Hi Folks,

I am enjoying everything that summer has to offer, the heat and sun, the rain,

the rainbows, the critters that cross our paths, the birds, the butterflies, dragon

flies, squirrels, rabbits, chippies, raccoons, porcupines, deer, turtles, frogs, toads,

snakes, salamanders and even the skunks, the fish, the flowers, grown, bought

and native for it will soon be fall and winter again!

It is bittersweet that I now take over as your President. I shall miss Gina Dalkin,

whose footprints shall be difficult to fill. I will try my best to do a good job.

We can count on a very capable executive which is hard at work so that we can

have great meetings with informative speakers, fun outings, great social events,

communications and the like.

If anyone would like to join the Executive, please do so. We are looking for

people to join. We need a Secretary. You get to attend Ontario Nature Meetings

at very interesting properties and hear about environmental/nature issues

Province- and country-wide, and to see what clubs do; or just come out as a

member to hear about what goes into making this club a great one.

One thing we all share is our love of nature, whether it be birds, butterflies,

plants, trees, animals, and how to protect and deal with issues that threaten

these. We all have our own reasons for coming together to learn about and

celebrate nature. Everyone is welcome. See next page….

Inside this Issue:

LIKE TO JOIN US?

HURON FRINGE FIELD NATURALISTS

MEETS THE 4TH TUESDAY OF FEB.,

MAR., APR., MAY & JUNE, AND

SEPT., OCT., & NOV., AT PINE RIVER

UNITED CHURCH, HWY 21.**

MEMBERSHIP IS NOMINAL.

(EXECUTIVE CONTACT NUMBERS &

MORE INFO INSIDE, P. 2.)

**except April, Annual Dinner

at another venue.

WE’RE ON THE WEB! Visit us at: http://hffn.huronstewardship.ca/ (Groups) ENJOY FRINGE NOTES IN COLOUR!

TITLE PHOTO CREDIT: Bulrushes near Boston Pizza, Kincardine ~ Pepper

UPCOMING EVENTS — PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Full details inside. OUTINGS:

Bruce Botanical Garden in Ripley - TBD.

Friday Oct. 12th - Fall colours, Greenock Swamp

and Schmidt Lake. See p. 14

Saturday October 20th - Fall birding and potluck.

Christmas Bird Count: between Dec. 14th - Jan. 5th (TBA)

~~ Since 1985 ~~

FALL & WINTER,

2018...

WALKS,

MEETINGS &

POTLUCKS

~~~~~~~~~~~

FREE FROM OUR

SPONSORS

THREE TIMES A

YEAR!

LOOK

INSIDE!

PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS:………....1 - 2

CONTACT…………………………….…..2

PAST MEETINGS……………………...3 - 4

PAST OUTINGS…..…………………. 5 - 7

OUT & ABOUT….……………………7 - 10

BUTTERFLY COUNT………………………9

ANNOUNCEMENTS…………………….10

MEMBERSHIP PAGE……………...…….11

MEMBERS’ PAGE………………... …….12

UPCOMING MEETINGS………..….. …13

UPCOMING OUTINGS…………………14

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Huron-Naturalists/1654123064825494

FROM INCOMING PRESIDENT LYNN JOHNSTON:

MEETINGS:

Tues., Sept. 25th: Nan Grant,

Bruce Botanical Food Garden

Tues., Oct. 23rd: Member

Presentations

Tues., Nov. 27th: Ann Range,

Bruce Pen. Bird Observatory

2017 BEACH BIRDING; Pepper photo

‘I went to the woods because I wish to live deliberately,

to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could

learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to

die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live

what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to

practice resignation, unless it was quite necessary.

I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of

life.........’ Henry David Thoreau ~ Walden

2

H.F.F.N. EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

AND CONTACT NUMBERS:

President:

Lynn Johnston 528-2411

Past President:

Vice-President: VACANCY

Secretary: VACANCY

Treasurer :

Onno Visser 395-3173

Memberships:

Barb Simpson 396-5486

Outings:

Steve Pepper

(1 Open position) 395-5616

Speakers:

Bob Simpson 396-5486

Newsletter Editor:

Jeni Pepper 395-5616

Member-at-Large:

Joy Munn 395-3570

Social Convenor:

Linda Campbell 396-5144

Rhodora Doughty 396-4368

Ontario Nature (FON) Rep:

Jim Roberts

Website Administrator:

Steve Pepper 395-5616

Communications:

Christine Roberts 395-5008

Publicity:

Christine Roberts 395-5008 ~~~~~~~~

>> Our Club Executive << is always ready to welcome new

members with fresh thoughts and

ideas! We meet three times a year

over a meal. New Executive

members are given any help they

may need for whatever assistance

they may wish to give. <<

PLEASE NOTE:

IF YOUR ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER OR

EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGES,

PLEASE NOTIFY THE EXECUTIVE.

OUR CONTACT DETAILS ARE BELOW.

President’s comments….

We are very blessed in Canada and Ontario to have a varied natural

environment and in our local area to have several different environments

to study, explore, enjoy, protect and share interests together as a group.

I look forward to the new season commencing on Tuesday, September 25,

2018, at the first meeting. The Corn Roast on Sunday Sept. 9th had a

b u m p e r a t t e n d a n c e ! T o b e r e p o r t e d n e x t i s s u e .

See you soon! ~ Lynn Johnston

FRINGE NOTES

PRINTED BY:

Progressive Results Group 336 Lambton St.,

Kincardine., ON N2Z 2Y2

(519) 396-2769

In Memoriam WITH SADNESS, but with pleasant memories, we mark the passing of our outgoing President,

Gwen Gina Dalkin Davis, who left us for brighter climes and new adventures on the 25th of May, 2018. Her service was attended by seven HFFN members in a packed St. George’s Anglican Church, Goderich, where her life and many diverse talents were celebrated. A dedicatory poem included on the back of the Memoriam Card asks that she be remembered ‘immersed in a new story,’ and as ‘just Gina, doing Gina things and smiling.’ I think we can all do that! Thank you, Gina, for the years that you gave to HFFN, and for your friendship and fun.

3

