ISLAND TREES: by Dan McAskill EASTERN EEMLOCX (Tsuga canadensis) - Height - up to 303

Wildlife Benefits: Provides food and cover; provides seeds/cones for seed eating birds and squirrels; larval plant for hemlock looper; provides foraging habitat for foliage gleaners (chickadees, evening grosbeaks) and bark gleaners (chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, creepers)

Seasonal Considerations: Provides cover year-round; produces seed in mid-autumn to late autumn; cones stay intact and disperse seed as they dry.

Comments: Native to the Island; lacy nature of this species' branches enhance ambience of light when used in a grove; crown tends to be U shaped; root prune before transplanting; prunable to hedge form; intolerant of pollution; susceptibility to hemlock looper can be a problem.

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NEWS FROM ABOUT compiled by Dan McAskill

Birders across North America were saddened to hear of the death of Roger Tory Peterson on July 28 at his home in Old Lyme. From relative obscurity at the time he developed his first Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America in 1934, birding has grown to be one of the most popular sports in the world. Mr. Peterson developed 15 guides using the revolutionary system of highlighting the key field marks for identification. His beautiful illustration brought birds to life for many people. His remarkable career ended in his 87th year. (adapted from Globe & Mail article)

Long time naturalist, a moving force behind the Mary’s Point interpretation centre, former co-editor of the N.B. Naturalist, and much more, Mary Majka was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Environment Canada on June 5th in Ottawa. The Society extends its congratulations and thanks to Mary!

On April 24th, Canada’s 37th National Park became a reality with the designation of Wapusk near Churchill, Manitoba. This 11,457 kn? area between the lower reaches of the Churchill and Nelson Rivers contains excellent representation of the Hudson—James Bay Lowlands Natural Region. This area is critical habitat for polar bears. (adapted from Nature Alert 6:3 Summer 1996 article by Kevin McNamee)

After years of pressure by concerned citizens, the Island's government amended the Pesticide Control Act’s Regulations to impose a wind speed limit on ground spraying of pesticides as well as other changes to the regulations. The limit chosen was 25 km/hr. This was certainly higher than that being pushed for by environment- alists. The changes to the regulations also seen their inclusion under the Summary Order Ticket regulations so that charges can be laid more easily for infractions. If you feel someone is spraying or handling pesticides illegally, please report it to 1— 800-454-3231. At 25 km/hr, the Beaufort Wind Scale indicates that small trees in leaf begin to sway.

Fording of a stream with heavy equipment during a clearcutting operation on Hunter Creek in Spring Valley led to a $3,500 fine to W.E. Cousins Ltd. plus a

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