Penokean Hills Field Naturalists - Recently Updated Pages

Current Wolf Howl Newsletter

PHFN — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:32:45 CST

Mission Statement: The Penokean Hills Field Naturalists exists as an organization to educate and promote interest, knowledge, conservation and preservation of the natural history, habitat and environment of our region for its members and the community at large.

Volume 9, Issue 4, December, 2009

Penokean Hills Field Naturalists Inc.

P.O. Box 74, Elliot Lake, ON P5A 2J6

http://phfn.wetpaint.com

email: phfnweb@gmail.com

Phone: Gerard (705) 848-8382 (705) 848-8382

Please note that there will be no meeting in December, our next regular meeting will be January 12, 2010 at the Moose Family Centre

Merry Christmas
and the
Peace of the Season be with you all year long

President's Message
As we move into the Christmas season, I want to wish all our members a very peaceful, safe, and happy Christmas. Our meeting this month is being replaced by our Christmas dinner and we have a final total of 93 who have purchased tickets. A special thanks to Heather Fulford for all her work, because of Heather’s efforts it looks like we are in for a fine evening on December 8.

This month I would like to acknowledge another one of our special members.

Naomi Maggs has been flying under the radar and definitely proves that actions speak louder than words. She has taken on many PHFN projects and handled them with class.

Have you noticed the bulletin board at Sherriff Creek? The one that is decorated according to the season and has current pictures and information to inform the users of Sherriff Creek about nature and the environment. Naomi is the person who has been keeping the bulletin board up to date, informative and exciting. And she has done this in very inclement weather.

Naomi is one of the people who delivers our Wolf Howls. She also is one of our more knowledgeable plant people and leads many outings. She also distributes the Sherriff Creek brochures and makes sure that there is always a supply in the Sanctuary for visitors and residents alike.

Naomi has also helped with the old butterfly garden and helps to keep our trails safe for all. She coordinates our Earth Day clean up at Sherriff Creek and has helped to spread wood chips on the Terry Carr trail.

Besides her involvement with the PHFN, Naomi puts in many volunteer hours in the community. Elliot Lake and the PHFN are better because of her efforts. Thank you Naomi for all your work.

Welcome to our new members
Welcome to our new members Ruth Huebert and Rick and Pam Cathrae. We look forward to meeting you at our meetings and outings.

Picture Needed
Do you know of anyone willing to contribute a digital photo of northern lights to accompany a future Penokean article in the Standard? The photographer would be acknowledged with the photo if the paper prints it. Please contact Gerard at 848-8382 or phfnweb@gmail.com.

Outing re: Plants Preparing for Winter
When the Fall line-up of outings was announced and November had nothing scheduled, the idea of looking at what remained of our wildflowers as they prepared to preserve life through winter seemed like a good idea. However, between flu cancellations and the onset of wet, cold conditions, the outing had to be scrapped. Brenda wishes to thank those who signed up and showed interest in the first place, and especially those who were kind enough to notify her when they had to cancel out again. However, the plants are still out there, so go on out and explore them on your own – see how many different shapes and varieties of seeds you can find!

Christmas Bird Count
Thank you to those who signed up for the Christmas Bird Count on Thursday, December 17. Thank you also to the Board for paying $5.00 per person to Bird Studies Canada for those who will be travelling around looking and counting birds outside (there is no charge for the feeder watchers).

Everyone is invited to join us at lunch (12 noon) at the Coachman Restaurant next to No Frills. In the afternoon we will be visiting the dump where, last year, we saw a Thayer’s Gull, a first for Elliot Lake’s Christmas Bird Count.

If you signed up for the Christmas Bird Count, someone will be contacting you with more details. And if you didn’t have a chance to sign up but would like to add your name to those who are watching their feeders, you don’t have to watch all day, just look at your feeders whenever you pass the window and note the birds present (please see guidelines below), please give Terry VanHattem a call at 848-0048.

