Queers in Nature - Scavenger Hunt at Starkey Hill

Queer Nature Pals! Scavenger hunt time!

Join us for a collaborative scavenger hunt adventure through the trails at Starkey Hill. We’ll use our eyes and ears and all our senses to find a collection of pre-determined nature delights! (and other non pre-determined nature delights we might stumble upon). And maybe we’ll get some lil birdies to eat seeds out of our hands!

Our main goal with Queers in Nature is to bring folks from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community together in the outdoors to foster a deeper individual connection with our natural world while simultaneously growing stronger community bonds

We will meet at 1pm (*please arrive on time friends!) at the parking lot of Starkey Hill, (carpools are available!). Click here for exact location. We will adventure until 3pm.

The trails at Starkey Hill are varied, some are wide and level, but there are a couple steep hills and roots and mud (and maybe snow!). Please wear study shoes and dress for the weather. Layers are recommended.

COVID Policy

If you have been feeling unwell prior to attending this event, please stay home.

Though this is an outdoor event, we are still mindful of the ways that illness spreads when folks gather together and want everyone to feel safe attending. We STRONGLY encourage those who are carpooling to wear masks while travelling together.

We also ask that all attendees do a rapid test before attending, as well as stay up to date on their vaccines and boosters. We hike together for our mental and physical well-being, so let's be mindful of keeping our extended communities safe too!

Accessibility

This event is considered medium impact. We will be walking slowly but the terrain is varied.

• This trailhead is not accessible by public transit. Carpools may also be available from within Guelph. Please reach out to Queers in Nature admin, by email or on instagram, if transportation is a barrier for you and we will HAPPILY try to assist in coordinating rides! There is a parking lot located at our meeting point.
• Please keep an eye on the weather. Depending on the weather we experience leading up to the event, the trails may be wet, hot, cold, or slippery and more difficult for some attendees. In the case of extreme winds or not so lovely weather, the event may be cancelled or postponed. If this is the case, you will be notified via email and we will also post on updates on our instagram page (@queerz.in.nature).

• We ask that all participants are dressed appropriately for the weather and the activity(including but not limited to: appropriate footwear for a varied terrain, layers for temperature variations, rain gear, etc).
• We ask that all participants help to make this an accessible event by not wearing scents/perfumes and please refrain from consuming drugs or alcohol during the hike or before the hike.

• There are no washroom facilities located along the trail. Please use the washroom prior to arriving, and be prepared to make a stop along the trail (in the woods) if necessary.

• While kiddos are welcome on this hike, the event is catered towards adults, and will move at (nerdy outdoorsy) adult pace.

• Some snacks may be provided but we ask that everyone bring adequate water and snacks to fuel your body through the event. There are no water refill stations on the hike.

• We might encounter bugs (mosquitos, ticks, other creepy crawlies), as well as plants that cause rashes (poison ivy, etc). Please be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.

There are risks involved in these events.

By signing up for this event, you are agreeing that you will be responsible for your own care and safety, and to be mindful and respectful with regard to the care and safety of other participants. Queers in Nature is a volunteer-led group, and we are not liable for anything that may occur to participants during or surrounding this event.

We are so excited to see you out in nature!