FCA Events

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.

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.

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.

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.