The Christmas Bird Count is one of the longest-running wildlife censuses beginning in 1900. By taking part, you are joining people in over 2,000 locations across Canada, the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. You are also making a contribution to science and conservation. Bird Studies Canada and Audubon have amassed a huge database that reflects the distribution and numbers of winter birds over time. This information is used to assess the health of bird populations, to help guide conservation action and helps to identify environmental issues that can have implications for people as well. For example, local trends in bird populations can indicate habitat fragmentation or signal an immediate environmental threat, such as groundwater contamination or poisoning from improper use of pesticides.

This 2009 Christmas Bird Count will be the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists 14th annual Christmas Bird Count (13th official count). It is also the 110th Audubon Christmas Bird Count.

Information for Feeder Watchers
1. Note bird species seen 3 days before and 3 days after the count day. On those days, do not worry about numbers, just kind.

2. On count day, record any species seen that day, and count how many individuals. In counting, try to count the largest number seen at one time, unless you can tell individuals apart. A single chickadee may return to your feeder often. Do not count it twenty times, only once! But if you see 20 chickadees at once, record 20!

3. At sundown, or when you’ve finished counting for the day, call Terry VanHattem with the species and numbers.

Upcoming Outings: Please note: The Penokean Hills Field Naturalists Club, its officers or agents will not be held responsible for any accident or liability whatsoever incurred as a result of participation in any meeting, activity, or field trip organized by them. Come to outings dressed appropriately for the day (check the weather forecast). Trip leaders have the right to refuse people who are not properly equipped. Bring water, a snack, or lunch depending on duration of outing. Also bring your binoculars, camera, and field guides. For general outing information, call Terry VanHattem 848-0048. For scheduled outing information, please call the leader of the outing or check on the website for updates http://phfn.wetpaint.com Sign up sheets will be available at the PHFN general meeting.

Wednesday, December 2 - Moonlight Ramble (1½ hours plus) 7:30 p.m. at Sherriff Creek Leader: Ian Clark

Thursday, December 17 - Christmas Bird Count - watchers to watch their bird feeders and count the birds; people to count outside on several routes. Lunch together at a local restaurant.

Friday, January 1 - New Year's Day Ramble - Meet at Sherriff Creek at 11:00 a.m. to start the new year off with a walk through nature.

Penokean Hills Field Naturalists Home

PHFN — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:22:07 CST

Mission Statement The Penokean Hills Field Naturalists exists as an organization to educate and promote interest, knowledge, conservation and preservation of the natural history, habitat and environment of our region for its members and the community at large.

Join us for our next meeting Tuesday, January 12
7:00 p.m.

Merry Christmas
and the
Peace of the Season be with you all Year long

What's new on the website
Next meeting January 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Moose Family Centre
Elliot Lake

Current Wolf Howl Newletter
Check out the Outings

Welcome to the website of the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists. Please check back often to keep up to date on upcoming events.
Also check out the following pages on this website:

Message Board

Outings

Current Wolf Howl Newletter

Ontario Hummingbird Watch
Butterflies of Elliot Lake

Frequently Asked Questions

Who we are

Sherriff Creek Sanctuary Map of Trails

Some of our favourite website links
Christmas Bird Count

Red Trail Improvements

Earth Hour 2009

For more information or suggestions, please email at
phfnweb@gmail.com

Sherriff Creek Sanctuary

from April 2008 Sherriff Creek Calendar

Photo by Claudette Ladouceur

Outings

PHFN — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:38:54 CST

Please note: The Penokean Hills Field Naturalists Club, its officers or agents will not be held responsible for any accident or liability whatsoever incurred as a result of participation in any meeting, activity, or field trip organized by them. Come to outings dressed appropriately for the day (check the weather forecast). Trip leaders have the right to refuse people who are not properly equipped. Participants must make leaders aware of any serious medical condition that may arise during an outing. Bring water, a snack, or lunch depending on duration of outing. Also, your binos, camera, and field guides. For general outing information, call Terry at 848-0048. For scheduled outing information, please call the leader of the outing. Sign up sheets will be available at the PHFN general meeting, and any member interested in participating in any activities should obtain more specific information by calling the trip leader(s).

Please ensure that you have signed up for the outings or call the leader so that you can be called if there is a change.

