Botany Group Report January 2016
A small group gathered at Karin’s to talk about potential trips for the Spring, and to view a video entitled The Red Deserts (Kyzyl Kum in Central Asia), one part of the series “In the Realms of the Russian Bear”. The main focus was how members of the animal kingdom survive in such a harsh environment, but of botanical interest were the stunning spring flowers that flourish briefly in the wake of the melting snow – brilliant red tulips (among the 16 species of tulipa endemic to Central Asia) and poppies (they looked very like Papaver rhoeas?) and the stately giant fennel (Ferula sp.).
Potential trips mentioned: Tree Island in late March or early April, Yellow Point or Gabriola in April or May? The 9k bog and the Puntledge bog ( on the south side of the river downstream from the dam) should also be visited. Jocie offered to host a study of edible weeds in her yard, probably in June.
Further suggestions can be considered at the February meeting.
For February 9th we decided on a beach walk, focussing on seaweed, at Kye Bay (starting from Airforce Beach) and for March 8th Morrison Creek.
CVN Facebook Posts
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: .
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
Plant more native plants and weed out invasives to build a stronger food web:
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 Valley
This 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.
