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Recent Posts
- SWI workshop: Subalpine mycology 2026
- Entomology and botany at Mt. Washington, July 2026
- Smartphone photography for iNaturalist
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- Learn about the proposed New Forest Act, June 15
- SWI plant diversity workshop, June 28
- Sophia Priestman, CVN Bursary recipient, 2026
- Bruce Moffat’s nature photography talk materials
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- Brandt Research Grant 2026 awarded
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CVN Facebook Posts
2 days ago
The City of Courtenay is developing a long-term vision for Bill Moore Park and Dogwood Park to guide future improvements. To help guide these decisions, three initial concepts have been developed, and there is an opportunity for you to offer your input.The latest survey on the City website engagecomoxvalley.ca/bill-moore-and-dogwood-park asks for feedback on three concept plans and specifically which concept you prefer. The three concepts present a range of recreation possibilities and there is room on the survey for your comments.Dogwood Park is a 2.32‑hectare nature park featuring mature forested areas, natural habitat and a small wetland. Only Concept A will maintain the intact forest areas in Dogwood Park. Concepts B and C propose increased recreation in the park including an off leash dog park, disc golf course, pump track (a purpose built track for children’s cycling) and nature play areas. While the planners may say that no trees or few trees will be taken down to accommodate this, the under-story will not survive this level of trampling and fragmentation. The trees as well as all the wildlife who now call that area home will disappear over time. For those of us who value this forest, Concept A is the only option that makes sense.Dogwood Park is one of the few islands of green for many, many blocks. It provides habitat for wildlife, shade, retains water and acts as a carbon sink. On the architect's base plan of current conditions it is now characterized as an "underutilized space". The City has heard from sports enthusiasts but not nature lovers. Let them know why you value an intact forest and your connection to it. The survey is open until Sept 15.3 days ago
The Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation (CCIPR) wants the federal government to establish a regulatory body for the horticultural industry and create a national database identifying invasive plants and their risks in different regions."Even if we don't prohibit them, we need to let the public know when there is potential harm," said CCIPR co-founder Cathy Kavassalis. "We do this on other products, and we should do it on plants too. It's just common sense."
In July, Nanaimo council passed a motion to pursue a bylaw amendment restricting the sale of plants on a list maintained by the Invasive Species Council of B.C. A week later, Surrey moved to ban sales by businesses including nurseries, large retail chains and florists.
Kavassalis said a problem that could be addressed at higher levels of government is being pushed down to municipalities."These are all patchwork solutions that, in some ways, just waste a lot of resources," she said.
The CCIPR says a national database could give provinces, territories, retailers and gardeners a shared source of information about which plants pose risks in different regions. Kavassalis also wants invasive plants removed from shelves or clearly labelled.
For more on this story visit www.cbc.ca/news/science/invasive-plants-sale-federal-regulation-9.7312362 or see our link in bio ...
3 days ago
1 week ago
The Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation (CCIPR) wants the federal government to establish a regulatory body for the horticultural industry and create a national database identifying invasive plants and their risks in different regions."Even if we don't prohibit them, we need to let the public know when there is potential harm," said CCIPR co-founder Cathy Kavassalis. "We do this on other products, and we should do it on plants too. It's just common sense."
In July, Nanaimo council passed a motion to pursue a bylaw amendment restricting the sale of plants on a list maintained by the Invasive Species Council of B.C. A week later, Surrey moved to ban sales by businesses including nurseries, large retail chains and florists.
Kavassalis said a problem that could be addressed at higher levels of government is being pushed down to municipalities. "These are all patchwork solutions that, in some ways, just waste a lot of resources," she said.
The CCIPR says a national database could give provinces, territories, retailers and gardeners a shared source of information about which plants pose risks in different regions. Kavassalis also wants invasive plants removed from shelves or clearly labelled.
For more on this story visit www.cbc.ca/news/science/invasive-plants-sale-federal-regulation-9.7312362 ...
2 weeks ago
The following letter is from Save Our Forests Team - Comox Valley, on the subject of Bear James Park ...
Author Archives: Krista
Bird Outing Report: Courtenay Airpark, Oct. 8, 2015
This Thursday October 8th ten birders went to the Air Park where we saw 31 species. Despite infrequent light showers the temperature was mild and the wind calm. The highlights for the morning were 9 Long-billed Dowitchers and 3 Wilson’s … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Hornby Island, Oct. 4,2015
Fifteen birders enjoyed a beautiful day on Hornby on Sunday. First we went to Sandpiper Beach for shorebirds, then to Art and Sue’s cabin for lunch, and then a walk around the Helliwell Provincial Park loop trail. Highlights were many … Continue reading
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BC Nature eNews October 2015
Upcoming Events Harrison Camp – Nov 26 – Nov 29, 2015 – We have had a cancellation, two spots are now available. Please email for more information or visit this link Resolutions Submission – February 26, 2016 deadline – … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Simpson Farm, Oct. 1,2015
Today 13 birders went to the Farm on a wonderful Fall day. We started out with a Merlin at the Viewing Stand and then went on for 32 more species on the Farm. Highlights included 4 Wilson’s Snipe in the … Continue reading
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Botany Outing Report: Kin Beach, Sept. 14, 2015
Six botanists visited Kin Beach Park on a cloudy day, discovering several unusual beach plants including California broomrape , previously unknown in the area. Uncommon plants: California broomrape, American and European sea-rocket ( the latter new to Helen at Kin … Continue reading
Posted in Field Trips, Plants and fungi
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Guest Speaker: Industrial Agriculture, Engineered Food & Your Health: Sun. Sep. 20, 2015
To begin our annual lecture series on the Comox Valley environment, Comox Valley Nature would like to introduce Thierry Vrain who will speak about engineering technology, about the current success of the RoundUp Ready technology and the implications of the … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: One Spot Trail, Sep. 10, 2015
Today 6 birders spent a pleasant morning at One Spot Trail and found 15 species of birds. There was no real highlight, but everyone enjoyed a nice walk. Turkey Vulture Red-breasted Sapsucker Northern Flicker Hammond’s Flycatcher Steller’s Jay Common Raven … Continue reading
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BC Nature Special eNews Sept. 2015
Upcoming Events This is a special enews edition Join us in the fight for Nature Join us in the fight for Nature and help us keep our Province healthy, safe, and tanker free!The Federation of British Columbia Naturalists (BC Nature) … Continue reading
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BC Nature eNews August 2015
Upcoming Events Harrison Salmon Stronghold Camp: November 26 – November 29, 2015 Registration is open for the last remaining 4 spots – if interested, please contact – BC Nature office by calling 604 985 3057 or email AGM 2016 … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Simpson Farm, Sept. 3, 2015
Thursday 13 birders went to the Farm and found 39 species of birds. The highlight was the diversity of migrating birds that we found. The numbers of each species generally were not large, but there was a nice variety. Greater … Continue reading
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