Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary

09/10/2026

🍂 Calling All Vendors! 🍂

The Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary is accepting vendor applications for our 2026 Migration Festival, proudly supported by the St. Clair College Alumni Association!

📅 October 17–18, 2026
📍 332 Road 3 West, Kingsville, ON

Join hundreds of visitors for one of Windsor-Essex's favourite fall traditions celebrating wildlife, migration, conservation, and community.

We're looking for:
🛍️ Artisans & Makers
🍔 Food Vendors
🕯️ Crafters
🌿 Local Businesses & Organizations

Festival Highlights:
🦆 Family fun including our fishing pond, straw maze, bird shows, crafts, and activities

🎨 A bustling vendor marketplace featuring unique local products and delicious food

🚗 Sunday: Classic Car Show & Pancake Breakfast

🍻 Saturday (12 PM–6 PM | Ty Cobb Field): B**r Market featuring local breweries, wineries, distilleries, food, live music, and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business, connect with new customers, and be part of a beloved community tradition at one of Canada's most historic bird sanctuaries.

👉 Apply today!

🔗 https://forms.gle/vMnJC3GhgRzjehfh9

Questions? We'd love to hear from you!

📧 [email protected]

Help us make Migration Festival 2026 our biggest celebration yet!

09/09/2026

Historical Spotlight | Remembering Manly Miner (1897–1985)

Yesterday marked the birthday of Manly Miner, born on September 8, 1897—a man whose leadership behind the scenes helped make The Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary a household name.

Named after Jack Miner's close friend and brother-in-law, Manly was the third child born to Jack and Laona Miner. He was the younger brother of Carl and Pearl, who both passed away in childhood, and the older brother of Ted and Jasper.

Unlike his father, Jack, who remained illiterate until the age of 38, Manly received a formal education. By just 13 years old, he had already taken on business management responsibilities for the family's brick and tile company.

As the Sanctuary, founded in 1904, grew into one of Canada's leading tourist attractions--ranked the country's second most popular destination in 1920s--Manly became the organizational force behind its success. He managed finances, coordinated Jack's speaking tours, raised funds, paid the bills, and built strong community relationships that helped expand the Sanctuary's reach.

It can be argued that while Jack inspired the world with his conservation message, Manly helped make that worldwide recognition possible. His tireless work allowed Jack to focus on conservation while ensuring the organization continued to thrive.

After Jack's passing in 1944, Manly became the business face of The Jack Miner Foundation, dedicating the next four decades to fundraising, promoting the Sanctuary's mission, and preserving his father's remarkable legacy.

Manly Miner passed away on November 18, 1985, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and unwavering dedication.

Thank you, Manly. The Sanctuary you helped build continues to inspire generations.

💚 Make a charitable donation:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-jack-miner-migratory-bird-foundation-act/

🛍️ Shop our Gift Shop--every purchase helps support conservation, education, and the care of the Sanctuary:
https://jackminer.ca/gift-shop/

📬 Join our newsletter and never miss a story from the Sanctuary: https://jackminer.ca/newsletter/

09/08/2026

📜 Historical Spotlight | A Memorable Visit to Jack Miner’s Sanctuary (1922)

In the spring of 1922, just after Jack Miner completed construction of the home that still stands today at 332 Road 3 West, the Sanctuary welcomed a distinguished group from the Toledo Chamber of Commerce. Their visit on April 9–10 coincided with Jack's birthday on April 10, making the occasion even more memorable.

To commemorate their time together, the Chamber presented Jack and his family with a beautiful photo album filled with images from their visit. The photographs capture an incredible glimpse into the early Sanctuary: Jack feeding his beloved Canada Geese, the newly completed home and grounds, one of Jack's iconic brick Purple Martin towers, visitors gathered beneath young evergreen trees, and ponds already bustling with waterfowl.

A few days later, the Chamber sent Jack a heartfelt letter that read:

"The memory of our visit to Uncle Jack Miner's home at Kingsville on April 9 and 10, 1922 will be cherished by us through life and will afford us constant inspiration."