Wednesday, December 2 - Moonlight Ramble (1½ hours plus) Rain date t.b.a. Leader: Ian Clark

Thursday, December 17 - Christmas Bird Count - Please join us as we look for and count the birds and species around Elliot Lake. We also need people with feeders to watch their feeders for the day and count the birds. We will also be gathering for lunch at the Coachman Restaurant (next to No Frills) at noon.

Friday, January 1 - New Year's Day Ramble Meet at Sherriff Creek at 11:00 a.m. to start the new year off with a walk in nature.

Christmas Bird Count

PHFN — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:25:14 CDT

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Christmas Bird Count and to the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists for sponsoring it again this year. To the left are the results for this year and last as well as the Bird Count in Massey. Thank you to Erwin Meissner for providing us with the results from Massey. It is interesting to look at the difference in numbers and species seen between Elliot Lake and Massey, a short distance away and also between December 2007 and 2008.

Elliot Lake			Massey
Species Name	2008	2007	2008
Ruffed Grouse	2	1	18
Bald Eagle	4	4	7
Red-tailed Hawk	0	1	1
Rough-legged Hawk	0		2
Herring Gull	84	12
Thayer's Gull	1
Belted Kingfisher	0	1
Rock Pigeon	6	30	34
Mourning Dove	34	28	49
Great Horned Owl			1
Great Gray Owl			2
Downy Woodpecker	14	20	13
Hairy Woodpecker	20	18	21
Pileated Woodpecker	3	2	2
Northern Shrike		1	2
Gray Jay	1	3	3
Blue Jay	150	93	143
American Crow	20	10	21
Common Raven	398	356	112
Black-capped Chickadee	213	171	235
Red-breasted Nuthatch	8	6	24
White-breasted Nuthatch	36	27	10
Brown Creeper		cw	1
European Starling	140	72	144
Bohemian Waxwing	220	56
American Tree Sparrow	4	1	7
Song Sparrow	1	2
Dark-eyed (Slate-coloured) Junco	2	19	1
Rusty Blackbird	0	1
Snow Bunting		18	34
Northern Cardinal			1
Pine Grosbeak	25	122	24
Purple Finch	3	2	11
White-winged Crossbill	6		2
Common Redpoll		149	73
Hoary Redpoll		3
Pine Siskin		4	2
American Goldfinch	23	46	137
Evening Grosbeak	16	10	147
Total Birds	1434	1289	1284
Total Species	26	33	32
Low Temperature	-9 C		-27 C
High Temperature	-5 C		-16 C
Weather	Light snow		Clear
# of outside participants	16		20
# of feeder watchers	22		23
Total hours outside	28.5		23.75

Ontario Hummingbird Watch

PHFN — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 15:35:49 CDT

The Penokean Hills Field Naturalists, as a club, has decided to take on assisting with this province-wide project this year.

It’s goals:
1. Identifying migration routes and peak migration dates.
2. Documenting spring arrival and fall departure dates.
3. Defining the northern limits of the breeding range.
4. Locating concentration points.
5. Studying the nesting cycle.
6. Documenting rare species visiting Ontario
7. Collecting information on nesting locations, popular estimates, reproduction rates, and birds returning to the same locality each year.

To see more, look up: http://www.ontariohummingbirds.ca

Instead of having individuals report on-line to this project, we would prefer that you send your information to our local coordinator, Brenda Clark. At no cost to you, send your name and email address to phfnweb@gmail.com, and we’ll send you a list of the specific information we are collecting. For now, if you are interested, please get your feeder(s) up, and mark down the date of your first arrival, how many arrived and, if you know the difference between male and female ruby-throated hummingbirds (Males have dark/red throats, females don’t), tell what was there. When that happens, send the info to Brenda right away.

Thanks for getting involved!

To participate please send an email to phfnweb@gmail.com

Thanks to Terry Carr for the picture of the hummingbird.

Earth Hour 2009

PHFN — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 11:47:35 CDT

Earth Hour is taking place on

Saturday, March 28

8:30 p.m.

Let’s add Elliot Lake to the millions world-wide who will be, one at a time, taking a small step to save our climate.

