Read all the latest JFW news and details on coming events:
November 2009 News
Monday, November 9, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
New JFW Website!
The Alberta JFW Association has just launched a new and greatly improved website, with lots of new features, member services, program resources and also information of interest to the general public and potential new members.
JFW members are encouraged to register in order to get the full benefit of the site.
Lots of new material will be added as time goes on, so check it out often at www.jfwa.ca
Our own website (the one you're reading now) will continue as a source of news & information for Meadow Lake.
JFW members are encouraged to register in order to get the full benefit of the site.
Lots of new material will be added as time goes on, so check it out often at www.jfwa.ca
Our own website (the one you're reading now) will continue as a source of news & information for Meadow Lake.
Friday, September 11, 2009
A brand new year!
The Meadow Lake Woodlanders are set to begin another year of family fun in the natural world. We begin, as always, with a camp-out at Pagan Lake, a local recreation area that our club 'adopted' more than ten years ago.
This coming Tuesday is Community Registration night, and we will be there, ready to welcome all the new families who want to join our very friendly group. We will also have membership information on hand for our partner organization, Nature Saskatchewan.
Our regular, bi-weekly, club meetings will begin Tuesday September 22nd, 7:00 PM at the Lutheran Church Hall. Dates for meetings, weekend outings and other events will always be posted on our calendar.
Feel free to contact us at any time, by email: info at woodlandersjfw.org
or by contacting a club member directly.
This coming Tuesday is Community Registration night, and we will be there, ready to welcome all the new families who want to join our very friendly group. We will also have membership information on hand for our partner organization, Nature Saskatchewan.
Our regular, bi-weekly, club meetings will begin Tuesday September 22nd, 7:00 PM at the Lutheran Church Hall. Dates for meetings, weekend outings and other events will always be posted on our calendar.
Feel free to contact us at any time, by email: info at woodlandersjfw.org
or by contacting a club member directly.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Leadership & fun outdoors - Meadow Lake Woodlanders Regional Camp
JFW families from Meadow Lake, Cold Lake and Bonnyville gathered for a weekend of challenges, fun & learning at this year's Annual Regional Camp held June 12-14 at Matheson Lake.
Participants had the opportunity to learn about knife safety, bear awareness, survival skills, ecology and fire lighting, take a guided hike through a recent forest fire area, carve a walking stick, practice campfire cooking, and try out some 'primitive weapons' - blowdarts, throwing axes, atlatls, bow & arrow and throwing sticks. A well organized 'Twiggy Tent' inspired the imaginations of younger Wardens and Wanderers.
A highlight of this year's camp was the enthusiasm and leadership demonstrated by our older Wardens. Teenage members successfully planned, prepared and led most of the activities and educational sessions.
Thanks to Meadow Lake Provincial Park, park naturalist Kelsie Muldoon, musician Bill Land, 'head cook' Audrey Marsh, and all our members and guests for a great weekend.
See more pictures of the event!
Participants had the opportunity to learn about knife safety, bear awareness, survival skills, ecology and fire lighting, take a guided hike through a recent forest fire area, carve a walking stick, practice campfire cooking, and try out some 'primitive weapons' - blowdarts, throwing axes, atlatls, bow & arrow and throwing sticks. A well organized 'Twiggy Tent' inspired the imaginations of younger Wardens and Wanderers.
A highlight of this year's camp was the enthusiasm and leadership demonstrated by our older Wardens. Teenage members successfully planned, prepared and led most of the activities and educational sessions.
Thanks to Meadow Lake Provincial Park, park naturalist Kelsie Muldoon, musician Bill Land, 'head cook' Audrey Marsh, and all our members and guests for a great weekend.
See more pictures of the event!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Time to Camp!
Our 2009 Regional Camp is just around the corner! Wardens and guests will gather June 12-14 in the Meadow Lake Provincial Park for a weekend of learning, challenges and fun.
This years camp features a wide range of activities, such as a hike through a recent forest-fire area, archery, blowdarts and atlatls, cooking, canoeing and lots more.
Here is the camp program - as you can see, there's a lot going on!
Send an email to
info @ woodlandersjfw.org
if you would like more info!
This years camp features a wide range of activities, such as a hike through a recent forest-fire area, archery, blowdarts and atlatls, cooking, canoeing and lots more.
Here is the camp program - as you can see, there's a lot going on!
