Saturday, September 8, 2007:
We fortunately had a clear cool day for the hike to Old Glory. There was evidence of frost on the way up and we all put our coats on at the top. While we were eating, a stream of horned larks passed by, followed by a sharp-shinned hawk that alighted for a few seconds just in front of us. There were many birds on the mountain and on Unnecessary Ridge. Birds identified were robins, mountain bluebirds, Townsend’s solitaires, Audubon warblers, American pipits, white-crowned sparrows, Oregon juncos, savannah sparrows, and chipping sparrows. Spruce grouse and winter wrens were seen in the forest below. Some flowers were still blooming including hare bells, fireweed, sulphur eriogonum and penstamon. The colours of the fall plants were glorious especially the reds and yellows, which were very good because of our long dry spell.
Ed & Hazel Beynon

Saturday, September 15, 2007:
Six Nats and one guest turned out for a hike up Sproule Creek in beautiful sunny weather. It was a leisurely stroll alongside the babbling brook, which was not running too strong because of the hot, dry weather we have been experiencing this summer. Three of the party stopped for a snack at the last bridge, while four of us forged ahead to the old mill site. On our way, a Ruffed Grouse near the trail flared out his neck ruff and tail feathers, then strutted off into the underbrush. After a snack at the old mill site, we started back, caught up to the others, and returned to the cars. Thanks for a most enjoyable day.
John Golik

Saturday, September 22, 2007:
Sixty energetic workers removed almost (close to) a ton of debris along the Columbia River in the annual Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up, the second in this area. This year’s event included three new sites: Casino Road, below Glenmerry, and south of the Esplanade, which was tackled before the official date by the Sea Cadets. Teresa Crockett from Career Development Services cruised in one of the city’s former dump trucks, while garbage pluckers, employees of AMEC and the TD Bank, as well as the WK Naturalists and volunteers from Trail and area, relieved the shoreline of debris, recyclables and refundables. Of particular concern was the Casino Road, which is being liberally used as a dumping ground for heavy discards such as car bodies, large appliances, and building materials. Some in the group suggested engaging heavy equipment and concentrating all efforts on this site next year. Wherever we focus our energy in the future, it is clear from this year’s participants there are many people deeply concerned about the sad state of our shorelines and countryside; people who happily lend their vigor in the cause for renewal.
Pamella

Monday, September 24, 2007 – Presentation:
The WKNA hosted a presentation by local mushroom enthusiast Tyson Ehlers, BSc, RPBio. Tyson is a biologist with an inordinate interest in mushrooms. He is an avid recreational and sometimes commercial mushroom collector, and strives to sustain and promote this important connection between people and the forest of BC. His background is in resource management and forest ecology, and his work is primarily focused on the ecology and management of non-timber forest products, particularly the prized wild edible mushrooms such as morels, mastsutake and chanterelles. Tyson gave a delightful and engaging pictorial presentation, introducing folds to the world of fungi and he provided many examples and samples of local mushrooms. “Fall is the time for finding mushrooms”, said Ehlers. Names like ‘The Prince’, ‘King Bolete’, ‘Destroying Angel’ and ‘Death Cap’ evoke mixed feelings of reverence and revulsion associated with the fungal kingdom. Fungi are a source of food, medicine, intrigue and beauty, and are a critical component of our forests. Members thoroughly enjoyed his presentation and were encouraged to identify local mushrooms on their field trips in the fall.
Joan Snyder

Saturday, September 29, 2007:
Five Nats made the trip to Wilson Falls on a gorgeous day. Our leader led us down to the river for a very impressive view of the falls. Then we drove up the road about one km and hiked in a short distance to view the falls from directly above. The combination of the two views was an unexpected treat. There was no wildlife in evidence, but it was a most enjoyable day and we are indebted to our leader.
SW Webster

Saturday, October 13, 2007: (Daytime)
The dismal weather of the past weeks may have discouraged some from joining this Discovery Hike, but those seven Nats that did attend enjoyed a fabulous sunny day! When the Discovery Hikes were conceived, they became an instant hit, and it is difficult to try to surpass the previous ones. No worries here! We drove up Buckley Road for 7.7 km and parked, then walked up the right hand logging road for about half an hour. The views of Neptune and Mackie Mountains were superb, although the snow that was seen on the recce eight days before was now gone. The distant mountains to the north and east were, however, gloriously coated with shimmering white, and the Neptune Basin and Columbia River valley were enveloped in tumescent fog. We returned to the junction of the road, just above our vehicles, and took the left track, intending to have our lunch at a particularly stupendous view spot, which we were sure to find on this trip. After walking and ogling the scenery, which improved with almost every step, for about twenty minutes, the perfect location was indeed reached. The near and distant mountain views encircled the compass. Delicate frost on ground-hugging burgundy and sienna tinted leaves, which resembled vertically magnetized iron filings, encouraged hasty inspection before the sun’s rays melted them. It was a delightful chore to decide whether to eat or take pictures first! The entire group readily agreed that this trip had vastly surpassed their expectations and are anticipating the fourth in the series.
Margo Saunders