Exploring Seasonal Change

In early November as the sun was breaking through the clouds, the Young Macnamaras met at the Macnamara Trail kiosk in anticipation of what the morning would bring. Of the six warmly dressed participants, only one keen young naturalist was in attendance, with several would-be participants on the sick list. Fergus and Gordon, two club experts, were on hand to impart their impressive knowledge of plant and animal life on the trail, and Alicia provided the background on what really happens during the fall season.

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Fall is a great time of year to discuss how nature prepares for winter, and our Young Macnamara already knew a lot about it. We discussed how all animals are looking for food and a safe shelter for the long winter months, and how some hibernate. We considered Eastern Chipmunks, American Toad and Green Frogs, as well as the Wood Frog which is able to go into a frozen state until spring. And we talked about migrating birds as well as the ones that stay in our area during winter.

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Fungi Blitz

Like most autumn mornings, the appointed day of the 2009 Fungi Blitz on Oct. 3 started out wet and foggy but soon dissolved into a clear fall day. More than 30 saprophyte enthusiasts sprang up like, well, mushrooms, at the Five-Span Bridge in Pakenham and headed off to the nearby Continue reading