Earth Hour began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia with 2.2 million people shutting off their lights, TVs, radios, computers, etc for 60 minutes. In 2008 it spread world wide with 50 million people in 370 cities and towns in 35 countries taking part.

Join us at Brunswick Walk for an hour walk around town ending at Tim Horton's

Just shut off your lights for one hour

and add your name to the millions who have already signed up at http://www.earthhour.org/canada

This link will also give you some important information on how to participate in Earth Hour.

Earth Hour is one symbolic way to highlight our need to conserve energy and the concerns of Climate Change. Earth Hour also shows politicians that we are concerned with what is happening to our world.

Who we are

PHFN — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:55:39 CST

Location

Elliot Lake, midway between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is approximately 29 km north of Highway 17 (Trans-Canada Highway, Scenic Route) via Highway 108.

History

The Penokean Hills Field Naturalists had its start in 1995 and has grown to a membership of over one hundred members from Elliot Lake and across the North Shore who enjoy nature together.

The Penokean Hills Field Naturalists are the stewards of Sherriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sherriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary

Elliot Lake, Ontario

(a brief summary)

The area, owned by Rio Algom Ltd, consists of 182 hectares (450 acres) of wetlands that include marsh, bog and shoreline, as well as mature mixed forest, regenerating woodlands and disturbed areas that resulted from forestry and mining during the late fifties

A stewardship agreement was worked out between Rio Algom Ltd (RAL) and the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists (PHFN). The proposal for stewardship was signed in May, 1997 and work began immediately to convert the area into a public access, wildlife management park.

RAL has generously provided the major physical improvements such as entrance causeway, parking lot, bridges, viewing stands and signage. The City of Elliot Lake has assisted financially to provide attractive signs and a four colour brochure which is available at the entrance.

Members of the PHFN have put in over 10,000 hours of volunteer labour in the first 3 years that the Sanctuary was open. Since then many more volunteer labour hours have been spent maintaining the trails.

Three major trails have been cut, again with financial assistance from RAL. The Beaver Meadow Trail, Tamarack Bog Trail and Upland Forest Trail have all be marked and are being maintained by the PHFN.

There have been Loon and Goose nesting platforms and bird boxes built and erected by members. We have created, with the co-operation of the Elliot Lake Horticultural Club a Hummingbird/Butterfly garden.

Many forms of animal life are being successfully protected in this area. We have a great variety of waterfowl, wading and other smaller birds nesting on site. Mammals such as mink, beaver, otter, and Groundhogs live and raise their families in this sanctuary. There are also many species of reptiles and amphibians. Up to a dozen different species of frogs can be heard and seen in the marsh habitat. There are at least 14 species of native orchids growing at Sherriff Creek along with hundreds of other native herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees. A species list is being developed by the naturalists to inventory all wildlife, both plant and animal, on the site.

The Official Opening, held on May 16, 1998 was attended by officials of Rio Algom, the Mayor of Elliot Lake, George Farkouh, and our Liberal MPP, Michael Brown along with representatives of the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists and many of the citizens of Elliot Lake.

What was a mining waste management site has become, through wise management and considerable effort, a viable and attractive wildlife habit, home to a wide variety of Northern Ontario plants and animals and a place of interest for the residents and visitors to Elliot Lake.

To the residents of Elliot Lake and those who visit this city, the Sherriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary is a place to enjoy and to learn about our wildlife heritage. It is a "sanctuary" both for our native wildlife and for the people who visit.

Your Board of Directors

PHFN — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 10:53:03 CST

President Gerard MacGillivray
Vice President Lionel Frigault
Treasurer Bob Montgomery
Secretary Shelley McLennan
Membership Ray Cormier
Speakers Marg Reckahn
Outings Terry VanHattem

Advisors
Heather Fulford
Peter Kennedy
Jim Lindamood
Di Hiley

Links

PHFN — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:48:08 CST

Please visit the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists Message Board and post any messages relative to the theme of our website, such as bird or animal sightings, environmental news, or links to your favourite naturalist website.
Inappropriate postings such as advertising or irrelavent information will be removed. Our thanks to SiteGadgets for making this message board service possible.

