the Lamiaceae (Mint Family) was found near Brackley and has stumped regional experts; it will also be sent away for identification.

‘ ~ I ' Native species found in 2002 included Vaccinium caespitosum (Dwarf Bilberry) identified at Greenwich. This low shrub is somewhat similar to the common lowbush blueberry, but the leaves are widest towards the tip rather than towards the base. Vallisneria americana (Tapegrass) is a native aquatic plant found at both Deroche Pond and in the Naufrage River. It looks a bit like the saltwater eel grass (Zostera marina), but likes quiet freshwater and has three prominent stripes along the leaves, which can be as much as a metre long. Naufrage River was also the site of two more native finds: Saggitaria cuneata (Northern Arrowhead) and what may be Viburnum acerifolium (Maple-leaved Viburnum). This latter species would be particularly interesting as it is extremely rare in New Brunswick and has not been found in Nova Scotia. We’ll need to re-visit the site to collect flowers next spring, but all its characteristics are consistent with the tentative identification. Finally, one new sedge - Carex radiata (Eastern Star Sedge) - was found at Cavendish. This is a large and sometimes complex genus that many people overlook; it will likely reveal more new records in the future.

With the anticipated expansion of field work associated with the proposed update of Erskine’s The Plants

of Prince Edward Island, natural historians can look forward to even more discoveries in the coming year.

VAchllIll UZS'ITOSII‘

NEW TRAILS:

by Jesse Francis

“The Path of our Forefathers" is a two-loop trail, with loops 3 and 7 km's in length, giving a walking distance of 3 or 10 km's. In the spring it will feature interpretive signage about local Mi'lcmaq history including subjects such as traditional plant use, Mi'kmaq Language, elders, storytelling, forest use and land history. The short loop is also accessible to wheelchairs and

cyclists. The trails cross a wide variety of forest types and both 100ps include coastal sections.

SOCIETY NEWS: / ROADSIDE MOWING PROGRAM:

One of the mandates of the Natural History Society is to work with government departments on conservation. In this light, the President wrote the Minister of Transportation and Public Works concerning the department's seemingly aggressive roadside mowing program. The Society posed questions to define the need as this roadside habitat is an important nesting area for certain warblers and sparrows. The Society is still awaiting a reply.

/ RARE BIRD ALERTS:

For over a decade, the Society used a phone web to advise members of rare bird sightings in the province. This spring, David Seeler started exploring the possibility of a free source for a web server for disseminating this information. While this is being sought, the Society has created an e- mail list of birders wishing rare bird notifications. This has worked well for the keen listers in the group and resulted in some photographic confirmations. A wonderful side benefit for our records list.