Mission Statement:   The Penokean Hills Field Naturalists exists as an organization to educate and promote interest, knowledge, conservation and preservation of the natural history, habitat and environment of our region for its members and the community at large.

Please join us for our Christmas Dinner on December 11 at the Renaissance Centre
We look forward to hearing our special guests – the Men of Song

Merry Christmas

President’s Message
As we move towards Christmas Joan and I wish you and your family a safe and peaceful Christmas.  We are looking forward to seeing many of our members at our Christmas dinner.  Our next General Meeting will be in January 8, 2008 and our guest speaker will be Franco Mariotti from Science North.  I have seen two of his presentations and they should not be missed.   

We still have a few calendars left, please contact me if you would like one or more.  The calendars are selling very well and thank you to everyone who has bought a calendar and to those who have helped sell them.  Without your support this dream would not be coming true.  Because of you it looks like our lofty projections will be met.

Thank you to Naomi Maggs for all her work on our Bulletin Board in the Sanctuary.  Please help with the display by saving your 2007 calendars.

Thank you to Terry Carr and Ilona and Harry Treijs for kicking off the winter bird feeding for another season.  Your support with the purchase of food for our birds is much appreciated.  If you would like to contribute please contact Terry Carr.  Thank you also to Debye’s Pet World for her assistance with our bird seed.  Debye will give our members a discount on the purchase of 50 lb. bags of sunflower seeds, just show her your PHFN membership card.

Christmas Bird Count – December 14
We still need backyard feeder watchers for our Christmas Bird Count.  If you would like to assist, and were not able to sign up at the last meeting, please call Terry Carr at 461-9123.

Upcoming Outings
Tuesday, January 1st, 2008, Sherriff Creek Sanctuary New Years Day Stroll - Leader:Ray Cormier 848-7979.  Meet at the Sherriff Creek Sanctuary parking lot at  1p.m.  Duration: 1-2 hours.

All outings without dates will be scheduled as Weather/Conditions permit.  Signed up members will be contacted by phone .

January , Blind River Boom Camp X Country Ski Outing (No snow, rescheduled in February)
Leader:  Naomi Maggs 848-5656  Meet at Brunswick Walk parking lot at 9 a.m. to carpool to Blind River Cross Country Ski Club.  The trails are 3, 5 & 10 km in length and have interconnecting loops of easy and intermediate skill levels. The length of this outing will be determined by individuals or by car-pool groups.  Duration: 6-7 hrs.

January,  Sherriff Lake Snowshoe & X Country Ski Outing  (No snow, rescheduled in February)
Leader:  Naomi Maggs 848-5656  Meet at Brunswick Walk parking lot at 1 p.m. to carpool to trail.  Duration: 3-4 hrs.

February,  Snowshoe Mississagi Provincial Park  Leader: David  Young  848-9590.  Meet at Brunswick Walk parking lot at 9 a.m. to carpool to the park.  Duration: 5-6 hrs.

February,  Photography in our Winter Season  Leader: Dan Humeniuk 848-0940  Meet at Brunswick Walk parking lot at 1 p.m.to carpool to chosen location.   Duration: 2-3 hrs.

February, Sherriff Creek Sanctuary Snowshoe/Walk  Exploring Nature  Leader: Ray Cormier  848-7979  Meet at the Sherriff Creek Sanctuary parking lot at 1 p.m. Duration: 2 hrs.


Please note:  The Penokean Hills Field Naturalists Club, its officers or agents will not be held responsible for any accident or liability whatsoever incurred as a result of participation in any meeting, activity or field trip organized by them.
Come to outings dressed appropriately for the day (check the weather forecast).  Trip leaders have the right to refuse people who are not properly equipped.  Participants must make leaders aware of any serious medical condition that may arise during an outing.  Bring water, a snack or lunch depending on duration of outing.  Also your binos, camera, and field guides.
For general outing information, call Hans Kamps at 461-7737.  For scheduled outing information, please call the leader of the outing.  Sign up sheets will be available at the PHFN general meeting, and any member interested in participating in any activities should obtain more specific information by calling the trip leader(s).


SHERRIFF CREEK SANCTUARY SPEAKS...................This month one of my residents provides the message:

SONG OF THE SNOWSHOE HARE
Bounding on the snowy path,
Gleefully I hop
I’m vaulting over last night’s tracks –
Sorry, I can’t stop.
It’s in my bones, I can’t sit still;
Look, ma! Just look at me!
My pounding legs like coiled springs,
I’m soaring joyously,
With jubilation in my jumps
Over logs I leap,
There’s exultation in my heart,
Laughter running deep.
Look out!  Here I go again!
Catch me if you can!

On behalf of everything within my borders, I extend
best wishes to all PHFN members and their families
for a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Penokean Hills Field Naturalists Club Board of Directors
Executive                               Directors at Large               Advisors     
Gerard MacGillivray    President        Ray Cormier       Membership     Heather Fulford    
Gerrit Hamer           Vice-President   Hans Kamps        Outings        Peter Kennedy    
Shelley McLennan       Secretary        Liz Powell                       Jim Lindamood
Bob Montgomery         Treasurer                                         Elizabeth Matheson

                                                        Wolf Howl Pub/Dist - Joan MacGillivray