Send an email to
info @ woodlandersjfw.org
if you would like more info!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Habitat for Birds and Bees
Songbirds and pollinators are the winners when people build nesting boxes!
Many species of native songbirds are in decline in Canada, and providing nesting sites is one way that people can help maintain populations of these important creatures.
Wild bees are vital pollinators - without them, a great many plants can not produce seed - but are in decline in many areas.
This year, Wardens build birdhouses suitable for chickadees, nuthatches, wrens, swallows and bluebirds, and bee blocks that wild leafcutter bees can use as nest chambers.
The nest boxes were installed in Lions Park and at the Alcott Creek Demonstration Forest. Wardens will be able to observe their handiwork in use as the nesting season progresses.
Many thanks to Home Hardware for supplying materials, and to John Mielke and Louis Hebert (Hebert's Woodworking) for their invaluable assistance.
A valuable reference book is the NatureScape Alberta manual, edited by Myrna Pearman & Ted Pike of the Ellis Bird Farm
More information on pollinators can be found at:
U of Calgary
Environment Canada
Pollination Canada
Monday, March 16, 2009
2009 Winter Camp!
This weekend's winter camp was a blast, in spite of cool cloudy weather. Thanks to all who attended, including JFW's from Cold Lake, guests from Meadow Lake, alumni and our own members.
We were glad for the assistance of Nancy Carberry with the afternoon program, Colleen for the good cookin', Bruce & Judy for the use of their land, and all who helped organize the event.
Have a look at some photos:
http://picasaweb.google.ca/meadowlakejfw/2009WinterCamp#slideshow
We were glad for the assistance of Nancy Carberry with the afternoon program, Colleen for the good cookin', Bruce & Judy for the use of their land, and all who helped organize the event.
Have a look at some photos:
 |
| 2009 Winter Camp |
http://picasaweb.google.ca/meadowlakejfw/2009WinterCamp#slideshow
Monday, March 9, 2009
OTAC CAMP!
Click below to see some photos from a great weekend camp at the JFW Long Lake Outdoor Ed Centre, hosted by students from Lakeland College's Adventure Tourism and Outdoor Recreation program.
It was time well spent!
It was time well spent!
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| 2009_OTAC_Camp |
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Nature Saskatchewan partners up with Meadow Lake JFW
Exciting news! Nature Saskatchewan has invited our club to be their partner organization in Meadow Lake. As a ‘local society’, our program will be enhanced in several ways:
Access to resource materials, guest speakers and other programming help
Support for local conservation projects
Our members will be eligible to attend provincial Nature Sask events and activities
Many more people in Saskatchewan will hear about Junior Forest Wardens!
Fraser Hunter and Deanna Trowsdale-Mutafov of Nature Saskatchewan will be travelling to Meadow Lake for our Jan 13th meeting to meet us, learn more about JFW, and tell us all about their organization and all the possibilities. Please plan to attend, and bring a friend!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Off to a great start!
A very big welcome to all our new members and volunteers, and a warm 'welcome back' to our returning members. 2008-09 is shaping up to be an exciting year, and we're getting it started in a big way with our Fall Camp, September 26-28th at Pagan Lake, near Meadow Lake.
We're hoping that everyone will be able to come to this event, or at least part of it. Join us for some fun, learn about JFW, and most importantly get acquainted with your fellow members.
JFW is all about families getting together to enjoy the outdoors - let's go have a great time together at the Fall Camp!
We're hoping that everyone will be able to come to this event, or at least part of it. Join us for some fun, learn about JFW, and most importantly get acquainted with your fellow members.
JFW is all about families getting together to enjoy the outdoors - let's go have a great time together at the Fall Camp!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Get Involved with Junior Forest Wardens!
There are so many good reasons!
Are you a family with school-aged kids?
Junior Forest Wardens is all about helping children, youth and parents discover nature - together! As a family, you can learn how to be comfortable and competent in the outdoors, gain amazing skills and knowledge, do excellent activities and have a lot of fun while you're at it!
Junior Forest Wardens isn't just for the kids - preschool siblings, parents, grandparents and other family members can all be part of the adventure.
