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Editor: Nelson Poirier    Proofreader: Louise Nichols

Tuesday, 4 October 2016

Oct 4 2016

** A Nature Moncton Guided Field trip to visit the inter-sanctions of the Magnetic Hill Zoo with General Manager Bruce Dougan is scheduled for Saturday October 15.  The write up is attached below.  A special date to mark on calendars. I am putting this up front as we are late in getting final write up distributed.
Nature Moncton visit to Magnetic Hill Zoo
Saturday, October 15, 2016
Meet at 10:00 AM
The philosophy of zoos has changed considerably over the years. Now very few animals in zoos are taken from the wild, but instead they are bred in captivity, and many species endangered in the wild and bred this way are released back into their natural habitat to bolster numbers.
On Saturday, October 15, Nature Moncton members will be given a special opportunity to see the animals at the zoo and some behind-the-scenes activities in active progress. This trip will be led by Bruce Dougan, General Manager of the Magnetic Hill zoo.
Many of us may not be aware that the Magnetic Hill Zoo, here on our doorsteps, is one of the more recognized zoos in Canada for its programs and displays.
Meet at 10 AM at the Magnetic Hill zoo parking lot on Saturday, October 15. Family and friends are welcome.
Adult    (18+)                                        $11                              
Senior/Youth  (12-17) (60+)           $10
Child    (4-11)                                      $8
Toddlers (0-3)                                    free
 
** I am attaching below a write-up of a planned hike to Ayer’s Lake forwarded by Catherine Johnson.  This is one of the few areas of old growth forest left in New Brunswick and is nothing short of spectacular at this time of year.  If you have a chance, don’t miss this group visit.
 
AYERS LAKE ANNUAL FALL COLOURS HIKE 
 
Come to enjoy the amazing fall colours in the old-growth forest at the Ayers Lake Unique Area as we hike to the lookout to view the lake and forest from above, and then hike down to the lake itself to see the wonders of nature at close range.
Please bring a lunch and water and dress appropriately for the weather. The trails are rugged and natural so sturdy footwear is recommended. Trekking poles or walking sticks are useful on some of the trail sections. Everyone is welcome but a reasonable level of fitness is recommended (therefore not suitable for young children). No pets please.
The hike is about 8kms but we'll travel at a relatively slow pace with breaks as needed. Rain or shine, free event. 
Meet at the junction of the Ayers Lake Unique Area access road and Rte 104, 9.5kms west of the junction of Rtes 585 and 104 at Hawkins Corner (bear right to remain on Rte 104).SOME PARTICIPANTS MAY WISH TO RETURN TO THEIR CARS EARLIER AFTER LUNCH. 
Questions? Contact: Barb at: fergneil@nbnet.nb.ca 
 
** Ray Gauvin shares another sunset photo from Pointe-du-Chene wharf.
 
** Jamie Burris shares some photos of edible mushrooms that he and Karen have collected recently to include the SWOLLEN STALKED CAT [armilaire ventru], CHANTERELLES, HEDGE HOG mushrooms, and MEADOW mushrooms and Hen-of-the-woods mushroom.  The Meadow mushrooms could also be small HORSE mushrooms just emerged.  They have similar edible qualities but the Horse mushrooms can grow up to dinner plate size to be a real prize and often have a yellow blush in the centre of the cap.
 
Nelson Poirier

Nature Moncton
CHANTERELLES (TOP LEFT), SWOLLEN-STALKED CAT (TOP LEFT), MEADOW MUSHROOMS (LOWER LEFT), HEDGEHOG MUSHROOM (LOWER RIGHT).SEPT 28, 2016.JAMIE BURRIS

HEN-OF-THE-WOODS MUSHROOM.SEPT 28, 2016.JAMIE BURRIS


SUNSET AT POINTE-DU CHENE.OCTOBER, 2016. RAY GAUVIN