Sault Naturalists

Sault Naturalists

Objectives

Founded in 1954, the Sault Naturalists is an international club with about 140 members. The club objectives are to provide members with a common meeting ground for exchanging ideas and for broadening their knowledge and understanding of natural science; to promote the appreciation, preservation, and conservation of our natural heritage; and to support and co-operate with other organizations having similar aims.

Meetings/Programs

Meetings are held September through June usually on the second Tuesday of each month in Sault, Ontario or Sault, Michigan. Speakers, chosen from a wide range of knowledgeable persons, present talks on such subjects as plants, animals, mushrooms, geology, current environmental issues, outdoor recreation and travel to unusual locales. Meetings are often followed by an opportunity to socialize and meet informally with the presenters. The annual meeting which includes a banquet is held in February and features a noted speaker.

Outings

Outings are held year round, rain or shine and range from evening walks to day-long rambles, weekend excursions and 4/5 day campouts. Outings-led by knowledgeable persons-include natural history (birds, flowers, mushrooms, edible plants, mammals and other wildlife), geology, canoe trips, camping, and outdoor recreation. The wide variety offered allows everyone to choose activities that match their interests.

Bird Observations

Bird observation plays an important part in our activities. Current observations are reported at meetings and a complete compilation of members’ observations is maintained. There are early morning walks and an annual outing during the hawk, loon and owl migration. The Christmas Bird count is the highlight of the holiday season and is followed by a potluck supper at which participants warm up and share experiences. The club has assisted in the compilation of individual breeding bird atlases for both Ontario and Michigan, and our bird checklist is available on our website.

Conservation

Sault Naturalists are active in environmental advocacy, stewardship, and education. In the past the club has participated in planning national and provincial parks. The club has built/maintained several bird viewing platforms in the region.

Affiliation

Sault Naturalists holds memberships in Ontario Nature, Michigan Audubon Society, and Nature Canada. These affiliations allow us to have a voice in environmental issues at the state, provincial, and national levels. We also receive current information from these groups and have access to their expertise, publications, and facilities.

Communication

Members are informed about club activities through our web-site. Reports on outings and other topics of interest are communicated directly to members by e-mail. The Annual Report, available to all members, contains summaries of the club’s activities for the year.

Photo by Carl Kehoe

Further

Information

Website:

http://soonats.pbworks.com./

Mailing Address:

The Sault Naturalists

P.O. Box 20136

150 Churchill Blvd.

Sault Ste. Marie, ON

P6A 6W3

Canada

Sault

Naturalists

Ontario

and

Michigan