Aurora Community Arboretum
100 John West Way Aurora, ON, Canada

You will not be surprised to learn that with all of the rain over the last 24 hours there is lots of flooding in the Arboretum. Of particular concern is the river which is running very high and fast. Please make sure that your children and pets stay well away from the fast high running water

With the end of summer on the horizon here is a great opportunity to join other folks for a bird walk this coming Saturday. See info below including instructions for registration

You will not be surprised to learn that with all of the rain over the last 24 hours there is lots of flooding in the Arboretum. Of particular concern is the river which is running very high and fast. Please make sure that your children and pets stay well away from the fast high running water

We hope you can join us for these fun events. Please register in advance - see information below.

With the end of summer on the horizon here is a great opportunity to join other folks for a bird walk this coming Saturday. See info below including instructions for registration

Well we are about half way through summer still lots to see in the Arboretum. To make this easier we now have a new map. The baby swallows have now all fledged but Mrs. Mallard is just starting our with her brood. The next species to watch is the Goldfinch as they wait until the thistle crop is ready to feed their babies. Of course there are more species than birds in the Arboretum. Right now we seem to have a good number of bunnies too.

We hope you can join us for these fun events. Please register in advance - see information below.

As spring turns to summer there are always new things to see in the Arboretum. Summer flowers like Buttercup and Anemone replace blossoms. Most birds maintain their breeding colours for another month or so. Others like this heron molt and get a new coat over the summer. Snapping turtles have been out of the ponds and making nests for their eggs. There are four sites protected in the Arboretum. Why the wire cover you ask? Do you like eggs for breakfast? So do fox and racoons who will raid an open nest.

Well we are about half way through summer still lots to see in the Arboretum. To make this easier we now have a new map. The baby swallows have now all fledged but Mrs. Mallard is just starting our with her brood. The next species to watch is the Goldfinch as they wait until the thistle crop is ready to feed their babies. Of course there are more species than birds in the Arboretum. Right now we seem to have a good number of bunnies too.

Arboretum Board Members celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Arboretum

Arboretum Board members celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the ArboretumArboretym

As spring turns to summer there are always new things to see in the Arboretum. Summer flowers like Buttercup and Anemone replace blossoms. Most birds maintain their breeding colours for another month or so. Others like this heron molt and get a new coat over the summer. Snapping turtles have been out of the ponds and making nests for their eggs. There are four sites protected in the Arboretum. Why the wire cover you ask? Do you like eggs for breakfast? So do fox and racoons who will raid an open nest.

The Aurora Community Arboretum would like to invite you to a special 25th Anniversary presentation on Saturday, June 12 at 10:00 a.m. held virtually on Zoom. We will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary, electing new executives and welcoming guest speaker, Deb Pella Keen, Executive Director of Maple Leaves Forever who will speak about Native Canadian Maples at this year's Annual General Meeting.To find out details on how to register, please send an email to [email protected] and you will be given the link to register.

Just a reminder about the virtual Flowering Trees event tomorrow evening. See the previous post for registration info.

Arboretum Board Members celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Arboretum

What a welcome change in the weather both today and in the future forecast. We hope that you will take advantage of the milder temperature to explore the sights and sounds of the Arboretum. The birds both local like this Gold Finch and summer residents like this Yellow Warbler give a daily concert. While the guys get all the attention due to their dapper colours the girls are busy making nests like this female Cardinal and female Redwing Blackbird. In addition to the birds ot...her critters are stirring like toads and turtles Watch your step around the Farm pond as the toads are emerging and easy to step on. Turtles will soon be out of the water looking for a place to lay their eggs. Please give them space. They also like road sides for the sandy spots to dig for the nest. If you see a turtle on the road you can help by moving across the road in the direction that it was travelling other wise they will just try again. In addition to the wildlife there is lots of colour in the variety of blossoming trees. Don't forget about the virtual bird presentation this weekend. See the previous post for details See more

Arboretum Board members celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the ArboretumArboretym

Despite the recent wet weather the daffodils in the "Field of Gold" are still at their best. Not to be out done the blossoming trees and shrubs are putting on their own show. The migratory birds are starting to arrive like this Cowbird and Chipping Sparrow. We also had an interesting traveler in this Double-crested Cormorant who stopped for a rest overlooking the big pond. Unfortunately we can not offer any in person events but we have scheduled two virtual presentations as listed below. We hope that you find these of interest.

The Aurora Community Arboretum would like to invite you to a special 25th Anniversary presentation on Saturday, June 12 at 10:00 a.m. held virtually on Zoom. We will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary, electing new executives and welcoming guest speaker, Deb Pella Keen, Executive Director of Maple Leaves Forever who will speak about Native Canadian Maples at this year's Annual General Meeting.To find out details on how to register, please send an email to [email protected] and you will be given the link to register.

