InPerson at Wye Marsh

Guest Speaker: Robert Burcher

Robert Burcher is a photographer, writer, historical researcher and wilderness explorer who has been fascinated by John Muir, the Scottish-born American conservationist and Sierra Club co-founder, for decades.

The discovery of an abandoned historical plaque in the Epping Conservation Area in the Beaver Valley galvanized Robert to action. The plaque honoured the fact that John Muir had lived in Meaford for two years during the late 1800s. That was the beginning of a 30-year research project culminating in a book called My Summer of Glorious Freedom. The book was a discovery process of tracing Muir’s 1864 wanderings in Southern Ontario using plant specimens that he had collected.

Robert recently led a group of MPFN members on a pilgrimage to the John Muir cabin site. This month’s meeting will give Robert a chance to tell us the full story of Muir’s time in Ontario.

The good news is that Robert will have several copies of his book for sale at Thursday’s meeting! It’s been out of print for some time as the first couple of printings sold out. The book was recently read and discussed by the MPFN Nature Book Club and received unanimous thumbs up. The book will sell for $40. Payment can be made by cash, cheque or e-transfer.

We will once again be fundraising at Thursday’s meeting by selling our 50/50 tickets. 1 chance for 2 dollars, 3 chances for 5 dollars.

We will also be running our GREAT NATURE BOOK SALE. You can bring along any used nature books you’d like to donate. Books donated will be resold for what the buyer thinks they’re worth with all proceeds going to club operations.