(Editor ’s Note: adapted from several PEI Birder 's List Server 2004 releases)

RIPARIAN FIELD TOURS: by J can-Francois Morin Project Coordinator Riparian Demonstration Sites

Do you own a property near a watercourse? Are you looking for an activity in the outdoors? (It could even be a family activity!) Are you interested in environmental/forestry-related issues? If you said YES to at least one of those questions, this tour is for YOU!

Since 2003, the Island Nature Trust has established riparian demonstration sites. As part of the Island Sustainable Forest Partnership Co—operative Ltd., the main objective of these sites is to show landowners management options in riparian habitats, those habitats bordering streams and rivers. A wide variety of topics will be discussed and everyone is welcomed to attend!

The field tour will cover questions such as: what is a riparian zone; what is the legislation in the riparian zones; why manage a riparian zone; what are the natural dynamics of our forests; and what management options are available? In addition, we will also be responding to any other questions you might have in regards to this

project or forest management in general. Planned tours will last 1-2 hours per site and will take place on the following dates:

Date Day Time Meeting location Sites to visit

Oct. 5 Tuesday 2:00 PM Macphails in Orwell Iona

Oct. 6 Wednesday 2:00 PM Irving at Pooles Corner Brudenell

Oct. 7 Thursday 2:00 PM Esso in Morell Bangor

Oct. 12 Tuesday 2:00 PM Esso in Murray River Murray River

Oct. 13 Wednesday 2:00 PM Strathgartney lookout Riverdale

Oct. 14 Thursday 2:00 PM Esso in Morell Bristol

Oct. 16 Saturday 10:00 AM Save-Easy Kensington Indian River / Norboro Oct. 16 Saturday 2:00 PM Strathgartney lookout Riverdale / Tryon

Oct. 17 Sunday 10:00 AM Macphails in Orwell Orwell / Iona

Oct. 17 Sunday 2:00 PM Esso in Murray River Murray River / Brudenell Nov. 2 Tuesday 2:00 PM Save-Easy Kensington Norboro

Nov. 3 Wednesday 2:00 PM McArthurs Esso Carleton Derby

Nov. 4 Thursday 2:00 PM Save-Easy Kensington Indian River

Nov. 6 Saturday 2:00 PM Esso in Morell Bangor / Bristol

As well, the Island Nature Trust will also be providing special tours for groups, such as associations, government agencies, high school, college or university groups, etc. If you have any questions or wish to schedule a tour for your group, call the Trust Office at 892-7513 or 566-9150 and ask for Jean—Francois.

FLORA PROJECT WINDING DOWN: by Kate MacQuarrie

The second and final field season for Island Nature Trust's Flora of PEI project is a‘ winding down. Staff member Robert Sharkie and the project team continued to uncover _ Q new provincial records and new locations for rare species. Although data are still being . 4%

compiled, highlights of new records include Goodyera oblongifolia (Menzies‘ 5 Rattlesnake-Plantain), Listera australis (Southern Twayblade), Lonicera oblongifolia (Swamp Fly Honeysuckle) and Potomogeton strictifolius (a tentatively identified ji pondweed), among many others. Over the fall and winter, Robert will be combing through the data, working with others on the team to confirm identifications, organizing another "mounting bee" to get the hundreds of specimens on herbarium paper, and

generally getting things in shape for Phase 3 - writing. The team plans to get together - Menzies’ this autumn to formalize the next steps, assign writing duties and secure funding sources Rattlesnake- for layout, design and printing. Watch for updates in future issues of Island Naturalist. Plantain

For more information on this project, contact Robert or Bruce Smith at 892—75 13.

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