PREECEVILLE - The Kelsey Ecological Society is looking for new members.
The group promotes the interest in local flora, fauna and birds while enjoying nature and getting together with like-minded people. Those who are interested are encouraged to contact Kathleen Pitt and join the club.
The yearly memberships are $10. The club was formed by a nature enthusiast in April 1997 as a Chapter of Nature Saskatchewan. Their primary purpose was to bring together those who were interested in the nature world and to promote education, observation and sharing of nature’s phenomena in the local area.
The club was named after Henry Kelsey who traveled through this area. It is commemorated on a Saskatchewan History and Folklore Society plaque on the Lilian River located Preeceville and Sturgis.
The club has 38 members, but only a few active core members. “The interest in nature seems to be on the decline and we are hoping to regain that focus,” stated Pitt, who is the club president.
The group has numerous fun activities that feature presentations by special guest speakers and different topics, a July 1 nature walk and hike, a barbecue in August, as well as a fall walk exploring and identifying many different species of plants and wildlife, and a mushroom walk identifying species. They also have monthly meetings that feature a supper prior to the meeting, and provide a bursary to a Grade 12 graduate in Preeceville and Sturgis. The newest addition to the club is an email listing system, where members get updated information and a monthly Nature Saskatchewan newsletter.
In order for the club to move forward in the future they are hoping to re-establish some interest to keep the club alive.
Nature Saskatchewan, which was responsible for the formation of the Kelsey Ecological Society, has been dedicated to the conservation of Saskatchewan's natural environment since 1949. They promote appreciation and understanding of our natural world through conservation, education and research. Speaking for the protection and preservation of natural eco-systems and their biodiversity through research and viable conservation practices is the main focus. They also strive to connect nature and culture through outreach programs and services. With over 800 members, Nature Saskatchewan provides programs and services that provide knowledge and experiences for those who have a love for nature.
