Winter Wildlife, Book Launches, and Bird Counts Highlight OSFN's December Calendar
Sisters of the Jungle author Keriann McGoogan appears in Owen Sound Dec 11, part of OSFN’s full December program.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION
Sisters of the Jungle Comes to OSFN December 11
Owen Sound Field Naturalists’ (OSFN) final presentation of the year, Sisters of the Jungle, takes place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.
The evening features author and speaker Keriann McGoogan, who is also a “sibling” to the women celebrated in her newly released book of the same title. That includes Jane Goodall, a trailblazer in primatology, who died on October 1 at age 91.
Since the 1970s, the field of primatology has been uniquely dominated by women—a reversal in a science world where men have historically held the majority. McGoogan’s Sisters of the Jungle explores that history while taking readers into the wild habitats of our closest primate relatives.
McGoogan’s own research has brought her to Belize and Madagascar, where she studied howler monkeys and lemurs—species noted for their ecological importance and, in the case of lemurs, extreme vulnerability.
The book also reflects on the legacy of women like Dian Fossey, Birutė Galdikas, Alison Jolly, and of course, Jane Goodall—scientists who redefined what it meant to study animal behaviour and conservation in the wild.
Copies of Sisters of the Jungle will be available for purchase at the event. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with OSFN merchandise (shirts, buffs, and more) and another book launch taking place as well.
New Edition of Wildflower Field Guide Launches
Audrey Armstrong, on behalf of the OSFN publications committee, has announced the launch of the second edition of the field guide Asters, Goldenrods, Fleabanes: Bruce & Grey.
This updated edition includes several new species, varieties, and hybrids, with a total of 41 plants featured. Dedicated to Joan Crowe, the guide will be available at a special launch price of $25 for OSFN members (regular $30).
The book can also be purchased from the OSFN online shop for $30, or as a downloadable PDF for $15, suitable for mobile use in the field.
Healing Path Sees Increased Use
As a frequent year-round trail user, I’ve observed increased foot traffic on the Healing Path through the Forest of Hope and Healing at the local hospital site—used by both staff and the public.
Recent sightings include Eastern Meadowlarks and American Goldfinches, which benefit from the site’s mixed habitat. In past winters, Snowy Owls have been spotted hunting there, drawn by the population of small rodents.
NeighbourWoods North Reflects on 2025, Looks to 2026
NeighbourWoods North founder Lloyd Lewis shared highlights from a productive 2025, including: planting over 300 trees and shrubs; receiving a Tree Canada grant to expand trailways; and ongoing care of the Welcoming Garden. A “Music for the Trees” fundraiser by guitarist Norman Liota also helped support these efforts.
Looking ahead to 2026, the group plans to install a footbridge on a new trail section, continue care of trees and gardens, and participate in the Youth Climate Action Conference, connecting with local schools.
To get involved, visit NeighbourWoods North on Facebook or their website at www.neighbourwoodsnorth.ca.
Christmas Bird Count Dates for Grey-Bruce
The annual Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) across Grey-Bruce take place from December 14, 2025, to January 5, 2026. Interested birders can contact local compilers for more details:
Sunday, December 14 – Owen Sound: Erik Van Den Kieboom, erikkieboom@outlook.com
Tuesday, December 16 – Bruce Peninsula National Park: Anna Fletcher, anna.fletcher@pc.gc.ca
Thursday, December 18 – Kincardine: James Turland, jaturland@gmail.com
Saturday, December 20 – Hanover-Walkerton: Gerard McNaughton, gmcnaughton@wightman.ca
Sunday, December 21 – Wiarton: Jarmo Jalava, jvjalava@gmail.com
Sunday, December 28 – Meaford: Lynne Richardson, lynnerichardson@rogers.com
Monday, December 29 – Pike Bay: Andrew Keaveney, uofgtwitcher@gmail.com
Tuesday, December 30 – Cape Chin: Andrew Keaveney, uofgtwitcher@gmail.com
Friday, January 2 – Saugeen Shores: Kiah Jasper, kiahjasper@gmail.com
Thanks to Norah Toth for compiling this comprehensive list.
Young Naturalists Explore Winter Survival
On November 23, the Young Naturalists visited Kinghurst Nature Reserve, learning how animals prepare for winter and practicing orienteering with compasses.
In January, the club will host a snowshoe outing and bannock-making activity.
To get involved, contact Amanda Eriksen at youngnaturalistsos@gmail.com or 519-379-6213.
Closing Quote
From Chasing Lemurs, an earlier book by Keriann McGoogan, reflecting on her first chance to join a primatology field school:
“I knew I had to be there. Here was a chance for my first foray into primatological fieldwork. A chance to access my inner Jane Goodall.”
Thank you to sponsors of The Owen Sound Current Writers’ Fund, who make these community contributions possible. Contributions from the community do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of The Owen Sound Current and its editor or publisher.
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