Our Mission
To study and
appreciate nature.
To protect and preserve wildlife
and the environment.
To stimulate public interest in,
and promote protection
and preservation of nature.
Who we are
The Midland Penetanguishene Field Naturalists Club (MPFNC) is one of the oldest affiliates of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists. The objective of the Club is to promote public awareness of natural history, conservation and the environment. We feature lectures by expert naturalists on a range of fascinating topics at our monthly meetings. We also schedule outings (field trips) and nature study.
We meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month, 7:30 PM at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre No meeting in December, July or August. Our June meeting is held at Tiny Marsh.
For a printable shedule of meetings & events click: MPFN 2019 2020 Season Brochure
The MPFNC is involved in many projects in the area including the Christmas Bird Count as well as environmental and wildlife surveys, the Tiny Marsh BioBlitz and the Sweet Water Harvest at the Wye Marsh. The club also supports the Owl Foundation at the Christmas Bird Count Potluck Wrap-up at the Wye Marsh. This year we raised $300 for the Owl Foundation of Vineland through our famous Mystery Gift Not-So-Silent Auction.
Another nature story from David Hawke
Be 'berry' careful of bears if you're going raspberry picking
www.orilliamatters.com
If you plan on indulging on some trailside nibbling, you should know there are several species of raspberries in our area, says outdoors columnistAnother nature story from David Hawke
Grandson's interest in moths becomes study of life lessons
www.orilliamatters.com
Outdoors lover finds a way to incorporate geography, spelling, observation skills and language lessons in unique home schooling experienceThere is a movement afoot to strike down the eponymous common names of more than 150 North American bird species. A petition is circulating supported by several well respected ornithologists. The American Ornithological Society has said that they will respond to the petition at the end of their convention in August.
The organizers of the petition state: "Eponymous common names are essentially verbal statues. They were made to honor the benefactor in perpetuity, and as such reflect the accomplishments and values that the creator esteemed. We are not bound by either the intention or the regard; we should make decisions about who and what we honor based on our own values, values that create a more equitable world for all. By continuing to use eponymous common bird names, we continue to reference and honor our distressful colonial heritage and the racism that was a direct consequence of this malicious exploitation. This is unacceptable, and we must do better."
I'm not sure what to think. I'm all in favour of creating a more equitable society but it's a bit of a shame the birds have to get tangled up in our cultural nets. Or is it just a deep state conspiracy to make us all buy new field guides?
The petitioners say they are not asking for changes to the scientific names, something which according to the laws of Linnean taxonomy would be almost impossible to do. Could one make a case that when it comes to common names noone is bound to use those common names recognized by the AOU. We are all free as individuals to give a bird whatever common name we like. I think I'll go with the MacDonald's Chickadee.
birdnamesforbirds.wordpress.com
Because birds don't need eponymous or honorific common names.Bill 197 (COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020) Backgrounder | Ontario Nature
ontarionature.org
Overall, Bill 197 reflects an unrelenting and insidious pattern of environmental deregulation that has brought sweeping changes to Ontario’s environmental laws and policies, reducing or eliminating environmental protections altogetherAn upcoming webinar that your members may be interested in, on Wildflowers and Pollinators. Miriam Goldberger from Wildflower Farm and Linda Forrester of Orillia Horticultural Society are presenting. They will talk about flowers in bloom, the top species to plant, and how to create your own bouquet. Free to attend - you just have to register. Info here -->
Passport to Nature: Plants & Pollinators
www.eventbrite.ca
We all know pollinators are in trouble, but what can we do about it? One option is to use plants that support them!Box 393, Midland ON L4R 4L1
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E-mail: info@mpfn.xyz
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