April 4, 2011 Deadline – Rene Savenye Scholarship – go to website
April 8 – Early Bird registration for AGM – Williams Lake. Register early! Registration available after April 8 but reduced pricing not in effect.
April 28 to May 1 – Canyon Camp Details below
May 6-8, 2011 – Skagit Bird Blitz – details available in Spring Magazine
May 12-15 – 2011 – AGM 2011 – Williams Lake – Registration now available on our website
June 3-5, 2011 – Mt. Robson Bird Blitz – Info available in Spring Magazine
June 17-19, 2011 – Manning Bird Blitz – Info available in Spring Magazine
July 15 – 19th – Strathcona Park Camp – details now on BC Nature Website
Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 – F.G.M. – “Nature on the move – Fall Migration through Delta” – hosted by Delta Naturalists in Tsawassen BC – Details available in Spring Magazine.
Science Fair 2011
There is still time for you to get involved with your local community in Science Fair 2011. BC Nature is proud to sponsor prizes for BC Nature Award (Federation of BC Naturalists)• $50. To be awarded at each British Columbia Regional Science Fair to the best natural history project done by a student(s) in Grades 7 to 12. This includes studies of any aspect of natural history, conservation of natural habitats, or the conservation of natural species. Science Fair Website
Issue 13
Date March 2011
Downy Woodpecker
Communications Director needed!
BC Nature needs your help in assisting us with the revamping of our website – magazine editor etc. Please contact John Neville through the office
Big Day For The Brant – 2011 Birding Competition
For the 18th year a Big Day competition will be held to crown the teams that can see the most species of birds in one day. • WHERE: Parksville/Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island, BC. • WHEN: Saturday April 9, 2011 from 4:30am to 3:00pm. • WHO: Teams of 3 to 5 in both Green and Motorized Categories. Novice, Intermediate, Experienced & young birders all welcomed. • PRIZES: Awards Presentations immediately following at Deez Bar & Grill, Qualicum Beach. • COST: $10 cash per person at the door. • HOW: TO REGISTER, contact RHYS HARRISON or (250) 248-5305 with team names, email addresses, category & experience level.
Where have all of our animals gone since 1850? visit this site
Endangered Rivers Nominations – the date has passed for 2011 — however — interesting
Water for Life Benefit concert April 7/11 – details can be found on
Interpretation Workshop – put on my Metro Vancouver – information found for the April 9th & 10th workshop at the
Find out what Alien Plant species are invading your neighbourhood
Interesting website –
Sustainability and Change: Studies in BC’s Past, Present & Future Communities
“Sustainability and Change: Studies in B.C.’s Past, Present, and Future Communities” is the theme for the B.C. Studies Conference, UBC Okanagan, Kelowna, B.C. May 5-7, 2011. We invite scholars in all disciplines to explore this theme as the conference will offer multiple perspectives on where we regard cultural and environmental sustainability and change amongst various stakeholders in our society. We welcome panels, sessions and individual papers in the traditional areas of BC Studies as well as symposia and presentations on a range of subjects: the arts and sciences, First Nations, fine arts, professional and community associations, and government agencies and representatives. We especially encourage colleagues in fields as diverse as water quality, agriculture, forestry, tourism, ecology, immigration, and land use to submit proposals related to community sustainability ! issues in B.C. Other colleagues may consider examining directions in BC’s social, health, industrial, and environmental policies. Studies from and about First Nations’ communities are particularly encouraged. Finally, proposals that place British Columbia within transnational or comparative contexts are welcome. Studying the past, understanding the present, and preparing for the future make these discussions even more relevant today. We must continue to assert the importance and appreciation for diverse and relevant modes of cultural and environmental interaction within society and the environment. This conference is one place where the exchange of ideas better prepares us, our students, and our work to serve our communities, however they are defined. For further information please go to: BC Studies – Okanagan or contact us at:
BC Hydro is Listening?
In June 2010, the BC Government passed the Clean Energy Act. This instructed BC Hydro to prepare a 20 year Integrated Resource Plan to address , amongst other things, the use of renewable power potential to achieve the provincial government’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. On March 9, I attended BC Hydro’s Open House in Victoria. They presented a number of scenarios for the coming years. They also projected a production shortfall of ~5,000GWh by 2031. A combination of additional electrical generation with wind power, run-of-river , Site C and Gas-fired generation is proposed. Wind power and run-of-river resources are presented as the most expensive option. While a combination of windpower, run-of-river, Site C and Gas-Fired Generation would be the cheapest. I was introduced to a new subject called “Electrification”. This encompasses more use of electrical transportation and other services. How far do you want them to go? BC Hydro really wants your feedback! This is an opportunity for naturalists ,as individuals, to voice their opinion. Go to: BC Hydro on line feedback form In the spotlight on right of the page and give them your ideas on energy production and the future of our province. I will certainly be giving them mine. John Neville President
Environmental Assessment of the proposed Kitsault Mine
Please follow the link below (i.e. View Article) for a Notice giving details of the on feedback and comments by April 9th for the proposed Kitsault Mine project which would be located at the head of Alice Arm about 50 km south east of Stewart. Article on Kitsault Mine
Canada has some of the world’s most extensive water resources. But we also consume far more per person than in other countries. Each of us uses about 57 gallons (260 litres) of water each day – about 10 times the global average. Join Nature Canada in signing on to save water – the statistics are amazing! Water Pledge Site
Nature Conservancy of Canada needs your help
BC region of the Nature Conservancy of Canada who will be holding an event at the estuary of the Campbell River on April 9, 2011. Here are the event details: Re-decorating the Nursery
Date: Saturday, April 9, 2011
Closest town: Campbell River, BC
Meeting time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Key Partner: Greenways Land Trust
NCC needs your help with the biggest and most exciting ecosystem restoration project on the BC Coast! The estuary of the Campbell River is essential to the world famous “Tyee” or Chinook salmon that helped earn Campbell River the title of “salmon capital of the world”. The estuary is also a central character in the writings of Roderick Haig-Brown, a celebrated Canadian nature writer who lived a short distance up stream. NCC has been purchasing degraded industrial sites in the estuary and restoring them back to their original inter-tidal, salt marsh habitats. These habitats are critical “nursery” habitats for out-migrating Chinook smolts each spring. Come help NCC re-plant restored areas with marsh plants that have been harvested from an adjacent natural “donor” marsh. Please make sure you eat a solid breakfast, and pack a lunch to bring with you for the day of the event. Snacks and beverages will be provided by NCC to keep you energized and hydrated. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Erin at Greenways Trust
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.