They also thanked the Miner family for their hospitality, writing:

"As a very little token of our appreciation... we are sending this album, with a few 'nest eggs.' As the geese 'increase and multiply' we hope the book will become filled with interesting views in the beautiful park."

Closing the letter, they wished that Jack's new house would be "a HOME indeed" and that the family would enjoy "many more 'April 10ths.'"

More than a century later, that wish has come true. Jack's home remains an enduring landmark, and the Sanctuary continues to welcome visitors while carrying forward his legacy of conservation, education, and hospitality.

Swipe through these remarkable photographs for a look at the Sanctuary as it appeared more than 100 years ago.

💚 Make a charitable donation:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-jack-miner-migratory-bird-foundation-act/

🛍️ Shop our Gift Shop--every purchase helps support conservation, education, and the care of the Sanctuary:
https://jackminer.ca/gift-shop/

📬 Join our newsletter and never miss a story from the Sanctuary: https://jackminer.ca/newsletter/

09/07/2026

Happy Labour Day!

Please note that the Historic House, Jack Miner Learning Centre, and Jack Miner Museum are closed today for the Labour Day holiday.

Our grounds remain open from sunrise to sunset, so you're welcome to enjoy:
🍁 Jasper Hills Playground
🦢 Public Viewing Pond
🦅 Aviaries
🥾 Kennedy Woods Nature Trails

We hope everyone has had a wonderful summer, and we wish all students, teachers, and families the very best as they begin a new school year tomorrow. Have a safe and happy Labour Day!

09/06/2026

🎉 CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2026 WEATHERBY × JACK MINER STICKER DRAW WINNERS! 🎉

A huge thank you to everyone who purchased a sticker and supported this year's Weatherby × Jack Miner Sticker Draw. Every sticker purchased directly supports the conservation, bird banding, habitat restoration, and outdoor education work of The Jack Miner Migratory Bird Foundation.

🏆 GRAND PRIZE WINNER
Congratulations to Jamie Kendrick!

🎉 BONUS DRAW #1 – Jack Miner Banding Experience for Two
Congratulations to Louis-Philippe Boucher!

🎉 BONUS DRAW #2 – Jack Miner Commemorative Goose Band Lanyard
Congratulations to Cole Elliot!

🎉 BONUS DRAW #3 – Ultimate Duck Band & Jack Miner Collectors Package
Congratulations to Mike Custin!

👏 Congratulations to all of our winners! Each winner will be contacted directly to arrange prize details.

To everyone who supported this campaign—whether you purchased a sticker, sold stickers to friends and family, helped spread the word on social media, or encouraged others to participate—thank you. Because of your generosity and enthusiasm, this campaign will have a lasting impact on our conservation efforts and help ensure Jack Miner's legacy continues to inspire future generations.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Weatherby for once again partnering with us on this incredible campaign.

Thank you all for helping make this year's Weatherby × Jack Miner Sticker Draw one of our most successful yet. We look forward to sharing more exciting conservation initiatives and fundraising opportunities with you soon!

09/05/2026

2026 Weatherby × Jack Miner Sticker Draw sales are now officially CLOSED! 🎉

If you purchased your sticker online before 5:00 PM EST, your order will be processed and your entry will be included in tonight's draw.

🏆 Winners will be announced on our Facebook and Instagram pages before midnight tonight and will also be contacted directly.

Thank you to everyone who participated and supported the conservation work of Jack's Sanctuary. We truly appreciate your support, and good luck to all of our entrants! 🦆

09/05/2026

⏰ TODAY IS THE DAY! FINAL CALL! ⏰

Today is your LAST CHANCE to purchase the 2026 Jack Miner × Weatherby Sticker and be entered to win! 🎟️🦆

⏰ Sticker sales close at 5:00 PM EST TODAY (Saturday, September 5).

🏆 One lucky winner will take home a one-of-a-kind Weatherby Orion Side-by-Side, plus three Bonus Draws!

🎟️ Purchase online before 5:00 PM EST:
https://jackminer.ca/product/weatherby-orion-sxs-gage-contest/

📍 Prefer to buy in person? Visit the Jack Miner booth at the Harrow Fair—we'll be selling stickers until 5:00 PM EST.

