Woodstock Field Naturalists induct three longtime naturalists as “Honourary Life Members”

Marilyn Merkley, Don MacPherson, and Roger Boyd pose after being inducted as “Honourary Life Members” of the Woodstock Field Naturalists’ Club on May 5. (Connor Luczka photo)

Connor Luczka, Echo Correspondent

After a collective 106 years of service between them, Marilyn Merkley, Roger Boyd, and Don MacPherson were voted near unanimously as “Honourary Life Members” of the Woodstock Field Naturalists’ Club.

The vote took place on May 5 in the Huron Park Secondary School cafeteria, during a regular meeting that evening.

As Sharron Skevington, herself a life member, said, it is rarified air that the members breathe.

“We only have three honourary members at the moment,” Skevington explained. “That would be me, my husband, and my son … So this is a special event.”

Merkley joined the club in 2003 and took over as treasurer in 2011. For 14 years she kept the organization on the straight and narrow – including reversing a near bankruptcy when she took over to the “healthy surplus” the club boasts now.

Boyd joined in 1982. In 1986, after serving a stint as vice president, he became president and held the position for 39 years. He has been the club’s representative with the Federation of Ontario Naturalists and Ontario Nature for many of those years.

MacPherson joined in 1984 and revolutionized the club’s sound equipment, assisting with the meetings, and provided the group with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate during its social times. He has been a “stalwart” member of the club for the 41 years he has been a part of it.

The Woodstock Field Naturalists' Club specializes in the study of nature in Oxford County. Based in the Friendly City for around 100 years, they have monthly meetings, regular natural history outings, and are involved in a number of community projects.

New members are always welcome, Skevington added. More information can be found at woodstockfieldnaturalists.org and the club can be contacted via email at woodstockfnc@gmail.com.