Calendar of Events

UPCOMING EVENT

When: April 28, 2025 at 7 PM

Speaker:  Lyla Chiasson

Topic:  :  Passion for the Environment & Experiences at the Ontario Nature Youth Summit

Where:  Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute Library,
5814 County Rd 34, Vankleek Hill

Entry Fee: $ 2, Students free

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When: March 17, 2025 at 7 PM

Speaker:  Hugh Metcalfe


Topic: Native plants and flowers for Biodiversity

Where:  Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute Library,
5814 County Rd 34, Vankleek Hill

Entry Fee: $ 2

Coffee and Treats will be served. Bring your own mug

ALL ARE WELCOME!!

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November 18, 2024 at 7 PM

Annual General Meeting!!

&

Speaker:  Bob Irwin

Topic:  Wilderness by Canoe

Where:  Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute Library
5814 County Rd 34, Vankleek Hill

Entry Fee: $ 2

Coffee and Treats will be served

Bring your own mug!!

ALL ARE WELCOME !!!!

BETTER YET, BRING A FRIEND TOO !

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October 21, 2024 at 7 PM

Speaker: Owen Clarkin

Vice President of the Ottawa Field Naturalists

Topic: Plant Ecology in Eastern Ontario

Where:  Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute Library, 5814 County Rd 34, Vankleek Hill

Entry Fee: $ 2

Coffee and Treats will be served. Bring your own mug

ALL ARE WELCOME!!

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September 16, 2024 at 7 PM

Speakers:  Samme Putzel and Cathy Ann Barr

Topic: Eastern Ontario Land Trusts

Where:  Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute Library, 5814 County Rd 34, Vankleek Hill

Entry Fee: $ 2

Coffee and Treats will be served. Bring your own mug

ALL ARE WELCOME!!

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Voyageur Provincial Park Bird Outing & Brunch

Sunday, August 25, 9:30 AM

Admission is free for members of the Vankleek Hill & District Nature Society!!

Meeting Place: Voyageur Provincial Parking, 1313 Front Road, Chute-à-Blondeau.

Parking at the front gate or the administration parking

We will be walking to the Osprey Platform so wear sturdy footwear. Bring binoculars, sunscreen, bug spray and a lunch.

Afterwards we will drive to the Group Camping to brunch.

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Spring Plant Fundraiser Sale

Thursday May 23, 2024 9AM - 12 PM

Location: Scotiabank, 55 Main St. E., Vankleek Hill

Everything for your yard and more!!

Garden Vegetables
Annual and Perennial Flowers
Small Conifer Trees

Bird Houses for Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows

Common Milkweed seedlings and seeds

Household Knick Knacks &

Baked Goods

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April 15, 2024 at 7 PM

Speaker:  Diane Lepage

Topic:  Discovering Moths of Voyageur Provincial Park

Where:  Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute Library, 5814 County Rd 34, Vankleek Hill

Entry Fee: $ 2

Coffee and Treats will be served

ALL ARE WELCOME!!

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Monday, October 16 at 7 PM

  Speaker Andy Perreault

Topic: Forests, Trees and An Indigenous Perspective


Join us in the library at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute at
7 PM

Beverages and sweets will be served

All are welcome!!!

Admission fee $ 2.00
Yearly Membership $10.00

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Fall Fundraiser

When: Saturday October 14, 2023, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Where: École St-Grégoire, 50 Home Ave. Vankleek Hill

Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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Welcome to our Spring Fundraiser

When: June 15, 2023

Time: 9 AM to noon

Where: Scotiabank, 55 Main St, VKH

Everything for your yard & more!!! For more details visit the Fundraiser tab

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Monday, March 27 at 7 PM

  Speaker Carol Tisdall, BSc, MSc in Wildlife Management

Topic: Life experiences growing up on a farm

Join us in the library at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute at
7 PM

Beverages and sweets will be served

Visitors are welcome!!!

Members $ 1.00
Visitors $ 2.00
Membership $10.00

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Saturday, February 25th

Winter Outing 11 AM and Lunch at 12 noon

Winter Outing Location: Prescott-Russell Trail VKH Pavilion on Hwy 34 north of VKH (look for radio tower)

Walk, ski, or snowshoe

Lunch Location : Nicko's Restaurant, VKH, SE corner of Main Street and Hwy 34, beside the Creating Center

Please contact our president, Linda Bennett, by February 20 to confirm seating numbers for our lunch at [email protected] or call her 613-678-3242

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Monday, April 17th at 7 PM - Speaker Christine Trudeau

Topic: Our Western Canada Nature Trip

Join us in the library at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute at
7 PM

Beverages and sweets will be served

Members $ 1.00
Visitors $ 2.00
Membership $10.00

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Monday, December 12- Annual General Meeting and it's our 45th Anniversary!!!!

