and Dan co-produced a video production on the Piping Plover for distribution by the Society and the CNF. ' Thanks, Winifred Cairns Make, you really are for the Birds!

BIRDATHON AND OTHER EVENTS

In 1978 our Natural History Society organized the first Francis Bain Memorial Birdathon which has been held annually since then on the last Saturday in May. This has meant 12 more outings at a pleasant time of the year.

On Sunday, September 23, 1979 a large gathering of about 200 showed up at a mushroom outing on the Bonshaw Hills Trail at St. Catherine's. They kept three leaders busy identifying fungi.

As time progressed the Society's activity in various environmental action issues rose and fell. In 1988 the Society took on one of the largest initiatives in its history when it registered a Land Use Appeal on the subdivision of Boughton Island, the largest Great Blue Heron colony in Eastern Prince Edward Island. Sue Stephenson, Diane Griffin, Ruth Richman, and Gary Schneider played key roles in this public hearing. Their action resulted in changes to the development proposal.

IN CLOSING

The Natural History Society is profoundly indebted to the long-suffering Lunch Committees who have patiently lugged in mountains of delicious goodies for the meetings, and doled out barrels of coffee in our 20 years of existence. Their hours involved were astronomical. Thank you all most sincerely.

To wind up this history, here are the names of all who have been president of this Natural History Society: Andre Lavoie 1969 - 1972, Bruce MacLean 1973, Eleanor Lowe 1974 - 1975, Diane Griffin 1976 - 1977, H. Winston Johnston 1978 - 1980, Rosemary Curley 1981, Geoffrey Hogan 1982 - 1984, Jane Symmes 1985, Rosemary Curley 1986 - 1987, Susan Stephenson 1988 - 1989, Patrick Nooton 1989. All are still members except Jane Symmes who has moved away from the Island.

Author's Dedication: This history is dedicated to Miss Verna Newson for providing the spark and to Miss Ruth 1. Ross for fanning it into the flame that started the Natural History Society of Prince Edward Island on October 23rd, 1969.

The author also wishes to acknowledge the Editor, Dan McAskill, for his unfailing encouragement and for providing information not obtained from the minutes of meetings nor from the author's memory.

Editor's Note: On a July night this past summer, I received a phone call from Miss Ruth I. Ross. She was aware of the work on the history and wished all the members of the Society to know the key role Margaret played in keeping the Society going through these past two decades.

Thank you Margaret, from all of us. J.D.M.