News from:

Guest Speaker Event - Thursday, Nov.4
All are welcome to join us at our second event to celebrate International Year of Biodiversity. Dr. Bob Wrigley is an animal ecologist and curator at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. He will share what he's learned about animal life in Birds Hill Park and talk about his project to catalogue the variety of species found in all of Manitoba’s land and water ecosystems. Representatives of the Conservation Data Centre will round out the evening with pictures and info on rare species in the park and the Manitoba Forestry Association will tell us about their Heritage Tree Program. Meet us at 7:00 p.m. in the multi-purpose room of the Red River Community Centre at 293 Murray Avenue (North Main Street) in Winnipeg. There’ll be ample free parking, refreshments and Friends. Please print this poster and post in your community or in the lunch room at work.

Photo Contest Awards
THANK YOU to all the amateur photogs who sent in fabulous photos of our favourite park, and to sponsor Don's Photo for contributing to the success of our first Photo Contest. Winners will be announced at our Speaker Event on November 4th.

Annual Park Cleanup and Barbeque
Over 75 participants made our 9th Annual Park Cleanup and Complimentary Barbeque a huge success. THANK YOU to all the volunteers for sharing that beautiful Sunday afternoon with us. This annual event provides us the opportunity to serve as an example for ecological stewardship, and make a contribution that enhances the park experience for everyone who enjoys the outdoors. We appreciate the support of our partners from MB Conservation Interpretive Program (Sr. Park Interpreter, Andrea Remple) and the Invasive Species Council of Manitoba. To add a little excitement, and in addition to a cash donation, our sponsor Prairie Chic Spa donated a gift certificate for our attendance draw. A terrific barbeque lunch was served by volunteers recruited and coordinated by co-sponsor Birds Hill Campground Store who always lend their organizational support. We were especially pleased to be accompanied by Springfield Girl Guides and Sparks who sorted the recycling. If you know of a youth group that might like to join us next year, Contact Us.

Spot Invaders in your Yard, Pasture and Surrounding Areas
Invasive species can have major impacts on our environment. Without natural enemies such as disease or predators, they can spread widely and crowd out local species. Among the many far-ranging consequences, establishment of invasive species can reduce the feed value of pasture and natural habitats, and harm the health, ecological value and diversity of local ecosystems. Our web-site features photos and information on Knapweed and Leafy Spurge , two invasive weeds that been reported in Birds Hill Park and might be found anywhere. Keep your eyes open and report sightings to the Invasive Species Council of Manitoba.

Thinking About Christmas Presents?
Visit our Virtual Gift Shop to purchase the new Birds Hill Park mugs for family and friends. These matte cobalt blue mugs feature the Park logo and make a great gift. Proceeds support the work of Friends of Birds Hill Park. Bargain seekers will find our Gift Membership is an especially trouble-free option and a perfect fit for everyone who enjoys Birds Hill Park; buy an 18-month gift membership for our 12-month price and introduce someone to the satisfaction of contributing to the Park's well-being.

Reminder
Don't forget that you help support the work of Friends every time you use our CO-OP number with gas purchases at Red River Co-op stores. Membership #501077.