All presentations are at 7 p.m., the 4th Tuesday of the month
Those interested in our talks are encouraged to become a member of North Durham Nature. The cost is only $25 for an individual or $40 for a family for the year, and lets you participate in our walks and other events as well, as well as get exclusive links to webinar presentations.
February 24, 2026 - The ‘Giant’ Whales of the Gulf of St. Lawrence with Franco Mariotti
7pm - Virtual Meeting over Zoom
A closeup perspective of the magnificent and largest creatures on this planet. Discover the secret lives of Humpback, Fin and the biggest of them all, the Blue Whale. Meet the researcher who has devoted his life to studying them and how he is answering some of their biggest mysteries.
Franco Mariotti is a Biologist, Naturalist and a Science Communicator. He was employed at Science North for 32 years where he developed programs/presentations for the public, delivered hundreds of presentations and developed content for exhibits and videos. Through this work he was able to travel to fascinating ‘wild’ places, such as Tanzania in the making of an IMAX film on Dr. Jane Goodall and to Borneo in another IMAX film on Orangutans.
Note: All current NDN members will receive the Zoom link for this meeting over email. If you're not yet a member or still need to renew for 2026, become a member.
March 24, 2026 - The Hidden Life Around Us with Don Scallen
7pm at Scugog Memorial Library, Port Perry
All around us, some creatures are conducting their lives largely unseen. Who has observed amorous salamanders, piscine stonemasons, or crooning tree crickets? We are more aware of birds and the larger mammals, but there is a host of animals active underwater or after dark that are seldom noticed. Others use camouflage to conceal their presence. Come to our March talk to hear Don Scallen share stories and show images about fish, caterpillars and other animals that slip under our radar.
Don is a writer, naturalist, and former president of the Halton North Peel Naturalist Club. He is a regular contributor to an acclaimed regional magazine called In The Hills. https://www.inthehills.ca/author/don-scallen/ and has published two books: Nature Where We Live and Spotted Salamanders and their world”
