CARP – The Friends of the Carp Hills (FCH) will host their annual general meeting virtually on Wednesday, April 14 starting at 6:30 p.m.

“Members mark you calendars,” the FCH released in a statement Tuesday (Feb. 16). “We will hold our annual general meeting on April 14. This is a members-only meeting and you will need to register in advance. We will provide more information March.”

Following the AGM everyone in the community is invited to listen to FCH guest speaker Rich Russell, who will present A Year in the Bird-life of the Crazy Horse Trail.

“Rich is a Carp Hills resident, Canadian Wildlife Service biologist, and outdoor enthusiast,” the FCH said. “He created the Crazy Horse Trail ‘hot spot’ in eBird to record his and other birders’ sightings, which stands at 103 species in February.” 

Since spring 2020, he has logged about 100 hours of eBird checklists along and near the Crazy Horse Trail. This talk is open to the public for a cost of $10.  Members free. Online registration will be available in March.

If you would like to become an FCH member in time for the AGM, there is lots of time to do so.

“Become a member of Friends of the Carp Hills and join a group that is working to sustain the Carp Hills for future generations through proactive stewardship,” the FCH said. “Our goal is to preserve areas for conservation and areas for public recreation, striking a balance between the desire to experience the natural beauty of the Carp Hills with protection for its wildlife and ecological integrity.”

Membership entitles you to participate in the AGM where financial statements and budgets are approved, the election of directors is held, and future plans are discussed.  

“On occasion we offer some events to members first or members only,” the FCH said. “We are a volunteer organization.  Every dollar goes to the work we do to maintain trails, educate and inform, and work with landowners.”

Membership is on an individual basis and runs on the calendar year.  Three terms are available:

• 1 year – $20
• 2 years – $35
• 3 years – $45

You can pay online through PayPal or a bank e-transfer, or by mail with a cheque. For more information or to become a member, click here.