Many Islanders know Bruce from his dedication to groups such as the Natural History Society, Island Nature Trust, P.E.I. Wildlife Federation, and P.E.I. Trappers Association, among others. In reading the citation at the awards ceremony, CWF President Dr. Yves Jean noted that Bruce’s involvement with conservation goes back at least as far as his undergraduate days at the University of Manitoba, almost 30 years ago. Bruce augmented his studies with related work such as lake surveys for the Manitoba government and research on the Franklin Ground Squirrel. Bruce moved on to Acadia University, where he earned his Master of Science in Mldlife Management. From here, he came to P.E.I. to work for the Provincial Government.

Bruce has made significant contributions to conservation on P.E.I. both through his career and through extensive volunteer activities. He was a founding member of the Island Nature Trust and the first president of the Atlantic Society of Fish and VWIdlife Biologists. He has been actively involved in the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation, earning the Conservationist of the Year Award in 1988 and a Lifetime Membership in 1996. He has taught humane trapping on the Island, volunteered as an archery coach for the Atlantic Junior Conservation School, and been a strong supporter of the Natural History Society’s conservation programs in addition to leading countless groups on interpretive tours and camps. He is an avid photographer, birdwatcher, angler, hunter, trapper, SCUBA diver, canoeist, and (occasionally) sky diver.

Dr. Jean noted that because of Bruce’s outstanding “contribution to wildlife conservation through habitat enhancement, influence on policy and management decisions, dedication to volunteer groups and youth education and increasing public awareness, he is a worthy recipient of the Roland Michener Conservation Award.

WHITHER GOES P.E.l.? by Wendell P. Maclntyre

Prince Edward Island was completely submerged at least once. The many drowned valleys and inlets, which are now bays, streams and rivers indenting the coastline of Prince Edward Island, help confirm that this Island was once invisible.

The last glacier covering Prince Edward Island melted about 15,000 years ago. When this happened, the oceans started rising as the ice dissolved and flowed into the sea. As the glacier disappeared, the land reappeared - sprang back, or rebounded - as soon as the enormous weight of the glacier was removed. 7

The size and shape of Prince Edward Island have changed noticeably in 15,000 years. When the Island "reappeared," the western part was still covered with 25 meters of water, while the rest of the Island was still above water. At one time, due to the submerging land here and there, there were three small islands where Prince Edward Island is today. Most of present-day Prince County, the western part of the Island, consisted of two small islands ..... ..

Intrigued? If so, the full eight page text of Whither Goes Prince Edward Island and its pictures can be yours for $4 plus postage. Contact Wendell at 902-894-7493, 1-800-926-7505 or by fax at 902-368— 7366.

P.E.l. SCIENCE FAIR NATURAL HISTORY WINNERS by Linda Thomas

Ben Hoteling and Linda Thomas represented the Natural History Society as judges at the Prince Edward Island Provincial Science Fair on April 4, 1997. We began by having a quick look at the hundred plus projects. A short list was created identifying 19 projects which focused on natural history or conservation. There were six in the intermediate category (grade 7 to 9) and thirteen in the junior age group (grades 4 to 6). None of the eight senior entries were based on any aspect of natural history.

After a closer look at these projects, and some stimulating conversation with their creators, we found ourselves in total agreement concerning the three projects best illustrating an interest and concern for the natural world. Each of the three was considered a winning project by the Natural History Society. Twenty dollars in prize money was given to each project and the five students involved will be receiving a one year subscription to the Island Naturalist.

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