Friends of Ojibway Prairie is inviting the community to celebrate its 35th anniversary Saturday with a day of citizen science, music and nature at the Ojibway Nature Centre. The free event begins with the annual Windsor Butterfly Count from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by an outdoor performance by the Windsor Symphony Orchestra at 1 p.m. and a guided nature walk through the prairie led by former City of Windsor forestry manager Bill Roesel. Mike Fisher, president of Friends of Ojibway Prairie, said the anniversary is an opportunity to recognize decades of community support for one of Canada’s most significant natural areas. “We’re just proud of, over many, many years, the community’s love and passion for the Ojibway Prairie and all the natural areas that make up this wonderful park and the partnerships that have brought it together,” Fisher said. “Over 35 years, just everyone has worked together. The many volunteers we’ve had, the people who collect seeds, who do the clean ups, do the invasive species work, who lead the tours, and being able to celebrate what a wonderful place we have that’s recognized both nationally and globally as having fantastic, rare ecosystems and some of the best natural heritage you’ll find in Canada.” The butterfly count is part of the larger North American Butterfly Count and welcomes participants of all experience levels. “It’s a citizen science opportunity,” Fisher explained. “We count numbers of species, we provide numbers for the North American Butterfly Association, and it provides that opportunity to keep track year after year of how we’re doing both for biodiversity and the count of butterflies we find here within our beautiful Ojibway Prairie Complex.” Last year’s count recorded 825 butterflies representing 35 species. Fisher said the information collected helps researchers monitor butterfly populations both locally and across North America. “It gives us a sense from a numbers perspective, the diversity, the biodiversity of species we find here,” he said. “Across North America, it gives a sense of the health over time. Year over year, you may find variations. One count may go up; one count may go down.” Fisher said organizers are hoping to see another diverse count this year, including monarchs, viceroys, giant swallowtails, and skippers. He encouraged anyone interested in nature to participate. “Just bring yourself dressed for the weather… bring a curious mind and take that opportunity to go out and help with the count and ask lots of questions,” Fisher said. “We’ll have plenty of experienced naturalists out and the wonderful team from the Ojibway Nature Centre. They’re there to help and educate.” Following the butterfly count, visitors are invited to stay for the Windsor Symphony Orchestra’s free outdoor concert before joining a guided walk exploring the prairie ecosystem and the biodiversity that makes the Ojibway Prairie Complex unique. Fisher said the anniversary also comes as the community continues to look ahead to the proposed Ojibway National Urban Park. “We’re certainly excited, looking forward to progress on the National Urban Park file,” he said. “We want to make sure it’s protected for future generations so everyone can enjoy.”
