Deadline for Club Applications for “Club Support” Grants – January 31, 2015. See Website for grant application criteria
Deadline for Resolutions to be presented at the AGM – 2015 is February 28, 2015. Please view details and the “how to” on this Page on the BC Nature Website
Deadline for BC Nature Award Nominations – Nominate a worthy candidate from your club today! February 28, 2015 – Criteria for awards Link Here
Tofino Camp May 1 – 6, 2015. Registration details in the Winter BC Nature Magazine.
AGM 2015 – Salt Spring Island – May 7 – 10, 2015. Registration information in Winter BCnature issue and BC Nature Website.
Rene Savenye Scholarship applications should be in prior to May 30, 2015 – see website for application.
Welcome to Northern Amphibian Naturalist Society.
Newest Naturalist club to join the Federation of BC Naturalists (BC Nature) Read all about them at BC Nature Website
We are in danger of cancelling FGM 2015
At the time of writing (October 30) we do not have a volunteer club to host the FGM for 2015. We have contacted a number of clubs, and it is possible that one of them, hopefully, will offer to host, but if nobody steps forward by December 31,2014 the FGM for 2015 will be canceled. The deadline for a host club to publish its program is May 1, 2015, so there is still 5 – 6 months remaining to do this.
Looking back at the Salmon Arm FGM, it is clear to us that clubs of 40+ members could organize such an event. We have had even very small clubs such as the North Shuswap Naturalists (with under 10 members) able to organize an FGM.
Only two or three motivated members are needed initially and the remainder will fall in place in due time. BC Nature is willing to advance money to a host club if deposits are needed. We have a comprehensive guide and I know that Betty, the Office manager as well as the Executive are willing to help. We hope not to have to resort to this, because we feel strongly that these kind of events are the glue which keeps BC Nature together. At present we have a firm commitment from Salt Spring Island (AGM 2015) and from Vernon (FGM 2017), and some clubs are seriously considering hosting AGM and FGM in 2016 and 2017. Thank you for your consideration.
Kees Visser
President
BC Nature
For further Enquiries – email:
Issue 38
Date November 2014
To BC Nature Members
Just a reminder that our annual Appeal was in the Fall Magazine. Thank you to those that have donated to either BC Nature or the BC Naturalists. To receive your donation Charity Receipt for 2014, donations should be received in the office prior to December 31.
This year we changed the way we have handled our annual appeal by building it into the middle of the Fall Magazine. This has saved both BC Nature and the Naturalists Foundation in extra costs (Envelopes x 2, extra postage etc.) of past year.
We would appreciate hearing from you on what you think of this new approach? Please email with your comments.
Funding Available for Canadian Bird Research and Conservation Projects
Bird Studies Canada is now accepting applications to the James L. Baillie Memorial Fund for Bird Research and Preservation (the Baillie Fund) for the 2015 grant cycle. A portion of funds raised through our annual Baillie Birdathon are allocated to the Baillie Fund to provide grants to individuals or groups for projects that further BSC’s mission. Since 1978, the Baillie Fund has provided grants totalling nearly $700,000 to 580 bird research and conservation projects across Canada. In reviewing grant applications, the Baillie Fund Trustees give priority to projects that engage the skills and enthusiasm of amateur naturalists and volunteers to help us understand, appreciate, and conserve Canadian birds in their natural environments. There are three granting programs, each with a different application and review process. Applications for Regular Grants are due by December 15, 2014; applications for Small Grants are due by January 15, 2015; and applications for the James L. Baillie Student Award for Field Research, administered by the Society of Canadian Ornithologists, are due by February 15, 2015. Visit our website for more information about the Baillie Fund grant programs, past grants, and how to apply for a grant, or contact the Baillie Fund Secretary at or 1-866-518-0212.
Conservation News
Decision on BC Hydro’s Site C Clean Energy Project – Article Here.