PHFN Message Board - Penokean Hills Field Naturalists Message Board

Some of Our Favourite Links
Please note that by clicking on one of the links below, you will be leaving the PHFN website. PHFN has no control over the content or the operation of these sites and any difficulties encountered must be taken up with the webmaster of the site concerned. If any link fails to work after several attempts over a period of time, please report it to phfnweb@gmail.com so that it may be updated or removed.

Ontario Nature (Federation of Ontario Naturalists)

Save our Boreal Birds

Bird Studies Canada - the organization that co-ordinates many of the volunteer wildlife research activities in Ontario, including the Baillie Birdathon, Nocturnal Owl Survey, Marsh Monitoring, and the Breeding Bird Survey

Ontario Field Naturalists - this site contains many field guides and information on field naturalist clubs in Ontario. It also has an astronomy checklist.

OFO - Ontario Federation of Ornithologists

Ontario Hummingbirds

Andy's Northern Ontario Wildflowers - A listing of wildflowers found in the Sudbury area
Bat Conservation International - All about bats!
The Boreal Forest Website - The goal is to become the largest online repository of boreal forest information in the world.
Butterfly Gallery - by Jay Cossey. Some of the most beautiful butterfly photos you will ever see, as well as useful tips how to make them!
Butterfly Watching in Ontario
Canadian Nature Federation
Canadian Wildlife Federation - Wildlife protection and conservation information
Canadian Wildlife and Wilderness Art Museum - Check out "The Master" for a little local history
National Audubon Society (U.S.A) - online Field Guides
Nature Stuff - Tours and Things - by Terry Sprague. Your guide to nature in Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada (Picton is the county seat). An excellent site for the naturalist.
Nature Through the Lens - by Mario Borsato. Photographic Nature Studies in Northern Ontario.
Ontario Birding - Recent sightings including Algoma East Area
Ontario Dragonflies (Odonata) - by Paul D. Pratt. Listing and photos of Dragonflies found in Ontario
Ontario Ferns - This and the following four sites are by Walter Muma
Ontario Grasses
Ontario Mosses
Ontario Trees
Ontario Wildflowers
Troy's Photo Gallery - A wonderful collection of insect photos - be sure to check out the Resource page too!
Wild Lands League - A Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
World Wildlife Fund - Canadian web site
Yolanda Fenerty's Web Site - Gallery of photos taken at Sherriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary

MUSEUMS & EDUCATIONAL/ENTERTAINMENT SITES

About The Human Internet™ - is a handy reference site for just about anything!

Discovery Canada - A new page that has links to the Discovery Channel (Canada), Animal Planet, Discovery Civilization, Discovery Kids, Discovery Health, and Discovery Worldwide
Discovery Channel (U.S.A)
Elliot Lake Computer Club
Northwatch - An environment and ecology information site for Northeastern Ontario.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Royal Ontario Museum - Toronto, Ontario
Science North - Sudbury, Ontario - a "hands-on" experience.
Elliot Lake Astronomy Club

ELLIOT LAKE & NORTH SHORE MUNICIPALITIES

Blind River - Town of Blind River community website
Elliot Lake - Official website of the City of Elliot Lake
Mississauga First Nation
Township of the North Shore - Algoma Mills, Spragge and Serpent River communities
Serpent River First Nation
Spanish - (Township of Shedden)

Beaver Meadow Trail

PHFN — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:44:11 CST

Beaver Meadow Trail (3.1 km, RED trail markers)
This trail goes through flat territory, with one, very short, steep section. You will pass through a transition forest. There is a side trail to a beaver pond. You will also be able to use a viewing stand overlooking a large pond.

On October 9, 2008, the new boardwalk on the Red Trail was officially opened.

Beaver Meadow

the beaver have created this flooded meadow of cattails and rushes

Lowland Transition Forest

here the forest condition is returning after being distrubed by changes like mine sites and town sites
most common trees are poplar and birch

Stop by trail side and have a light lunch.
But leave nothing behind.

Red Trail Improvements

PHFN — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 14:33:14 CST

The Official Opening of the Red Trail took place on October 9, 2008 at 4:00 p.m.

