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Kansas State University

Social Events

HL/SSAR Live Auction

The HL/SSARL live auction is an opportunity to support the programs of SSAR and HL and to clean out your office or house of those interesting and valuable herp or fish related items. Any herp or fish related item - including books, art, sculptures, famous autographs, field equipment, or clothing - is appreciated. Please note that items made from amphibians, reptiles, fish, or parts thereof, should NOT be donated.

Donations are tax deductible. Receipts will be issued on request.

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or additional information contact David M. Green at: david.m.green@mcgill.ca

SSAR Student Social

Join SSAR Board members and several invited senior herpetologists at this special reception for students. Finger food and drink tickets will be provided.

Joint Meeting Reception — Montréal Biodome

This year's Joint Meeting reception will be at the Montréal Biodôme. The Biodôme offers a glimpse into some of the most awe-inspiring ecosystems in the America's, yet it is located in the heart of the city, just minutes from the Olympic Tower. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience environments that recreate Tropical Forest, Laurentian Forest, St. Lawrence Marine, Arctic and Antarctic settings. Finding a variety to see will not be a problem, as the Biodôme houses 275 different animal species.

The five ecosystems are designed for self-guided tours, but Nature interpreters will be on hand to answer any questions. Photographs for personal use are permitted, but the use of flash photography, tripods and unipods is barred.

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Annual Canadian Herpetologists' Dinner

The annual Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists is an opportunity for Canadian herpetologists to meet and swap tall tales of science and life. Traditionally we do this at a dinner one evening during the conference, which the Canadian Association of Herpetologists also uses as an excuse for its annual business meeting. Therefore be prepared to be entertained by oral reports on the state of the CAH. Clothing is optional, but a sense of humor is required. Please indicate your interest in attending by checking the corresponding box on the registration form to provide us an idea of how massive a restaurant we will need.

Joint Meeting Picnic - McGill University West Field

On Saturday, 26 July 2008, from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m., join your friends and colleagues at the McGill University campus for the Joint Meeting Picnic. A barbecue dinner will be served on the West Field. Each ticket includes two free drink tickets with each meal. The evening's entertainment will include Les Bons Diables, a folk music and dance group that has performed around the globe. Les Bons Diables will be performing from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

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Joint Meeting Banquet

On Monday, 28 July 2008, from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m., the Joint Meeting Awards Banquet will be held in Le Centre Sheraton Ballroom. The social hour will start at 6:00 p.m., with dinner served at 7:00 p.m. The menu will feature basil bruschetta and goat cheese, veal medallion and mushroom sauce, and tiramisu for dessert. Wine will be served with dinner, plus cash bars will be available. Cost of the tickets is $75 for professional participants and guests, and $50 for graduate students. Sign up for the banquet when you register for the conference.

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Montréal Tour Options

Several optional tours have been arranged by Visites de Montréal to provide opportunities to enjoy area attractions during or after the meeting. If you are bringing family members or a guest to the meetings, you may want to stay in Montréal after the meetings to enjoy these additional post-meeting opportunities. You may register for these optional events when you register for the meetings. Be sure to register by the deadlines to ensure your space on these exciting trips.

Regular Tours

Walking Tour In Old Montréal

Old Montréal constitutes one of North America's most remarkable architectural ensembles. This walk through Old Montréal allows you to discover Montréal's history through its old buildings and squares. You will travel by charter bus from the Sheraton and a professional guide will discuss the fortifications, the seigniorial system, and religious institutions inherited from the French and English Regimes. You will travel back 365 years into the life of the first settlers. You will see the first financial district, known as Montréal's Wall Street, located in the heart of Old Montréal, on Saint-Jacques street. Among the many Victorian buildings are the Bank of Montréal, and the Royal Bank. You will also see City Hall, the historic and new Courthouse and Jacques Cartier Square, an area of café terraces and many restaurants. You can stay in Old Montréal after this tour and enjoy the old world charm and Joie de vivre!