~~~~ PAST meetings:…. ~~~~

Our Facebook page is underutilized! Please check it out as a place to share those great sightings, ask questions, post your photos, get in touch with other like-minded folks, and look at the photographs others have shared. Bookmark that site!Copy and paste this address to your Browser.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Huron-Naturalists/1654123064825494

MAY 15TH, 2018: Paul Austin and Dylan Luhowy, NWMO:

We welcomed representat ives f rom the Nuclear Waste

Management Organization (NWMO) to the May 15th meeting.

NWMO, formed in 2002 in accordance with the Nuclear Fuel Waste

Act, is a not-for-profit organization whose operations are fully funded

by Canada’s nuclear energy corporations. Its mission is to

collaboratively develop and implement a management plan for

long-term care of Canada’s used nuclear fuel bundles. Initially it

embarked on a 3 year study engaging citizens and experts

nation-wide with particular emphasis on indigenous peoples, to

develop an approach to management that was social ly,

environmentally, technically and economically responsible and

feasible.

In his role as NWMO’s Relationship Manager in Southern Ontario, Paul

Austin works with communities to help them understand and learn

about the plan. He was accompanied by Dylan Luhowy, an

environmental engineer and geoscientist with NWMO who has been

work ing in nuclear waste management for many years .

Austin opened his address by clarifying the differences between

levels of nuclear waste and regulatory responsibility. NWMO’s

consultation and planning process is federally mandated and not to

be confused with Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) deep geologic

repository (DGR) for low and intermediate level waste.

Using illustrations of the DGR and models of fuel bundles and storage receptacles, he described in detail the fail

-safe measures of the storage facility and the 5 levels of barriers encasing the bundles designed to isolate and

contain used nuclear fuel in a repository. In explaining the geological criteria for a DGR, Austin emphasized

safety and ethical considerations for the future.

HFFN members asked questions throughout the presentation which were answered forthrightly and fully by

A u s t i n a n d L u h o w y . M a n y e n g a g e d w i t h t h e g u e s t s a f t e r w a r d a s w e l l .

Austin concluded with 2 important points: a key component of NWMO’s mandate is that the host community

must demonstrate a willingness to proceed with the project.

While Huron-Kinloss is one of 5 potential host communities, it

cannot be forced. Secondly, it’s important to have confidence

in whatever solution is arrived at, but doing nothing is not an

option.

NWMO environmental engineer and geoscientist Dylan

Luhowy discusses models of fuel bundle protection with

HFFN member Bob Simpson. Roberts photo.

NWMO representative

Paul Austin is thanked

by HFFN member

Marian Fink who is

holding a model of a

nuclear fuel

bundle.

4

May 15th, cont.:

Steve Pepper chaired the meeting on behalf of Lynn

Johnston.

After a discussion of recent sightings and in addition to

updates on membership and outings, Donna Murray

provided details of the Bruce Peninsula Explorer trip.

Jim Roberts reported on the May 5th regional Ontario

Nature meeting, highlighting the Protected Places

Declaration and encouraged everyone to either sign

online at www.ontarionature.org/declaration or the paper version which he brought to the meeting.

Jim’s report is included in this issue.

