​Huron Bruce Nature Club holds first mid-winter meeting

Outside, the Point Clark Community Centre looked like a scene from Disney’s “Frozen,” but inside, tables were loaded with warm casseroles contributed by about 60 Huron Bruce Nature members for their first meeting of 2026, held Feb. 24.

Following a hearty potluck lunch and friendly chatter, retired teacher Tim Broughton gave a workshop on “winter sowing,” with a focus on seeding native plants.
 

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Tim Broughton brings dozens of native plant seeds from his own garden for a presentation at the Huron Bruce Nature meeting, Feb. 24

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Winter sowing is an easy, low-cost, and sustainable method of starting seeds outdoors during winter (typically December to February) in small, covered, transparent containers. It acts as a "mini-greenhouse" that provides natural cold stratification, allowing seeds to germinate on their own schedule in spring while protecting them from pests, resulting in vigorous, pre-hardened seedlings.

Broughton grows about 200 native species in his garden, with an emphasis on natives sourced from Bruce-Grey. He brought with him dozens of packets of seeds from 70 different species of plants collected from his garden, for members to take home and sow. Broughton enjoys sharing his knowledge of plants and the seeds, and encouraged members to “plant something and see if it comes up.”



Huron Bruce Nature members Michele Gade (left), Jeni Pepper, and Dan Bieman sort through native plant seeds after the potluck lunch; the seeds were provided by speaker Tim Broughton and are ready for winter sowing

Following the presentation, outings convener Susan Greco shared plans for future day trips, vice-president Catherine Hodges announced a first-ever cycling excursion, and past-president Steve Pepper shared information on the 2026 City Nature Challenge.

This year’s challenge will be held April 24-27, and is an international, friendly competition to see who can make the most observations of nature and identify the most species, using apps and platforms, such as iNaturalist. The club has planned guided hikes April 25 and 26; details will be shared soon.

Finally, winners of the annual photo contest were announced, with Bruce Edmonds winning first for his photo of a screech owl, and Brent Bowyer winning second for a garter snake eating a frog. Christine Roberts placed third with a photo of tufted titmice at a bird bath.



Brent Bowyer (left) and Bruce Edmonds of Huron Bruce Nature display their winning photos of a garter snake and screech owl, respectively

Huron Bruce Nature meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month, with the next one planned for March 24. The speaker is Mike Ward and the topic is “Attracting Butterflies to the Garden.” Doors open at 7 p.m., with guests and visitors always welcome. Refreshment are provided but please bring a mug and napkin.

Contact information for inquiries can be found on the club web page, hbn.huronstewardship.ca/, or by leaving a message on the club Facebook page, www.facebook.com/HuronBruceNature.