Dear Members,
They say time flies when you're having fun. That must be why this summer has gone by in a flash! I hope each one of you has had enjoyment, relaxation and fun in your summer.
We usually pay tribute to the last days of summer at our joint picnic at Mississagi Park with Friends of Algoma East. Last year, I recall paddling briskly for shore as the rains came down -- but that only happened after one of our legendary pot-lucks, lots of visiting and a leisurely paddle down Semiwite Lake. This year, the weather was even more uncooperative – and cold as well - with the result that we've taken a rain check with Mother Nature.
During the summer, Sherriff Creek Sanctuary has been visited by a variety of tourists. Guest book signatures show that an incredible number of Ontario places were represented, as well as Eastern and Western Canada. But we have international status also, with visitors from various US locations as well as England, Sweden, Australia, Austria, and Hungary. Although we don't ask for comments, several signers included enthusiastic messages anyway. The brochures, which we place in the Sanctuary, are also distributed by Retirement Living and by the Civic Centre as part of their information package. There has been a brisk turnover at all three places.
Saturday Sanctuary Saunters, to borrow one of Dave Young's alliterative phrases, have continued under the knowledgeable guidance of Ray Cormier, while our other Saturday personage, the above-mentioned Dave, is taking time out to recuperate from surgery. We're very pleased that recent arrivals to Elliot Lake have found their way to these relaxed walkabouts.
Again this past May, several of our members participated in the Baillie Birdathon: Past President Ev Brooks, Joyce MacKenzie, and Elizabeth Matheson. However -- if you sponsored any of these three, then you, too, were a participant and helped raise money for our club. As you know, the species recorded during the crucial time of migration provide valuable information to Bird Studies Canada. As well, in conjunction with Friends of Algoma East, some of our members have participated in loon lake monitoring, again for Bird Studies Canada.
Many members are aware that PHFN has approximately two dozen bluebird nesting boxes, stretching from the former equestrian field and stable area to Panel Mine Road. These have been monitored and the findings recorded for our own information, but the results appear to be consistent with other parts of Ontario. Look for an interesting article on this summer's bluebird box observations by the coordinator, Ray Cormier, in the next Wolf Howl.
Now we turn our thoughts to the fall and our first meeting in September. Your Executive have met several times over the summer and anticipate another rewarding year for PHFN. On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to say "Welcome back". It will be good to see you on September 14.
Regards, Elizabeth Matheson
Computer Corner
Are you interested in the latest decommissioning news? To view the Elliot Lake Rehabilitation Information Site, go to www.denisonenvironmental.com
Previous Outings
Historic Medicinal Uses of Plants & Trees: Submitted by V. Stuckey for N. Maggs: This outing took place on June 9th and was truly enjoyed by all participants – including the uninvited, ravenous
black flies. Naomi Maggs led our group in identifying many of the flora along the trail that have traditional
medicinal and household uses. The knowledgeable contributions from the group participants made for a very
informative outing. We found it interesting to note that nature’s products that were once available by region and season and free for
the gathering are now manufactured on a large scale, packaged for convenience and available in all seasons.
Many would describe this as progress. Committee Reports Incorporation Committee: Submitted by: Elizabeth Matheson Thanks to the effort put forth by the entire committee, I am pleased to report that PHFN has been incorporated.
Our official name is now Penokean Hills Field Naturalists Inc. Newsletter Committee: Naomi Maggs, Dave Young, Ray Cormier, V. Stuckey,stucinel@sympatico.ca Contributions received from our supporters, the Country Depot Pet Headquarters, Country Depot Garden Centre,
Grams or Kilos Bulk & Health Foods, Sarich’s Source for Sports, an Anonymous Donor and the Elliot Lake
Trading Post, helped to make our 8-page May newsletter possible. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the May 2004 Wolf Howl was not posted onto the PHFN website as per our
usual practice. We apologize for any inconvenience to our membership and supporters and will do what we can
so that the Wolf Howl is once again available on line. We look forward to a news-packed November issue with some informative reports from members and a great
feature article! Sherriff Creek Sanctuary Outings: Ray Cormier has kindly taken over the Saturday morning walks in the Sherriff Creek Sanctuary while Dave
Young is recuperating. If you walk with Ray along the trails, expect to take the time to stop, admire and discuss
all that is presented for your enjoyment. Next Meeting: Tuesday September 14th, 7:00 PM Our Program for the Evening… The film: Logging Days in Blind River (McFadden Lumber Co.) A reminder that it is Membership renewal time bring cash or your cheque book! Visitors and Guests are always welcome at our monthly meetings held at the Bible Chapel, 283 Mississauga Avenue. Club business and interesting programs and topics are arranged for each meeting with coffee
and conversation downstairs afterwards. Remember to “Lug a Mug” Goodies will be provided by: Jan Towns, Eva Wilson & Vicki Stuckey The Penokean Hills Field Naturalists Inc. P.O. Box 74, Elliot Lake, ON P5A 2J6 http://www.penokeanhills.ottawaweb.com Telephone: Dorothy Kutt (705) 848-5834 Volume 2; Issue 3; September 2004 WHV5n1.html