effectively. It was apparent in all cases that their research had instilled a respect for wildlife in general particularly in the species of their choice.

Megan Murphy is a grade 6 student at Queen Elizabeth Elementary in Kensington. Her project was simply named "Skunks". Megan spent a lot of time explaining the biology of the skunk. I was quite impressed with her knowledge and just when I thought she was finished she opened a folder with the results of over 400 surveys completed by teachers and students in her school. She reported that less than 60 of 455 people surveyed said they have never had a personal encounter with a skunk.

Adam Pollard is a grade 5 student at Elliot River School. He chose the beaver for his project because there appeared to be lots of information on it. He mastered the information and built a very attractive display complete with dam, a real beaver, and even a beaver trapping device. Do you know what the value of a beaver was to a trapper in PEI in 1997? Answer $38.55.

Matthew Yates and James Sullivan from Montague called their project "We're for the Birds". If the names sound familiar, its because these boys were recipients of a Natural History Prize last year at the Science Fair.

The project looked at different species at city feeders and rural feeders. They sent out some surveys to further support their own findings. Their logs and sightings were very interesting and informative. A special highlight for them was an unusual hawk (the species name I've forgotten) dropping by the city feeder for lunch.

BUILDING THE MACPHAIL NATURE CENTRE by Fred Horne

The proposed Macphail Natural History Centre will start with the reconstruction of an on—site building measuring 70' x 22'. It will have a cathedral ceiling for about 1/3 of its length and the remaining 2/3 will have an upper floor. To implement this ambitious project, support is required from the naturalist community on the Island and elsewhere. Perhaps you have some of the following components sitting around from your renovation projects or an older field book that you've replaced. Maybe you can help by pledging the monies for one or more or part of one of the following requirements or you might have an animal mount in good condition or equipment that is required. If you have particular skills and the appropriate licenses for plumbing or wiring or have skills in pouring and polishing concrete, roofing, taxidermy, or other associated skill for the tasks below you can be of invaluable aid in the completion of this much needed undertaking.

The needs are as follows:

Exterior:

1) Construct a Foundation - footing, 4 foot frost wall, slab on

grade, insulation under slab, lifting and re—settling building.

2) Roofing - 25 year shingles, 2800 sq. ft.

3) Insulation - (r20) 4,500 sq. ft. plus vapour barrier & sealant

4) Wall & Ceiling covering: 3,500 sq ft.

5) Wall finishing and nails

6) Floor covering, second story: 1,200 sq. ft.

7) Two exterior doors with hardware

10