~ Christine Roberts June 26th: Ontario Nature’s Reptile and Amphibian Atlas; Mark Maddelena:

HFFN’s 2017-18 speaker series concluded June 26 with a

presentation detailing the why and how of Ontario Nature’s Reptile

and Amphibian Atlas (ORAA) program and app. Marcus Maddelena,

a Species at Risk researcher with the Huron Stewardship Council in

Goderich, provided an overview of ORAA, one of Ontario Nature’s

citizen science projects.

In Ontario, 75% of reptiles and 23% of amphibians are considered

species at risk. The primary goal of the ORAA is to improve knowledge

of the distribution of the province’s reptiles and amphibians over time.

The data is shared with researchers who monitor trends which can be

used to inform conservation decisions.

Since 2008, over 350,000 records have been added to the database

by over 5000 contributors. In 2017 the submission process became

easier with the launch of the ORAA app resulting in over 24,000

submissions.

A major cause of species decline is habitat loss and fragmentation. In

Southern Ontario, habitat ranges are frequently intersected by

roadways, leading to road mortality and shrinking range.

Persecution of snakes due to fear and misinformation, and collection of turtles for food, medicine and the pet

trade also contribute significantly to population decline.

Another important goal of the atlas is to promote citizen science by engaging all age and knowledge levels

in nature study and conservation.

The app is easy to download and use and can be launched from: https://ontarionature.org/oraa/app/ .

Once an account is created contributors input observation details including weather conditions, location,

photo, video and/or audio files. Submissions are reviewed by experts and become part of the database

once verified. A field guide is included for the 48 species of reptiles and amphibians found in Ontario. To help

identify sightings, it includes colour photos, range maps and detailed descriptions for each species.

Following a step by step review of the atlas submission process,

Maddelena spoke to the group about his research into Milk Snake

distribution modeling and current Eastern Hognose Snake research in

Huron County. Members appreciated his thorough coverage of the

topic and willingness to answer questions and address concerns.

The meeting was chaired by new president Lynn Johnston. A tribute

to late President Gina Dalkin-Davis and a sympathy card for husband

Walter was provided for members to sign and reflect on her service

and great contribution to HFFN.

Donna Murray reported on the Bruce Peninsula Explorer trip, and

Brenda Collins reported on the Bioblitz at MacGregor Point Provincial

Park June 9/10th.

Christine Roberts provided this photo from the BioBlitz (Painted Turtle).

~ Christine Roberts

Margaret Visser thanks Marcus Maddelena for his

presentation June 26th. Roberts photo

PAST meeTingS:….

5

PAST ouTingS…

2018 BRUCE PENINSULA EXPLORER, May 22nd-25th:

Catherine Hogg, one of

our group for this trip, kindly

sent in this report:

On May 22nd, 12 of our

HFFN members set out on

the annual club trip to

Tobermory. Our leader,

Donna Murray, had done

extensive research to discover several new properties to enjoy.

1. Shining River Deer Nature Sanctuary.

This is an Ontario Nature Reserve, known for globally rare species of plants. Hills Thistles were numerous – no

blooms showing. The Orchids were not flowering, but Ram’s Head Ladyslipper grows in this area. We observed

Dwarf Lake Primrose growing in the Alvar pavement.

2. Alvar Bay Nature Reserve, owned by Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy, is home to the Monarch Butterfly

Festival held in August.

The small holes in the Alvar pavement are filled with multiple tiny plants creating their own micro eco-system.

The trails were easy walking, the weather was perfect.

3. William Henry Marsh, where the marsh, with an active eagle nest and eagles – one on the nest and one in

flight - was the reward gained from circumnavigating a particularly large puddle! A worthwhile if splashy

clamber.

If you love the outdoors you will always find something new and exciting on the diverse and beautiful Bruce

Peninsula. Thank you Donna for all your hard work and for giving all of us a wonderful nature experience.

~ Catherine Hogg

This year’s trip started off as usual with participants meeting at Kincardine Sobey’s where they received a

hearty welcome and a copy of the trip itinerary/guide from Donna before heading north.

Our first stop of the day was at Schmidt Lake Lookout in the 20,000 acre Greenock Swamp, Southern Ontario’s

largest forested wetland. It was a bit overcast but the rain held off for us. The floating boardwalk kept us high

and dry, although the bird sightings were limited here.

After leaving, we headed to Sulphur Springs Conservation area south of

Hanover. Everyone was impressed by the spring and the algae growths

caused by the sulphur content of the water. While here, we stopped for

lunch at the picnic shelter and took numerous pictures of waterfowl and

fungi.

Next we stopped at the Glen Management Area near Copperkettle for

an hour and a half walk through the wetlands and had some great views of

the escarpment.

Leaving here we arrived in Tobermory about 6:00 leaving us enough time to

check into our accommodations before having a group supper at the

Princess Hotel and Restaurant, after which a few of us walked the floating harbour boardwalk before calling it a

day.