Join us in the library at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute at
7 PM

Visitors are welcome!!!

Beverages and sweets will be served

Members $ 1.00
Non-members $2.00
Membership $10.00

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Local Christmas Bird Counts (CBC)

Here are the dates and the link to the circles. Zoom in to see the details

https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zqKmUR0yZG5w.kzDsqU9eNzOI

ONVK Vankleek Hill CBC - December 18, 2022

ONAM Alfred - Montebello CBC - December 26, 2022

ONFL Foret Larose - Casselman CBC - January 2, 2023

If any hobby could help us survive this Covid-19 pandemic while being safe, it is ours! Whether it's from the comfort of our homes, out driving or walking on trails, we can still B-I-R-D.

Needless to say the upcoming Christmas Bird Counts will again be different for field participants. If you still wish to participate, I can only suggest using walkie-talkie type technology between vehicles, being in your birding bubble, the wearing of masks, and being physically distanced.

Another thing is that optical equipment such as telescopes should not be shared. Our compiling meetings which normally take place after the counts will definitely not take place.

For more info contact the compiler, Christine Trudeau at [email protected]

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Oyez. Oyez, we're having a fundraiser on June 2nd, 2022!!!

Come see us in front of Scotiabank on Main Street in Vankleek Hill from 9AM to noon.

Compost, Perennials, Vegetable plants, Raspberries... and maybe saplings

Nature-related items and a Odds & Ends table

Eastern Bluebird and Tree Swallow bird houses

Come meet us!! Become a member!!!

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We're still on hold for in-person meetings.

We hope to see you in the fall!!

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Monday February 22, 2021 7 PM

Virtual Presentation

Speaker: Dr Phillippe Thomas, Wildlife toxicologist, Environment and Climate Change Canada

Topics:

1. The impacts of the hydrocarbons from the Alberta oil sands on the health of river otters

2. Regional monitoring programs and steps being taken to safeguard the otters

Visitors are welcome!!

If you would like to attend, please send a request to [email protected] and we will send you the online link.

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Christmas Bird Counts CANCELLED

If any hobby could help us survive this Covid-19 pandemic while being safe, it is ours! ! !  Whether it's from the comfort of our homes, out driving or walking on trails, we can still B-I-R-D. A shortage on bird feed is being predicted this fall/winter due to the increased number of people feeding birds. Oh wow, better stock up now!!

Needless to say the upcoming Christmas Bird Counts will be very different for field participants. If you still wish to participate, I can only suggest using walkie-talkie type technology between vehicles, being in your birding bubble, the wearing of masks, being physically distanced or the dreaded 14-day quarantine prior to the count(s). Another thing is that optical equipment such as telescopes cannot be shared. Our compiling meetings which normally take place after the counts will definitely not take place.

I would ask that you let me know whether you wish to participate or not I may have to cancel the count(s). So here are the dates:

December 20, 2020 - Vankleek Hill CBC CANCELLED

December 26, 2020 - Alfred-Montebello CBC CANCELLED

January 2, 2021 - Casselman - Forêt Larose CBC CANCELLED

I know we hear this on a daily basis, but please stay safe!!

Christine Trudeau
CBC Compiler
[email protected]

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Monday, March 23 2020 7:00 - 9:00 PM CANCELLED

Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute Library

Guest Speaker: Philippe Thomas
Wildlife toxicologist with the National Wildlife Research Centre

Topics:

1.  The impacts of the hydrocarbons from the Alberta oil sands on the health of river otters

2. Regional monitoring programs and steps being taken to safeguard the otters

Bring friends along!!

Beverages and sweets are served

Members $ 1.00
Non-members $2.00
Membership $10.00

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Sunday December 1, 2019 - time to be confirmed

Christmas Wine & Cheese - for members only

Host: Linda Bennett

Location: 64 High Street, Vankleek Hill

RSVP 678-3242 or [email protected]

Bring some cheese and wine.

Crackers, coffee and tea will be provided.

