The Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club, founded in 1863 and incorporated in 1879, is the oldest natural history club in Canada. Around 900 members participate in many aspects of the natural world, from birding to botanizing, investigation to publication, conservation to cooperation. We hope you will find something here to suit your interests.
Events
Calendar of events and outings for members
Where to go birding, bird sightings, bird identification, bird-related activities, and birding code of conduct
Information on Trail & Landscape, The Canadian Field-Naturalist, and other OFNC publications
This long-term project of the OFNC shows how to use native species and create habitat for wildlife – even in the city.
Children and youth
Macoun Field Club
For ages 8–18
Conservation
Information about current and past conservation efforts of the club
Safe Wings Ottawa
Information and volunteer opportunities to prevent bird collisions
Education and Flora & Fauna
Information about educational materials and flora & fauna found at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden
Recent blog posts
Soil mites might SoilYourUndies
Dr. Marla Schwarzfeld and Victoria Nowell (AAFC) displayed mites extracted from soil at FWG and elsewhere, just visible under 10X scopes. by Lynn Ovenden For [...]
There’s a turtle team?!
After a washed out turtle nest was reported, the eggs were salvaged, examined, and reburied safely by OFNC member Dave Seburn and his "turtle team" [...]
Gatineau Park birding outing
OFNC members compare bird songs, learn nesting etiquette, and enjoy spectacular birding along Gatineau trails. by Sophie Roy with photos by Norbert Haché On the [...]
National historic plaque for John Macoun
The Honorable Catherine McKenna unveiled a plaque at the Museum of Nature in honour of John Macoun who collected and catalogued Canada's flora and fauna. [...]