Adventurers (grades 7-9) and Challengers (grades 10-12) gain more advanced knowledge of forestry, natural sciences and outdoor skills, and take part in some great adventures - wilderness trips, mountaineering experiences and canoe trips to name a few. Leadership is an integral part of the program, and you will gain a lot of confidence and skill in this area. The annual A/C Conference is a leadership weekend that is planned, and run by, young people like you!
Junior Forest Wardens opens the door to many outdoor-related careers that many people never even hear about. Come and explore the many possibilities open to you as you get ready for adult life. Gain valuable experience with the Junior Forest Ranger summer work program, work as a counselor at the Long Lake Outdoor Education Centre, and take part in volunteer opportunities locally. Learn, teach and grow!
If you have a passion for the natural world, you probably want to pass it on! Junior Forest Wardens gives you the chance to help others discover the wonders of nature and develop caring and responsible attitudes.
You will have many opportunities to expand your own knowledge, meet many fascinating people and travel to JFW events throughout Canada.
Employees of forestry companies, governments and schools are often found helping out with Junior Forest Wardens, lending their particular expertise and resources to the program.
Members of conservation-minded organizations, community service groups and outdoor recreation clubs are also frequently involved, each bringing their own perspective and particular area of interest to the program.
It is important the the Junior Forest Warden program be well grounded in the 'real world', and people like you keep us on the right track!
Our program is centred on four main elements:
Within each of these areas is an amazing variety of teaching (and learning) opportunities. Read through our curriculum, and see if there is something that appeals to you! We'd love to have you work with us - even in a small way.
Does any of the above sound like you?
If so, contact us today!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Meadow Lake Woodlanders Regional Camp and 10th Anniversary
By Jennifer Nichols, Meadow Lake Progress
Reprinted with permission
It was a weekend to celebrate, learn and have a lot of fun at the Meadow Lake Woodlanders Regional Camp on June 20-22. The camp was held at Matheson Lake in the Meadow Lake Provincial Park. Approximately 55 people came from Meadow Lake, Cold Lake, Bonnyville and as far away as Edmonton, Ardmore, Wetaskiwin and Stoney Plain to join in the fun.
The weekend kicked off on Friday with opening ceremonies and the 'Ask the experts' wildlife identification game. Teams got competitive and had a lot of laughs, but also learn a lot about nature and wildlife in the park.
On Saturday morning everyone got cooking with the Camp Kitchen Challenge. The Pathfinders cooked up bannock and veggies over tin can stoves, the Trailblazers made burgers, grilled cheese and breakfast in their leave no trace challenge and the A/Cs made a three course feast.
It was a busy day with a horsemanship demonstration by the local 4-H club at Vivian Lake, the Fresh Air Dexterity - a series of skill-testing challenges by Kirt Bennett and numerous assistants, an introduction to Wildland Firefighting for the A/Cs with Nancy Carberry, and lots of free time for swimming and enjoying the hot sun
The pot luck supper in the evening was delicious - there was more food than the whole group plus special guests could eat! Special guests included Chief Warden Terry Garrett, Meadow Lake MLA Jeremy Harrison, Garry Nelson, Kirt Bennett, Nancy Carberry, Bill Land and Woodlanders founding members: Dave and Ruth Wolfe, Howard MacCuish, Matthew Wolfe, Shane McWatters, Amanda McWatters.
The local Forest Wardens received their badges and Neil Marsh gave out some special gifts to people who have helped the club throughout the year. There was even a 10th Anniversary cake that MLA Jeremy Harrison and Chief Warden Terry Garrett cut. After supper everyone took part in a JFW trivia game and were treated to original music by Bill Land, a magic show by Kirt Bennett and a big campfire.
It was a busy weekend, but everyone had a great time. There was even time to do some canoeing, kayaking and other fun outdoor activities. Thanks to everyone who travelled so far to come to camp, and for everyone who worked hard to make it a success!
Have a look at some pictures!
Reprinted with permission
It was a weekend to celebrate, learn and have a lot of fun at the Meadow Lake Woodlanders Regional Camp on June 20-22. The camp was held at Matheson Lake in the Meadow Lake Provincial Park. Approximately 55 people came from Meadow Lake, Cold Lake, Bonnyville and as far away as Edmonton, Ardmore, Wetaskiwin and Stoney Plain to join in the fun.
The weekend kicked off on Friday with opening ceremonies and the 'Ask the experts' wildlife identification game. Teams got competitive and had a lot of laughs, but also learn a lot about nature and wildlife in the park.
