The Friends' Building Squad was at it again in early September this year. In one week exactly they replaced the old Camp Office viewing deck. The old deck was not only rotting away but the cattails had grown up in front of it to such an extent that the only view was green leaves. The new deck is elevated and has a commanding view of the south end of Presqu'ile Bay and is barrier free.

The need for a new deck became apparent last fall when a rarer duck (Eurasian Wigeon) spent a week in the marsh but the only way birders could see it was from the road, not the ideal viewing area.

A fortunate turn of events later in the year allowed the money to be made available for lumber and it was just a matter of waiting until the quieter time after the summer to get the building crew involved.

Steve Tobey, of Gordon Tobey Developments Ltd in Brighton, donated the use of his Bobcat to drill the foundation post holes, so once again the project had no labour costs, making it affordable for the Park.

After working through two winters on the Boardwalk, a couple of nice September mornings of work must have felt like a day in the park. Wait a minute, it was!

By the end of the day on the completion date (September 20) several passers-by had already stopped to enjoy the view or scope for birds. Another quality facility for use at Presqu'ile has been made possible once again by the Friends of Presqu'ile Park, and the Boardwalk Building Squad in particular. Our thanks go out to them all.

David Bree, Natural Heritage Education Leader

Once again our BBQers are at it behind the Amphitheatre. Every Saturday they will be there from 11:00am serving tasty burgers, hotdogs, sausages and peameal bacon.

This year things will be a little easier as they have a new five burner BBQ donated by Ed and Barb Wright with a little help from Home Depot

Also a new canopy donated by May Davies and new tables by Lesley and Jack Scott is giving welcome shade and easier working conditions for our volunteers.

Call in to see them, you will not be disappointed, and remember all profits go to our educational funds.

Volunteers from The Friends put together a float to promote the Kids 'n Nature Day Camps in the Brighton Canada Day Parade

Brittany who is this years interpreter for the Kids 'n Nature school program was on the float with a number of children (including celebretory board member Harold Atkins)

While other volunteers handed out leaflets covering the Friends activities.

It was a hot day for Marsha our mascot who couldn't wait to get back to the lake.

Congratulations to Jack and Lesley Scott. Both have been actively involved with Presqu'ile Park for many years — particularly since they retired six years ago. They are the welcoming faces of the Park as they act as Park Hosts each summer. Jack was one of the team of volunteers who built the new Marsh Boardwalk and he can be seen helping out at the Nature Centre, BBQs and Christmas at Presqu'ile. Lesley too seems to be everywhere. Also, she sits on the Communications Committee, the BBQ Committee, and the Christmas at Presqu'ile Committee