What’s Happening This September at Westfield?
Getting Back to Nature
This September we are taking the opportunity to share another part of what makes Westfield such a special place. Did you know that we have approximately 204 hectares (503 acres) of land featuring natural woodlands, plantation forests and provincially significant wetlands with almost 8 km of easy walking trails? These trails ae available everyday of the week from dawn to dusk. On Sundays and holidays, like Labour Day, our historical village is open from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. and this September we will be featuring a unique natural aspect for you to enjoy.
Sunday, Sept. 7 – The Art of Nature
Once more this season we will be painting on the Village Green. Visit the paint cart to learn some new techniques or visit with volunteer, Will, to see what he is painting this time around. For the Family Craft we are taking some objects from nature to create a moth or butterfly.
Each Sunday in September, at 2:00 p.m., we are also offering a guided 30-minute, Indigenous perspective walk on our trails guided by Rope Loft who is Mohawk and a Westfield volunteer. We will be leaving from the Interactive Garden.
Sunday, Sept. 14 – Birds at Westfield
We can hear the birds chattering and singing away, but who are they? Join Westfield volunteer, Kathleen, to learn about bird identification and help spot some of the feathery friends who make Westfield their home including species that may be migrating through our conservation area.
The Family Craft is creating your own bird on a twig.
Join Mohawk, Rope Loft, at 2:00 p.m. for a leisurely walk along the Sugar Shack trail and discover the forest from an Indigenous perspective. The walk will take about 30 minutes departing from the Interactive Garden.
Sunday, Sept. 21 – Forest Bathing – What is it?
Have you wondered what Forest Bathing is all about? Join Susan Reid at 1:00 p.m. for a talk in our Interactive Garden about this unique way to experience the forest. Susan is a certified guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Trainers. This is your chance to learn about the science behind this calming and meaningful way to walk the trails at Westfield.
The Family Craft is a thaumatrope. Can you create the optical illusion of children hiking our trails at Westfield?
At 2:00 p.m., also leaving from the Interactive Garden, Rope Loft will be guiding visitors for 30 minutes on our trail system sharing an Indigenous perspective of the woods surrounding Westfield. Lessons about the many tree and plant species Rope learnt from his grandmother, passed on generation to generation.
Sunday, Sept. 28 –
Join Rope Loft at 2:00 p.m. for a 30-minute guided tour on our Sugar Shack Trail to experience the land from an Indigenous perspective. The tour will end at the Dorman House where Rope will share his personal family history including stories about his great grandfather Frederick Loft. Westfield volunteer, Michele will also be sharing her knowledge on Indigenous beading techniques and providing demonstrations.
Join Bryson McEwen, HCA Invasive Species Technician, for a walk and talk to learn more about the plants we consider invasive and what can be done to mitigate their effects on the landscape. Bryson will be available in the Interactive Garden and the walks will leave at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. from the garden.
Last chance at the Family Craft to create your own Westfield moth or butterfly.