On Saturday morning everyone got cooking with the Camp Kitchen Challenge. The Pathfinders cooked up bannock and veggies over tin can stoves, the Trailblazers made burgers, grilled cheese and breakfast in their leave no trace challenge and the A/Cs made a three course feast.
It was a busy day with a horsemanship demonstration by the local 4-H club at Vivian Lake, the Fresh Air Dexterity - a series of skill-testing challenges by Kirt Bennett and numerous assistants, an introduction to Wildland Firefighting for the A/Cs with Nancy Carberry, and lots of free time for swimming and enjoying the hot sun
The pot luck supper in the evening was delicious - there was more food than the whole group plus special guests could eat! Special guests included Chief Warden Terry Garrett, Meadow Lake MLA Jeremy Harrison, Garry Nelson, Kirt Bennett, Nancy Carberry, Bill Land and Woodlanders founding members: Dave and Ruth Wolfe, Howard MacCuish, Matthew Wolfe, Shane McWatters, Amanda McWatters.
The local Forest Wardens received their badges and Neil Marsh gave out some special gifts to people who have helped the club throughout the year. There was even a 10th Anniversary cake that MLA Jeremy Harrison and Chief Warden Terry Garrett cut. After supper everyone took part in a JFW trivia game and were treated to original music by Bill Land, a magic show by Kirt Bennett and a big campfire.
It was a busy weekend, but everyone had a great time. There was even time to do some canoeing, kayaking and other fun outdoor activities. Thanks to everyone who travelled so far to come to camp, and for everyone who worked hard to make it a success!
Have a look at some pictures!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Adventurer-Challenger Canoe Trip
On June 7th 2008 six Wardens and two leaders set off for an overnight canoe trip down the Meadow River from Meadow Lake to the mill road bridge.
The Wardens had several practice and planning sessions leading up to the trip, and were well prepared under the guidance of canoe instructor Tracey Wolfe. So, well provisioned and well equipped, we set off on a cloudy morning down the river.
Although the water was still high, we had a lot of rocks to contend with for the first half of the journey. Several times it was necessary to step out of the canoes.
There was a lot of wildlife to see: Grebes, geese & goslings, ducks, willets, herons, beaver, muskrat, moose to name a few.
We learned about portaging when we came to an old bridge with a huge log jam in front of it. The only course of action was to pull up on the very muddy bank, unload everything, lug it to the other side of the bridge and get back in the water. Oh yeah, we discovered stinging nettle, too!
We found a suitable campsite in a grassy pasture area. Everyone worked together and camp was quickly in order, as was a welcome hot meal and then sleep for eight weary people.
The next day was shorter - we had breakfast, broke camp, and then paddled two hours to our destination.
Somebody saw fit to bring a huge water pistol along, and a good thing too, as it helped pass the time and keep us cool.
All in all, a good trip, and our group is ready for a more challenging river the next time out!
Have a look at some pictures of our canoe trip.
The Wardens had several practice and planning sessions leading up to the trip, and were well prepared under the guidance of canoe instructor Tracey Wolfe. So, well provisioned and well equipped, we set off on a cloudy morning down the river.
Although the water was still high, we had a lot of rocks to contend with for the first half of the journey. Several times it was necessary to step out of the canoes.
There was a lot of wildlife to see: Grebes, geese & goslings, ducks, willets, herons, beaver, muskrat, moose to name a few.
We learned about portaging when we came to an old bridge with a huge log jam in front of it. The only course of action was to pull up on the very muddy bank, unload everything, lug it to the other side of the bridge and get back in the water. Oh yeah, we discovered stinging nettle, too!
We found a suitable campsite in a grassy pasture area. Everyone worked together and camp was quickly in order, as was a welcome hot meal and then sleep for eight weary people.
The next day was shorter - we had breakfast, broke camp, and then paddled two hours to our destination.
Somebody saw fit to bring a huge water pistol along, and a good thing too, as it helped pass the time and keep us cool.
All in all, a good trip, and our group is ready for a more challenging river the next time out!
Have a look at some pictures of our canoe trip.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Bears for Charity
Our Pathfinders have been making special stuffed bears that will be sent to a hospital in South Africa for the children there. This could become a rewarding, ongoing project for our club. Good job, Pathfinders! Special thanks to Sandra Dufour.
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