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Monday, November 18 2019 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute Library

Annual General Meeting - Elections and 3 Speakers

Guest Speaker # 1: Robert Lessard, Manager of Recycle Action in Hawkesbury

Topic: The present and future of recycling, the history of the plant and his staff

Guest Speakers # 2: Macarena Rico and Erika Dubois, this year's attendees of the Ontario Nature Youth Summit

Bring your friends and neighbours!!

Beverages and sweets are served

Members $ 1.00
Non-members $2.00
Membership $10.00

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Monday, October 21 2019 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute Library

Guest Speaker: Heather Short, Earth Scientist and Climate Educator

Topic: The scientific basis for climate change, the consequences of inaction and most importantly the steps needed to avoid a catastrophe

Bring your friends and neighbours!!

Beverages and sweets are served

Members $ 1.00
Non-members $2.00
Membership $10.00

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Monday, September 16 2019 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute Library

Guest Speaker: Philippe Thomas
Wildlife toxicologist with the National Wildlife Research Centre

Topics:

1.  The impacts of the hydrocarbons from the Alberta oil sands on the health of river otters

2. Regional monitoring programs and steps being taken to safeguard the otters

Bring friends along!!

Beverages and sweets are served

Members $ 1.00
Non-members $2.00
Membership $10.00

~

Sunday, August 25 2019 1 PM

Summer Potluck & Corn Roast for members only

Hosts: Claudia & Eric Deskin
Address: 289 Hoffman Crescent, Hawkesbury (first street east of Tupper Street)

Corn and soft drinks will be provided. Please bring a dish of your choice, any other beverage you may prefer and a lawn chair.

Please RRSP to David by email to [email protected] or phone 613-679-1825

Monday, November 18 2019 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute Library

Guest Speaker: Robert Lessard
Recycle Action in Hawkesbury

Topics:

1.  Acceptable materials for recycling in our area

2. Upcoming changes to the Blue Box recycling program

Welcome to all!!

Beverages and sweets are served

Members $ 1.00
Non-members $2.00
Membership $10.00

Saturday, June 22, 2019 - 2 - 4 PM - Rhubarb Social

Host: Thérèse Bélanger-Dunsmore

Place: 765 Edmond Street, Hawkesbury

Bring a rhubarb dessert. Coffee and tea will be served. Bring a lawn chair if you wish to sit outdoors and enjoy Thérèse's lovely garden

Please RSVP to David Stringer at [email protected] 613-679-1825

Members only, but if you wish to become one memberships are $10 per person

See you there!!!

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Monday, April 15, 2019 - 7 PM - Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute Library

Effect of Climate Change on our Wildlife

Guest Speaker: Stephen Hazell
Director of conservation and general counsel with Nature Canada

Nature Canada's upcoming May conference will be discussing this topic. We all have an idea about its effect on polar bears and the Arctic but what about our local wildlife?

Bring a friend and join us!!
We serve beverages and sweets

Members $ 1.00
Visitors $ 2.00
Membership $10

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April 8 & 9, 2019 - Nature Day on Parliament Hill

Our president, David Stringer and other members of the executive will be meeting the Honourable Catherine Mc Kenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change to discuss local issues.

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April 2019 - Launch of the Ontario Nature Youth Summit Application Document to local French and English Students ages 14 to 18
For more details please refer to the Youth Summit tab

Monday, April 15, 2019 - 7 PM - Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute Library

Effect of Climate Change on our Wildlife

Guest Speaker: Stephen Hazell
Director of conservation and general counsel with Nature Canada

Nature Canada's upcoming May conference will be discussing this topic. We all have an idea about its effect on polar bears and the Arctic but what about our local wildlife?

Bring a friend and join us!!
We serve beverages and sweets

Members $ 1.00
Visitors $ 2.00
Membership $10

*

Thursday May 16, 2019 - Annual Fundraiser

For details please check the Fundraiser 2019 Tab

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May 2019 - Bill Pilon Memorial Spring Bird Count

March 25, 2019 - 7 PM
Sandfield Centre - Garry Shepard Hall, 102 Derby Street West, Alexandria

Protecting and Increasing Forest Cover in North Glengarry

The South Conservation staff will be briefing the municipal council on protecting and increasing forest cover in North Glengarry. Let's support our North Glengarry members and residents!! We can all benefit by attending this meeting as it can give us ideas on how to approach other local municipalities. See you there!!

