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Recent Posts
- Resources for the bird intelligence talk
- Learn about bird intelligence at our October general meeting
- Courtenay Rotary Trail “Pulling Together” project resumes (fall 2026)
- Celebrating autumn: Overstory, understory, your stories
- Recording for talk on Brooklyn Creek coho stewardship
- Learn about coho and Brooklyn Creek stewardship at our September general meeting
- Enjoy an afternoon of storytelling with author Caroll Simpson
- SWI workshop: Subalpine mycology 2026
- Entomology and botany at Mt. Washington, July 2026
- Smartphone photography for iNaturalist
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CVN Facebook Posts
8 hours ago
Drawing on the Salish Sea: A Zoom course in support of the Mitlenatch Island Stewardship Team (MIST)Have you wished that you could keep a nature journal or paint the life around you? During three Zoom sessions you can explore how to quickly capture wildflowers, inter-tidal life and birds You’ll learn how to draw quickly and accurately, starting with simple shapes, then using some refining techniques, which will help you draw with less frustration!You’ll look at materials: papers, pens, and coloured mediums like pencil crayons. Then you’ll jump into watercolours with a simple palette and mixes as well as quick watercolour techniques you can use in the field or at home. All the lessons will be accompanied with downloadable notes.You will finish the course ready to start your own Nature Journal.Zoom recordings will allow you watch the sessions at your convenience during the course and for a month after we wrap up. About Mitlenatch Island:Mitlenatch Island is a small rocky island that sits between Campbell River and Powell River, in the Salish Sea. Cast in the rain shadow of Vancouver Island, its flanks are clad in golden grasses and its meadows host an explosion of spring wildflowers. Anchored where tides rush in from the north and south, rich waters encircling the island teem with fish; intertidal life flourishes and thousands of seabirds nest on cliffs, in rocks, and on open ground. It’s shores provide refuge for mother seals with their pups, and haul out for sea lions in the winter. In recent years Humpbacks have returned to nearby waters, to feed on krill and schooling fish. With so much life, much of it on exposed nesting areas, the island has a special vulnerability. The Mist volunteer wardens are in place for the summer months to welcome people to the island (which is accessible by boat only) and to relate to visitors the natural and human history of the island. For 25 years Alison Watt has spent a week on the island in the summer, as a volunteer warden. Her journals are full of Mitlenatch sketches. She finds it a delight and a privilege to return each year to this jewel of the Salish Sea. MIST is a special organisation which works closely with BC Provincial Parks to ensure that Mitlenatch Island remains a haven for the plants and animals of the Salish Sea.Sign up and donate through www.alisonwatt.ca/drawing-on-the-salish-seaFor more information on Mitlenatch Island visit www.mitlenatch.ca/mitlenatch-island4 days ago
Comox Valley Nature invites its members and the public to CVN’s October general meeting, where you can hear the following keynote presentation by our guest speaker: Birdbrains – Smarter than you think- with Sandra MilliganOnce dismissed as “birdbrains,” birds are now recognized for their remarkable intelligence. Sandra explores the evolution of our understanding of avian neuroanatomy, focusing on local species. Through engaging stories and videos, Sandra explores how birds solve problems, use tools, express empathy, and communicate with rich vocabulary – inviting you to see these creatures with newfound respect and wonder.
Sandra Milligan has been teaching university level biology at North Island College for over twenty years. With graduate degrees in neuroscience, she’s now a generalist, naturalist, and lifelong learner. In Campbell River, she’s a recognized environmental advocate and public educator. Her passion for birding has evolved into a deep interest in avian behaviour and intelligence. Drawing on her neuroanatomy background, Sandra has followed the growing research on bird cognition, confirming what many intuitively felt – birds display an extraordinary range of intelligent behaviours.
Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 3 pm in the main hall of Comox United Church, 250 Beach Drive, Comox. Members of the public welcome.
This will be an in-person only meeting. We will not record the presentation on this occasion [this is a correction to previous information].
As always, there will be a break after the presentation with a chance to meet new people and socialize with old friends. Tea, coffee and treats will be available (by donation).
A brief meeting follows. Reports from some of our interest groups and projects are an opportunity for guests to learn more about what we do. ...
