Sault Naturalists

Founded in 1954, the Sault Naturalists is an international club with about 100 members from both Ontario and Michigan. We are affiliated with Ontario Nature, Michigan Audubon Society, and Nature Canada. These affiliations allow us to have a voice in environmental issues at the state, provincial, and national levels. We also receive current information from these groups and have access to their expertise, publications, and facilities.

The club objectives are to provide members with a common meeting ground for exchanging ideas and for broadening their knowledge and understanding of natural science; to promote the appreciation, preservation, and conservation of our natural heritage; and to support and co-operate with other organizations having similar aims. The club is active in environmental advocacy, stewardship, and education and has participated in planning for national and provincial parks.

Meetings are held September through June, usually on the second Tuesday of each month, in either Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario or Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Speakers chosen from a wide range of knowledgeable people present talks on such subjects as plants, animals, mushrooms, geology, current environmental issues, and outdoor recreation. The annual meeting in February, which includes a banquet, features noted speakers.

Outings and hikes are held year round, rain or shine and range from evening walks to day-long rambles, weekend excursions and 4/5 day campouts. Outings are led by knowledgeable persons-include natural history (birds, flowers, mushrooms, edible plants, mammals and other wildlife), geology, canoe trips, camping, and outdoor recreation. The wide variety offered allows members to choose outings that match their interests. Non-members are welcome to join us on our outings.  Recent outings include a trip to Michigan to see the endangered Kirkland’s warbler, a visit to St Joseph Island to see Showy Lady Slippers and a canoe outing on the Batchawana River.