On Day 2, after breakfast we took a short stroll to Little Dunks Bay via a trail from the Visitor Centre. The sun

was out, enabling everyone to get some good photos...

SULPHUR SPRINGS

LITTLE DUNK’S

BAY: A NICE

WALK WITH A

LOVELY VIEW

AND A PLACE

TO RELAX FOR

AWHILE!

P h o t o s t h i s

page: Pepper

6

PAST ouTingS…

BRUCE PENINSULA EXPLORER….

While at the adjacent Visitor Centre, Jeni dropped off

some turtle info with the staff and it turned out that they

were emphasizing turtle protection this year, so they were

very pleased to have the information.

That afternoon, we headed south of Tobermory to William

Henry Marsh, a newly discovered area, where after

negotiating some wet areas, we were treated to the sight

of a pair of Bald eagles nesting and fishing.

Around 6:00 we were back at

Peacock Villa Motel in Tobermory for

our Pot Luck/BBQ at Cabin 7, which

was enjoyed by all. The weather

today was perfect for sightseeing

and our group BBQ. The resident

chipmunk thought so, too….fortunately there

were peanuts to be had which were

accepted, stowed in amazingly elastic cheek pouches, and carted

off!

After supper a few people went out onto the harbour boardwalk

before sunset, and were delighted to have the local Beaver swim

and forage alongside, that night and every night after. Photos and

videos were made! We also saw a smaller beaver in the harbour.

Day 3 saw us hiking early on at Nature Conservancy Canada’s

Shining Rainbow Deer Nature Sanctuary, off Cape Hurd Road

S., where the trail has been marked with rock piles and offers

wetland, open, and wooded terrain for a pleasant

meander. Described as one of the area’s ecological gems, it

is planned to install interpretive signs in the near future. Part of

the property has been appropriated by rafts of the pretty

Dwarf Canadian Primrose or Bird’s Eye Primrose (1).

Efforts to introduce Hills Thistle (2) showed promise, with young

plants seen along the trail. This visit was followed by a walk

through the Alvar Bay Nature Area, also on Cape Hurd Road, where we saw a deer

and various birds, including a Catbird which kept us guessing as he/she mimicked other birds. After this, a

much-anticipated visit to lovely little Mermaid Cove. More pictures! At the end of this day, we all gathered at

the Crow's Nest Pub for our traditional Pizza and Beer night which again was a success!

We managed to go through the whole 3 days without seeing any rattlesnakes this year. Better luck next

year. A number of our group headed for home Friday morning while a few were able to stay for another

day or two. The weather got progressively hotter as the week wore on but I would say that the weather this

year was the best we have had to date.

All in all another very successful trip. Special thanks to Donna for all her preparation work for this multi-day

outing and to everyone who participated. ~ Steve & Jeni

Pepper Photo

Pe

pp

er

Ph

oto

Pepper Photo

Pepper Photo

Pe

pp

er

Ph

oto

Mermaid Cove - Pepper Photo Red Trillium - D. Murray Photo

(1) (2)

A very talented bird! - D. Murray Photo

7

PAST ouTingS…

HFFN MEMBERS OUT AND ABOUT:

Ontario Nature Great Lakes West Regional Meeting, May 5th, 2018

The spring meeting was held at the ECO Centre on the

ground of the RARE Charitable reserve site. RARE is a 900

acre urban land trust property that covers both sides of

the Grand River (at the point where the Speed River

meets the Grand). (Brochure available).

Lynn Johnston has this to report:

I and Jim (Roberts) attended the Ontario Nature Regional

meeting ON May 5th.

It was interesting to hear what other clubs do and it gives

us ideas.

They followed up with a walk in the Rare Eco Reserve

which was enjoyable. We saw Ospreys there, some other

birds, (barn swallows, etc) lots of flora and fauna. It was

pretty wet in the swampy areas. This is a charity and has

over 900 acres and sponsors researchers and has a lady

who is teaching staff and others about the Reconciliation

process with the first peoples and she gave an interesting

talk as well. This is a new process that is taking hold across

the country and is going to be with us for a long time now.

The public can go for hikes, bike riding on some trails.

Everyone should Google it and check it out. It is a long

drive though but if anyone has to go to that area for

family, etc., it would be worth it to go and have a look

around.

Jim Roberts submitted this report: Protected Places Declaration Campaign

In 2010 Canada and the Provinces committed to UN Convention on Biodiversity. The goal is to improve the

status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity. The signatories agreed to

protect at least 17% of our lands and inland waters, and 10% of our coastal and marine areas by 2020.

The idea is not to meet the national 17% goal by concentrating protected places to just remote northern areas

but to spread the protection to all areas of Canada. Currently in Ontario only 11% is protected space (we need

another 50,000 sq. km), and 2020 is fast approaching. Southern Ontario is in desperate need of additional

protected areas, as very little of the natural landscape is left.

