only disappointment was to miss seeing the hated black— billed magpie of the west.

The annual general meeting was held August 28, and a number of resolutions were passed concerning con- servation of natural areas throughout Canada. Of particular interest to Islanders was a resolution caolled on the governments of Canada, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and P.E.I. to "take immediate steps to legislate Ecological Reserves Acts" for the preservation of the unique ecosystems, habitats and species, particularly International Biological Programme sites. There are 14 IBP sites on P.E.I.

The regular sessions on Aug. 29 and 30 proved most interesting with excellent speakers reviewing topics as varied as ground beetles, astronomy, marshes, river diversion projects, wildlife art, glaciation of the west, and great grey owls.

In retrospect, the field trips, general sessions, art displays, evening entertainments and hard work and kindness of the hosts made this one of the more memorable C.N.F. Conferences.

Next year the C.N.F. Conference will be held somewhat closer to home hosted by the local naturalists' group in Guelph, Ontario. Former P.E.I. Natural History Society president and current Canadian Nature Federation president Diane Griffin extends a special invitation to Natural History Society members to attend. So too I'm sure, will the hosts in Guelph. It will be well worth the trip!

Rosemary Curley Waterside, P.E.I.

WEB OF LIFE. While there is greater appreciation today

among many people for our nature. history, our environment and

our wildlife habitats, there

is an effort being made in a

small way to increase this awareness and appreciation.

It was my good luck to have attended a camp which con- . Vinced all those in attendanCe - of the importance of the "Web

of Life".

This camp, which was spon- sored by the Canadian Nature Federation and Muttart Con- servatory, dealt with natural history, ecology, nature studies, fossils, natural and agricultural ecosystems.

There were 20 representatives from all across Canada as the camp, which was held at the Ministick Hills field study centre on the Fenna farm 30 miles southeast of Edmonton, Alberta.

For three weeks we enjoyed a busy schedule with a great number of experiences, field trips, and other outdoor activities.

Some of the camp leaders were Diane Griffin, President of the CNF; Kathy Martin, Biology Department of U.P.E.I.; Dr. Fenna, camp organizer and owner of the farm; and Risa Olekshy, a university student in conservation. After a short time to get acquainted, we got right into the activities. Some of these were: ‘1 —A botanical expedition around the center property with Diane Griffin, identifying trees, ' shrubs and wildflowers of the Aspen Parkland.

—A hike along Washahigen trail, accompanied by Joy Finlay, environment consultant to the