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Sophia Priestman, a graduate of Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School, is the 2026 recipient of the CVN Bursary. Our $1000 bursary was presented to her at the school’s awards ceremony on May 28.Sophia graduates with straight A grades. She made extensive contributions to the Environment Club throughout her career at Isfeld, taking on the president’s role in grades 11 and 12. She was also very involved in the Model UN Program, and participated in other school clubs and sports.
Outside school, Sophia has volunteered with Anderton Therapeutic Garden and with Lush Valley for several years. At 12 years old she was offered a job by five vendors at the Farmer’s Market and chose Alderlane Bakery where she is in her sixth year of employment. She also has helped out at Pendleton Farm.
Sophia has been accepted at the University of Victoria where she will pursue a dual major in Environmental Studies and Economics with a minor in Applied Ethics. Of this somewhat unusual combination of disciplines, Sophia says:
This variety of disciplines will allow me to see complex political and environmental issues from multiple perspectives and find innovative solutions that both foster sustainability and ensure welfare for all (human and non-human alike).
Congratulations, Sophia!
The New Forest Act Roadshow is a series of public presentations across British Columbia explaining what the New Forest Act is, why BC’s current forestry system is failing, and what a workable legislative solution looks like.That solution is the New Forest Act – a proposed policy framework developed over several years through research, public input, and lived experience in communities directly affected by forestry decisions.
BC’s forestry challenges are not isolated incidents—they are the result of a system that no longer reflects the realities on the land.
Join Jennifer Houghton and Dave Weaver on Monday June 15th at the Stan Hagen Theatre in Courtenay fpr a presentation that offers a clear, developed alternative.
Jennifer Houghton is lead developer of the New Forest Act, a legislative proposal to replace British Columbia’s current forestry system. She works directly on forestry policy analysis, public education, and government engagement to advance structural reform in how BC’s forests are managed.
Dave Weaver has 37 years of experience in British Columbia’s forestry sector, working across industry, consulting, and government. His career includes field forestry with MacMillan Bloedel, forest consulting and applied ecology instruction in the northern interior, and 12 years with the BC Ministry of Forests developing silviculture policy and training in alternatives to clearcutting.
He now focuses on watershed-level impacts of forestry through his work with the Beaufort Watershed Stewards, bringing decades of on-the-ground and policy experience to the discussion of forestry reform in BC.
This event is for:
Residents concerned about forestry in their region
People working in or affected by the forest sector
Those interested in practical, policy-level solutions
Anyone who wants a clear explanation of what’s happening—and what can be done
To view the schedule for other presentations and for full details on the legislative framework visit boundaryforest.org/the-new-forest-act-proposal/
Sentinel Educational Foundation and the Watershed Sentinel magazine are the sponsors of the Vancouver Island leg of the 2026 New Forest Act Roadshow. Their support is helping bring public education about forest policy reform to communities across Vancouver Island.
This is a free public event and donations are welcome
Photos from Project Watershed's post
The New Forest Act Roadshow is a series of public presentations across British Columbia explaining what the New Forest Act is, why BC’s current forestry system is failing, and what a workable legislative solution looks like. Dave Weaver and Jennifer Houghton will be speaking at Stan Hagen Theatre on June 15th. for more information visit boundaryforest.org/courtenay🚨 ANNOUNCEMENT: The New Forest Act Roadshow - June 2–22, 2026This will be a series of in-person presentations across British Columbia focused on the New Forest Act - a legislative proposal to replace the current forestry framework.
Tour stops include:
Golden • Nelson • Trail • 100 Mile House
Campbell River • Quadra Island • Courtenay
Port Alberni • Honeymoon Bay • Powell River • Victoria
Full details and event pages: boundaryforest.org/new-forest-act-roadshow-2026-info/
About the New Forest Act
The New Forest Act is a proposed legislative framework that restructures forest management around ecological limits and long-term economic stability.
It is built on a Protect–Restore–Harvest (PRH) model:
• Protect primary forests and critical watershed areas
• Restore degraded landscapes
• Harvest only on previously disturbed land using selection-based systems, within ecological thresholds
The framework shifts management from volume-based targets to outcomes-based management, with a focus on watershed function, ecosystem integrity, and stable regional economies.
Format
Each event will be a presentation followed by a focused Q&A.
