Our 2016 FGM will be held in Prince George from September 22 – 25, 2016. The pricing on some FGM items has changed, and the early registration deadline has been extended to August 19th. Visit our website for an updated registration form and read below for more information.
Our 2017 AGM will be held in Lillooet from May 4 – 7, 2017. You’ll find details available in September.
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FGM 2016 Updates
In addition to adjusting the early registration date to August 19, the FGM organizers in Prince George have also done their best to reduce costs for attendees in a variety of ways, including optional lunch purchases for field trips that previously had mandatory, included lunches.
Other updates include set Executive and Directors’ meeting times, general field trip changes (carpooling), and alternate payment methods in case of a postal strike.
Please read the full list of FGM updates on our website and, as linked above, find an updated registration form reflecting the new pricing here.
Issue : 51
Date : July 2016
Two female Orcas.
BCnature Fall 2016 Magazine will come out in September!
However, the Summer 2016 issue of the magazine is viewable in the “members only” area of our website. If you do not have your password or access name, please email the office for your information (). For those that currently receive the magazine via Canada post mail, your name as it is written on the label and your password (top left corner) are your access to the members only area.
Some BC IBAs (Important Bird Areas) still need Caretakers!
The BC IBA program is coordinated by BC Nature (the Federation of BC Naturalists) with support from national partners Nature Canada and Bird Studies Canada. BC’s 82 designated sites form a significant portion of the network of ~600 IBAs across Canada, which is not surprising considering 76% of Canada’s bird species are found in BC.
Volunteer Caretakers are the eyes, ears, and hands on the ground at Important Bird Areas. They monitor birds, assess habitats, and conduct outreach and conservation activities within IBAs. To view a list of areas that still need Caretakers, please visit our website.
The Northern Gateway pipeline’s approval was overturned!
BC Nature firmly believes that the Northern Gateway project presented unacceptable risks to British Columbians and to the environment. This project threatened populations of woodland caribou that are already under tremendous pressure from habitat destruction and fragmentation. A marine oil spill would also have catastrophic consequences for communities and ecosystems along the BC coast.
The court’s decision highlights the need for urgent reform of federal environmental assessment law. “Canadians deserve an environmental assessment process that they can trust,” says Chris Tollefson, counsel to BC Nature. “There are deep-seated flaws in the current review process including inadequate consultation with affected communities and First Nations. Without proper consultation, projects like this will never secure the social licence upon which they must depend.”
Read our full press release through the link under “Latest News” on our website’s homepage, and check out this CBC article for a summary of the ruling.
Four recovery documents (for the Coastal Tailed Frog, the Blue-grey Taildropper, the Northern Leopard Frog, and the Pacific Gophersnake) have also been posted as proposed on the Species at Risk Public Registry for public comment. This comment period will close on September 4th, 2016. Links to these plans are listed above.
Wanted: Bobcat and Lynx photos for a UBC study
A bobcat/lynx study is currently under way at the University of British Columbia in partnership with BC’s Ministry of Environment. The study’s researchers are seeking photos of bobcats and lynx captured by trail cameras, or conventional cameras, from all corners of the province and from all time periods to help determine the provincial distribution of each species. The photos do not have to be great photography – they just have to show a bobcat or a lynx, or even just a part of one. Photos can be blurry or dark and don’t even have to clearly show which cat species is present.
Photos will not be published or shared with anyone without permission, and photographers will retain ownership of their photos. The results of this study will be gladly shared with all those who are interested. Please send photos, along with the date and location of each photo, to TJ Gooliaff at .
Participate in Upcoming Summer Festivals!
On September 11, The Treefest Planning Committee is hosting the 23rd Annual Treefest to celebrate and emphasize the importance of the fine collection of trees on the Riverview lands. Find more information about registering by emailing .
From September 23 – 24, the Fraser River Discovery Centre is hosting River Fest, a celebration of our province and World Rivers Day. Find more information about registering here!
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On July 1, 2014 Canada implemented new laws that regulate how we communicate electronically with our “followers”. Since our electronic communications are not commercial in nature, the new Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation does not apply. However, we wanted to take the opportunity to remind you that you can unsubscribe from our distribution list at any time by clicking the link above.
To celebrate our 60th anniversary we invite you to come for a guided stroll on the Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk with a member of Comox Valley Nature on April 24, 10 am -noon. Learn about the history of this area, including how the former sewage lagoon has become one of the most popular walking spots in the Comox Valley. Check out the restoration work that has replaced invasive plant species and added more native plants, shrubs and trees that is being done by Comox Valley Nature in partnership with the City of Courtenay. Hear why invasive plant species are so damaging to the ecosystems. Enjoy the view from the "lookout" over the estuary and be reminded how important the estuary is to the web of life.REGISTRATION required on our events page cvnature.ca/events An easy 1 km walk on a wheelchair accessible paved path. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle Sorry, no dogs. This event is free, but donations are welcome.For more information, add your name to a wait list or to cancel your reservation email: . ... See MoreSee Less
To celebrate our 60th anniversary Comox Valley Nature is offering this opportunity to get together with knowledgeable birders to share skills and learn more about birding in the Comox Valley.This outing is designed for beginners, but birders of all levels are welcome. Experienced birders will help with identifying species, equipment, useful apps, and field guides. Both CVN members and the public are welcome on this walk at the Courtenay Airpark which will be on a wide smooth pathway for about 2km round trip. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Warm clothing necessary – it’s often windy there! Please leave pets at home.Register through our events page at This event is free. Donations welcome.#birding#comoxvalley#iba#courtenay airpark ... See MoreSee Less
To celebrate our 60th anniversary we offer this opportunity to learn more about Garry oaks in the Comox Valley.Vanier Nature Park is home to a small grove of Garry oak trees which is being stewarded by Comox Valley Nature. These oaks are at the northern extent of their range, and are a remnant of a culturally modified ecosystem that once covered 160 square kilometres in the Comox ValleyThis walk will be lead by Geologist Bob Hauser and Forester Terry Lewis. They have spent many hours in the park removing invasive holly. Terry and Bob will look at the work in progress in the grove and share their unique perspective on this forest, with a focus on soil science and tree species.The Vanier Nature Park project is being co-managed by Comox Valley Nature and the City of Courtenay with funding from the City of Courtenay, BC Nature and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. Registration required through The walk is partially on level ground with some gentle to moderate uphill walking on a forest trail that has some uneven footing. No dogs please.For more information, to add your name to a wait list or to cancel your reservation, email: Details of the meeting place will be sent to registrants. Please be at the meeting spot at least 10 minutes before the walk starts to sign in. ... See MoreSee Less
To celebrate our 60th anniversary we invite you to come for a guided stroll on the Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk with a member of Comox Valley Nature on April 24, 10 am -noon. Learn about the history of this area, including how the former sewage lagoon has become one of the most popular walking spots in the Comox Valley. Check out the restoration work that has replaced invasive plant species and added more native plants, shrubs and trees that is being done by Comox Valley Nature in partnership with the City of Courtenay. Hear why invasive plant species are so damaging to the ecosystems. Enjoy the view from the "lookout" over the estuary and be reminded how important the estuary is to the web of life.