontario

Saturday, July 19 at 4:00 pm

Wild Ontario is an environmental and science education program in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph. Through our educational activities both on-campus and in the community, we work to foster connections with nature and an interest in science. 

Canadian Raptor Conservancy

Saturday, August 2nd at 4:00 pm

 

The Canadian Raptor Conservancy performs live, Free-Flight Demonstrations across Canada at select events throughout the year. Their demonstrations include birds that are trained for free flight, as each different bird is unique in its own appearance and flight styles. As each bird is flying, the handler/interpreter gives an educational commentary about each one. 

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Fishing Friendzy

We're excited to host Fishing Friendzy's Youth Fishing League, aimed at fostering children's' passion for fishing at Fanshawe!

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The Senior League for kids 11 to 16 years old will meet on the following dates from 6 to 8 pm: 

  • Monday, July 28th

  • Monday, August 4th,

  • Monday, August 11th

  • Monday, August 18th

 

Please note: registration is required. Complete the Registration Form here. 

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Fishing Friendzy is a non-profit organization. For more information, visit their website

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More Summer Events at Fanshawe

The following events will be led by UTRCA Environmental Educators. Staff have First Aid training and Vulnerable Persons Checks. Program Notes These are free events, but the regular gate fees apply. Events do not require advanced registration (unless otherwise noted); however, there are limited spots available and they will be offered on a first come, first served basis. You may want to arrive early to claim your spot. Please come dressed appropriately for the activity. If the event is cancelled due to inclement weather, we will communicate this via our Facebook and Instagram pages. We will do our best to reschedule the event to a new date/time. There is a portable restroom near the Campground office that you will be able to use, if needed. Don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle and nut-free snacks. We are excited to share our passion for nature and the outdoors with you!

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Questions? Contact Aliena Hoskins, Community Education Technician (Fanshawe), Upper Thames River Conservation Authority

Thursday, July 3

Pond Exploration

Grab your rubber boots and get ready to make a splash at Pond Exploration, an outdoor adventure within Fanshawe Conservation Area where we will use nets to examine invertebrates, tadpoles, and any other residents beneath the water’s surface. Dip nets will be provided by UTRCA staff, who will be on hand to answer questions and provide support. Any captured critters will be placed in viewing trays until the end of the program when we will have a show and tell of our discoveries, and then release everyone back to their aquatic home. Pond Exploration is a family-friendly event for those who love amphibians, fish, or just playing in the water, although all children must be accompanied by an adult. This event does not require advanced registration; however, there are only 30 spots available and they will be offered on a first come, first served basis. You may want to arrive early to claim your spot. We look forward to exploring the pond with you! Program Notes Pond Exploration is a free event, but the regular vehicle gate fee will apply when entering the park. This event does not require advanced registration; however, there are only 30 spots available and they will be offered on a first come, first served basis. You may want to arrive early to claim your spot. Please come dressed appropriately for a morning in the mud and water (rainboots are highly recommended!). Pond Exploration will run rain or shine but will be cancelled in the case of severe inclement weather. If the event is cancelled due to inclement weather, we will communicate this via our Instagram. We will do our best to reschedule the event to a new date/time. There is a portable restroom near the Campground office that you will be able to use, if needed. Don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle and nut-free snacks.

Wednesday, July 9

Guided Paddle

Join us for Guided Paddle, where we will discover the beauty of Fanshawe Conservation Area by water! This event is similar to a guided hike, but instead of walking along a trail, we will be canoeing or kayaking along the edge of the Fanshawe Reservoir with occasional stops to discuss ecology, wildlife, and local history along the way. Guided Paddle is a family-friendly event for those who love water or canoeing, although all children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is best for those with some paddling experience. Sign up soon because we only have 20 spots available! We look forward to exploring with you! Program Notes -Registration through Eventbrite is required to attend Guided Paddle. All participants must receive their own ticket, including children and babies, so we can have an accurate headcount. Registration Link Below: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2025-guided-paddle-at-fanshawe-conservation-area-tickets-1406371036629?aff=oddtdtcreator Participants can either supply their own canoes/kayaks, paddles, and lifejackets OR borrow a canoe from our rentals at no cost (must indicate when registering). If you will borrow a boat, you must arrive 30 minutes early and go to our Campground Registration office to receive paddles, lifejackets, and fill out a waiver prior to the event. -Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the event to give yourself enough time to set up before we launch. -Guided Paddle is a free event, but the regular vehicle gate fee will apply when entering the park. -Please come dressed appropriately for an evening on the water. If the event needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather, we will notify all participants through email by 8 am on the day of the event. The rain date for this event is Thursday July 10th, 2025. -Onsite washrooms will be available, if needed. -Don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle and nut-free snacks.

​Friday, July 11

Firefly Walk

Join us for Firefly Walk at Fanshawe Conservation Area to experience the magic of the forest lighting up with fireflies! This night hike will begin with games all about firefly development and communication - such as acting out the firefly life cycle or using Morse code to imitate firefly flashes and find your firefly match. Once it's dark enough, we will begin our hike to hopefully see the fireflies dazzle in the forest and catch some in the meadow for close-up observation. Nets and bug containers will be provided by UTRCA staff. Please note this is not a drop-off program. We invite families with at least one adult to come and enjoy a classic summer pastime together. This event does not require advanced registration; however, there are only 40 spots available and they will be offered on a first come, first served basis. You may want to arrive early to claim your spot. We can’t wait to catch fireflies with you! Program Notes Firefly Walk is a free event, but the regular vehicle gate fee will apply when entering the park. This event does not require advanced registration; however, there are only 40 spots available and they will be offered on a first come, first served basis. You may want to arrive early to claim your spot. Please come dressed appropriately for a nighttime adventure in the woods. Firefly Walk will run rain or shine but will be canceled in the case of severe inclement weather. If the event is cancelled due to inclement weather, we will communicate this via our Instagram and Facebook pages. We will do our best to reschedule the event to a new date/time. Onsite washrooms will be available, if needed. Don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle and nut-free snacks.

