Bert Miller Nature Club

September 21, 2009

President Dawn Pierrynowski introduced guest speaker Lisa Wren. "Lisa is an independent aquatic biologist with over twelve years of experience in environmental consulting. In recent years she has been working with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada on numerous species at risk."

Using her graphic display she outlined her efforts clearly and completely to the fifty plus Bert Miller Nature Club audience for over an hour. Lisa had on hand publications pertaining to endangered fish and fresh water clams. Lisa is a graduate of the University of Guelph with a B.Sc. in Environmental Sciences and a Master's degree in Fisherie Sciences.

This was an opportunity for us to learn more about our surrounding environment and to slowly build some momentum for positive changes.

She talked to us about Federal legislation. Then gave us an overview of what she called Aquatic 101. First she talked about Fish Habitat - first what it is and what it does. Then she followed with her extensive knowledge on fresh water mussels.

On the screen she displayed graphs, photos, video clips and clear write-ups to illustrate her points. First "Fish Habitat" is defined as spawning grounds and nursery rearing, food supply and migration areas on which our fish depend on directly or indirectly to carry out their life processes. Lisa said the Federal Fisheries Act is a strong piece of legislature that pertains not only to our fish but mussels too. She pointed out what man has done and is doing to our fish and mussel habitats.

Lisa entertained questions at the end of her presentation that was well received. Many availed themselves of the great variety of publications. President Dawn thanked the speaker.