NEWS AND NOTES ‘ d

OCTOBER MEETING REPORT. Approximately 40 people attended the first fall meeting of the Natural History Society. Ian Scott, the new director of the P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation, was introduced. Members were invited to attend the nature photography exhibit and lecture series to be held at the Eptek Center in Summerside this fall. Dan McAskill reported on the recent Canadian Nature Feder- ation meetings in Sackville, N.B. He also announced the upcoming regional CNF meeting and urged that letters be written to MP's regarding the Machias Seal Island situation. Rosemary Curley reported on the ENGO meetings she had attended in Ottawa last spring and encouraged attendance at the regional ENGO meetings in Fredericton, N.B. Nov. 19-20. Information was presented on the deteriorating state of the pilings of the old Hillsborough Bridge which are now used by nesting Common Terns. The possible clean-up of the Francis Bain monument was considered. The president agreed to investigate alternate meeting sites which provide more space.

Daryl Guignion of the Biology Dept. of the University of P.E.I. spoke on the Morell River Enhancement Project. He described the diversity of natural features and wildlife of the watershed feeding the river system. Over the years erosion (mainly from roads) had caused heavy silt deposits to accumulate, in many places almost choking off water flow. The enhancement program involved removal of silt and the judicious clearing of stream bank vegetation. The result is a clear gravel— bottomed river bed, offering much improved habitat for salmon and other fish species. Congratulations, Daryl, on the success of the program, and thanks for a most interesting presentation.

NOVEMBER MEETING REPORT. Nell over 40 members attended the Nov. lst meeting. Ro'seJ. mary Curley reported on the successful lecture series at Eptek, which averaged 20 people per night. ,Members were encouraged to see the nature photography exhibit

at Eptek and to support this venture by purchasing raffle tickets. Dan McAskill reported on the regional CNF meeting, and Rosemary Curley agreed to investigate

the question of offshore oil drilling safeguards arising from it. Vera Beck will obtain estimates for cleaning the plaque on the Francis Bain monument. A donation was made to Candy Gallant of Summerside to help support her wildlife rehabilitation activities. Volunteers were requested to help stuff newsletters into envelopes. Dates were set for Christmas Bird Counts. Members were alerted to watch for The Plants of Prince Edward Island, soon to be reprinted. The fall ENGO conference will be held in Fredericton Nov. 18-20 focussing on forestry and maintaining the land use resource. -

Geoff Hogan gave an interesting slide presentation on Governor‘s Island, our most distant offshore island. The 100 acre island is low and poorly drained, mostly open but with a few patches of woodland. Surprisingly, a few remnants of ash, yellow birch and maple are found among the white spruces and alders. In general, however, the flora of the island is quite impoverished. Although conditions are ideal for insects and amphibians, the latter group is conspicuously absent. Meadow voles and hare droppings were found. The island supports a large heronry as well as a herd of grey and harbour seals. Thank you Geoff for an excellent introduction and tour of Governor's Island.

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DON'T FORGET TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP IN THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY FOR 1984.

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