Honourary Life Membership

presented to Anne Cathrae

June 12, 2025

Anne Cathrae always had a humble attitude.

Anne along with her husband Stan moved back to Owen Sound around 1995 and began volunteering for everything conservation – the Owen Sound Field Naturalists, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority and its Conservation Foundation and, in Anne’s case, the Huron Fringe Birding Festival. Anne’s volunteering for nature can hardly be considered insignificant.

I often noticed that Anne performed those tasks that were in the background. Someone once said – “Never has anyone done so much for so many; and been observed by so few while doing it!”

Anne appreciated and valued nature. She did everything in the field naturalists from planting trees, being present at dedications, attending board meetings, ensuring that setup was done properly for Club potlucks and for many of the snacks we had before meetings. I remember gathering up her tablecloths and helping to carry boxes of items to her car. At one time, the field naturalists obtained permission to conduct roadside cleanup for the MTO. Anne seemed rather disappointed when the road moved from MTO to the county and the rules changed, resulting in the club stepping back from this task.

Our friend and fellow conservationist has passed away, but I can hear her loud and clear – “I don’t think I qualify. I looked at the criteria for Honourary Membership and Stan and I weren’t members from the beginning of the Club. I think the only way I could qualify relates to my volunteering, something insignificant like that.”

I am pleased that Anne Cathrae is being recognized as an Honourary Member of the Owen Sound Field Naturalists.