—4— 3 Canadian Nature Federation Conference Report

Memories of the 1978 Canadian Nature Federation Conference are . probably still as fresh as the blueberries we served there, but for the record, here are some highlights.

Response to the program was nothing less than enthusiastic. All presentations were of very high calibre; those by Freeman Patterson, Betty Howatt and Elizabeth May were nothing short of outstanding.

Those who sat through the annual general meeting remember it was very long. One item on the agenda was of particular interest to > Islanders — the resolution indicating support for the preservation of the Deroche Point wetland and dune system.

New Brunswick field trips were filled to capacity and something to write home about, if there had been time. Likewise the P.E.I. field trips were full of adventure and intrigue, including a bus break-down on the first trip.

Lobstering tested the drylander"s abilities to hold down their dinners, but most found their sea—legs early. Unfortunately bad weather forced cancellation of lobster and mackrel fishing on the second day. On the remainder of the trips the weather was more than co-operative, some- times too co—operative. Some on~the.Blooming Point trip ended up with sunburned feet.

The Basin Head trip was a problem because there just didn't seem to be enough time to explore, but the only complaint about the photography course was that there was no strawberry Shortcake to eat at coffee breaks.

The early morning bird trips were well attended by both people and birds. Late risers outdid the early birds in spotting rare visitants. For the record a Little Gull was seen August 18 by Martin Edwards, Jan Dexter and others, and later in the week by Simon Lunn and Wayne Neilly.

The conference was not totally a naturalists outing. At night the residences were the scenes of impromptu get-togethers and there were also organized receptions and banquets. The reception on Friday night was followed by a rowsing square-dance, where under the guidance of caller Joe Murphy we learned that 1.’ square dancing is easier than it looks,

2. square dancing is fun, 3."square dancing is regorous exercise for our-of—shape naturalists. A good time was had by all.

The banquet was equally satisfying despite the late hour. Waiting for the lobster just made it taste better and provided the time for us to hear two original lobster jokes. Father Bolger treated us with tales of L.M. Montgomery, and we drove home by the light of the full moon. (as planned by Vera Beck).

We are pleased to announce that the 255 registrants at the conference were happy to come and sad to leave. Their participation made the con- ference the success it was and we thank them for coming. We're looking forward to the next C.N.F. Conference in Montreal.

Rosemary Curley Conference Chairman