Collectivité

Moose Jaw Natural History Society

1957-

The Moose Jaw Natural History Society was formed in 1957 by Rosalind Taylor. John Walker was the first president, Rosalind Taylor was vice-president and program convener, Muriel Walker was secretary-treasurer, and Kay Rankin was in charge of publicity. The first field trip was held on April 28, 1957. In the spring of 1958 it was decided at a meeting to set up a proper organization with a full executive and a fee charged to cover expenses, and to include the Saskatchewan Provincial membership and the Blue Jay Magazine (a journal of natural history and conservation for Saskatchewan and adjacent regions published by the Saskatchewan Natural History Society). At the November 15, 1958 meeting, a constitution was adopted, a full slate of officers was elected and the first membership fees were collected. By 1967 membership increased from 9 charter members to 125.
The purpose of the Society is to provide enjoyment and education for its members on topics such as birds, animals, plants, fossils and Indian relics, and to provide funds for worthwhile projects that help in the preservation of natural history.
The Society was active in many activities and presentations, especially those to encourage interest in nature and conservation among the young people. Members went on many early morning field trips. One of the aims of the Society is to conduct at least six field trips a year. They offered bird watching courses and flower identification classes. One popular annual event is the Christmas Bird Count. The purpose is to observe and accurately name as many species of birds as possible in one day during the Christmas holidays (Dec. 21st - Jan.1st.). In Moose Jaw the event is usually held on Dec. 26th or 27th.
In 1993 the name of the Society changed to Nature Moose Jaw and the Provincial body to Nature Saskatchewan. The aims and activities of the organization remain unchanged.