When COVID-19 temporarily halted monthly membership meetings at the Ojibway Nature Centre, the Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club turned to YouTube.
September marks the fourth time the club is launching a video on its Essex County Nature channel the night of its regular monthly meeting (the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.)
The latest instalment is a team effort spearheaded by Gina Pannunzio and includes video, photo and narration contributions by Jennifer Nantais, Chris Hart, Jessica Middleton and Steve Marks.
The topic is the snapping turtle, Canada’s largest turtle and one of its oldest surviving species.
Launched previously are videos about sharing sightings on eBird, the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas 3, and dealing with injured and orphaned wildlife. All are available to view and share on the YouTube channel, along with other nature videos submitted by members.
Want some tips on identifying native trees in Windsor and Essex County? We have a video for that. Bill Roesel, president of the Friends of Ojibway Prairie, gives viewers a tour of trees at Ojibway Nature and shows us how to identify them.
Board vice-president Kory Renaud has been the driving force behind the YouTube channel. He has edited and uploaded the videos, which are attracting attention to the club. His video on using eBird to record sightings is a great resource for birders.
While we would all prefer to be meeting in person, and going on group hikes and field trips, the online videos are another way for members to stay in touch and share information. They also reach a wider audience.
If you would like to submit a video or contribute to making one, contact membership secretary Ellen van Wageningen (). You can also send her suggestions for future topics.
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