Two lifetime members of the Williams Lake Field Naturalists were honoured at the group’s annual general meeting on March 22.
The meeting took place at the Scout Island Nature Centre, and everyone enjoyed a meal together before getting down to business.
Anna Roberts and Fred McMechan were both given gifts and lifetime memberships with the organization by current president Margaret Waring.
Fred McMechan was the president of the organization for many years, and continued helping with many projects at Scout Island up until recently when health issues have limited his involvement.
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Anna Roberts helped establish the Williams Lake Field Naturalists, Scout Island as a park and Boitanio Park, as a park, according to a book written by Diana French, Women of Brave Mettle.
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In absentia, Ordell Stein was also honoured for his more than 40 years as a member and volunteer and many years as a director as well.
The meeting also included some updates on projects and the hiring of the new executive director, who has been away helping family recently, but is in the process of taking over for longtime executive director Sue Hemphill.
Dr. Megan Taylor is the new executive director, being mentored into the role.
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Waring, in her president’s report, detailed some of the projects the group had completed in 2023, including major boardwalk improvements, with both the Willow Trail and Otter Point receiving major upgrades.
New covered areas were built to create outdoor classrooms for the nature programs, weed clearing of invasive species is ongoing, which is then followed by work to re-establish native plants. The group also hosted field trips, continues to host the Marie Sharpe Kindergarten class, and carries out the Christmas Bird Count each year.
Twenty-eight people attended the AGM to take in the information and enjoy the opportunity to connect with their fellow naturalists.
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