Monday, March 18, 2019 - 7 PM - Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute Library

Travelling Ecuador, Galapagos and Peru
Guest Speaker: Elaine Kennedy

Welcome to all!!
Beverages and sweets are served
Members $ 1.00
Visitors $ 2.00

Saturday, December 15, 2018 - 2 PM - Christmas Wine and Cheese

Hosts: Lucia and Armin Trommer
Place: 125 Pattee Road, Hawkesbury
Bring a piece of cheese and wine. Crackers, coffee and tea will be provided.
RSVP 632-4427
Members only

Monday, November 19 2018 - 7 PM - Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute Library

A Bird in the Hand: Tools for migratory bird research and conservation.

Guest Speaker: Lesley Howes
Lesley will be talking about the Canadian Bird Banding Program and the use of birds in science in Canada.
Welcome to all!!
Beverages and sweets are served
Members $ 1.00
Visitors $ 2.00
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Monday, October 15 2018 - 7 PM - Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute Library

Ontario Nature: Youth Engagement and the Environment
Guest Speakers: Sarah Clouston and Emma McGurk (both have attended this year's Youth Summit)
Welcome to all!!!

Coffee and sweets are served
Members $ 1.00
Visitors $ 2.00

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Monday, September 17 2018 - 7 PM - Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute Library
Air Pollution - Impact on the Environment

Guest Speakers: David Stringer and Dr Daniel Cloutier

Welcome to all!!
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Deadline for Youth Summit is September 5, 2018
Ontario Nature Youth Summit Application Document to Local French and English Students ages 14 to 18
To access the application see the Youth Summit tab

Sunday, June 10, 2018 2:00 - 4:00 PM - Rhubarb Social
Hosts: Eric and Claudia Deskin
Place:  289 Hoffman Crescent, East Hawkesbury. Driving directions are: from the North end of Tupper in Hawkesbury, drive about 1 km East along Front Road and turn left at Hoffman Cresent
Bring: Rhubarb dessert and maybe a lawn  chair if you wish to sit outdoors and enjoy Eric and Claudia’s lovely garden.
Coffee and tea will be served

Please RSVP to 613 632 3636, or to [email protected] so that Eric and Claudia can plan

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May 2018 - Launch of the Ontario Nature Youth Summit Application Document to Local French and English Students ages 14 to 18

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Sunday, August 19, 2018 Corn Boil and Potluck, time to be confirmed

Thursday, May 17, 2018 9:30 AM - until sold out - Fundraiser in front of Scotiabank

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Monday, April 30, 2018 7 PM - Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute Library

A Naturalist`s Voyage to the Southern Hemisphere

Guest Speaker: Elaine Kennedy “ It is in our Nature to reach out into the Unknown”: Ernest Shackleton. Join Elaine Kennedy who travelled in Argentina and then by ship to the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula last fall. As a naturalist, she reached out to see, understand and get involved in many unknowns.

Welcome to all!

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Monday, March 19, 2018 7 PM - Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute Library

Healing Waters and Arctic Waters

Guest Speaker: Dr. Stuart Robertson Caledonia Springs, a brief historical presentation, once a major tourist attraction and health centre in Eastern Canada.
The Arctic where Dr. Stuart Robertson has been fortunate enough to spend significant time in most of the hamlets of Nunavut, working there but also being able to spend time “out on the land” with local Inuit. Photos and videos of the geology and typography plus the culture of Nunavut. Some discussion on the effects of climate change in the Arctic will also be described.

Welcome to all!

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2017 Calendar of Events

Celebrate the 4oth Anniversary of the Nature Society!

September 18, 2017 - Regular meeting, Down Memory Lane and Going Forward, a celebration of our 40 years. VCI Library, Vankleek Hill, 7:00 PM. Note there will be no business at this meeting, there will be a member email instead.

November 20, 2017 - VCI Library, Vankleek Hill, 7:00 PM
AGM, including election of new officers

Speaker: Max Finkelstein Canoeing a Continent: On the Trail of Alexander Mackenzie. A journey through space and time.

As the 150th anniversary of Canada's confederation comes to its end, what better way to recall how Canada as we know came about than to look at the journey of discovery of the first European (and likely the first human) to cross the present-day country of Canada from coast to coast to coast. Join Max the modern-day voyageur as he re-traces with images and stories Alexander Mackenzie's historic first crossing of the continent of North America. A journey of hardship and perseverance, of adventure and survival, for both Max and Alexander Mackenzie. But mostly it is the story of Canada and its beginnings as the nation we know today, and of our evolving relationships with the two defining elements of Canada, wilderness and First Nations.