Ontario Nature is applying pressure on our governments to live up to the commitments they made. The

campaign includes a petition for individuals (https://protected-places.good.do/OntarioNature/declaration/ ).

Pizza and beer, and some good old friends...

what more can one ask? Centre: Murray and

Steve at Little Dunk’s Bay; far right: they’re quite

pretty close up! (Pepper photos)

As a member of Ontario Nature, HFFN has

access to a wider range of information about

ongoing nature and environment issues. Members

of our group are entitled to attend the Spring and

Fall Regional Meetings, enjoy lunch provided by

the hosting club, and often take tours of one of

the host club’s nature areas. Club Presidents and

Ontario Nature representatives will attend these

meetings and may be accompanied by several

interested club members. An RSVP is required, but

otherwise just a knowledge of the meeting date is

all that is needed. Host clubs include the Bruce

Peninsula Bird Observatory, Eden Mills Millpond

Conservat ion Associat ion Ltd. , Fr iends of

McGregor Point, Friends of Sauble Beach, Nature

Guelph, HFFN, Owen Sound Field Naturalists,

Rankin Resource Group, Saugeen Nature,

Stratford Field Naturalists, Sunfish Lake Association,

Upper Credit Field Naturalists, and Waterloo

Region Nature.

The website is:

https://ontarionature.org/about/nature-network/

Interested parties can arrange there to be kept

informed of the group’s activities and nature

news. ~ Ed.

NOTE: THE RECENT CORN ROAST WAS A GREAT

SUCCESS. TO BE REPORTED IN THE NEXT ISSUE. ~ Ed.

8

HFFN MEMBERS OUT AND ABOUT:

Great Lakes West Regional Meeting….

There is also a paper version we have for those of you would rather use that form. In addition HFFN has

endorsed the goal as an organization.

Ontario Nature is inviting its network of clubs to nominate special places that we would like to see protected.

This survey aims to identify public lands and waters (i.e. Federal and Provincial Crown land, and municipal land.

This does not include land owned by Conservation Authorities.) Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HQBPFYK

Jim responded by suggesting the Blair’s Grove property. He supplied descriptions, photos and as much

background info as he was able to find. Ontario Nature posted the following blog:

https://ontarionature.org/biodiversity-in-blairs-grove/

First Nations Acknowledgement

Ont. Nature is asking its network of nature clubs to consider incorporating an acknowledgement of First

Nations traditional territory into the opening of our monthly meetings. Acknowledging territory shows

recognition of and respect for Aboriginal Peoples. It is recognition of their presence both in the past and the

present. Ont. Nature can offer assistance in crafting the wording.

Youth Summit

Each September, Ontario Nature hosts the Youth Summit for Biodiversity and Environmental Leadership for high

school students from across the province. The summit is open to youth ages 14 -19. The 2018 summit will take

place on September 21-23, at YMCA Geneva Park, Orillia. HFFN can sponsor an attendee for $350. There are

currently 20 spots left open (there is no strict application deadline). For more information contact Christina Am-

bre, Conservation and Education Coordinator, at 416-444-8419 ext. 244 or christinea@ontarionature.org.

Herptile (amphibians and reptiles) Biobliz

Somewhere in Norfolk County on May 26 (and again in June) a herptile biobliz was held. Details were posted

on the Ont. Nat. Events page.

Advocacy:

Neonic Status

Ontario Nature is being represented by lawyers from Ecojustice in a lawsuit against the federal government

over its failure to enforce the law governing testing of pesticides. The federal Pest Control Products Act requires

the PMRA have reasonable certainty that a pesticide will cause no harm to the environment

before registering it. Specifically in this case, that the regulator failed to ensure Neonicotinoids did not pose

environmental risks to pollinators. Currently awaiting a court ruling from a Nov 2017 hearing.

Piping Plover, Sauble Beach

The town of South Bruce Peninsula has been raking and bulldozing sand dunes in the fall and spring to reduce

the natural vegetation on Sauble Beach. Ontario Nature sought help from lawyers with Ecojustice to pressure

the MNR to enforce the law governing endangered species habitat protection. On March 27 the MNR issued a

Stop Work Order to the Town of South Bruce. The town planned to fight the charge in court on June 23 in Owen

Sound. [There is a report on the Ontario Nature Blog page. No mention of any results on the hearing have yet been posted. - Ed.]

9

HFFN MEMBERS OUT AND ABOUT:

Great Lakes West Regional Meeting….

Finally Jim has given a description of the tour provided at this meeting:

Guided Tour of Rare

Following the meeting we were given a guided tour of the rare reserve. Rare is a great place for observing birds

and herps. During the walk we saw a smooth green snake, a kestrel performing a crazy inflight mating ritual, a

grove of bobcat cat-scratching trees. They also have a barn swallow `house`. Apparently it works. There were

birds coming and going. Last year they had two nesting pairs.

