Our Outings in September were enjoyed by all. On our Sandhill Crane tour, despite a little bit of rain, we had a great day and saw lots and Sandhill Cranes. Thank you Erwin Meissner for showing and teaching us so many interesting things. Besides seeing about 300 Sandhill Cranes in just one field we also saw Canada Geese, a family of Kestrels, and a Merlin to name only a few. We also visited a Mennonite farm to purchase some delicious produce and received a history lesson at the LaCloche Fort. A perfect end to the day was visiting the gardens on Seldom Seen Road. Thank you Erwin for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us as well as taking us to some memorable places.

Thank you Ray Cormier for leading us in Exploring Nature on Elliot Lake shores and our stroll through Westview Park.
Thank you Brenda Clark for leading us up Beaver Mountain and the beautiful views of Elliot Lake and Sherriff Creek Sanctuary.
A number of us also helped to clear and mark the trails in Sherriff Creek Sanctuary by clearing and putting signs up on trees along the red, blue and yellow trails. Thank you to everyone who helped with this important work.

Joan and Gerard MacGillivray will be attending the Regional meeting of Ontario Nature in Killarney on the weekend of October 19 – 21 to report on what the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists have been doing during the past year and hear from the other clubs.
Help Ontario Nature grow the Advocate for Nature Team!! Become an Advocate for Nature, and help protect Ontario’s woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife! What is an Advocate for Nature? People just like you who are willing to take that extra step by communicate directly with the government and other decision-makers about the need to protect nature.
As an Advocate for Nature, you will receive by email important conservation Action Alerts when your help is urgently needed. Each alert will include a summary of the issue and recommended actions. Often these actions are as simple as forwarding a letter to your local MPP or a Minister of Parliament. Sample letters and addresses are provided to save you time and provide you with relevant details.
Advocates for Nature helped with Ontario Nature’s campaign that led to a new Endangered Species Act.

It’s free and your involvement can make an enormous difference. Join now by visiting or adding your name to the list at our next meeting.

Upcoming Outings

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 binoculars, 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).


Wednesday, October 10 – Fall flowers, Plants, Seeds and Stems (Rain date: Thursday, October 18) - Leader: Marg Reckahn 461-3505. Meet at Brunswick Walk parking lot at 9:00 a.m. The outing will be in town at the old dump site. Duration: 3 hours.

Wednesday, October 17 - Geology Field Trip (Rain date: Wednesday, October 24) - Leader: Jim Reckahn 461-3505. Meet at Brunswick Walk parking lot at 10:00 a.m. Many sites will be visited around Elliot Lake. Duration: 3 hours.

Monday, October 29 – Fall Migrants around the North Shore – Leaders: Dave Young 848-9590 and Joan MacGillivray 848-8382. Meet at Brunswick Walk parking lot at 9:00 a.m. to carpool to the Spanish Marina, Bootlegger Bay, Lauzon Creek, Blind River Marina, and Mississagi Delta. Duration: 7 hours.

Sunday, November 11 – Remembrance Day Stroll – Leader: Naomi Maggs 848-5656. Meet at the main entrance to Sherriff Creek Sanctuary at 1:00 p.m. for a leisurely stroll. Duration 2 hours.