September 25, 2026
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Sept. 22, a sun-filled final day of summer, Jeannine Kralt of the Owen Sound Field Naturalist Club, visited the Huron Bruce Nature Club, for its first meeting of the fall season.
Kralt, an engineer by education, has devoted herself to the exploration of the natural world, and offers guided hikes on the trails, nature reserves, and fens of the Bruce Peninsula. "Saunter Nature," her popular blog on Facebook and Instagram, is filled with photos of her discoveries and insights, designed to inspire viewers to engage with nature in a new way.
Starting her presentation with the definition of the word "saunter," to walk in a slow, relaxed manner, Kralt proceeded to offer examples of how examination of orchids, insects, ferns, amphibians and reptiles, reveal their interesting adaptations to the environment, and reward those who take a closer look.
One surprising plant featured in her presentation, was poison ivy. While most humans avoid this plant due to its toxicity, the white, waxy berries that emerge in fall, are a food enjoyed by birds and rodents. Rabbits, dear, and black bears all graze on the foliage.
An example from the insect world, is the tent caterpillar. While unsightly to humans, these insects offer value to nature because they are an abundant food source for migrating and nesting birds.
Another learning for the group, was the extra value of the “keystone” species. A keystone species is a plant or animal that has a disproportionately large impact on its eco-system relative to its abundance. The Saskatoon berry, or service berry locally, is a shrub that is host to dozens of species of moths, supports pollinators, feeds birds and provides four seasons of beauty.
Kralt concluded her presentation with a thought on the resilience of nature, the lessons and great beauty it provides, and encouraged the club to explore the natural world with fresh wonder.
In other club news, president Catherine Hodges read a letter addressed to municipal election candidates, advocating for environmental concerns, and attendees signed a petition in support of it.
Donna Murray displayed a handmade quilt she donated for a fund-raising raffle.
With fall colors imminently appearing, excursions co-ordinator Sue Greco outlined upcoming day hikes.
Board member updates were announced - vice-president Yvonne Bieman was welcomed, with the position of communications co-ordinator still open for a successor. Member volunteers Bill Hodges, Jim Laliberte, and Donna Murray were thanked for their contributions.
The Huron Bruce Nature Club meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month, with the next one scheduled for Oct. 27. The speaker is Helmi Hess and the topic is the Loggerhead Shrike. Doors open at the Point Clark Community Centre at 7 p.m. Guests and visitors are always welcome, refreshments are provided but please bring a mug and napkin.
Contact information for inquiries can be found on the club's web page at hbn.huronstewardship.ca, or by leaving a message on the club's Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/HuronBruceNature.
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