The Robert L. Bowles Nature Centre sits upon a 100-acre parcel of land, consisting of forest, meadows, orchards, a pond, wetlands, and a small organic 9- hole golf course.  They host year-round seminars and workshops with a focus on educational programs relating to nature, along with health and wellness classes.  Hiking, walking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are just some of the fun activities offered during the workshops.

“We want to excite and inspire you to become stewards of the land and create an intimate relationship with nature.  We’re hoping you leave our centre with new knowledge and a feeling of re-connection.” 

June Walking the Trails

We are thrilled to introduce you to June Crinnion, Facilitator, Manager and Healing Practitioner.  We recently had the pleasure of meeting June in person and we were so pleased to ask her a few more questions about the Robert L. Bowles Nature Centre.

When was The Robert L. Bowles Nature Centre first established?

Michael and I started Green Events and Programs in 2019 and after spending a lot of time with Bob Bowles we changed the name in January 2021 to the Robert L. Bowles Nature Centre.

Bob Teaching a Workshop

Can you give us a little bit of history and background on Bob Bowles and where his passion comes from?

Bob is a resident of Orillia, Ontario and has spent the last 40 years committed to learning about and safeguarding nature. He is an environmental consultant and a prominent educationalist. He created and teaches the Ontario Master Naturalist Program at Lakehead University in Orillia and Thunder Bay. He loves teaching anyone with an interest in nature.

Why the name – Robert L. Bowles Nature Centre?

We named the centre after Bob as a way to honour and pay tribute to Bob’s lifetime conservation achievements and for his role as custodian protecting and caring for the lands throughout the region and the province.

How do you manage such a big property and do you live on site?

Michael and I manage the property and yes, we live on site. I am not sure how we do it but we do and of course we are always looking for volunteers to help with various projects.

You offer several services at The Robert Bowles Nature Centre. If you had to choose one, which would be your favourite and why?

My favourite is walking our trails with Bob in the lead, sharing his vast wealth of knowledge, with a group of people, on all aspects of nature from flowers, trees, butterflies, dragonflies, the pond life and the animals that pass through the nature centre and live on the land.

What is your favourite thing about managing The Robert Bowles Nature Centre?

Watching people get inspired when they experience, understand or see something in nature for the first time.

Participants at a Workshop

What do you hope every person that visits the nature centre takes away with them?

We hope people acquire new knowledge and understanding of the importance of nature and its gifts. We hope every person is inspired to become a steward of this great land.

What does June like to do in her free time?

Golfing with my husband Michael and our labradoodle Charlie. And of course, being in nature.

Tell us a bit about Charlie and what his title is at the Nature Centre.

Charlie is nearly 12 and was our mascot when we owned and operated a resort. His job as
mascot has continued for the nature centre and he heads up the Welcoming Committee. He
is also our official ball retriever!

If you had any words of encouragement or advice for someone thinking of opening up their
own business to follow their dreams, what would they be?

Just that – let yourself dream and follow your dreams. Listen to your intuition and be prepared for a lot of work with ups and downs. Keep your passion in focus and in your heart, and you’ll remain true to yourself.

Robert L. Bowles Nature Centre is where you can relax in nature, spend quality time with your family and engage in outdoor, healthy activities. They are located at 1296 Concession Road 10 in Ramara Township.  For more information please visit: robertlbowlesnaturecentre.com.  We also encourage you to follow them on Instagram at: Robert Bowles Nature Centre as well as facebook to keep up to date with many amazing events that they offer.