Enjoyment of natural history is the cornerstone of the Macnamara Field Naturalists’ Club.

And we’re lucky in our location. The Ottawa Valley is home to myriad plants, animals, and fascinating habitats – from orchids to towering pines, damselflies to moose, from floating bogs to ancient hardwood forests. No matter where we roam, there is always something new to discover and enjoy. In a nutshell, our mandate is to promote the appreciation, understanding, and preservation of nature in the Ottawa Valley.

Members of the club span all ages from the very young to the well-seasoned. All share a common bond – an insatiable curiosity about nature. Most are casual naturalists, simply interested in learning more about the natural world, so you don’t have to be an expert to join!

Novices and experts share their interest and experience through our monthly meetings, many field trips, and special projects. Bulletins keep members informed of all activities, and the club’s newsletter, The Lady’s-Slipper, approaches local natural history through articles, photographs, and poems provided by the members.

Activities have included:

• release of peregrine falcons
• nest boxes for eastern bluebirds
• surveys for rare plants and animals
• identification of natural areas for Arnprior’s Town Plan
• a native plant demonstration garden in Robert Simpson Park
• maintaining the Macnamara Nature Trail and its winter bird feeders
• conservation projects
• Renfrew County Natural History Day