Field Trip – Exploration of the Kam Valley Nature Reserve *** This trip is now full ***
*** Note: This Field trip is now full. ***
Join reserve steward/monitor Mike Carter for a field trip on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Please contact Mike at mcarter@tbaytel.net for more information or to reserve a spot.
The Kam Valley Nature Reserve contains some regionally rare species, some of which will hopefully be observed; therefore this trip is organized around the use of Merlin, Seek, and iNaturalist to identify plant and animal species. Experience with these apps is not necessary to participate, but the trip will provide a chance to give them a try. Alternatively, participants can make visual observations and point them out to others who can record the observation. Mike says, “I am no iNaturalist expert but do have a basic understanding of how it (and Seek) can be used on a trip like this. I also use Merlin regularly to help with bird ID.” Some tips will be provided before the trip. After the field trip, Mike will be sharing the results with the club and all participants.
The Kam Valley Nature Reserve is located near Stanley, about 20 minutes from the Movati parking lot on Arthur Street. Take a look at the TBFN description of the reserve for background (https://tbfn.net/reserves/kam-valley). The property includes frontage on both the Whitefish and Kam Rivers. The former is accessed from Sideen Rd and a short walk through the bush. The latter is accessible by walking across the whitefish River. River conditions will dictate the feasibility of doing this.
The trip will include, at a minimum, a walk down Sideen Rd and then a short bush hike to the Whitefish River. There are no prepared trails and we will be picking our way around standing and fallen trees over irregular terrain to explore the inland areas of the reserve. From there, additional options include exploring the shore itself and, if conditions permit, walking across the Whitefish River and entering the “peninsula” section of the reserve which fronts on both rivers. It is larger than the “mainland” section and provides some slightly different opportunities.
If you do decide to walk in or across the rivers, you will get wet and dirty feet, so please dress accordingly. Hopefully the Whitefish levels at crossing points will be not much above ankle deep, though with possible slippery areas and some moderate current. Total hiking distance is 1-3 km depending on options chosen.
The trip will take place on Saturday, August 15 staring at 10:00 am from the Movati parking lot on Arthur Street. If that day looks rainy, the trip would be rescheduled to the following day. Carpooling is encouraged as the Sideen Rd parking area is limited. The plan is to be back at the cars at 2:00 pm.
Bring a lunch, fluids, suitable footwear for walking in the forest and the river, and bug repellent. If you want to digitally record observations, bring a fully-charged mobile phone with iNaturalist, Seek, and Merlin apps installed and operable.
Registration will be limited to 12 and will be via email to mcarter@tbaytel.net. If you register and are not able to make it, please let Mike know so your spot can be given to someone else since there will be a waiting list.