CVN Facebook Posts
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
Learn about mining and the environment in northern Ontario
CVN members and the public are invited to attend the following free online lecture hosted by the Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists: Title: Mining and the Environment in Northern OntarioSpeaker: Dr. Constance O’Connor (Wildlife Conservation Society)Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026Time: … Continue reading
Posted in Conservation and Restoration, Guest Speakers
Comments Off on Learn about mining and the environment in northern Ontario
Help plant trees at Lazo Marsh Wildlife Management Area
Nature Trust of British Columbia is calling for volunteers to help plant trees at the Lazo Marsh Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on Monday, January 19. The West Coast Conservation Land Management Program of Nature Trust BC manages this important conservation … Continue reading
Posted in Conservation and Restoration
Comments Off on Help plant trees at Lazo Marsh Wildlife Management Area
Learn about Tsolum River resilience at our January general meeting
Comox Valley Nature invites its members and the public to CVN’s January general meeting. where you can hear the following keynote presentation by our guest speaker: Title: Tsolum River Watershed – River Resilience in the 21st CenturySpeaker: Laura O’Brien (Tsolum … Continue reading
Posted in Conservation and Restoration, General Meetings, Guest Speakers
Comments Off on Learn about Tsolum River resilience at our January general meeting
Airpark restoration project – 2025 report
At the end of another impactful year of restoration work at the Courtenay Airpark, long-time project leader Frank Hovenden has provided his illustrated annual report which you can read and download here (PDF, 5.1 MB). As usual, the dedicated project … Continue reading
Posted in Conservation and Restoration
Comments Off on Airpark restoration project – 2025 report
Recording for talk on sea star wasting disease
Comox Valley Nature hosted the following presentation at our November 2025 general meeting: Title: Sea Star Wasting Disease Monitoring on the BC CoastSpeakers: Carolyn Prentice and Ondine Pontier (Hakai Institute)Date: Sunday, November 23, 2025 If you missed this event or … Continue reading
Posted in General Meetings, Guest Speakers, Shoreline and Marine
Comments Off on Recording for talk on sea star wasting disease
Botany at Mama Bear Trail, October 2025
On October 14, the Botany Group explored part of the very pleasant Mama Bear Trail in Cumberland Community Forest. The focus of the trip was on the lush ferns and mosses, as well as the early fungi that the recent … Continue reading
Posted in Field Trips, Learning material, Plants and fungi
Comments Off on Botany at Mama Bear Trail, October 2025
Shoreline Group visited Quinsam hatchery
Report by Yvette Crane, co-leader of the Shoreline Group. The Shoreline and Marine Group of CVN enjoyed several wonderful field trips this season. Here is a highlight from our trip to Quinsam River Hatchery and hike along the Quinsam nature … Continue reading
Posted in Field Trips, Shoreline and Marine
Comments Off on Shoreline Group visited Quinsam hatchery
Learn about monitoring sea star wasting disease at our November general meeting
Comox Valley Nature invites its members and the public to CVN’s November general meeting. where you can hear the following keynote presentation by our guest speakers: Title: Sea Star Wasting Disease Monitoring on the BC CoastSpeakers: Carolyn Prentice and Ondine … Continue reading
Posted in General Meetings, Guest Speakers, Shoreline and Marine
Comments Off on Learn about monitoring sea star wasting disease at our November general meeting
NatureKidsBC needs a CV leader
The NatureKidsBC Comox Valley Club is looking for a Volunteer Club Leader! Join their amazing volunteer team of over 65 passionate nature leaders from across British Columbia! Working alone or with co-leaders, Nature Club Leaders organize and deliver Explorer Days … Continue reading
Posted in Education, NatureKids
Comments Off on NatureKidsBC needs a CV leader
Help preserve Hamilton Marsh near Qualicum Beach
The Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) has launched a Conditional Pledge Drive to help secure the remaining 24.8% of the $30,000,000 goal to acquire the ecologically vital 360-hectare Hamilton Marsh and Forest. Hamilton Marsh is one of the last remaining … Continue reading
Posted in Conservation and Restoration, News
Comments Off on Help preserve Hamilton Marsh near Qualicum Beach