Montréal Mixes Trendiness and Tradition

Discover Montréal's cultural heritage and cosmopolitan blend of the old and new on this overview of our city. You will visit Old Montréal, the financial district, Westmount and its opulent residences, Montréal's universities, and the world-renowned St. Joseph's Oratory. The tour includes a stop on Mount Royal for a panoramic view of Montréal and a visit of Notre-Dame Basilica, an outstanding example of neo-gothic architecture.

Mont St-Hilaire Nature Center

Mont St-Hilaire was the first site in Canada to be recognized as a Biosphere reserve within the Unesco "Man and the Biosphere" program. It is of exceptional interest as a migratory bird sanctuary and as a Nature Conservation Center. It showcases more than 12 different minerals, 12 species of reptiles (all harmless to man), 178 species of birds and 600 species of high plants. This nature centre has 24 kilometers of trails, each of them leading to a different site. You will have the opportunity to follow "Le pain de sucre" (the summit) which leads to the summit, where a spectacular view of the region rewards the efforts. A lakeside picnic lunch will also be a part of this five-kilometer (3.1 miles) round trip.

Rendez-Vous in Quebec

Classified as an international heritage site in 1985 by UNESCO, the city of Québec, capital of the Province of Québec, is the only remaining entirely fortified city in North America. Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, Québec was the first permanent European settlement in New France. A natural citadel, the site dominates the St. Lawrence. Renowned for its European flavour, the city offers a rich architecture. During the tour you will see the Plains of Abraham, Notre-Dame Basilica, Place Royale, the National Assembly, the Citadelle and the famous Château Frontenac. Lunch will be on your own. On this tour, you will also have the opportunity to see the Montmorency Falls (higher than Niagara). See if you can resist the ambiance of Québec City!

Olympic Park, Insectarium and Botanical Garden

Travel along the St. Lawrence River to the Olympic Park, constructed for the 1976 Olympic Games and ride the Funicular to the top of the world's tallest inclined tower. At the Botanical Garden, the second largest in the world after the one in London, discover over 25,000 species of flowers and plants. The Bonsai collection and the Chinese Garden are of special interest. The Insectarium aims first and foremost to awaken visitors to the wonders of the insect world, and to explain how insects play an essential part in ensuring the Earth's ecological balance. The world's most beautiful insects are waiting for you to admire. Lunch will be on your own, with a cafeteria available at the Botanical Garden.

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Post-Meeting Tours

A Day in Ottawa

Tour beautiful Ottawa alongside the Rideau Canal. Located 200 kilometers west of Montréal, Ottawa was chosen the capital of Canada by Queen Victoria in 1858. A former lumber town, the city has progressively grown in importance. Besides Parliament, the Supreme Court, the embassies, and the beautiful homes along Sussex Drive, Ottawa is of particular interest for its National Art Gallery, its beautiful parks , Rideau Hall (the Governor General's residence) and the Rideau Canal. On this tour, you will see the outstanding Canadian Museum of Civilization and have some free time in bustling Farmer's Byward Market. Lunch is on your own.

The Thousand Islands

You will go for a cruise among the lovely Thousand Islands, home to simple summer homes and opulent mansions. Many of the islands are lushly forested while others support only a few pine trees perched over the blue water. It takes two-and-a-half hours to get to the islands. Once there, the cruise will last two hours and lunch will be served on board.

Charlevoix, Land of Nature and Culture & Whale Watching Cruise - CANCELLED

Painters, poets, writers and musicians have long been captivated by this hospitable region's landscapes. Charlevoix is the perfect marriage of nature and culture. This region is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Day 1: Travel from Montréal to Quebec City and Charlevoix

After some free time in Quebec City, you will be arriving in Charlevoix in mid-afternoon. Check in Le Manoir Richelieu, an impressive hotel built on the cliff at Pointe-au-Pic in 1899 and overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River. You will have dinner while enjoying this wonderful scenery.

Day 2: Whale-watching cruise

Charlevoix is the perfect spot to observe whales and smaller cetaceans. With the help of a naturalist guide you will learn all about fin whales, humpback whales and belugas. Lunch will be served on board and will be followed by the visit of Baie St-Paul, a charming village nestled in the valley. A farewell supper is planned in one of the restaurants in the area.

Day 3: Return to Montréal. Arrival around 6 p.m. in Montréal
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