Nature PEI  Field Trip and October Meeting Notice

On Tuesday evening, October 4th, Frances Anderson will be the featured speaker as Nature PEI resumes its monthly meetings this fall. The title of her presentation is “The fascinating micro- world of lichens – how to get to know them.” She will be providing a few pointers on where to look for lichens, information on the biological traits of a range of species and of their ecological significance. But first, Frances will lead an afternoon lichen walk in Brookvale for a firsthand exploration of lichen variety, form and elegant coloration.

Frances notes “ Lichens have long been overlooked because they are small, yet they are among the most extraordinary organisms in the botanical world. In the last fifteen years, they are finally getting their due. People are starting to pay attention.”

Frances has been a Research Associate at the Nova Scotia Museum and is co-author of a lichen field guide titled Common Lichens of Northeastern North America, published by the New York Botanical Garden Press in 2014. She has compiled a list of the macrolichens of Nova Scotia and has co-authored four status reports on lichen species-at-risk.

Rosemary Curley, President of Nature PEI says “Frances is largely self-taught and she is a fast learner. We are fortunate that she could come in response to the request of our members to learn more about lichens. This is an exceptional opportunity for people to meet and be tutored by an expert who enjoys sharing her exceptional knowledge.”

For the Field Trip, meet at the Indigo Parking lot in Charlottetown on Tuesday October 4th at 1:30 PM to carpool to the Brookvale Demonstration Woodlot, or join the 1.5 -2 hour walk at 2:00 PM at the Demonstration Woodlot opposite the Brookvale Ski Park. Dress appropriately for an easy trail with possible wet foliage. Watch the Nature PEI website for weather advice. https://naturepei.ca/environmental-calendar/

For those of you traveling to Brookvale in your own vehicle, it was kindly brought to my attention that you may need to take a detour, depending on your planned travel route. See the message below!

“The culvert is out at Kellys Cross, so the best way to approach Brookvale Demo Woodlot is via Rte.235 (Kingston Road), not S. Melville Road or TCH via Crapaud.”

We encourage everyone to “Reserve Tuesday, October 4th at 7:30 PM to attend the Nature PEI meeting in the Carriage House at Beaconsfield on the corner of West and Kent Streets in Charlottetown.  Admission is free and all are welcome.”

 Media please  contact:  Frances Anderson at fanderson@eastlink.ca

Rosemary Curley at (902) 569-1209 rcurleypei@eastlink.ca