The leaning tower of butterflies: Mass of Monarchs in Mexico makes the heart flutter with joy

By Daily Mail Reporte

Colony numbers double a year after storm devastated population

Their numbers were devastated a year ago when severe storms hit their colonies.
But now the Monarch butterfly has made a spectacular comeback having more than DOUBLED in size this winter.
Despite the growth, however, the migrating insect remains under threat.
Millions of butterflies make a 2,000-mile journey each year from Canada to winter in central Mexico's warmer weather but the size of that migration can vary wildly.

Link to news site http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1357164/Reborn-The-Monarch-butterfly-makes-comeback-Mexico-year-storms-devastated-colonies.html

Stone Hammer Geo Park

 Stonehammer Park

From towering rock formations and sea caves along the
Bay of Fundy to the Reversing Falls and fossil-laden cliffs,
the southern coast of New Brunswick reveals a billion year geological story. And nobody tells that story better than our very own Dr. Randy Miller, P.Geo., who spearheaded the effort to have Stonehammer named North America’s first Global Geopark.

Dr. Miller is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Geology at the
University of New Brunswick and the recipient of the 2010 Distinguished
Scientist Award ‘Gesner Medal’ from the Atlantic Geoscience Society.
His tireless work in exploring, documenting and promoting Stonehammer
Geopark’s significance was an influencing factor in it being named North
America’s first Global Geopark in October 2010.
Dr. Miller’s presentation will discuss:
• What it takes to become part of the Global Geoparks Network
• The vibrant geological history of southern New Brunswick
• The unique features of Stone

Awards and a Big Thank-You

Fundy Gardeners President Jane LeBlanc (left) presents Dick Chiswell the Presidents award on behalf of  the out going President Bob Perry. The award was given to Dick for his work and voluntarism within the club. The painting is of  Dick's  famous vegetable garden by artist Nancy Hart (right)


The Fundy Gardeners wish to thank Bob Perry for his work in the past two years as President.

Jim Wilson January's Speaker

This month’s guest speaker at the Fundy Gardeners meeting is Jim Wilson whose enthusiasm on birding is always evident. But when he starts to talk about birding in New Brunswick his eyes just light up. “New Brunswick is like the eye of the needle,” says Jim, “so much gets funneled in here because of its biodiversity, weather patterns and the jet stream.” Still, if New Brunswick in general is special for Jim, the Bay of Fundy is the jewel in the crown.


“There is so much diversity in the bay” Jim explains. “Grand Manan and the nearby islands have more rare birds than anywhere else. It’s a crossroads.” In fact, Jim and his long-time friend, Cecil Johnston, even discovered a Siberian Stonechat on Grand Manan - the first official sighting in North America. Quite a trip for a small bird - quite a lot of excitement for two keen birders.

Jim’s not one to keep his enthusiasm or his knowledge to himself either, and with more than 200 books on birds and a lifetime of experience, that’s a lot of knowledge. As a board member of Nature NB, the provincial umbrella organization for 12 nature clubs scattered around the province, he has given many talks and leads outings whenever he can. “I’ve mentored a lot of people,” says Jim. “I love to show someone a new bird for the first time. It’s a simple childish delight and it’s free. Nothing beats it.”

Merry Christmas

Happy Holiday's To All

Fundy Gardeners Christmas Party

FUNDY GARDENERS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY DEC 1,2010



Sea Belles Click to view info 

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CHURCH, GONDOLA PT RD AT CHURCH ST.

PLEASE NOTE THE ENTRANCE FOR THE RECEPTION AREA IS THE LOWER LEVEL AT THE BACK OF THE CHURCH.THE GUESTS COMING FOR THE CONCERT ONLY WILL ENTER THE FRONT MAIN LEVEL.

*12 PM TO 1 :30 PM VOLUNTEERS SET UP THE TABLES AND CHAIRS. DECORATIONS FOR THE ROOM ARE WELCOME.

PEOPLE ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING CENTRE PIECES FOR THE TABLES WHICH CAN BE EXCHANGED IF YOU WISH.

SUPPER SERVED AT 6:30 SHARPE.

BUSINESS MEETING AFTER THE DINNER.

8 TO 9PM SEA BELLS CONCERT IN THE SANCTUARY UP STAIRS. You are welcome to invite friends,relatives to attend the concert.

*9pm VOLUNTEERS TO CLEAN AND RETURN THE RECEPTION AREA TO IT'S ORIGINAL STATE.

NOTE A FILM OF GARDENS (Florida, Ottawa, Alaska, and a bit of NB.)WILL BE SHOWING DURING THE DINNER HOUR THANKS TO BRIAN HUDSON.

SANTA WILL DISTRIBUTE DOOR PRIZES. PLEASE COME AND BRING YOUR SMILES

* VOLUNTEERS PLEASE CONTACT ELAINE HOOPER  jevl@nbnet.nb.ca

Putting your garden to Bed

 At the October's meeting Fundy Gardeners Meeting members Dick Chiswell and Bob Perry explained how they put their garden to bed. Dick showed off his new parsnip digging tool and Bob displays his bumper crop of squash.