On Victoria Day (May 23, 2016) a group of 42 keen naturalists meandered down to Meander River (near Smileys Provincial Park). We visited the Meander River Conservation Lands, a small but amazing section of floodplain forest protected by the Nova Scotia Nature Trust. This was the time of year to see some of the spring wildflowers in bloom, and we got to see some rare beauties, including Nodding Trillium. This rich floodplain also hosts a high diversity of ferns, and… lichens! Lichen expert Frances Anderson did a wonderful job of explaining a bit about the basic biology of lichens, and then showing us how to examine lichens using hand lenses. Along our hike we became familar with the calls of a few birds, including the Ovenbird (TEACHER! TEACHER! TEACHER!), and got up really close to a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker busy with its works. After learning a number of identification tips while hiking into the property, on the way young naturalists had to correctly identify 6 species they had learned in order to get a prize.

Many thanks to all the familes who joined us and helped to make this field trip great. Check out the photos from the field trip on our Photo Gallery.