5 days ago
It's that time of year! A couple of off leash dogs have been seen romping at the confluence of Morrison Creek and the Puntledge River. Dogs get quite excited to see those big chum. The chum do spawn right at the mouth of the creek, salmon eggs are very sensitive to disturbance so paws, or feet, in the creek kill eggs. Keep your dog on a leash, especially if you do not want a smelly dog! Dogs like to roll in dead fish. Salmon spook, be a quiet calm wildlife paparazzi. ...1 week ago
Fish Walk!!! ( Well, not really...but don't miss this chance to follow their journey!)Join the Morrison Creek Streamkeepers for a walk along Morrison Creek, starting at its confluence with the Puntledge River in Puntledge Park, to watch salmon spawning after their remarkable journey back from the ocean. Register here: form.jotform.com/262924316992264 ...2 weeks ago
Thanks to community support, a property in Deep Bay is now protected, safeguarding its mature forests, salmon streams and diverse shoreline.Now, we’re helping restore this land so it can regenerate into a healthy forest.
Join the Comox Valley land Trust and WolfTree for a hands-on day to rehabilitate the former homestead by planting trees and shrubs
If you'd like to volunteer your time, the work party is Sunday, October 25th, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Meet at Rosewall creek Provincial Park parking lot at 9:50 to carpool to the deep bay restoration site.
See this link or link in bio to register and for more information: www.jotform.com/form/262826298698277 ...
Author Archives: Jim Boulter
Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program Recognizes CVNS
The Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program officially recognized Comox Valley Naturalist Society in March with a Community Engagement Grant of $500. The grant was awarded in conjunction with the upcoming BC Nature Conference and AGM, May 12 to May 15. A … Continue reading
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Innisfree Farm
Chanchal Cabrera Of Innisfree Farm Presents at CVN Regular Meeting The members who attended the regular monthly CVN meeting had a real treat in store. Chanchal Cabera of Innisfree Farm gave a wonderful talk and slide show on Botanical Gardens around the … Continue reading
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Presentation on Toad People, an inspiring new documentary film by Gwen Barlee
Congratulations Gwen Barlee! Gwen is one of the Presenters at the 2016 BC Nature Conference, and has been nominated for by the YWCA for the Women of Distinction Awards in Environmental Sustainability. Gwen will give a presentation on Toad People, an inspiring new documentary … Continue reading
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Too Many Choices at the 2016 BC Nature Conference?
Trying to decide which of the over thirty activities you would like to take in during the 2016 BC Nature Conference and AGM? Some of the more popular Field Trips are almost fully booked, but there are lots of wonderful … Continue reading
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Introducing your AGM Committee
The core AGM Committee was recently featured in both the Echo and Record Newspapers. Not all members could be present for the photo shoot. The members from left to right are Bruce Martin, Barbara Martin Gabriel Bau, Jarrett Krentzel, Loys … Continue reading
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ANCO Inn Offering Room Discounts
ANCO Inn Offering Discount Rates to Conference Delegates! Anne Newman, Manager of ANCO Inn of Courtenay, is pleased to offer their Corporation Rates to Conference Delegates. says Ms. Newman “our standard room would start at $65.00 for one person and $10 for any extra person … Continue reading
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Ellerslie B&B Offers Discount to Delegates
Ellerslie Bed and Breakfast, in Buckley Bay, south of Courtenay has offered Delegates a special rate for the Conference. Says Rebecca Kayfetz, “We wanted to extend an accommodation offer to any out-of-town meeting attendees. Ellerslie Bed and Breakfast can offer 20% off … Continue reading
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Discover Comox Valley Awards Grant to CVN!
Discover Comox Valley Awards Grant to CVN! Discover Comox Valley in conjunction with Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism has awarded Comox Valley Nature a substantial Grant towards the BC Nature AGM and Conference May 12 to 14, 2016. The AGM Planning Committee wishes to thank both … Continue reading
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Second Tree Island Trip Available
A Second Field trip to Vancouver Island University’s Marine Research Station has been added to the schedule! It is now available on Friday May 13th and Saturday May 14th at 1:30. Both trips are now posted in the latest Conference Program and Registration Form. … Continue reading
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Holiday Inn Express Provides a Discount!
Holiday Inn Express, a Three-Star Hotel, and the newest hotel in Comox Valley is offering a special discount rate for Delegates to the BC Nature AGM and Conference! Simply quote the CVN Block Code for a 14.5% discount of the rate! All … Continue reading
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