Happy Earth Day. We hope that you can get out and enjoy all the sights and sounds that the earth has to offer in the Arboretum. Here are just a few of recent sightings. Don't miss the daffodils in the "Field of Gold" as they reach their peak. Next to come are all the beautiful blossoms. Mark your calendar for May 15 when you can join in a virtual bird walk. More info to come.

Just a reminder about the virtual Flowering Trees event tomorrow evening. See the previous post for registration info.

Oops... I forgot the photo of the Coltsfoot -see below

What a welcome change in the weather both today and in the future forecast. We hope that you will take advantage of the milder temperature to explore the sights and sounds of the Arboretum. The birds both local like this Gold Finch and summer residents like this Yellow Warbler give a daily concert. While the guys get all the attention due to their dapper colours the girls are busy making nests like this female Cardinal and female Redwing Blackbird. In addition to the birds ot...her critters are stirring like toads and turtles Watch your step around the Farm pond as the toads are emerging and easy to step on. Turtles will soon be out of the water looking for a place to lay their eggs. Please give them space. They also like road sides for the sandy spots to dig for the nest. If you see a turtle on the road you can help by moving across the road in the direction that it was travelling other wise they will just try again. In addition to the wildlife there is lots of colour in the variety of blossoming trees. Don't forget about the virtual bird presentation this weekend. See the previous post for details See more

Despite the recent rainy days we have had a good spring and have welcomed wildlife returnees and travelers especially water fowl in the big pond. Of course the stars of the show are the Trumpeter Swans, P20 and her mate. They tend to come and go but now may be looking for a nesting place. Please just enjoy quietly watching them and give them space. Those passing through have included a pair of Bufflehead, a Ring-necked Duck and a Pie-billed Grebe. The flowers are beginning to show too starting with the Colt'sfoot which is important to provide early food for insects that then feed birds and other wildlife. On another note, the Town has postponed the annual clean up so it would be great if you took a bag with you and picked up some litter as you enjoy your walk

Despite the recent wet weather the daffodils in the "Field of Gold" are still at their best. Not to be out done the blossoming trees and shrubs are putting on their own show. The migratory birds are starting to arrive like this Cowbird and Chipping Sparrow. We also had an interesting traveler in this Double-crested Cormorant who stopped for a rest overlooking the big pond. Unfortunately we can not offer any in person events but we have scheduled two virtual presentations as listed below. We hope that you find these of interest.

Happy Earth Day. We hope that you can get out and enjoy all the sights and sounds that the earth has to offer in the Arboretum. Here are just a few of recent sightings. Don't miss the daffodils in the "Field of Gold" as they reach their peak. Next to come are all the beautiful blossoms. Mark your calendar for May 15 when you can join in a virtual bird walk. More info to come.

Oops... I forgot the photo of the Coltsfoot -see below

Despite the recent rainy days we have had a good spring and have welcomed wildlife returnees and travelers especially water fowl in the big pond. Of course the stars of the show are the Trumpeter Swans, P20 and her mate. They tend to come and go but now may be looking for a nesting place. Please just enjoy quietly watching them and give them space. Those passing through have included a pair of Bufflehead, a Ring-necked Duck and a Pie-billed Grebe. The flowers are beginning to show too starting with the Colt'sfoot which is important to provide early food for insects that then feed birds and other wildlife. On another note, the Town has postponed the annual clean up so it would be great if you took a bag with you and picked up some litter as you enjoy your walk

Well we had a wonderful stretch of weather and colours but happily they are not all gone, still some pink berries around the Field of Gold. Although we love the colours of the leaves like this beautiful birch on the west side of the river it still looks lovely as its naked self all winter. There is still activity in the ponds as the swans and geese drop by on their way south. The geese hang out with the swans to get the scraps the long neck swans pull up from the bottom. You might also see mallards in the pond or in the river if you look from the bridges. The males have their beautiful green breeding colours back. If you don't find anything else interesting you can always check the big sky from the top of the hill by the schools.

Despite the warm weather today it is going to get cooler soon. There are still lots of fall colours to enjoy along the trails. Often there are interesting things to see. Migratory waterfowl like this cormorant often stop at the ponds. Other wildlife may also be on the move like this mink. You might get a real surprise like this Red-tailed Hawk on this sign overlooking the south pond. While the flowers are past their best there are interesting things like their seed pod - this photo is the inside of a Milkweed pod. Mother Nature is quite the artist. You can also enjoy the new trails on the west side of the river going north from the north ball field. Please remember on all of the trails keep your 6 foot distance from others.

Now that the late summer flowers are fading and leaves only beginning to turn there is still colour in the Arboretum in the variety of berries. Not only are they pretty but they provide food for wildlife, particularly birds. Other birds seen at this time of year are Canada Geese who stop by during migration for rest and food Migration is stressful for these critters, please do not allow pets or children to harass them during their journey..