Alan Day gave us an update on the red trail including the following photographs.

Liam and his crew have now completed 330 feet of boardwalk and the next week should see the finish of the major section from the spring fed creek to the rising ground beyond the old Beaver Meadow Trail. This first 330 feet is the most difficult of all the boardwalk(s) as it meanders through the trees, rises and falls with the terrain and over the tree roots (exposed over time because of erosion and the foot traffic), You can see how the boardwalk twists and turns.

This final photo will show just how the trail has been widened, as you walk the trail this holiday weekend (yes it is open for the weekend, but please remember it is still a work in progress and take the care a work site requires) please note you can clearly see where the "Track" on the trail exists. Please give this track a rest - it deserves it having performed valiant duty for many years. Please walk either side and side by side of the "Track". Side by side will even out the erosion, help the trail recover, allow you to be more sociable and help with the trail maintenance.

The crew have also refilled the cribs on the 8 foot wide bridge at the Beaver Pond on the Yellow Trail, this bridge and boardwalk installed several years ago live through the major flooding of the 125 year rain shortly following its installation. The erosion caused by this flood allowed much of the crib fill to be lost (but the bridge and boardwalk never moved), the replacement fill (washed cobble) will ensure this structure remains safe and secure for many years to come.

Butterflies of Elliot Lake

PHFN — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:28:28 CDT

Butterflies reported in the Elliot Lake area

Northern Cloudywing
Dreamy Duskywing
Arctic Skipper
European Skipper
Long Dash Skipper
Hobomok Skipper
Dun Skipper
Cabbage White
Large Marble
Canadian Tiger Swallowtail

Clouded Sulphur

Pink-Edged Sulphur

American Copper

Spring Azure

Aphrodite Fritillary

Atlantis Fritillary

Meadow Fritillary

Arctic Fritillary

Northern Crescent

Tawny Crescent

Eastern Comma

Compton Tortoiseshell

Mourning Cloak

American Lady

Red Admiral

White Admiral

Viceroy

Northern Pearly Eye

Little Wood Satyr

Common Ringlet

Monarch

Thank you to Ross Layberry, Ottawa, for this list of butterflies that have been seen around Elliot Lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

PHFN — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:18:11 CDT

What is the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists Club?

It is an organization with members, from Elliot Lake and across the North Shore, who enjoy nature and the natural environment together.

Who can join?

Anyone, young or old, with an interest in nature.

How can you benefit by joining the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists?

You will get involved with a group of individuals, who like yourself, enjoy nature.
You can attend monthly meetings Septemer to May with guest speakers providing interesting presentations on a variety of outdoor topics...at some meetings we offer interactive workshops on nature-related themes.
The Club offers informative field outings, interpretive walks, canoe trips, stargazing, birding, etc. led by club members and special guest experts.
You will have the opportunity to get involved, if you wish, in work projects such as the stewardship of Sherriff Creek Sanctuary, nest box building and placement, trail improvement, wildlife monitoring including Hummingbird, Owl, Marsh and Forest surveys, etc.
You will receive an informative monthly newsletter (9 per year) including outings schedules.

How can you join the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists?

Please come to one of our regular meetings held at the Moose Family Centre, on Oakland Blvd., the second Tuesday of each month (September through May) at 7:00 p.m. We will sign you up and welcome you into our group.

Sherriff Creek Sanctuary

PHFN — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 12:42:37 CDT

Message Board

PHFN — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 09:17:25 CDT

Please visit the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists Message Board and post any messages relative to the theme of our website, such as bird or animal sightings, environmental news, or links to your favourite naturalist website. Please click on the following link:

PHFN Message Board

You will be asked for a User ID and password which are below. Please note that these are case sensitive to prevent a lot of spam mail. If you don't want to enter the User ID and Password every time, you can check the box "Remember Me" and the next time you use the Message Board you will go directly into the Message Board.

User ID: PHFNUser

Password: BirdErwin

Inappropriate postings such as advertising or irrelavent information will be removed. Our thanks to SiteGadgets for making this message board service possible.