Stonecrest Rail Trail - Jeff Skevington - Outing

Hike Leader:

Jeff Skevington is a long time naturalist and has lived in the area for over 20 years. He is passionate about all living things but is particularly interested in birds and insects. Jeff did his PhD at the University of Queensland on fly taxonomy and phylogenetics and worked at the experimental farm in Ottawa for over 20 years as a scientist. He has published extensively on flower flies and big-headed flies, among other insect groups. You may have seen his field guide to flower flies, and you are encouraged to bring a copy along on the hike if you have one. Since retiring from his full time gig in 2023, Jeff has worked part time as a polar guide in Antarctica with Viking and Intrepid where he acts as the onboard Ornithologist and Entomologist. Locally, he is Past President of the Ontario Field Ornithologists and has been extensively involved with the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas and acts as a local reviewer for eBird and Curator for iNaturalist.

Key Details:

• Date: Sunday, September 20 (no alternate date)

• Depart: 8:30 a.m. from trail intersection with Stonecrest Road, near Woodlawn

• Location: Stonecrest Road between Kilmaurs and Kinburn Side Roads (https://maps.app.goo.gl/VR3ndBpWehGKPZng6?g_st=ic). Parking is roadside, please park off the road on the SW side (all cars on the same side of the road please), and watch for traffic.

• Duration: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Description of the Outing                                                                                                         

The Trail: This is a flat rail trail that passes through wetlands, forest and farm fields. At this time of year we could see migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, wetland birds and songbirds.

Accessibility: Generally flat trail surfaces. Washrooms are not available at this location.

Transportation: No public transportation is available at this location. Car pooling is encouraged.

What to Bring: Dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy, closed toe footwear. Bring ID and health card, binoculars, water and a packed lunch if you want to relax after our hike. Sunscreen and insect repellant may also be useful although we don't expect a lot of biting insects at this date. If you are interested in insects, feel free to bring a net along so we can get closer looks at these animals.

Leaving Early: If you decide to leave early, please inform the trip leader before you go.

Rest Stops and Lunch Breaks: Please use a restroom before arriving. There are no facilities at this location. After the hike, those who wish will go to Jeff and Angela's house in Constance Bay to relax, have lunch together and look at insects in their naturalized garden.

Safety and First Aid: Jeff has Wilderness First Aid training and there is cell service in the area. Exercise caution when parking on the side of the road and getting out of your car.

Questions: If you have any questions, email Jeff at jhskevington@gmail.com or text or call Jeff at 613-327-2862.

Registration: Registration is limited to 20 members. If the maximum capacity is reached, please register for the waiting list. You will be notified if a spot becomes available.

MVFN membership must be up to date (check your membership card). If needed, you can update and pay for your membership on the MY.MVFN.CA website