The Sydenham Field Naturalists (SFN) have come a long way – focus wise and geographically – since their inception 40 years ago, and the diversification is set to continue.
Sherri-Anne Wills, spokesperson for SFN, said the group initially formed with a geological focus. They incorporated in 1987 and eventually shifted to bird watching primarily and shifted into conservation in the 1990s, becoming a charitable organization around that time as well.
“That’s how the Sycamore Woods were saved,” Willis said of the Wallaceburg property. “They (SFN) also helped with the Sydenham River Nature Reserve. We’ve been saving that area and reclaiming it as a natural resource.”
The nature reserve is located south of Alvinston and is a 288-acre property that is rife with Carolinian species native to southwestern Ontario.
Sycamore Woods is an 11-acre parcel of Carolinian Forest in Wallaceburg.
SFN has roots in Wallaceburg, but over the past 40 years the group has spread across Chatham-Kent and is into Lambton County.
With “Sydenham” in their very name, it’s no surprise SFN has a focus on the Sydenham River. Willis said it’s part of an incredibly diverse ecosystem.
“The Sydenham is one of the most diverse rivers in the world. In terms of variety, there are more mussels, more fish in the river than most rivers have,” she said.
Wills said the goal of SFN is to preserve native species and re-introduce them wherever and whenever possible.
“We find that native species are better for our environment because they have lived here for thousands of years and are more adaptive to climate change,” she said.
The introduction of invasive species can be devastating, and it can cause chain reactions. For example, some plants will thrive and wipe out native plants, which can negatively impact insects who pollinate and are food for birds. The eco system changes as a result.
Spreading the word is important for SFN.
“We take our mission very seriously,” Wills said. “We want to expand further. We’re showing up to raise awareness at different events, including the (Chatham-Kent & Lambton) Children’s Water Festival and the Dresden (Night) Market.”
The organization is celebrating its 40 years by hosting a special guest speaker at its banquet this year. Kathy Johnson, a producer for PBS’s Great Lakes Now, will present “Livers of the River,” focusing on freshwater ecosystems and the importance of preserving rivers and lakes.
The banquet takes place April 12 at Retro Suites in Chatham. The event will feature a fundraising auction, door prizes, and a chance to learn more about SFN’s ongoing projects.
Funds raised will support future conservation efforts, environmental education, and the protection of native biodiversity.
Wills encourage residents to embrace conservation.
“If we don’t’ nurture nature, nature can’t nurture us,” she said. “When we disconnect from nature, we’ve basically disconnected from ourselves.”
Learn more about SFN’s projects, events, and how to get involved at sydenhamfieldnaturalists.ca.
