The Egret Article

By Jessica Middleton

The Essex County Field Naturalists Club’s Executive Committee is pleased to recognize Steve Marks for making significant contributions to the club and local nature with the 2020 ECFN Outstanding Achievement Award.

“Steve the Snake Guy”, as he is known, served on the Executive Committee from 2015-2020. During this time, he has worked on the Herb-Gray Parkway Project (aka the “Eco Highway”), volunteered in several Citizen Science initiatives, given many presentations and guided-hikes, and written articles for The Egret. His efforts have gifted countless people with a greater appreciation for snakes and other plants and animals, and improved our understanding and protection of Species at Risk and their habitats. His passion and commitment for nature inspire everyone who has the chance to get to know him.

Steve was presented with the award at a surprise outdoor ceremony beside the Ojibway Prairie on Dec. 10th. President Paul Pratt presented the award, and past executive member and previous Lifetime Achievement Award winner Carl Maiolani gave an excellent speech.

Congratulations Steve Marks for winning the 2020 ECFNC Outstanding Achievement Award! We thank you for setting such a good example for all of us.

By Jennifer Nantais

In 2019, Nature Canada signed an agreement with Environment and Climate Change Canada to recognize 30 Canadian centres as “Bird-Friendly Cities” by May 14^th, 2022 – World Migratory Bird Day. The goal is to work with local partners within each city to develop a certification standard to recognize and celebrate cities that are making contributions to save birds in their communities.

A Bird Friendly City is one where key threats to birds are effectively mitigated, nature is protected and restored so native bird populations can thrive, residents and visitors are actively engaged in admiring and monitoring local bird populations, organizations are creating events to protect birds, progressive municipal policies are created to protect urban bird populations, and a Bird Team has been created to oversee and lead these initiatives.

Windsor is one of a dozen cities working toward the goal of becoming one of the first certified Bird Friendly Cities with the help of local partner Pelee Island Bird Observatory. Initiatives include partnerships with St. Clair College, the University of Windsor, the City of Windsor and others to reduce threats and protect and restore habitat. PIBO also plans to promote outreach through education and awareness campaigns, public resources to benefit birds and local flora and fauna, and engaging opportunities and events including celebrating World Migratory Bird Day on May 8^th, 2021.

The year is young, spring is around the corner and there is still much work to be done. With most Canadians living in cities, a focus on urban birds and citizen science initiatives will hopefully help achieve the goal of certification for our city. If you or your organization would like to help achieve this goal, please reach out and let us know!

Jennifer Nantais
Urban Bird Educator
Pelee Island Bird Observatory

pibo.ca

By Jennifer Nantais

After a year of unprecedented change in our lives, our city is preparing to resume normal activity in the near future. Case numbers are going down, many students are back in school, businesses are beginning to reopen, and people will soon be reconnecting with those they care about.

Despite how difficult the past year has been, some of the sacrifices that people have been forced to make during the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in less traffic, a decrease in industrial activity, reduced emissions, and a forced slowing down of our hectic lifestyles. While this has cut us off from the pleasures of recreation and spending time with friends and family, many have also noted cleaner air, less noise and light pollution, life returning to areas of reduced human activity, the ability to see and hear wildlife like never before, and people spending more time outdoors. As we prepare to once again embrace what we have been missing, let us try not to lose what we have gained.

Nature is uniquely situated to capitalize on the head start that it has been given. We are resilient, adaptable, and able to make sacrifices when the future depends on it. Keep up the great work; keep pressure on institutions and policy makers; keep working toward a healthy, sustainable community; and keep enjoying all that nature has to offer.

Happy Spring Everyone!