With recent mining accidents affecting BC’s wilderness and nature reserves, and Kinder Morgan proposing to re-set the boundaries of four provincial parks in order to expand its pipeline system BC Parks are increasingly the subject of public interest and scrutiny. Although most British Columbians take pride in and use their parks, few know their history and fewer still know the development of the policies that have guided the establishment of over 1,000 parks and reserves throughout the province. One of the few individuals who can claim to know and understand our parks is James D. Anderson.
As part of its educational mandate Comox Valley Nature will host a one-hour illustrated lecture on BC Park history and policy by James D. Anderson. He is a retired planner and member of the Council of BC Parks Elders. At a time when BC Parks are increasingly the subject of public debate and concern, as a park planner and author of two histories of BC Parks, James Anderson brings a wealth of experience in the development of BC parks and the policies that have guided their development.
James Anderson is the author of British Columbia’s Magnificent Parks: The First 100 Years (Harbour Publishing, 2011) and a more comprehensive and detailed BC Parks 1911 to 2011: A Centennial, Provincial Parks as Reflective of the Times (2010). Anyone wanting to understand the changes that BC Parks are experiencing today will find this lecture of interest.
This lecture will take place at the Florence Filberg Seniors Centre at 7pm September, Sunday 21 2014.
Comox Valley Nature is a non-profit society affiliated to BC Nature consisting only of unpaid volunteers. CVN fulfills its educational mandate by hosting monthly lectures, organizing free weekly guided hikes for members, and a free monthly walk open to the public. The society also undertakes a variety of environmental projects. Aside from its main activity as a non-profit, Comox Valley Nature also supports specialized groups ( Birding, Botany, Conservation, Garry Oak Restoration, Wetland Restoration, Photography and Young Naturalists Club) all of which have separate monthly activities. Membership in BC Nature and Comox Valley Nature is $30 per adult and $40 for a family.
Founded in 1966, it is one of the oldest environmental societies on the North Island. Meetings and lectures of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society are held on the third Sunday of most months at the Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton, Courtenay. Meetings and guided walks are open to the public, including children and youth. Lecture is free, though a $4 contribution from non-members is appreciated. New memberships are always welcomed.
Anyone interested in this lecture or participating in CVNS activities can also contact Loys Maingon (CVN President) at 250-331-0143.