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. This is a great weekend to walk the Arboretum trails and take in the fall colours. Please remember to keep the 6 ft physical distance between you and your fellow hiker. Stay safe.

With the cooler temperatures coming it will be much more pleasant to walk in the Arboretum. While the late summer flowers are fading there is still lots of colour to enjoy. These are a sample and the names of the plants are in the description. Next up migratory waterfowl like this male Wood Duck in non breeding colours seen in the Farm Pond will be visiting on their way south.

Here are a few of the birds seen in the Arboretum that may be part of the Get to know the Birds of the Arboretum

The Arboretum is presenting a free webinar on Get to know the Birds of the Arboretum Join us Saturday August 8 at 9:30 am. Learn how to identify Arboretum birds size, shape, colour patterns, habitats, vocalizations and behaviour. Suitable for all ages. Presenter Sara Bowman is an avid birder and naturalist in professional, volunteer and personal capacities. She has many years of experience in educating and engaging people of all ages in science and nature. In addition Sara... has led on-site bird walks in the Arboretum over the past two years To register, please email [email protected] or visit our website: www.auroraarboretum.ca.

Hopefully this hot weather will break soon and it will be much more comfortable to walk the the trails in the Arboretum. If you haven't done so recently you will see a change. The whole world is now a nursery. There is little action around the bird boxes as eggs have become feathered bodies and the babies have left the nest. Out in the fields bare naked bunnies have grown their fur and are exploring the world. These are just a couple of examples of why it is important to trea...d lightly as you go. Please keep your dog on a leash and cats indoors as even though parents are around these young critters are pretty defenseless. One different case is the Snapping Turtle. She lays her eggs and takes off so not to attract predators. The babies don't hatch until the fall. The Conservation Authority has protected the nest and its eggs from Raccoons and others with the fence box. Tiny creatures will emerge and make their way to the mother's pond by instinct. Of course all wildlife need their space especially when resting. Please give them a wide berth. When taking photos please use a zoom lens. Enjoy watching Mother Nature's family as it grows. See more

With the nice weather it is a great time to take a stroll along the trail in the Arboretum that passes by the Leisure Centre. The gardens here are called Flora Aurora as the trees and shrubs are all of the flowering varieties. It would be good to catch them now as blooming season will soon be over. Enjoy but please remember to keep the 6 ft separation along the trails and in the park.

Toad Alert Spring has finally arrived and wildlife like toads are emerging. Right now there are choruses of toads calling in the Farm Pond and in the north storm pond. They are very active swimming around and attempting to mate, some with success. Then they are heading out into the fields. This means they are crossing trails, both grass and gravel. Please keep an eye out for them as they are camouflaged and we don't want to see them like this.

As spring finally makes an appearance the warmer temperatures are bringing out the blossoms. More to come along the trail in front of the Leisure Centre. Getting more South wind has also brought more migratory birds. Some, like this Scarlet Tanager, are just passing through looking for a large forest. Others like these three species of Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow and Chipping Sparrow are here for the summer. You never know what other critters you might spot - like this Chipmunk, new to the Arboretum. Don't forget as you walk the trail to look out for other people too and maintain the 6 ft of social separation. You will be reminded by the decorative little stones along the path that have been described as "treats for the heart and soul" that we are all in this together.

Thanks Barry Bridgeford for the lovely photos

Thanks so much to the wonderful artists on stone who have sprinkled their work along the Arboretum trails and brought broad smiles to those who pass by. There continues to be new life to see on every visit. The Trout Lily and Bloodroot are blooming. You need to take the grass side trails to find these beauties. Keep an eye on the ponds as there are still some late migrants like these Buffleheads going through. If you are walking by the north ball diamond and hear clanking on metal look up - way up. The bird there is a Northern Flicker, a woodpecker, that is drumming to attract a mate. Here is a photo to identify it.

The weather is a bit erratic this week but the forecast is for a great weekend to get out into nature. Of course the Aurora Arboretum is a great place to do that with a wide trail that makes maintaining the 6 ft separation quite easy. We congratulate the regular users for respecting that spacing. There is lots to see - new buds promising future greenery, birds both native and migrants bursting with song, and spring flowers sprouting in many locations. Too many sightings for one post - see what you can find and if you like your walk please consider joining us.

These photos are from the Aurora Arboretum page which I volunteer to manage. Thought you might like to see them too

Although times are challenging right now with the arrival of spring there are lots of signs of better weather and new life throughout the Arboretum these days. You can look high and see the Turkey Vulture, low and find a snail emerging from winter, in the ponds to see mother goose on her nest in the double ponds - watch out for dad as he is protective, and the Great Blue Heron has returned from the south. In the fields you may see Mallards in a puddle and Coltsfoot, the very early bloomer. Last but not least in the trees you may see our new arrival - a cute little Red Squirrel. So when you go for a walk keep your eyes open as you never know what you will see to brighten your day.