Presenter
Jennifer Houghton, New Forest Act Campaign Director, draws on years of research, public education, and direct engagement with communities and decision-makers across BC.
Co-presenter
Dave Weaver (retired forestry professional) will co-present in Campbell River, and likely in Courtenay and Port Alberni as well.
If you’ve been watching this issue for years...
If you’ve felt like nothing ever actually changes...
Come to a presentation.
See it for yourself.
Bring someone with you.
June 2–22. Across British Columbia.
Let’s go.
Drought in the summer is hard on plants in our environment. The trees in your yard may have begun to respond to this stress. Our next knowledge walk will help you to learn how to keep your trees healthy and thriving.Join Verna Mumby as we look at the effects of drought and climate change on trees.
This knowledge walk will be at the Airpark. Taking the trees there as a sample, we will look for signs of drought stress, and indications of healthy growth. We will examine factors such as hydrology, disease vectors and soil compaction.
We will discuss watering and other methods of mitigating stress.
Meeting location will be sent before the walk.
Bring binoculars to examine higher branches. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. We will be walking on the airpark paths.
REGISTRATION required using RSVP link at comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca/event/trees-and-drought/ An easy 1 km walk on a wheelchair accessible paved path. Sorry, no dogs. This event is free, but donations are welcome.
Author Archives: Krista
Guest Speaker: James & Kristen Miskelly, Sun. Apr. 16,2017
The Comox Valley, as most of Vancouver Island is fast seeing its Garry oak heritage disappear. Victoria has taken steps to reverse this trend by developing programmes to restore native Garry Oak ecosystems. In order to foster this initiative Comox … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: One Spot Trail, Mar. 30, 2017
Today, March 30th, 10 birders spent a rare, sunny morning on the One Spot Trail and found 18 species. The highlight was a great view of a pair of Wood Ducks high in a tree with the female peeking out … Continue reading
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Guest Speaker: Charly Caproff, ‘Explore Your Watershed with Fraser Riverkeeper’, Sun. Mar. 19, 2017
Comox Valley Nature would like to introduce Charly Caproff. Unique is one way to describe her. Captivated by the mysterious subterranean realm beneath our feet, Charly became an advocate for karst, a scarcely heard of but ecologically important ecosystem in … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Courtenay Airpark, Mar. 16,2017
Today,March 16th, 10 birders spent a pleasant morning at Courtenay Airpark and Riverway and found 30 species. A highlight was a great view of an Anna’s Hummingbird on her nest. Canada Goose Trumpeter Swan American Wigeon Eurasian Wigeon Mallard Green-winged … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Kye Bay, Mar. 9,2017
March 9, six birders spent a cold but otherwise pleasant morning at Point Holmes and Kye Bay. The herring fleet was actively harvesting off Point Holmes. Although the number of species was low (16 species), there were thousands of gulls … Continue reading
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Guest Speakers: AGM & Panel Discussion, Sun. Feb. 19,2017
The Annual General Meeting of Comox Valley Nature will be held on February 19 at 7:00 pm sharp in the Florence Filberg Centre. The AGM will feature a panel discussion consisting of four well-known environmentalists from the Comox Valley. The … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Lazo Marsh & Woods, Feb. 2,2017
Today, Groundhog Day, 10 birders spent a pleasant but cool morning at Lazo Marsh and Lazo Woods and found 19 species. A highlight was a Virginia Rail calling from the marsh. A bonus bird was a cooperative Cooper’s Hawk that … Continue reading
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Nature Outing Report: Goose Spit, Jan. 28, 2017
On a blustery day, 26 intrepid club members gathered for a birding hike along Goose Spit. Due to the choppy waters on the outside, most of the waterbirds were at the tip of the spit. The group had good looks … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Miracle Beach to Oyster River, Jan.26,2017
This morning 11 birders went to Miracle Beach, Saratoga Beach and Oyster River estuary. We had a pleasant morning with a variety of waterbirds. Highlights were Brant, both Goldeneyes, and great looks at shorebirds. The following 33 species were found: … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Courtenay Airpark, Jan.19,2017
Today, January 19th, 11 birders spent a pleasant morning (with only a brief shower) at Courtenay Airpark and found 29 species. Highlights included great views of Ring-billed Gulls and White-crowned Sparrows. Canada Goose Trumpeter Swan American Wigeon Mallard Green-winged Teal … Continue reading
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