Next meeting is in early November. Location is TBD.

North American Butterfly Association Butterfly Count.

This annual event was held at MacGregor Point Park count area on July 7 2018. The area covered is a 12.07

kilometre radius circle that includes Port Elgin to the north, Tiverton to the south and almost all the way to Paisley in

the east. Our circle is divided up into seven sections and a group of counters is given a section each to drive and

w a l k t h r o u g h t o i d e n t i f y a n d c o u n t a l l t h e s p e c i e s o f b u t t e r f l i e s t h a t t h e y c a n f i n d .

This year Huron Fringe Field Naturalists were well represented as eight of us attended and covered the areas

assigned to us. The day turned out sunny and warm….but not smoking hot as it was last week. The butterflies

cooperated and many species showed up to be counted and some even photographed as you can see from

Huron Naturalists Facebook page. All the participants

experienced an interesting and educational day and as

we tallied up the results at the end of the day we enjoyed

some tasty snacks.

FINEST QUALITY

BIRD SEED IN HURON COUNTY

~~ GIFTS & BOOKS ~~

Kestrel: ClipArt

~ Jim Roberts

~ Bob Taylor

Baltimore Checkerspot

M. A. Knowles photo

Eyed Brown

C. Roberts photo

Northern Pearly-eye C. Roberts photo

Black Swallowtail C. Roberts photo

10

Membership renewals ….

MEMBERSHIP CO-ORDINATOR:

Barb Simpson, 396-5486. Membership/renewal forms are included in this issue, or catch up with Barb at one of the meetings. As always, we encourage members to lend us their help and ideas - you can always approach the Executive with your thoughts, and we look forward to having new Executive Members, or Members-at-Large. New mem-bers have the support and help of all the Executive. Executive terms run two years, or longer if you like….we hold two or three meetings over a meal, per year. No great shakes!

HFFN MEMBERS OUT AND ABOUT:

TURTLE CROSSING MAGNETS:

Brake for Turtles fundraising update: Thanks to support of the sale of Brake for Tur-

tle vehicle magnets, a total of $250 in donations was made to the Georgian Bay

Turtle Hospital currently in development in the Orillia area. ~ C. R.

CHI-CHEEMAUN FALL CRUISE CANCELLED:

The Owen Sound Transportation Company regrets to

announce the cancellation of Chi-Cheemaun’s 2018

Fall Cruise from Tobermory to Owen Sound,

scheduled for Monday, October 15. Upon completing the 2018 ferry season, the

ship will sail from Tobermory to a dry dock facility for preventative maintenance.

Chi-Cheemaun’s Annual Spring Cruise will take place on Thursday, May 2nd,

2019. Tickets will be available for purchase at the end of the ferry operating

season in October, 2018. ~ OSTC

Joan Stadelmann (left), Jim Roberts (standing center) and

Wendy Hoernig (standing next to Jim) with the fruits of their

labour after a day of volunteering for the Nature Conservancy

of Canada pulling garlic mustard from a property outside

Goderich. Roberts photo

These will now be included in each issue for your

convenience. Fill out, add your dues, and mail or hand in to join or renew.

Done!

CLIP ART

Pepper photo

11

MEMBERSHIP PAGE

WELCOME TO OUR

NEW MEMBERS!

HURON FRINGE FIELD NATURALISTS

EXTEND A HEARTY WELCOME TO THOSE WHO

ARE JOINING US. WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL EJOY

OUR PRESENTATIONS AND REAP THE BENEFITS

OF ALL OR ANY OF THE WALKS OR HIKES YOU

FANCY COMING ALONG ON!

PLEASE MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN TO US SO

THAT WE CAN DRAW YOU INTO OUR MIDST

AND GET TO KNOW YOU!

Membership Cost: $25.00 per person. Youths 18 or under are free.

Please mail completed form with payment to:

Huron Fringe Field Naturalists,

Box 143, Kincardine, Ontario N2Z 2Y6

Payment can also be e-transfered to Onno Visser at:

ovisser@hurontel.on.ca

Name(s): (Please print:)

_____________________________________________________

Contact Information:

Address: _____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Postal Code: ________________ Telephone No: _________________

E-Mail: _______________________________________________________

MEMBERSHIP FORM

new member application or renewal

SEPTEMBER 2018 to SEPTEMBER 2019

….or CATCHUP?

