By Jeremy Hatt
In honor of her insurmountable contributions to the ECFNC, the Club had a tree planted at Holiday Beach Conservation Area in tribute to Betty Learmouth. This beautiful, thriving Tulip Tree stands in the open lawn of Holiday Beach near the natural playground. On June 12, the Club held a tree unveiling for friends and family of Betty’s to see the tree and fondly remember one of our most impactful members.
Warm tributes to Betty were given by several members including Larry Onysko, Ian Naisbitt, and Paul Pratt who shared about Betty’s dedication to nature and conservation, volunteering, activism, and community science, as well as her humble demeanor and sense of humour. Betty had too many accomplishments to list, but was highly instrumental in the success of organizations like ECFNC, Little River Enhancement Group, Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, Friends of Ojibway Prairie, and Canada South Land Trust. It is highly recommend that ECFNC members look back into past issues of The Egret (available on the website) to read the many detailed articles written by Betty as well as the number of projects she was involved with. Betty’s obituary can be found at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/5e8j4wea.
After holding the memorial for Betty, members took a peaceful nature walk around the Hawk Tower where Betty spent many falls counting migrating hawks. As the sun set on a warm summer evening, members shared in Betty’s fondness of nature and community science, contributing lists and photos to eBird and iNaturalist. Highlights from the walk included singing male Prothonotary Warblers on territory, a calling Red-headed Woodpecker, a Summer Azure that allowed close pictures, and several Longnose Gar in Trout Pond.
Members left the evening feeling inspired by the tireless efforts of Betty toward the Club and a commitment to continuing her legacy.
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