Thursday, July 17

Bug Safari

Join us for Bug Safari at Fanshawe Conservation Area and discover the wonders of a tiny but amazing world hiding in plain sight. In this world, Praying Mantis wait to ambush frogs, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars chew on the leaves of towering Tulip Trees, and Autumn Meadowhawk dragonflies zoom through the air along shorelines. Bring your excitement and curiosity and we’ll bring the bug nets and field guides. UTRCA staff will be on hand to offer support and answer questions throughout the program, but you will be free to explore and collect insects to your heart’s content. At the end of the safari, we will gather to show and tell some of the amazing creatures we found. Bug Safari is a great event for budding and experienced entomologists alike! However, all children must be accompanied by at least one adult. This event does not require advanced registration; however, there are only 40 spots available and they will be offered on a first come, first served basis. You may want to arrive early to claim your spot. We can’t wait to explore with you! Program Notes Bug Safari is a free event, but the regular vehicle gate fee will apply when entering the park. This event does not require advanced registration; however, there are only 40 spots available and they will be offered on a first come, first served basis. You may want to arrive early to claim your spot. Please come dressed appropriately for a morning adventure in the grass and forest. The better prepared you are, the more bugs you are likely to find! Bug Safari will run rain or shine but will be cancelled in the case of severe inclement weather. If the event is cancelled due to inclement weather, we will communicate this via our Instagram and Facebook pages. We will do our best to reschedule the event to a new date/time. Onsite washrooms will be available, if needed. Don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle and nut-free snacks.

Saturday, July 19

Bug Safari

Join us for Bug Safari at Fanshawe Conservation Area and discover the wonders of a tiny but amazing world hiding in plain sight. In this world, Praying Mantis wait to ambush frogs, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars chew on the leaves of towering Tulip Trees, and Autumn Meadowhawk dragonflies zoom through the air along shorelines. Bring your excitement and curiosity and we’ll bring the bug nets and field guides. UTRCA staff will be on hand to offer support and answer questions throughout the program, but you will be free to explore and collect insects to your heart’s content. At the end of the safari, we will gather to show and tell some of the amazing creatures we found. Bug Safari is a great event for budding and experienced entomologists alike! However, all children must be accompanied by at least one adult. This event does not require advanced registration; however, there are only 40 spots available and they will be offered on a first come, first served basis. You may want to arrive early to claim your spot. We can’t wait to explore with you!

Friday, July 25

Owl Prowl

Join us on Friday, July 25 at 8:00 pm. Park at the Boat Launch and meet at Meadow’s Trail. Venture into the forest to hear the calls of local owl species and discover the ecology of these nighttime predators! Come enjoy a summer evening at Fanshawe Conservation Area and join us for Owl Prowl, a night hike all about the adaptations of local owl species. Owl Prowl will begin with child-friendly activities on the characteristics of owls. Test how well your arms compare to the Great Horned Owl’s five foot wingspan or help dress up a staff member in an owl costume! Afterward, we will turn off our lights to improve our night vision and move into the forest to hopefully hear some calls from the Eastern Screech Owl or the Great Horned Owl. This event is for anyone who loves birds or wants to explore the forest by moonlight; however, all children must be accompanied by an adult. This event does not require advanced registration; however, there are only 40 spots available and they will be offered on a first come, first served basis. You may want to arrive early to claim your spot. We look forward to hiking with you!

​Thursday, July 31

Amazing Animals

Meet us at the Pine Shelter on Thursday, July 31 at 10:00 am. Discover more about the wild creatures living right in our watershed – explore with the UTRCA! Join us at Fanshawe Conservation Area and learn all about the wonderful wildlife found in this region! Learn about all of the amazing animals at Fanshawe, including coyotes, beavers, deer, groundhogs, rabbits, squirrels and much more! Get excited to see some animal artifacts and participate in activities that will help you become an animal expert! End with exploring the forest to find clues about what animals are all around us! Amazing Animals is a great event for budding and experienced wildlife enthusiasts! However, all children must be accompanied by at least one adult. This event does not require advanced registration; however, there are only 40 spots available and they will be offered on a first come, first served basis. You may want to arrive early to claim your spot. We can’t wait to explore with you!

Thursday, August 5

Bio Blitz

Meet us on Thursday, August 5 at 10:00 am at the Pines Shelter. Join UTRCA’s BioBlitz for a day of hands-on nature exploration! Discover local plants and wildlife! Help protect biodiversity! Discover the biodiversity at Fanshawe Conservation Area and become a citizen scientist by participating in a BioBlitz! A BioBlitz is a community event focused on identifying and documenting as many species of plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms as possible! Using iNaturalist, Seek, and field guides we will learn how to identify species and tally what we find. UTRCA staff will be on hand to offer support and answer questions throughout the program, but you will be free to explore and discover different species! At the end of the BioBlitz, we will gather to show and tell some of the amazing species we found and talk about how we can submit this information to help scientists understand the biodiversity in the area! Get ready for a fun morning of exploring! The BioBlitz is great for all ages! However, all children must be accompanied by at least one adult. This event does not require advanced registration; however, there are only 40 spots available and they will be offered on a first come, first served basis. You may want to arrive early to claim your spot.

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