About Us
Our Vision & Mission
Robert L. Bowles Nature Centre supports and fosters individuals on their journey of sustaining a conscious relationship with nature. We provide a natural sustainable venue for naturalists and instructors to explore, create, learn and heal.
What to Expect
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The Robert L. Bowles Nature Centre sits upon a 100-acre parcel of land, consisting of forest, meadows, orchards, a pond and wetlands. We host year-round seminars and workshops with a focus on educational programs relating to nature and wellbeing. Hiking, walking and snowshoeing are just some of the fun activities offered during the workshops.
Each season will offer you, the outdoor enthusiast, an experience from mammal tracking on snowshoes in the winter to exploring the wetlands and learning about their importance to observing and recording butterflies and dragonflies in the summer. We will be offering programs and workshops on all aspects of the nature world like geography, all five vertebrate groups (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds), insects and other invertebrates such as spiders, vascular and non-vascular plants including lichens, mosses, liverworts, herbs, shrubs and trees. There will also be several workshops on mushrooms and the great role of fungi in natural ecosystems.
Bush breathing, a meditative activity, similar to a therapy called Forest Bathing, will also be available. This activity can be done individually or in small groups. Taking a slow walk in nature and allowing your senses to awaken offers a host of benefits from breathing in the fresh air, receiving Vitamin D when the sun is shining, to helping reduce symptoms of stress. After a session you come away feeling calm, relaxed and balanced. For more information, we invite you to watch this video.
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Robert L. Bowles Nature Centre is where you can relax in nature, spend quality time with your family and engage in outdoor, healthy activities.
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The acreage is located in the Township of Ramara, where the land transitions from the Canadian Shield to the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence lowlands. The Robert L. Bowles Nature Centre is approximately 20 minutes east of Orillia, Ontario, Canada.
Management
Facilitator ~ Instructor ~ Teacher
Bob Bowles
Bob is an award-winning writer, artist, photographer and naturalist. Bob is Founder and coordinator of the Ontario Master Naturalist Certificate program offered at Lakehead University in Orillia, Ontario. He has worked on contracts, investigating element occurrences and conducted biological inventories for the Ministry of Natural Resources, Tiny March, Minesing Wetland complex, Severn Sound Environmental Association, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, Wye Marsh and Environmental Defense. The centre has been named after Bob as a way to honour his lifetime commitment and dedication to preserving and conserving nature.
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Facilitator ~ Manager ~ Healing Practitioner
June Crinnion
June has been in the alternative healing field for over 30 years. She is a Registered Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist and Founding President of the Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America. She is also a Polarity Practitioner and was President of the Ontario Polarity Association. She is also a Level 2 Usui Reiki Practitioner. June is an outdoors woman and advocate for all sentient beings in nature as well.
Holstic Teacher & Practitioner ~ Website Designer
Kerstin Kramer
With more than 14 years of holistic practice experience, Kerstin has developed a keen insight into people and their energy field. She practices and teaches Quantum Healing, Usui Reiki and Therapeutic Touch. She offers in-person sessions in Ontario and serves clients all over the world via distance sessions.
Her goal is to help her clients understand their own energy, healing journey and to offer simple, yet profound tools to navigate life with more ease and joy.
Facilitator ~ Coordinator for Bush Breathing
Michael D. Elmer
Michael studied with Paul Petzoldt, founder of the National Outdoor Leadership School in Maine and Stephen Brown founder of Great Cape Herbs in Cape Cod.
Michael is a registered Ontario Guide and has organized outdoor adventures and guided people throughout Northern Ontario. He is an advocate for all sentient beings in nature and reveres every animal, insect, plant and tree for its contribution in nature.
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Ball Catcher ~ Companion
Charlie
Charlie was the chair of our welcoming committee. Unfortunately Charlie got his wings on March 31st 2023. He was the best companion anyone could have. He is dearly missed. RIP Charlie Chocolate Elmer. January 3, 2010 - March 31, 2023
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Support Team
Apply to Volunteer Today
Join our dedicated family of volunteers at the Robert L. Bowles Nature Centre. Volunteers serve in many capacities. We will work with you to match your skills, schedule, personality, and interests to our needs. Share skills, make new friends, learn new skills and have fun working with others.
Please click here to fill out our volunteer application form