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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: web_admin
Dune blooms in mid-October!
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on October 24. I was over on the west coast last weekend, which was almost as wet as this weekend! While wandering the Wickaninnish beach dunes, I was surprised to see … Continue reading
Posted in Plants and fungi
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Spectacular polypores
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on October 16. I’ve seen some spectacular polypores this fall! Those that grow attached to dead trees and fallen logs are often called “bracket fungus” or “conks.” All have pores underneath … Continue reading
Posted in Plants and fungi
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Moss articles and photos
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on October 10. This is always a good time of year for moss watching (especially after the rain). Two members have sent links to interesting moss-related articles, and I’ve included a … Continue reading
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Do you have a bat box?
This article about a Canada-wide community science project is contributed to our website (and other outlets) by Karen Vanderwolf, a PhD student at Trent University and Research Associate at New Brunswick Museum. A more detailed article will appear in CVN’s … Continue reading
Posted in Conservation and Restoration
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Learn about chemical contaminants in our oceans
The Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists is hosting a free online lecture as follows: Title: Environmental pollution in British Columbia: A short history of chemical conquestSpeaker: Dr. Peter RossDate: Sunday, October 17, 2021Time: 7:00 p.m. PT This talk is open … Continue reading
Posted in Guest Speakers, Shoreline and Marine
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Recording available for redcedar dieback talk
Comox Valley Nature recently presented the following webinar, facilitated by the Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists: Title: Western redcedar dieback and community science in the Pacific NorthwestSpeaker: Dr. Joseph HulbertDate: Sunday, September 19, 2021 If you missed this event or … Continue reading
Posted in Ecology, Guest Speakers
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A few Plateau plants
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on September 15. Here are a few photos from a hike I did up Mt. Becher with Mandy a few weeks ago. Some wonderful colours starting and lots of interesting plants … Continue reading
Posted in Plants and fungi
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Recordings available for SWI 2021 student talks
The Strathcona Wilderness Institute recently presented the following two webinars, to which CVN members and the general public were invited: Title: Investigating White Pine Blister Rust in Strathcona ParkSpeaker: Kaitlyn Kuzma-WellsDate: Sunday, September 5, 2021 Title: Notable Flora of Strathcona … Continue reading
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Bedwell and Cream Lakes botany (part 2)
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on September 4. Here’s part 2 from the Bedwell and Cream Lakes area. See part 1 here. Click a photo to enlarge it. Cream Lake view River beauty or dwarf fireweed … Continue reading
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Bedwell and Cream Lakes botany (part 1)
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on September 4. Apart from Alison’s lovely photos of Paradise Meadows, we haven’t delved into subalpine/alpine plants much this summer. So, here is a blast of the mountain flora. I went … Continue reading
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