Please note: The Jack Miner Sanctuary Museum, Gift Shop, and Learning Centre are closed today while our staff are at the Harrow Fair.

🏆 Winners will be drawn and announced on our Facebook and Instagram pages before the end of tonight. All winners will also be contacted directly using the information provided at the time of purchase.

❤️ Can't purchase a sticker? You can still make a difference by sharing this post with your friends, family, and community.

Every sticker sold helps support more than a century of conservation, education, and migratory bird research at The Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary.

Thank you for your support—and good luck! 🍀🦆

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

⏰ FINAL CALL! ⏰

Tomorrow is your last chance to purchase your 2026 Jack Miner × Weatherby Sticker!

🎟️ Purchase your sticker online TODAY:
https://jackminer.ca/product/weatherby-orion-sxs-gage-contest/

Online sales close at 5:00 PM EST on Saturday, September 5, so don't miss your opportunity to support conservation and be entered to win our one-of-a-kind Weatherby Orion Side-by-Side, plus three incredible Bonus Draws.

Please note that the Jack Miner Sanctuary Museum, Gift Shop, and Learning Centre will be CLOSED tomorrow.

If you'd like to purchase your sticker in person, come visit us at the Harrow Fair!

While Mother Nature certainly had her way with the Harrow Fair yesterday, we're grateful to be back at our booth all day Saturday and Sunday, with sticker sales available until 5:00 PM EST tomorrow.

A heartfelt thank you to the Harrow Fair Board and its dedicated volunteers for their swift response and commitment to everyone's safety during yesterday's storm.

🎟️ Purchase online before 5:00 PM EST TOMORROW:
https://jackminer.ca/product/weatherby-orion-sxs-gage-contest/

🏆 Winners will be drawn and announced on our Facebook and Instagram pages before the end of the night tomorrow. All prize winners will also be contacted directly using the information provided at the time of purchase.

Thank you for supporting the conservation legacy of The Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary. We hope to see you at the Harrow Fair this weekend—and good luck! 🍀🦆

09/03/2026

⏰ ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT TO ENTER! ⏰

The countdown is on! You have just 3 days left to purchase your Weatherby–Jack Miner Sticker and be automatically entered for EVERY prize in this year's campaign.

🎟️ Purchase your sticker today:

https://jackminer.ca/product/weatherby-orion-sxs-gage-contest/

🎁 Every sticker enters you for ALL of these incredible prizes:

🏆 GRAND PRIZE

Our campaign's featured grand prize (with a $2,000 cash alternative available to the winner, where applicable under the official rules).

🦆 BONUS DRAW #1
Jack Miner Banding Experience for Two

Experience one of North America's longest-running bird banding programs with an exclusive behind-the-scenes banding experience for two.

💰 Prize Value: $700

🦆 BONUS DRAW #2
Complete Jack Miner Commemorative Goose Band Lanyard (2000–2026)

Own a complete collection of 27 commemorative crimped goose bands, representing more than a quarter-century of Jack Miner conservation history.

💰 Prize Value: Over $400

🦆 BONUS DRAW #3
Ultimate Duck Band & Jack Miner Collectors Package

• 10 Jack Miner Commemorative Duck Bands
• Jack Miner Camo Hat
• Jack Miner Polo
• Jack Miner Hoodie
• Jack Miner Keychain

💰 Prize Value: Over $400

🎁 Purchase 5 or more stickers and receive a FREE 2026 Jack Miner Commemorative Flat Goose Band (a $25 value)!

🌎 Open to eligible residents of Canada and the United States. Be sure to share with your family and friends on both sides of the border!

Every $20 sticker directly supports the charitable conservation, bird banding, habitat restoration, and outdoor education work of The Jack Miner Migratory Bird Foundation, helping preserve Jack Miner's conservation legacy for future generations.

⏳ The campaign closes September 5. Draw date is also September 5. Three days remain--don't miss your chance to support conservation while entering to win these incredible prizes!

🎟️ Learn more and purchase your stickers today:

https://jackminer.ca/product/weatherby-orion-sxs-gage-contest/