Location Photography

**Carden Alvar Birding Adventure** **Sunday, May 3, 2026** **Ospreys, Bluebirds, Meadowlarks and More!** Join us on Sunday, May 3rd for a fantastic early May birding adventure to the famous Carden Alvar, one of the most exciting birding destinations in Ontario. Located about two hours northeast of Toronto, this remarkable area is known for its unique habitat, wide open landscapes, and excellent variety of birds that are not always easy to find elsewhere. We will explore some of the best birding spots in the region in search of Eastern Bluebirds, Eastern Meadowlarks, Ospreys Wilson’s Snipe, Brown Thrashers, many newly arriving warblers and songbirds, along with many other surprises. Moose and Black Bears are sometimes spotted. Carden is one of the very best places in Ontario to enjoy stunning looks at Eastern Bluebirds, and it often provides wonderful photo opportunities as well. The Ospreys are back on territory, and you'll will be able to chance to observe and photograph these impressive birds of prey. This is a really enjoyable outing with plenty of birding, scenic country roads, fresh spring air, and the excitement of never knowing what might turn up next. If you enjoy birds, nature, photography, and a fun day outdoors, this trip is for you. It's rated easy. **Itinerary** Departure from Finch Subway Station passenger pickup area at **8:00 a.m. sharp** Free parking is available on weekends Return to Toronto at approximately **4:30 p.m.** **Important Notes** This tour involves driving between birding locations, along with short and easy walks. Lunch is not included, so please bring your own food, snacks, and drinks. We will also make stops along the way at Tim Hortons. As always, we respect wildlife and private property, and our priority is to enjoy the birds without disturbance. **Cost** **$119 CAD per person** Payment by e-transfer to **torontonaturelovers@hotmail.com** I can take up to **3 passengers only**, so if you would like to join us, please reserve your spot early. Come out for a terrific day of spring birding adventure and enjoy one of Ontario’s true birding gems. **Come see a Bluebird with us!**

You don’t have to fly to Japan or Washington DC. Its right here at high park. Join us for a walk in high park to witness the cherry blossom! We’re heading to High Park for the annual cherry blossom bloom. Come for the beautiful views, stay for the "I can’t believe it’s finally spring" vibes. We promise it’ll be a blooming good time. Don’t leaf us hanging! We will see you at the high park’s north entrance. Wait for 15 mins and then start the walk. P.S. The moment you touch the leaves or the tree for that one Insta pic, we will disown you! (Not kidding here) 💵 Cost: $2 (cash or e-transfer to mech.mandeep@gmail.com) Who knew running a meetup costs money!!

We’re heading to High Park for the annual cherry blossom bloom. Come for the beautiful views, stay for the "I can’t believe it’s finally spring" vibes. We promise it’ll be a *blooming* good time. Don’t leaf us hanging! P.S. The moment you touch the leaves or the tree for that one Insta pic, we will disown you! (Not kidding here) 💵 Cost: $2 (cash or e-transfer to mech.mandeep@gmail.com) Who knew running a meetup costs money!!

🌸🌳 **CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN HIGH PARK WALK + LUNCH** 🌳🌸 **Spring Blooms, Busy Energy & A Tavern Finish** If the early morning version felt a little too ambitious… this one’s for you. Join us for a slightly later start to experience the cherry blossoms in High Park — one of Toronto’s most beautiful (and busiest) spring traditions. For a short window each year, the park fills with soft pink blooms, drawing people from all over the city. It’s vibrant, a little chaotic, and completely worth it. The cherry trees were originally gifted in 1959 by the citizens of Tokyo through Ambassador Toru-Hagiwara, symbolizing friendship and appreciation. Many were planted along the hillside near Grenadier Pond — and today, they’ve become one of Toronto’s most anticipated seasonal moments. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social walk — come for the blossoms, stay for the experience. 👉 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) \*\*\* 🚶‍♂️ **What We’ll Do** We’ll meet at the park and head toward the three main cherry blossom areas, stopping at each so everyone has time to take photos and enjoy the views. Afterward, we’ll continue on a relaxed walk through the park, passing by the zoo and taking in more of the scenery. To wrap things up, we’ll head out of the park and make our way to The Mugshot Tavern for a casual lunch together. 🍔🍻 You’re welcome to join for food or head out whenever you like. Please note: there are hills throughout the park. \*\*\* 🌦️ **Weather & Expectations** This event will happen in typical spring weather — sun, wind, or light rain. As long as it’s not extreme conditions, we’ll be going ahead. Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. 🌸 **IMPORTANT:** Cherry blossom timing can change depending on the season. This event may be moved to another date to catch peak bloom — please keep an eye on updates. Also — expect crowds. This is a popular event, especially later in the morning. And as always — this is NOT a guided or historical tour. I’ll share context casually, but the focus is on enjoying the space together. \*\*\* 🚫 Getting There **DO NOT DRIVE TO THIS EVENT.** Parking will be extremely limited or unavailable. It is strongly recommended to take public transit to High Park Station. \*\*\* 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: High Park sign (west side at Bloor & High Park Ave) 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 11:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. We’ll head in promptly. End Point: Near The Mugshot Tavern \*\*\* 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) This helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 \*\*\* 🎒 **What to Bring** **Water** Good walking shoes (hills!) Camera or phone for photos 📸 Weather-appropriate clothing (layers + spring-ready 🌸) Optional: cash/card for lunch Please also use the washroom before arriving, as stops are limited early on. \*\*\* **🌈 Who Is This For?** This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. We also host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. \*\*\* **REMEMBER:** You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. \*\*\* 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the blossoms. Stay for the lunch. Leave feeling like you made the most of one of Toronto’s busiest — and most beautiful — spring days. 🌸✨

