It doesn’t matter if it is winter, spring, summer, or autumn. There is always something beautiful to see in the Elk Valley.
This is one of the reasons why Bob “Nature Bob” Livsey formed the Fernie Nature Club in 2006. He would like nature and man to coexist.
Livsey’s wish is: “To create a balanced world filled with compassion and understanding by teaching people about coexistence with nature.”
When he first started Fernie Nature Club, assisted by Greg Ross president of Rocky Mountain Naturalists and Casey Brennan of Wildsight, there were 17 members. After four years there are now 58 family members and 12 individuals. The membership fee is still the same as it was when the club first started.
With more members the work load of the club has increased. Livsey is the president, vice president is Mike Bentely, secretary is Judy Little and treasurer is Susan DeMarcie.
In the summer the members meet once a week on Tuesday nights at the Aquatic Centre at 6:30 p.m. From there they go for a hike around the outskirts of Fernie observing birds, animals and plants then return to the Aquatic Centre at 8:30 p.m.
On weekends members go to different areas of the Elk Valley. They have been for a hike on Heiko’s Trail or go to the Wigwam Flats south of Elko. Animals to be observed are deer, elk, and big horn sheep. Other visits have included Morrissey and the Bull River Trout Hatchery, the old mine s Hosmer at the old mine site or go to Crowsnest Pass to watch eagle migration. In the winter time they go snow shoeing.
Members are also involved in projects like pulling noxious weeds out and at Christmas time doing a local bird count.
“Members really enjoy themselves,” said Livsey.
“They like being outside to see nature at its best. That is why we have very few members leave us. Our membership keeps growing.”
Member Mike Bentley said: “I like being with people who have the same interest as me in nature. I like seeing birds, plants, and bears.”
• If you would like to join the Fernie Nature Club call at 250-423-6699 or e-mail nature bob@telus.net.
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