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Pigeonberry or Rougeplant, humilis “While suitable food for birds, such as Rio-grande turkeys and passerine birds, all parts of the are toxic to humans if in- gested.”

Article and photos courtesy Joanne Fellows

“The trees and show respect for each by the way they live in harmony.” his time of year these low plants with their shiny red berries decorate the floor. This perennial herb is a member of (Pokeweed Family). Un- Masuru Emoto T like the six feet tall Pokeweeds, this plant is only about one to three feet. The are wavy and the / spike makes up the top 3+ inches of the plant. The translucent red berries appear at the bottom of the flower spike while it is still blooming. Ignore the attractiveness of the berries. While suitable food for birds, such as Rio-grande turkeys and passerine birds, all parts of the plant are toxic to humans if ingested. You can use the juice of the berries as a dye or ink. VOLUME 15, ISSUE 12 Page 7

Newly Graduated and Putting It All Together VOLUME 15, ISSUE 12 Page 8 Page 9 NATURALIST NEWS

His Term Is Coming To a Close By Bob Ross

Effective midnight, on the 31st of After the completion of this past On a personal note, I consider this month, Van Elliott will no Roundup, on August 21st, I was you to be, not an acquaintance, longer be Chapter President of helping Van get all his equipment but a friend. You and I have Elm Fork. His presidency will and gear into his car. When we had conversations that I would come to an end. It will be a sad finished Van said to me, “Thanks not have with just anyone. You day! for the help.” I jokingly respond- are a great listener. You have ed by saying, “You owe me.” always led me in the correct We will not see Van at the Van immediately pulled out his directions regarding projects, front of the meeting room field notepad and wrote me an advanced training, or service running a General Meeting. I.O.U. As evidenced by the at- hours I wanted to accomplish. We will miss out on watching tached photograph Van dated him continuously employing his and signed it before handing it to Our chapter would like to say, “J Force” (Judi Elliott, Jan me. Well Van, do you think it is “THANK YOU.” Thank you for Deatherage and Jeri Marold) time for me to call in my I.O.U. everything you have done and to get through and complete a chit? accomplished. Thank you for meeting. leading us in a professional We will miss seeing Van trying manner. Thank you for taking to get in the correct position in Van’s I.O.U. on the du- front of the members so his ties of the new toy, the robotic camera, presidency will place him in the proper and pro- “Average leaders inspire position for good lighting and moting our people to punch a time clock. focus. At times, he even uses chapter to Great leaders inspire this tactic to stand behind be one of whoever else is giving a the envied industry and passion.” Joseph presentation in order that the chapters in B. Wirthlin camera catches all the action. the state. Of course, that keeps Van in Thank you the frame also. for being you. Just We will miss watching Van tell remember, someone they have talked too WE ALL much and too long. If you have It is not time for you to be paying LOVE YOU! been a speaker who has anyone. I, along with all the EFC signed, prior to the meeting, to members, owe you for your dedi- Our chapter would like to say, request time to showcase new cation, strengths, time, effort, and “THANK YOU.” Thank you for information and you have gone leadership to the chapter. You everything you have done and more than a couple of minutes, have given of your time at gen- accomplished. well partner, you have eral meetings, board meetings stepped over the line. Van is and in the field. I have never not shy and he will speak up heard you complain about having and vocally cut you off from to do anything pertaining to your continuing your speech. He will duties as the chapter president. say something like, “Sorry to You possess the ability to see a cut you off but we have a lot potential obstacle and take of important business to take measures to approach the obsta- care of today.” Hmmm! Does cle with the intent to successfully that mean your business was wind your way through the maze. not that important? You have been a leader who has We will miss seeing Van giving been forward in your thinking and out awards and constantly compassionate dealing with the “mugging” in front of the cam- membership. era when photos are being taken. We will no longer hear Van say, “Permission to hug?” Page 10 NATURALIST NEWS

And Who Do We Have This Month?

Bob Ross — class of 2013 His Term Is Coming To a Close Page 4 Marilyn Blanton — class of 1999 TNP Art Exhibition 2014 Is On the Move

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Joanne Fellows — class of 2008

Pigeonberry or Rougeplant, Rivina humilis

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Mary Morrow — class of 2014

Newly graduated and putting it all together

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wanda odum — class of 2005

NATURALIST NEWS EDITOR—-guilty finger prints here & there

Thanks to Alex Lieban, class of 2005, who is our feature “Field Notes in Focus”. Alex named this

segment and was the first one to appear there “way back when”. (Photo promised and will be coming soon.)