Upcoming Events
Learn more about the work of the Friends of Stittsville Wetlands at the following upcoming community events:
Join Us!
Every Bird Counts - Your Observation Matters
An Interpretive Walk
In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day 2026 and the theme "Every Bird Counts – Your Observation Matters," the Friends of Stittsville Wetlands are hosting an Interpretive Walk as part of our effort to learn more about the fragile and ecologically significant Goulbourn Wetland Complex on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM. We will begin with a special session before our walk to launch our iNaturalist Project. Make sure you download the app before your arrival.
Your Guide
Rob Stavinga, a retired Environmental Technologist, dedicated his career to conservation in Ontario. An avid birder, he currently volunteers with the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, Ontario Shorebird Survey, Couchiching Conservancy, and Bird Friendly City of Kawartha Lakes, supporting bird monitoring and conservation efforts. Rob continues to enjoy exploring and learning about natural areas and sharing his knowledge with others.
Learn more about iNaturalist
iNaturalist is an online social network of people sharing biodiversity information to help each other learn about nature. iNaturalist helps you identify the plants and animals around you while generating data for science and conservation. Get connected with a community of millions of scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature!
Join us along with our dynamic guide as we explore the many birds and the habitats they depend on.
Registration is limited to 30 participants.
All About Turtles!
A Community Forum hosted by the Friends of Stittsville Wetlands
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 – Earth Day
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 2 Mulkins St, Stittsville
7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
The Friends of Stittsville Wetlands are considering rolling out a turtle conservation program for the Goulbourn Wetland Complex and Poole Creek, which runs through the heart of Stittsville. The cold or cool waters of Poole Creek are considered a crucial and rare habitat, sustaining a unique ecological system of significant environmental and recreational value to the community of Stittsville and Ottawa.
To gauge community support for such an initiative, the Friends of Stittsville Wetlands are hosting a forum on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, entitled “All About Turtles” from 7 – 9:30 PM at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. The goal of the evening will be to raise public awareness about turtles, conservation, and to explore the key elements and benefits of rolling out a community science program for our community.
David Seburn, Freshwater Turtle Specialist, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Janet Mason, Chair, Friends of Carp Hills, and Lisa Browning, Education Coordinator, Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre have graciously agreed to speak at this event. Seburn will focus on "Saving our Turtles. What can you do to help?" Mason’s talk is entitled “It takes a village: a community model for turtle conservation in the Carp Hills." Browning will speak about the “Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre – Where Community and Conservation Connect.”
Attend in person or watch the Livestream
Pre-registration will be required
Our sincerest thanks to Stittsville Councillor Glen Gower for his support through the Stittsville Community Micro-Grant program and to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church for the provision of their facilities.
Past Events
Get Involved – Become a Friend!
We are growing and we need your help! Together, we will be the voice to protect, restore, regenerate, and rewild our wetlands.