Following in the footsteps of Kate McLaren is not easy.

The OSFN has been approached by Nature Conservancy of Canada to provide financial support for the protection of a 100 acre property on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula. The Dyers Bay West property contains habitat for a number of species at risk, and is a critical connection in an area with a high concentration of conservation lands.

Their description states: “This property is relatively open and borders forests dominated by Jack Pine, Northern White Cedar and Balsam Fir. Although the property supports many other species, globally rare Dwarf Lake Iris dominates the forest floor. The globally rare and threatened Hill’s Thistle is also found on the property, along with a number of provincially rare species, including Purple-stemmed Cliff-brake, Northern Dropseed and Round-leaved Ragwort.”

The Board will be reviewing our options and keeping OSFN’s mandate in mind as we evaluate this request.

The Board has been really pleased with the active program put together by John Dickson. As usual, it is quite varied. No matter who you are, you will find something of interest. Make sure you attend some of them. A reminder, that John puts this program together by himself and it would be helpful for there to be a team who could work together. Is this something you would consider doing?

Most indoor sessions this fall have been pretty well standing room only. John, through a variety of presenters, has provided us insight into art, provincial parks, Metis history and forest health in order to address many aspects of our natural world. Again, thank you John for ensuring that we have a well-rounded program to challenge and educate us.

I welcome Julie Lamberts to the Board. Julie is new to the Owen Sound area and with her background in conservation and administration, will be a great asset to our Board.

There are many ways that members can contribute to the club and support and enhance our natural resources. It might be joining Bill Moses as he takes the initiative to reduce the impact of invasive species in the area, stewarding a property or helping Neighbourwoods North with tree planting activities; and I know that Norah Toth appreciates articles and photos being submitted for the newsletter. In the newsletter and on our website you will find a list of which Board member oversees which activity. Give them a call or send them an email.

Gordon Toth
President

Did I say what a great privilege it has been for me to be the OSFN president these last two years? Did I say how much I appreciate the support of the board of directors? Did I thank the volunteers, speakers and leaders who provide so much enrichment to our club? Have I described to you the wonderful times I’ve enjoyed in meetings and on hikes? Did I mention how much I have learned? (Refuting the “old dogs, new tricks” myth….)

If you attended our AGM and wonderful pot-luck supper in June, you’ll recall the struggle the Board had, trying to convince someone to be our president. It’s an issue with other organizations I am a member of and apparently it’s a problem with organizations all over the province. Even in the largest groups of effective volunteers, it’s a challenge to recruit leaders. Although that provides some form of reassurance that we’re not alone in this, it really does pose a serious question: how do we sustain the club if nobody is willing to assume some of the responsibilities? I hope all of our OSFN members will consider their own ability and willingness to step up when the need arises.

Using a tactic I believe is called “railroading” we did fill the vacancies on the board of directors.

I have promised our incoming president, Gordon Toth, that I will do my best to help him if needed. Gord had agreed earlier in the year to serve as president if, and only if, we couldn’t get anyone else to do it. So be nice to him!!! Gord’s a long-time member with a quiet strength I’m certain you will all appreciate. He’s been serving on the OSFN board for several years bringing his own experience to the table and he knows what terrific support the club and its directors will give him.

Pam Kinchen, a relatively new member but an experienced naturalist has accepted the role of vice-president, giving her time to become acquainted with the functioning of the board and our organization as a whole.

With Melanie Worth and Chuck Mitchell joining the team, we’re going to have an excellent year ahead!

My experience with this robust organization has strengthened my faith that Nature will endure, despite our human meddling.

Now, go outside!Kate McLaren
President