Interesting Sites and Articles
Polar Bears and More Polar Bears – Live Vid cams and still shots – Link Here Who’s who in Big Whales Link Here
Read about the Barn Owl chicks saved from the tear down of the old Port Mann Bridge Link Here or short video
About Town
Regulated Rivers: Environment, Ecology & Management – May 6, 2015 – Link Here for more Info – Selkirk College, Castlegar.Photography Seminar with Ron Long (Composition)- Date & Time: Sunday NOVEMBER 2 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM note date change from previous postings Location: Burnaby Lake Regional Park – Nature House (Foot of Piper Avenue off Winston Street, North Side of Burnaby Lake) Cost: $40.00 for members of Nature Vancouver and other BC Nature Clubs. Non-members: $50.00 Limit 15 students This seminar will provide information and techniques that will significantly improve your photography regardless of the kind of camera you are using. The seminar is fully illustrated with hundreds of photographs to demonstrate the techniques being discussed. COMPOSITION will provide many suggestions and a few simple guidelines to improve your compositions. Please bring your camera, an empty memory card, camera instruction book, notebook and pen, lunch and snack.&nbs p; Coffee, tea and juice will be provided. Also bring clothing for the outdoor portion Please register by phoning or emailing Jude Grass at 604-538-8774 , and then mailing a cheque payable to Nature Vancouver – Photography Seminar – Composition, to 17375 27A Avenue, Surrey, BC V3S 0E9.
Metro Vancouver’s 14th Annual Fall Parksfest event – EVENT DETAILS Date: Saturday, November 1, 2014 Location: Blusson Hall, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Campus Time: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (refreshments and lunch included) Registration: www.parksfest.com or call 604-432-6359
This event is a wonderful opportunity for participants to come together, make important connections, develop and share experiences and expertise. This year’s program highlights a new venue and a modified program and includes some very engaging speakers and session leaders. For more information, please visit Parkfest Link Here
Kingfisher Study
Attention: Naturalists of Vancouver Island & the Sunshine Coast
Our research project will study the intestinal parasites of Belted Kingfishers on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, including the trematodes, Uvulifer ambloplitis, and Crassiphiala bulboglossa. This pilot study is being conducted as part of an undergraduate student research project at Vancouver Island University. These parasites are known to infect Kingfishers throughout North America; however, little is known about the frequency of infections on the West Coast, or whether other parasite species may be present in Kingfishers. Parasites are also potentially valuable indicators of aspects of avian ecology, e.g. foraging behaviour.We need the help of naturalists for this study to be a success! If you encounter a dead Kingfisher please collect it! Place it in the freezer as soon as possible. -Please make sure to double bag the birds – best to store in large Ziploc bags! -Careful labeling of the specimen is critical. Please include the following information regarding the Kingfisher on the label (see accompanying data label): Date found, suspected cause of death, or condition when found Location of bird – please be specific with landmarks, names of roads, or best of all – GPS locations. Frozen birds can be delivered to the Biology Department at Vancouver Island University. Alternatively, arrangements can be made to pick up the bird. For more information, or to arrange bird pickup, contact: Elsie Hampshire: (250) 668-8665 (), or Tim Goater: (250) 753-3245 (2325) ()
Join Project FeederWatch
The 28th season of Project FeederWatch begins on November 8! Please join our team of thousands of volunteers across North America, and turn your bird feeding hobby into research for bird conservation. Your counts will help scientists monitor changes in winter feeder-bird populations. You choose how much time you want to spend. New participants receive a kit with a handbook, a bird identification poster, a calendar, and an instruction booklet. Results are published in BirdWatch Canada and Winter Bird Highlights – the FeederWatch magazine. You can also explore maps and charts online to see what others are reporting during the count. Anyone with an interest in birds and nature is invited to join Project FeederWatch and become a Citizen Scientist. To learn more or to sign up, visit our website or call 1-888-448-2473. Your $35 donation defrays the cost of the materials and data analysis (free for members of Bird Studies Canada). Project FeederWatch is a joint program of Bird Studies Canada and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Your Executive and Conservation Committee has been busy
Letters Sent
Roderick Allen – Environmental Education Curriculum Changes
Erik Lathmuth – Boundary Adjustment Application to BC Parks by the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure to Remove Cosens Bay Road from Kalamalka Lake Park
Kathy Eichenberger – Arrow Lakes Reservoir – Columbia River Treaty Review
Mike de Jong, Finance Minister – Society Act Proposed Changes Effecting Non-Profit Societies
Mary Polak, MOE – Proposed Park Boundary Adjustments of Bridal Veil Falls, Finn Creek, North Thompson River Provincial Parks and Lac du Bois Grasslands Protected Area
Debra Myles, Panel Manager, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency – Comments on the Draft Review Panel Terms of Reference for Roberts Bank Terminal 2.