~~ MEMBERSHIPS: ~~ Welcome back old members, and a warm welcome to new ones. Over-18 2018/2019 dues are $25.00 per person. Under 18’s are free. (New/renewal membership form below.) Come out and enjoy the company, the outings and the speakers. Memberships for the 2018/2019 year are due in September. If there are any questions about membership or changes to your contact information, please contact me, Barb Simpson: 396-5486 or bsimpsonbob@gmail.com

Thanks …. Barb ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ADVERTISING:

$30 ANNUALLY, CONTACT EDITOR

AT 395-5616, OR EMAIL: TREK66@TNT21.COM

MEMBERSHIPS:

Would like to welcome everyone back for another year.

Memberships are due in September.

This year the dues are $25.00/ person or $50.00 a couple. Hope

to see everyone in the Fall.

Membership chair Barb Simpson

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Photographs always welcome;

please send them in JPEG

format, over 100 kbs and under

500 kbs….thanks!

*Guests welcome!

A SMALL

ANNOUNCEMENT….

KEEP YOUR CAMERA OUT

AND READY FOR ACTION

THROUGH THE SPRING,

SUMMER AND FALL

SEASON. THE NEXT

PHOTO CONTEST

(FEBRUARY, 2019)

WILL BE LOOKING AT...

‘FLIGHTS OF

FANCY’…

‘I always wonder what happens to butterflies in a

strong downpour. I keep a pot of flowers under

shelter on my front porch so we have a place to

put newly hatched Monarchs on rainy days. They

can stay high and dry as long as they want… ’

~ Christine Roberts

On Monday evening

(Aug. 20) I was sitting looking

out over my front lawn to the

lake as the sun set and noticed

a lot of butterflies as the light

dimmed. As I watched there

seemed to be a large number

around my birch tree. I took my

camera out and found 2

branches covered in Monarch

butterflies. I can't remember the

last time I saw them cluster like

this. It took a number of tries in

the dim light but captured the

attached picture of 20 Mon-

archs. It has brought joy to my

heart.

~ Donna Butson

‘A shot of Jim from the August 31st Monarch

tagging at the main beach in Southampton. He

quickly perfected his technique and netted seven

Monarchs which were tagged and sent on their

way to Mexico!’

‘Jim and I spent a morning enjoying a small

sampling of the trails of the Nature Conservancy of

Canada’s Backus Woods property near Port

Rowan, ON, August 20th. We spotted this Giant

Swallowtail butterfly in a meadow (a former farm

field which is reverting to its natural state) and the

Turkey Tail fungus in the old growth forest. This

property is adjacent to the Backus Mills Heritage

Conservation Area and was acquired by NCC in

2010.’

~ Christine Roberts

~ Christine Roberts

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Barb Simpson and hostess Lynn

Wear your HFFN clothing anywhere in the world, get a photo of yourself in it with a nice background, and send it to the Peppers…. we’ll publish it!

HELP WANTED:

PLEASANT, WILLING INDIVIDUAL (OR TWO) TO

ASSIST SEVERAL OTHERS SAME; SOME NOTES TO TAKE, SOME PHONE CALLS TO MAKE, THREE BUSINESS

LUNCHES PER YEAR; PAID IN GRATEFUL THANKS FROM SAID SEVERAL PLEASANT INDIVIDUALS

AFOREMENTIONED, WITH ADDED BONUS OF NEW FRIENDS AND SOME

INTERESTING LOCAL AREA INFORMATION.

APPLY ANYTIME: STEVE PEPPER, 395-5616

~ ~ ~ REGULAR MEETINGS ~ ~ ~ Regular meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Pine River United Church on Hwy 21

at Concession 4, Huron Twp., during the months of February to June and September to November. February meeting is a potluck and photo contest/hobby display at 12:30 pm

Meetings are cancelled in event of bad weather - you are advised to check the status of a meeting before leaving home.

LUG-A-MUG … BRING YOUR OWN MUG TO THE MEETING!

Social Time: 7. 30 pm. Meeting: 8:00 pm

Feed the Frog! Beverages: 1.00; treats: free.

Update from your Speaker Chair, Bob Simpson — September through October

Hopefully all have enjoyed the activity of the Hummers before they head south. Barb and I have continually

watched the feeders at the cottage and home. We have counted at least 6 trying to feed at one feeder.

Always a treat to see.

Tuesday, September 25th — Nan Grant, the President of the Bruce Botanical Food Gardens, will bring us up to

date on their non-profit organization. The gardens showcase rare, endangered & world food plants. The BBFG

has had many challenges this year with break-ins and theft of the rare seeds. This is an opportunity for our group

to help support the Gardens.

Tuesday, October 23rd — Club Member Night. Each year I would like to have our talented members make presentations to our club. For our October

meeting Donna Butson will give a presentation on her initiative to monitor weather near the Lake Huron Shoreline.

To find out what is monitored and the tools she uses to collect and record the data be sure to join us.

The second speaker for the night will be Bob Taylor. Bob will give a photo presentation on birds he has taken in

and around Bruce County. He also plans to show some photo’s of birds he took while in Panama in April.

