This book celebrates nature in Langley and the members of the Langley Field Naturalists, who for half a century, have sought to keep it.

Originally planned to be a history book documenting significant names, dates, and accomplishments of the LFN, it evolved into so much more.

To our delight and surprise, from this exercise, an overwhelming sense of joy and community emerged as the critical element of success and endurance. We hope that the pioneering work of the LFN will serve as an inspiration and an invitation to young people to “know nature and keep it worth knowing”.

As the 50th anniversary of the Langley Field Naturalists approached, and knowing that we still had some founding and long-term members around whose memories could be jogged, I (Bob) suggested that we document the club’s history.

A committee was convened and as things progressed, the writing morphed from dry, historical documentation to a more lively and engaging text. We had plenty of material to draw upon:

archives containing minutes of all meetings (through both good and turbulent times), most of the club’s newsletters, binders of information on club projects, scrapbooks containing photos and newspaper clippings, and boxes of old photographic slides.

On the Trail is a history of the club, its members, its struggles and its victories, distilled through many meetings and much work. Committee members should be proud of this work. We are grateful to all of them for their time and effort.

We hope that the pioneering work of the LFN serves as an inspiration and an invitation to young people to know nature and keep it worth knowing.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

Bob Puls, Anthea Farr, Phil Henderson, John Gordon, Nora Truman, Kathy Masse, Joanne Rosenthal, Gertrude (Toots) Tucker, Lisa Dreves and Lilianne Fuller.

The Langley Field Naturalists' profile page