Six Nations Wildlife and Stewardship

05/19/2026

Please be advised: GRCA and University of Waterloo will be doing some sampling on chiefswood road this morning

04/29/2026

🪺 Exciting news from the field! 🐦

The bird boxes SN built in 2024 as part of the Aerial Insectivores Project are being installed—and they’re already being put to good use! We’re thrilled to share that some nesting pairs of Tree Swallows have already moved in.

Quick fact: Tree Swallows are aerial insectivores, meaning they feed almost entirely on flying insects like mosquitoes and flies—making them important indicators of ecosystem health.

A huge thank you to the Six Nations community for your support, collaboration, and care for the land. We also gratefully acknowledge Birds Canada for the Grant that helped make these installations possible.

✨ Stay tuned for more news coming from the restoration property! 🌿

04/27/2026

COMMUNITY FYI

We’re following up on some communications regarding hunting activities within Halton Regional Forest Tracts. Below are the upcoming seasonal hunting dates to be aware of:

🔸 Wild Turkey Season: April 25 – May 31
🔸 Deer Shotgun Season: First Monday in November to First Friday in November
➡️ This year: November 3 – November 7
🔸 Deer (Bows-Only) Season: October 1 – December 31

For more details and regulations, please visit the Regional Forestry page:
👉 https://www.halton.ca/the-region/explore-and-enjoy-halton/regional-forests

If you have any questions or feel there’s someone else we should connect with, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help!

Explore Halton’s Regional Forests—703 hectares of trails, wetlands and wildlife. Learn about maps, permitted uses, safety rules and forest management.

04/23/2026

🐢 Slow Down—Turtles Crossing! 🐢

It’s nesting season, and mama turtles are on the move, often crossing our roads to lay their eggs. Tragically, many are hit by vehicles each year—but slowing down can save lives.

Did you know? Many turtle species take 10–20 years or more to reach breeding age. Losing even one adult turtle can have long‑lasting impacts on local populations.

Please:
🚗 Slow down!
👀 Watch carefully for turtles on the road
📣 If you see nesting turtles, turtles crossing roads, or injured turtles, please report your sightings to the SNWSO. Your reports help protect turtles and guide conservation efforts.

Your patience behind the wheel can make a huge difference for these slow-going slow‑growing animals. 💚

04/22/2026

🌎 Earth Day 2026 🌱
This Earth Day, we honour our responsibility to care for the land, water, and all living beings.

Today is a reminder to be thankful for all that the Earth provides and for the responsibility we carry to care for it with respect and intention. May our gratitude guide the way we protect and restore the natural world—for today and for the generations yet to come.

🌱 Nya:węh to the Earth for all that it gives.

04/07/2026

Turtle Nest Protectors are available for loan to Six Nations community members!

Turtle nests can often be predated by other animals, so you can help to protect them by placing a nest protector over it until the eggs hatch.

If you are interested in receiving a nest protector, contact Lauren: (519) 445-0330 or email [email protected]

03/23/2026

🐺 Living in a Good Way with Coyotes 🐾

Coyotes are part of Ecosystem on SN and have always lived on these lands. Recently, we’ve received more questions and concerns. So we thought we'd take a minute!

How to reduce interactions with coyotes:
• Please do not feed coyotes — intentionally or unintentionally
• Secure garbage, compost, and outdoor food
• Feed pets indoors and clean up bird seed
• Supervise pets, especially at dawn and dusk
• Remove attractants such as fallen fruit or areas that draw rodents

If you encounter a coyote:
• Stay calm and do not run
• Make yourself look bigger
• Make noise (clap, shout, use a whistle)
• watch closely and slowly back away

Coyotes play an important role in maintaining balance by controlling rodent populations. By respecting their space and caring for our homes and community areas, we help support coexistence in a good way.

If you notice bold, aggressive, or unusual behaviour, please let SNWSO/SNGREC know.

🧡 Respect. Awareness. Responsibility.

03/09/2026

It's come to our attention our previously shared link for a job opportunity in SNWSO and the Six Nations of the Grand River CAP team did not work!

Here's some working ones!
https://greatsn.com/jobs/land-use-and-stewardship-technician/
https://greatsn.com/jobs/wildlife-and-stewardship-technician/

Applications will be received by Six Nations of the Grand River and Grand River Employment & Training (GREAT) up until 4:00 p.m. EST, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, for Wildlife and Stewardship Technician, with Land Use, Nation Building.  The Six Nations of the Grand River Application for Employment Fo...

02/27/2026

Day 5:
Invasive Species Awareness Week | Buckthorn

Buckthorn is an invasive shrub and small tree that has been observed on Six Nations. It spreads quickly in woodlands and along forest edges, forming dense thickets that crowd out native plants and tree seedlings.

Buckthorn has leaves earlier and holds its leaves later than many native species, shading out wildflowers and other medicines and plants that pollinators depend on for food. As buckthorn spreads, it reduces the diversity of flowering plants, impacting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that support healthy ecosystems.

One thing you can do:
Learn how to identify European Buckthorn and remove small plants where you can! Cutting or pulling young buckthorn before it produces berries helps slow its spread.
Cleaning boots, tools, and equipment after being in the bush also helps prevent spreading seeds. 🌼🐝

Nya:weh to all who continue to help our forests thrive and thank you for coming along this short journey into Invasive Species on Six Nations!

02/27/2026

Day 4:
Invasive Species Awareness Week | Garlic Mustard - Our first Plant!

Garlic Mustard is an invasive plant that has been observed in and around our forests on Six Nations. It spreads quickly along trails, forest edges, and disturbed areas, outcompeting native plants that many species depend on for food and habitat.

Garlic Mustard releases chemicals into the soil that make it harder for native plants and tree seedlings to grow. Over time, this reduces forest diversity and affects the health of the forest.

One thing you can do:

Learn how to identify Garlic Mustard and remove small patches by hand before it goes to seed. Bag plants and dispose of them properly — do not compost. Cleaning boots and tools after being in the woods also helps prevent spread. 🌿

Nya:weh to all who continue to help our forests thrive!