For immediate release but not later than Jan 9, 2010

Information contact: Judy Buehler – (613) 326-0106;

Changes in our natural world over the last 25 years

By Judy Buehler

Rideau Valley Field Naturalists

Look in the mirror. Have you changed much in 25 years? How about your children, grandchildren, your career? Of course you see change – and we have certainly seen change in our natural environment too. In our Lanark, Leeds and Grenville area we are blessed to have some of the most beautiful, bountiful and clean surroundings anywhere in the world. We work at it.

On Sunday, January 10, Shaun Thompson, District Ecologist with the Ministry of Natural Resources, will give a talk to the Rideau Valley Field Naturalist club on the changes he has seen in our area over the last 25 years.

Shaun has been with the MNR since 1981 and has been the district ecologist and area biologist since 1993. His fields of expertise are many: fish, amphibians, turtles and reptiles, birds (especially large ones), mammals and trees. Along with his knowledge of our fellow creatures he also has experience on issues of ecosystem management, landscape ecology, species at risk, wetland and other natural heritage area ecology and program development. Start your year off with a great lecture, camaraderie of like-minded people and some warm cider and snacks after the talk.

The RVFN meeting is open to everyone. Note: for this meeting only, the start time is 2:30 p.m; Sun. Jan. 10, in the All-Purpose Room at the Perth and District Indoor Swimming Pool on Wilson Street at Sunset Boulevard. There is a small admission fee of $5.00 for non-RVFN members.

For more information about the RVFN, contact Judy Buehler at 326-0106.