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/fire-craft-intro-3)** ***Discover the ancient art of safely creating and maintaining fire without lighters or matches!*** For thousands of years, fire has been our greatest ally for warmth, safety, cooking, and survival. But in the wild, fire doesn’t come easy. It takes knowledge, patience, and the right technique. We are back for the third installment of this popular course to teach you the beautiful art of fire. You’ll begin to master the craft with hands-on guidance from our expert firecraft instructor - guide Kyle. You'll be shown and encouraged to practice: 1\. Ferrocerium rod techniques with multiple tinders 2\. Traditional flint & steel fire lighting 3\. The art of hand\-drill friction fire This course will give you the foundation to create fire anywhere, anytime. **Included:** Your own high-quality ferro rod to take home and keep the fire burning wherever you go. **Who It’s For:** This course is for beginners and intermediate survivalists alike. Bring your curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a love of getting outside. This is an amazing opportunity not only to learn from our expert, but it's a fun, practical lesson at a uniquely low price. **About this series:** The Survivalist Series is an expert-led set of courses designed to develop applicable and life-saving skills in the outdoors. Keep your eyes peeled for more courses on many other topics coming soon! **Due to the cost of parking at Bronte Creek, WU transport is recommended for this course.** **Highlights** **Ancient techniques:** Learn unique firecraft techniques from long ago that do not need matches or a lighter. **Survivalist skills training:** Develop essential skills to survive and thrive in the wild. **Fire kit included:** Every participant gets this kit including a ferro rod and variety of tinders. **Event cost: $95+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/fire-craft-intro-3)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

## Details Our hike leader is Bohdan Bilyj. From the website... * [Claireville Conservation Area](https://www.hphc.ca/Claireville01.html) \-\- description of hike with driving instructions * [Schedule Spring 2026](https://www.hphc.ca/schedule.html) * [What to Bring](https://www.hphc.ca/WhatToBring.html) \-\- on a hike * [Hiking Etiquette](https://www.hphc.ca/HikeEtiquette.html) * [Taking Photos](https://www.hphc.ca/Photos.html) * [Après Hike](https://www.hphc.ca/ApresHike.html) This will be a gentle, level one hike, ideal for your first time out in the season. Until we announce otherwise, we are *not* meeting at Yonge and York Mills (Old York Mills Road). If you need a ride or some passengers, arrange car pooling in the Meetup web page.

Join me for a small, mindful photography walk in nature. (**NOTE Time is 9:00 AM EST(Meetup is having technical Issue))** This is a slow, intentional gathering — not focused on fitness or perfect photography — but on simply pausing, observing, and being present. We’ll walk at a gentle pace, with moments of quiet, and a few light prompts to help you notice details you might normally miss. 📷 You don’t need any photography experience — a phone camera is enough. This is also not a business networking event. It’s a calm space to connect with nature and, if it feels natural, with like-minded people. 🌿 What to expect: • A slow-paced, relaxed walk • Moments of silence and observation • Simple reflection prompts 📍 Location: [ Red Trabue Nature Preserve] ⏱ Duration: \~60 minutes This is a small, initial gathering as I begin creating this space through WellGratiVibes — a blend of mindfulness, nature, and quiet connection. If this resonates with you, you’re welcome to join.

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Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."