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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: Chanchal Cabrera, ‘Botanical Gardens’, Sun. Mar. 20, 2016
Comox Valley Nature is pleased to welcome Chanchal Cabrera, owner of Innisfree Farm, a 7-acre botanic garden specializing in food and medicine plants, and providing educational internships in organic gardening and herbal medicine. Cabrera’s presentation will focus on how botanic … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Deep Bay, Feb. 25,2016
It was a beautiful morning at Deep Bay despite a chilly start. The highlight was a couple of dozen Long-tailed Ducks looking very stunning in the sunshine. 9 birders saw the following 39 species: American Wigeon Greater Scaup Harlequin Duck … Continue reading
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BC Nature eNews February 2016
Issue 48 Date February 2016 When will Spring be back? BCnature Spring 2016 Magazine is now available The BCnature Spring Magazine is now available for download in the “members only” area. If you do not have your password or access … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Ships Point, Feb.18,2016
Six birders went to Ship’s Point this morning where we saw 22 species. We were greeted with wind and rough sea at the Park which made it a challenge for finding birds bobbing in the waves to say the least. … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Gartley Point, Feb. 11,2016
The fog lifted for us this morning, the ocean was calm, and the rain held off until we were ready to head home. 12 birders went to Gartley Point and Marine Drive in Royston where we saw 38 species of … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Kye Bay, Feb. 4, 2016
After a few days of wind and rain, 9 birders enjoyed a break at Kye Bay and Little River Ferry where we found 38 species. Highlights were the large numbers of waterbirds and eagles – perhaps anticipating the herring spawn. … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Union Bay, Jan. 28,2016
After a night of heavy rain, 13 birders enjoyed a sunny morning at the Union Bay coal hills where we found 32 species. Highlights included a pair of Barrow’s Goldeneye in nice light, several Red-throated Loons, and nine Killdeer on … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Puntledge River, Jan. 14, 2016
For our first bird walk of 2016, January 14th, 16 birders enjoyed a pleasant walk along the Puntledge River where we found 27 species. The highlight was a pair of Dippers foraging along a shallow side-stream. Mallard Common Goldeneye Hooded … Continue reading
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Little River Ferry Bird Count, Wed. Dec. 30,2015
16 birders , including half a dozen experts from Nanaimo, participated in the Ferry Christmas Bird Count from Little River to Powell River & return. 23 species were observed (not counting hybrids )- about average. Past years’ numbers have ranged … Continue reading
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Comox Christmas Bird Count, Sun. Dec.20, 2015
More than 50 birders participated in the Comox Christmas Bird Count on Sunday Dec. 20. The weather was sunny, calm and mild. 109 species were tallied. Notable sightings included Mute Swan, Canvasback, Spotted Sandpiper, Western Meadowlark and Townsend’s Warbler.
