Field Notes for Spring 2024

Look out Fireplace Channel! Local brook trout star in two videos that are just as soothing. The Coalition for the West Credit River operates a live video feed of one of Southern Ontario’s few remaining self-sustaining native brook trout populations. After a winter hiatus it will be back online in May and run until mid-November – and you can watch the fish swimming freely and going about their business. 

The coalition aims to raise awareness of the risk to the species posed by the proposed Town of Erin wastewater treatment plant. Coalition member John Monczka of Toronto says the group has connected with schools in Erin and Belfountain to share the project. Beyond “the cool factor” of the live feed, he says, “there’s the potential for some citizen science as well. These kids are the future, and the more you get them engaged with this place, the more likely they are to keep it protected.” The coalition’s site features a video made with a Belfountain class who were invited on a field trip in November to remove the cameras for the winter.

And another brook trout aquatic closeup, Living on Borrowed Credit, is a must-watch short video from Steve Noakes and the Mississauga-based Izaak Walton Fly Fishing Club, whose members fish in the Credit and Grand rivers in Headwaters. The club hopes to inspire the community to volunteer and donate to help protect this vulnerable species and waterscape. 

You can read more about the Credit River in Don Scallen’s nature-focused blog Notes From The Wild.

A Golden Anniversary

On June 15, Caledon Day marks the town’s 50th birthday. Starting at 2 p.m. and stretching into the evening, expect family activities, a local beer and cider zone, performances, including the Sam Roberts Band, and fireworks. This free event takes place at the Caledon East Community Complex and is one of the few days of the year you can see fireworks in Caledon.

Forest For The Trees

On May 5, join registered forest therapy guide Janette Cridland to experience the evidence-based healing of being among the trees during her Spring Guided Forest Therapy Walk at Albion Hills Conservation Park. Janette explains, “It’s not an interpretative walk or exercise. It’s an embodied experience of engaging with all of your senses.” This event takes place at 1 p.m. and requires registration.

Museum Fun

Explore the ways transportation impacted Dufferin County at the Museum of Dufferin’s latest exhibit, Rumble, Honk, Choo-Choo! Dufferin County on the Move. Check out artifacts and images of trains, early cars and agricultural vehicles. Vote for your favourite method of transportation at the voting station or leave a note on the Travel Memories Wall about your favourite travel memory. The exhibit runs from March 9 to May 25 in the Silo Gallery.

Celebrate Sikh Heritage Month this April at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives which is featuring an exhibition on social justice, workshops and panel discussions, and children’s activities all through the month. The Sikh Heritage Month Foundation sponsors free admission for all.

The Sounds of Spring

Shake off the winter blues with one of many local live music outings. The Busholme Restaurant and Bar in Erin makes it easy to linger over dinner with a spring lineup that includes blues legend Jack de Keyzer on April 6 and Sandra Bouza performing Alanis Morissette’s hits on May 11. These events are ticketed. Check the Busholme website for start times.

If it’s classical you’re after, Caledon Chamber Concerts presents the Venuti String Quartet on April 13 at St. James Anglican Church in Caledon East. In Orangeville, Westminster United Church hosts Brightest and Best on Broadway. See jazz saxophonist Ryan Grist, soprano Elisabeth Dubois, and others on April 13, in support of The Kitchen Table project, which provides food and necessities to local people in need. Also at Westminster is the 25th annual Orangeville & District Music Festival from April 29 to May 1. This noncompetitive event provides performance opportunities for musicians of all abilities and disciplines.

From April 25 to May 12, Theatre Orangeville explores the early days of vaudeville with the musical The Darktown Strutters’ Ball. The production is based on and named for Canadian-born American songwriter Shelton Brooks’ famous song, which, in 1917, was the first jazz recording ever made.

Make your own music Wednesdays from 3–4:30 p.m. at the Jam Space at Dufferin Child & Family Services in Orangeville. This fun, therapeutic program is designed to help kids try a variety of instruments under the guidance of a trained music therapist.

Shopping Local This Season

Outdoor farmers’ markets are back! Start your weekend on the right foot by picking up delicious local foods and specialty goods at a market near you in Grand Valley, Erin, Creemore or Orangeville.

In Creemore, visit the Indigenous Market hosted by Indigenous Tourism Ontario and the village on June 16. The event will highlight Indigenous makers, chefs, artisans and performers. The ITO hopes to make this an annual event to support Indigenous product development and experiences that encourage the growth of Indigenous tourism in Ontario.

The Caledon Dufferin Women’s Show will be offering a sip-and-shop Mommy Market on May 3 at Monora Park Pavilion in Mono.

Share Your Wednesdays

Volunteer at Everdale Farm’s weekly Harvest Day on any Wednesday afternoon from June to August to help dig carrots or pick beans. The work is suitable for all ages and abilities; high school kids are encouraged to apply.

Everything you harvest will be donated to local community members who can’t afford fresh food — the program has already donated over 100,000 pounds.