The Late Bert Miller p Great Naturalist

Bert7.06 Earl Plato

Writer’s Note: The late Bert Miller was Fort Erie’s and I believe the peninsula’s foremost amateur naturalist of his time . Should we remember him? As one of many who appreciated his love for nature, Yes! Bob Goldenberg did and we continue with his close relationship with Bert.
Bob recalled, “At first I admit that it took a little getting used to his intense inquisitiveness. His keen interest in nature was so vast and wide that it was addicting in a way. My curiosity wasn’t that developed yet. It would take time, much time, to gain this intimate knowledge of plants that Bert had. Here was someone so eager to share his knowledge with others. Bert didn’t want the years of accumulated knowledge for himself. He was always asking me to go with him on a field trip. He was so enthusiastic. I couldn’t let him down. Let me say that I always returned home glad that I had gone with Bert. For years when I was teaching Biology to Grade 13 classes he went with us on fields trips in the Niagara Peninsula. We often started at Vineland Agricultural Research Station and then headed to Ball’s Falls and Rockway Falls. I always felt that it was a privilege for our young people to have Bert with us. Remember that this senior naturalist would be going strong for many more years.”
Writer’s note: I asked Bert at age 86 to accompany my Grade Eight class to Point Abino. He was informative and lively. What a man!
Bob continued, “I can’t help thinking at times that if I hadn’t met this man, Bert Miller, with all my studies at university and all my readings, I would have missed so much. …”
“ One summer I registered for a Plant Geography course at Queen’s University. One of the assignments was to make a list of 30 different native trees within 10 kilometres of where you lived. Without opening a book or looking at a map he gave the names and locations of more than 60 trees! Unusual trees like hackberry and mulberry. Amazing!”
Writer’s note: Bob Goldenberg had much more to say about Bert. I hope that this conclusion of the articles has allowed you to know something about this great area naturalist. We have named a nature club in Fort Erie after him. At Ball’s Falls there is the Bert Miller Arboretum established by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. Worth remembering? Yes.