Tuesday, November 27th - Anne Range speaking on Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory (BPBO)

Come join us for a presentation on the programs carried out by the BPBO. The group is very active in Bird

Migration Monitoring, Red Necked Grebe Surveys, Education and Outreach and many other initiatives.

Expect an interesting presentation.

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UPCOMING OUTINGS

Friday October 12th FALL COLOUR WALK : Margie and Onno Visser have tentatively

planned a visit to the Greenock Swamp and Schmidt Lake, to view Fall colours.

They will have all the details at the September meeting.

In the works: A visit to the Bruce Botanical Garden in Ripley is proposed. See photo

below. This was taken on our last visit in September, 2014.

Sat., Oct. 20th: FALL BIRDING & POTLUCK, Kincardine Lagoons/Pt. Clark.

Meet James Turland ((519) 386-2401) 8:30, Bruce Ave. Soccer Fields West (Legion park) Birding at the Lagoon/

lakeshore. Convoy to Point Clark Lighthouse at about 9.30 to 10 am. (or meet us there). Bring binoculars or

spotting scope, notebook, warm windproof clothing (it has rained/snowed at this event!) some candies or a flask

of hot beverage….we will drop off your casserole or dessert at the Roberts’ for our potluck lunch. We will go in a

later convoy for lunch. Washrooms may or may not be available at the beach.

If you don’t wish to do the birding - bring a casserole or sweet along, meet us about 11 am near the Lighthouse. **BE SURE AND HAVE OUR POTLUCK HOSTS’ CONTACT NUMBER - SEE PAGE 2.** PLEASE BRING DISHES, CUTLERY, AND A GOOD APPETITE!

SELF TOUR INFORMATION: Spiders: Fear and Fascination: June 16, 2018 to January 6, 2019

Spiders are one of the most remarkable animals on the planet! They spin webs, dance, swim, and even grow

back lost limbs. Entangle yourself in the world of spiders when you come face-to-face with

nearly 400 amazing live and preserved arachnids in Spiders: Fear & Fascination.

Special Offer Save 20% off admission. Buy your tickets online at www.rom.on.ca and enter

promo code ROMSPIDERS. Webpage: www.rom.on.ca/spiders

Experience a web of hands-on interactives, incredible augmented reality, challenge a

peacock spider to a dance-off, explore a recreated spider cave, and more! Get up close to

the world of arachnids like never before with the ROM Spider Lab. See daily live specimen

demonstrations - including venom milking - from our team of expert Spider Wranglers.

Social Media: Twitter: @ROMtoronto Instagram: @ROMtoronto #atROM #ROMSPIDERS

Coming on an outing? Stay informed!

When planning to come along on a walk, or to a

meeting, please check your email for any additional

information before you leave home, in case the event

has had to be cancelled or changed. We do try to

have rain dates for walks, but cannot always arrange

these in time for publication. If in doubt….suss it out!

Remember to bring a map or directions

with you, and a charged cell phone if

you carry one.

THE SMALL PRINT:

On Your Feet! Many of our hikes are like a walk in the

park….but not all! If you’re thinking of lighter shoes for an out-

ing, do check the announcements for a note on the expected

terrain, or call the contact number. Bring your treaded hiking

shoes or boots along….just in case!

OUTING CHECKLIST: cell phone, car phone charger, hat, water,

binoculars, bird/plant/other guides, bug repellent, hiking

stick, sunglasses, hanky, area map, snacks, thermos (in car),

waist/backpack, boots for rough/wet terrain. In Spring and

Fall: rain slicker, gloves, folding umbrella.

….AND DON’T FORGET THE DIRECTIONS TO THE HIKE!

Word to the Wise:

Several people have contacted us lately to ask the date of a meeting. Perhaps it’s worth reiterating that our meetings always take place on the fourth Tues-day of the months February through June and September through November, unless you are notified otherwise.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Greenock Swamp,

D. Murray photo

PEACOCK SPIDER,

ROM photo

BRUCE BOTANICAL FOOD GARDEN, RIPLEY. Pepper photo

CLIPART

OTHER OUTINGS:

IF WE ARE ABLE TO

ARRANGE ANY OTHER

O U T I N G S ,

WE WILL NOTIFY BY

EMAIL . Watch your

i n b o x f o r f u r t h e r

in format ion on the

B r u c e B o t a n i c a l

Garden.

TELL US WHERE TO GO!

Know of any good places to enjoy nature? Please bring them to the attention of your HFFN

Executive. You don’t have to lead an outing unless you’d like to. We will arrange outings to

these new places so that everyone can enjoy them. Talk to any of the Executive at any

meeting, or use the Contact numbers on page 2…we’ll do the rest!