BC Nature Approved – Joining the Blue Dot movement in support of the right to a healthy environment for all Canadians. We are proudly joining the movement because we wish to continue our collective appreciation of our Natural Environment that it may be wisely used and maintained for future generations.
Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines – Mt. Polley Disaster
7 letters of support for various clubs and affiliates from Bat Monitoring to Wetland Restoration.
Potential New Clubs
We are actively seeking new clubs to join the Federation of British Columbia Naturalists or assist with the start up of a new club – some areas we are looking into are: Port Hardy, Port McNeil, Tofino or Ucluelet, Prince Rupert, Kootenays (Locations where there are no club currently!)
If you have friends or family in any of these areas that can assist us in either starting up a new club or talking to a club in their area that fit the BC Nature Objectives.
Please contact the office via ?subject=New" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Email
New Facebook Friends
Please visit BC Nature on Facebook. We are slowly starting to do updates. “Like” us!
On July 1, 2014 Canada implemented new laws that regulate how we communicate electronically with our “followers”. Since our electronic communications are not commercial in nature, the new Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation does not apply. However, we wanted to take the opportunity to remind you that you can unsubscribe from our distribution list at any time by clicking the link above.
To celebrate our 60th anniversary we invite you to come for a guided stroll on the Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk with a member of Comox Valley Nature on April 24, 10 am -noon. Learn about the history of this area, including how the former sewage lagoon has become one of the most popular walking spots in the Comox Valley. Check out the restoration work that has replaced invasive plant species and added more native plants, shrubs and trees that is being done by Comox Valley Nature in partnership with the City of Courtenay. Hear why invasive plant species are so damaging to the ecosystems. Enjoy the view from the "lookout" over the estuary and be reminded how important the estuary is to the web of life.REGISTRATION required on our events page cvnature.ca/events An easy 1 km walk on a wheelchair accessible paved path. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle Sorry, no dogs. This event is free, but donations are welcome.For more information, add your name to a wait list or to cancel your reservation email: . ... See MoreSee Less
To celebrate our 60th anniversary Comox Valley Nature is offering this opportunity to get together with knowledgeable birders to share skills and learn more about birding in the Comox Valley.This outing is designed for beginners, but birders of all levels are welcome. Experienced birders will help with identifying species, equipment, useful apps, and field guides. Both CVN members and the public are welcome on this walk at the Courtenay Airpark which will be on a wide smooth pathway for about 2km round trip. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Warm clothing necessary – it’s often windy there! Please leave pets at home.Register through our events page at This event is free. Donations welcome.#birding#comoxvalley#iba#courtenay airpark ... See MoreSee Less
To celebrate our 60th anniversary we offer this opportunity to learn more about Garry oaks in the Comox Valley.Vanier Nature Park is home to a small grove of Garry oak trees which is being stewarded by Comox Valley Nature. These oaks are at the northern extent of their range, and are a remnant of a culturally modified ecosystem that once covered 160 square kilometres in the Comox ValleyThis walk will be lead by Geologist Bob Hauser and Forester Terry Lewis. They have spent many hours in the park removing invasive holly. Terry and Bob will look at the work in progress in the grove and share their unique perspective on this forest, with a focus on soil science and tree species.The Vanier Nature Park project is being co-managed by Comox Valley Nature and the City of Courtenay with funding from the City of Courtenay, BC Nature and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. Registration required through The walk is partially on level ground with some gentle to moderate uphill walking on a forest trail that has some uneven footing. No dogs please.For more information, to add your name to a wait list or to cancel your reservation, email: Details of the meeting place will be sent to registrants. Please be at the meeting spot at least 10 minutes before the walk starts to sign in. ... See MoreSee Less
To celebrate our 60th anniversary we invite you to come for a guided stroll on the Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk with a member of Comox Valley Nature on April 24, 10 am -noon. Learn about the history of this area, including how the former sewage lagoon has become one of the most popular walking spots in the Comox Valley. Check out the restoration work that has replaced invasive plant species and added more native plants, shrubs and trees that is being done by Comox Valley Nature in partnership with the City of Courtenay. Hear why invasive plant species are so damaging to the ecosystems. Enjoy the view from the "lookout" over the estuary and be reminded how important the estuary is to the web of life.