Hope Mountain – Manning Park Bird Blitz – June 15 – 17, 2018 – Email for more info.
FGM 2018: Kelowna – Hosted by Central Okanagan Naturalists Club – September 20 – 22, 2018 – Registration and more info
Harrison Hot Springs – Harrison Eagle Field Camp – November 20 – 25, 2018 – More info below
Harrison Hot Springs “Eagle” Field Camp Registration
Harrison Eagle & Salmon Camp – Registration has commenced via telephone (604 985 3057) or email. There are some spots left in this camp running from November 20-25, 2018. Organized by the Chilliwack Naturalists, this camp is “chock-a-block” full of Natural History in the beautiful area of Harrison Hot Springs. Where the sun always shines!! (Yes even in November)
If you wish to register via email, please include your full name and telephone. If you are registering other people, please include their details as well. A registration form and fact sheet on this wonderful camp will be emailed to you.
Issue 66
Date June 2018
Hummingbird
BCnature Summer Magazine available now online for members only.
Please email if you wish to change from Canada Post Mail to the electronic version for future issues. Physical magazines are due to your mailboxes soon.
Park Enhancement Fund Grant proposals now being accepted
To All BC Nature Clubs: Proposals are now being accepted for Park Enhancement grants up to $5000.00. Many of you have projects that you would like to do in your local BC Parks.
Funding Criteria
•Maximum funding request is $5,000 per project.
•Projects must be completed and reported on by March 31, 2019.
The following types of volunteer projects are eligible for funding:
•Conservation initiatives
◦e.g. invasive species removal
◦e.g. ecological monitoring
◦e.g. shoreline cleanups
•Recreation initiatives
◦e.g. purchasing adaptive recreation equipment (e.g. TrailRider)
◦e.g. construction of small park facilities (e.g. docks, boardwalks)
◦e.g. interpretive programs and signs
•Community Events
◦e.g. Celebrating Parks Day
◦e.g. Hosting a Bioblitz
All applicants will be reviewed by BC Parks staff and successful applicants will be notified by June 30, 2018. To apply, please fill out the application form and submit to .
Take part in the Great Canadian Bumble Bee Count
Take part in Friends of the Earth’s Great Canadian Bumble Bee Count from July to August, 2018. Our downloadable Bumble Bee Census Card for Eastern or Western Canada will get you off to a buzzing start.
Just like governments need a census to know what’s happening with its citizens, as well as their homes, families and jobs, we think bumble bees need their own census. Not enough is known about wild, native bees in Canada, and what scientists do know is worrying. By taking part, you’ll learn about over 40 species of Canada’s bumble bees and ways you can help them.
Record your bee observations here. Or if you prefer to do observations on other critters
Kinder Morgan Pipeline: Updates and Opinions
Here is everything you need to know about Ottawa’s plan to (maybe) buy the Kinder Morgan pipeline: After months of trade wars, threats and backroom wrangling, Finance Minister Bill Morneau on Tuesday announced the government’s plan to get the Kinder Morgan pipeline built. Continue Reading
John Horgan: ‘It doesn’t matter who owns the Kinder Morgan pipeline, the risks remain’:“We will continue to fight for B.C.’s interests and stand up for our people, our province, and our future”, writes the B.C. premier. Continue Reading
Edmonton’s blue-collar workers cautiously hopeful over pipeline progress:“It’s good to see there is something positive coming down the road”. Continue Reading
NatureKids BC is Hiring
From NatureKids BC:
We are seeking an experienced fund development specialist to join our team for the next year. This contract position is part-time (22.5 hrs/week) and is home-based in BC.
Damaging audit of fossil fuel fracking in northern B.C. surfaces after 4 years: The report about caribou protection was sent anonymously to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Continue Reading
From the Outdoor Recreation Council:
Provincial Caribou Recovery Program
The federal government is initiating conservation efforts for caribou under the authority of the federal Species at Risk Act, and the Province is expected to reduce threats to caribou herds and their critical habitat. As a result, the provincial government is developing its Caribou Recovery Program, which is intended to be a long-term commitment that will include all BC caribou herds. In November 2017, the provincial government and the Government of Canada published a draft Section 11 Agreement, to articulate actions both parties will take over the next five years to support recovery of self-sustaining populations of the Southern Mountain Caribou in BC. To participate in the discussion, visit engage.gov.bc.ca/caribou or email .
38th Annual BC Rivers Day: September 23, 2018
From the Outdoor Recreation Council:
Join us in celebrating BC Rivers Day on September 23, falling on the fourth Sunday in September and coinciding with World Rivers Day. Please let us know about activities and events you may organize, and register your event online to spread the word.
This issue is as important as ever. In March 2018, the Outdoor Recreation Council released its 2018 endangered rivers list. Steelhead-bearing rivers along with “Heart of the Fraser” are among BC’s endangered rivers. Other threatened waterways listed include the Fraser, Thompson, Chilcotin, Gold, Seymour, Cowichan, Peace and Kettle rivers.
Counting Down to Vancouver Congress and Festival
With less than three months to go, momentum for the 27th International Ornithological Congress is ramping up. The Congress will take place in Vancouver from August 19-26, 2018. Early indications suggest that this enriching learning experience will be extremely well attended.
The Vancouver International Bird Festival will be taking place at the same time, featuring a range of events, walks, presentations, and more. Check out the Festival website for full details.
Interesting Links
Curious swan thinks Global News camera is for the birds: Video
Goose attacks US soldiers in hilarious video – Daily Mail: Video
Wildlife Habitat Features – Guidance Document for Conservation: Link
As wildfire season moves long, stay updated on the current wildfire situation: Link
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! ... See MoreSee Less
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 regionPeople working in or affected by the forest sectorThose interested in practical, policy-level solutionsAnyone who wants a clear explanation of what’s happening—and what can be doneTo 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 ... See MoreSee Less
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 HouseCampbell River • Quadra Island • CourtenayPort Alberni • Honeymoon Bay • Powell River • Victoria Full details and event pages: boundaryforest.org/new-forest-act-roadshow-2026-info/About the New Forest ActThe 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 thresholdsThe framework shifts management from volume-based targets to outcomes-based management, with a focus on watershed function, ecosystem integrity, and stable regional economies.FormatEach 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-presenterDave 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. ... See MoreSee Less
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. ... See MoreSee Less
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.