Since I've been President, I've become aware how lucky we are to have so many dedicated members who volunteer many hours of their time to make our organization run as well as it does. Often these efforts are not well known and go unrecognized. One example is the upkeep that is required on the properties LWI owns and manages. Periodic work parties are organized by Peter Banks and John Bellar to maintain the trails and fences on the Port Franks properties. Recently John Teasell built new signs and aided by Don Smith the signs were installed on the Mandaumin Woods property. Thank-you to all those participating in these projects. It was nice to see such a good turnout for our Indoor Meeting in October. I think everyone enjoyed learning about Norm Scott's interesting underwater discoveries in the St Clair River. The November meeting on "Biodiversity Around the World" promises to be an educational and enjoyable evening. Each year LWI awards a $500 bursary to a high school graduate in Lambton county who is continuing their studies in the natural sciences. This year's winner was Jennifer Vidmar from St Patrick's High School Joan Biggs has asked to be relieved of her duties as Membership Secretary for personal reasons. Thank-you, Joan, for the years of time and effort you've given to LWI in this capacity. We're fortunate to have recruited Dick Maxfield to be the new Membership Secretary. He can be reached at 542-7914. Many important environmental issues can be influenced by voicing your opinion quickly and making sure it reaches the right person in government. I would recommend that anyone who has a computer check out the website It is an advocacy group for the environment and it explains the issues very well and also gives you direction on how to take action. Since this is the final issue of EARTHWAYS for 2002, I want to wish you all a happy holiday season and naturally good things in 2003. Diane Index