In addition, the featured speaker, Keriann McGoogan, is also a ‘sibling’ of the ‘Sisters of the Jungle’ who are celebrated in her new book of that same title, including Jane Goodall, who died October 1st, at age 91.Since the 1970s, the science of primatology has been dominated by women, a unique reversal with men usually outnumbering women in other science, technology, engineering and math fields.
McGoogan’s book ‘Sisters of the Jungle’ shines a light on a scientific discipline in which women take the lead while transporting readers to the far corners of the earth to understand our closest living relatives. Keriann McGoogan’s journey as a primatologist has taken her to Belize and Madagascar, studying wild primates, including howler monkeys (the loudest living primate) and lemurs (the most endangered group of animals on the planet). Against this backdrop, she explores the stories of the many women who came before her. Intrepid scientists like Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, Birutė Galdikas and Alison Jolly who broke boundaries, made astonishing discoveries and ultimately shaped the trajectory of an entire branch of science.
This new book, ‘Sisters of the Jungle’, will be available for purchase at this event. The doors will be open by 6:30, with many OSFN gifts available: shirts, buffs, etc., plus another exciting book launch.
_________________________________
Audrey Armstrong shared this news from the OSFN publications committee:
The launch of the 2nd edition field guide, Asters, Goldenrods, Fleabanes Bruce & Grey at the special launch price of $25 for OSFN members (regular $30.)will include several new species, varieties, and hybrids, with a total of 41 plants featured. Dedicated to Joan Crowe, the full book is available from our online shop, ($30.00) or as a downloadable PDF ($15.00) to carry on your phone for easy reference in the field. https://owensoundfieldnaturalists.ca/shop/
For more information about OSFN, a registered charity, for membership, support, events, newsletters, etc. please visit www.osfn.ca
______________________________________
As a frequent and year round trail user myself, I have noticed increased foot traffic by staff and the general public, on the Healing Path segments that meander throughout the Forest of Hope and Healing at the local hospital site. I have also observed the songs and flights of Eastern Meadowlarks and American Goldfinches enjoying the mixed habitat available there. In many previous years, Snowy Owls have been spotted watching and listening there (hunting) for part of the winter, as the area is also home to many small rodents, a prime source of food for the owls.
NeighbourWoods North founder Lloyd Lewis highlighted for me some of the many accomplishments of the club in 2025, including: Planting over 300 trees and shrubs, along with wrapping, mulching, and watering; receiving a Tree Canada grant to extend trailways; continual planting and maintenance of the Welcoming Garden.
NeighbourWoods North extends sincere appreciation for the personal and corporate support in the community for these engaging activities, including a “Music for the Trees” fund-raising concert by guitarist Norman Liota.
Plans are being developed for 2026 that include a footbridge on a new trail section and continued care of established trees, flowers and shrubs, along with more trail enhancements and to be part of the Youth Climate Action conference, connecting to various schools throughout the area.
To learn more and how you can participate visit NWN on Facebook, and the website at https://www.neighbourwoodsnorth.ca/
________________________________
If you are interested in joining one or more of the annual Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) that will soon take place throughout the Grey-Bruce area, during this period – Dec 14, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026, here is a list of the dates and the compilers for each, with email addresses for you to contact them to learn more. (Thank you to Norah Toth for compiling this comprehensive list)
For larger view, click on image
To close – a quote from Chasing Lemurs, an earlier book by Keriann McGoogan, about an assistant position for a three-week field school in Belize led by primatologist Dr. Mary Povelka:
