the Island. These boxes have been put up cooperatively by all branches of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation, Fly Fishers Federation, Holland College, and the P.E.I. Fish and Wildlife Branch. In keeping with the stewardship incentives of the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture, volunteers were enlisted to maintain these nest boxes. A total of 25 volunteers were solicited for the 1991-92 survey year. Incentives in the form of a congratulatory letter from the Minister of the Environment and a crest depicting the Wood duck and the North American Waterfowl Management Plan logo were given to those who had successfully maintained their allotted Wood Duck boxes.

Results for the 1991-92 survey indicate that of the 176 nest boxes currently being maintained, 159 were checked for usage. The breakdown by species of this usage is shown below. New nest boxes were distributed to several people for installment. Two boxes were erected at Mooney's Pond, one in Cavendish, and two at Indian River.

wise _.Number

Wood Duck 13 Common Grackle 20 Swallow 4

European Starling Yellow-shafted Flicker American Kestrel

other

\IHO-‘Ul

The relative success of this program depends entirely on the reliability of its volunteers. Wood Duck nest boxes can be maintained from September 1 until March 31 without disturbing nesting birds. Maintenance is also crucial. Each year old nest material must be replaced with clean woodchips (provided to the volunteers) to cut down on parasites. Checking a Wood Duck nest box makes a perfect winter outing for Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, families, 4-H groups ... anyone interested in the outdoors. For information contact Brenda at 368-4668.

ENVIRONMENTAL CALENDAR

Nov. 3 - The NHS meeting will feature Dr. David Cairns who will speak on "How To Count Fish". The meeting will commence at 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 7 - The Island Nature Trust's Seeds of Conservation Sale of bird seed will be hosted across the Island. For prices and pick-up point information, please call the Trust at 566-9150.

Nov. 7 - There will be a Public Rally in support of fishermen, ferry workers, and the environment at 2 p.m. at Reg Rogers Rec. Field in Borden.

Nov. 25 to 27 - Marine Stewardship in the Northwest Atlantic at the Hotel Newfoundland. Contact Mrs. J. Harris, Marine Institute, P.O. Box 4920, St. John‘s, Nfld, 709-778-0660 FAX 709-778-0346

Nov. 26 - The Department of Agriculture's Pesticide Advisory Committee will hold public hearings under the Pesticide Control Act. Watch newspapers for further information. If you wish to speak out about pesticide use, particularly about regulations, you should start getting a submission together.

Dec. 1 - Lupines will be the topic of Dr. Katherine Clough's presentation at the Natural History Society's monthly meeting which commences at 7:30 p.m. at the Farm Centre

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