April 24, 2017 - Regular meeting and guest speaker, VCI Library, Vankleek Hill, 7:00 PM. Our speaker is Michelle Gordon, Process and Compliance Technician of the OCWA (Ontario Clean Water Agency). She will speak on Vankleek Hill's drinking water system.

March 20, 2017 - Regular meeting and guest speaker, VCI Library, Vankleek Hill, 7:00 PM

We are lucky that our speaker for what ended up being a snowed out AGM was able to reschedule for us. Our speaker is David Miller, Executive Director of the Algonquin to Adirondack Collaborative, a transboundary NGO working on ecological connectivity between Algonquin Park and the Adirondacks. The Algonquin to Adirondacks corridor is the most extensive, least degraded north-south corridor east of Lake Superior, connecting the Appalachian forests of the southeastern US to the vast boreal forests of the Canadian Shield. It provides a critical pathway through which species can move and disperse in response to habitat needs and climate change. The heart of the A2A Region also represents one of the most biodiverse areas of Eastern North America as northern and southern forest zones mix.
David's presentation will review the nature and significance of the corridor as well as the work of the A2A. Three key A2A initiatives will be presented (Conservation Action Planning, A2A Trail, and Road Ecology). Opportunities for collaboration in Eastern Ontario will also be discussed.

We will also be having by-elections for the positions of:

Treasurer - Jean Kronberg and
Director - Maxime Cloutier.

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ach you about the different contributions wildlife rehabilitation has made to conservation, how a rehabilitation centre functions and what to do if you find an injured or orphaned wild bird.
VCI Library, Vankleek Hill, 7:00 PM

November 21, 2016 - Meeting Postponed due to weather - new date will be posted ASAP
AGM (elections!) and guest speaker, VCI Library, Vankleek Hill, 7:00 PM
Our speaker is David Miller, Executive Director of the Algonquin to Adirondack Collaborative, a transboundary NGO working on ecological connectivity between Algonquin Park and the Adirondacks. The Algonquin to Adirondacks corridor is the most extensive, least degraded north-south corridor east of Lake Superior, connecting the Appalachian forests of the southeastern US to the vast boreal forests of the Canadian Shield. It provides a critical pathway through which species can move and disperse in response to habitat needs and climate change. The heart of the A2A Region also represents one of the most biodiverse areas of Eastern North America as northern and southern forest zones mix.
David's presentation will review the nature and significance of the corridor as well as the work of the A2A. Three key A2A initiatives will be presented (Conservation Action Planning, A2A Trail, and Road Ecology). Opportunities for collaboration in Eastern Ontario will also be discussed.

December 2016 - Christmas get-together
- Bird Counts

March 20, 2017 - Regular meeting and guest speaker, VCI Library, Vankleek Hill, 7:00 PM

April 24, 2017 - Regular meeting and guest speaker, VCI Library, Vankleek Hill, 7:00 PM

Last year

March 21, 2016 - Regular meeting and guest speaker - Vankleek Hill resident Rod Ewing will be giving a slide presentation of his hike along the Pacific Rim Trail. New projector, great pictures. Also time to renew memberships if not renewed in November. VCI Library, Vankleek Hill, 7:00 PM

April 18, 2016 - Regular meeting and guest speaker - Winchester photographer Susan Sloane will present her nature photography, tips and techniques, and a discussion of equipment. Also time to renew memberships if not renewed in November. VCI Library, Vankleek Hill, 7:00 PM

May 19 - Annual Fund-raiser sale

May 28 to 29 Bill Pilon Spring Bird Count Join a team, or make one.

The count period is 24 hours, but is spread between two days. The count will begin on Saturday at 4 PM and ends on Sunday at 4 PM. This allows a night for owl searching, which is optional.

The bird count takes place within the Five Counties`Birding Circle (counties of Prescott, Russell, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry). The circle’s central point is 5 Km north of exit # 51 of Highway 417 and extends to Ripon Québec to the north, Cornwall - USA to the south, part of Mer Bleue to the west and Rigaud Québec to the east.

The study circle map can be viewed at the following link http://bit.ly/jbFwfT . Species are recorded while surveying the circle. At the end of the 2-day period, we have our compiling meeting is at Nicko`s Resto Bar at 5 PM at 17 High St, Vankleek Hill, 678-3132.

For information, phone Christine Trudeau Brunet at 613-632-8356 or email at [email protected]

June 27, 6:30 - 8:30 PM - Rhubarb Social -members only social event - everyone has been emailed the details. If you did not receive an email and you are a member, please email the President at [email protected]