BC Nature Archives - Comox Valley Nature

Learn about BC Nature’s work on Key Biodiversity Areas

web_admin — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 03:40:41 +0000

Comox Valley Nature invites its members and the general public to the following free online lecture, facilitated by the Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists:

Title: Key Biodiversity Areas and Protected Areas: B.C. Nature Projects in 2023
Speakers: Liam Ragan and Kephra Beckett (BC Nature)
Date: Sunday, November 19, 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m. PT

See the registration link below.

Western Grebe in the K’ómoks IBA

BC Nature is the provincial lead for the Municipal Protected Areas Project and Key Biodiversity Areas. Join us as we discuss ongoing work to understand and protect biodiversity throughout BC. We will have a focus on the Comox area, the way in which we work to collaborate with First Nations at every stage of the process, and how clubs can play a pivotal role in conservation success.

About the speakers

Liam Ragan is BC Nature’s Provincial Coordinator for Key Biodiversity Areas and Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas.

Kephra Beckett is BC Nature’s Conservation Coordinator.

Registration

“Seating capacity” for the talk is limited, and you need to register in advance. You can check the computer requirements for attendees here.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the webinar.

If you are new to Comox Valley Nature, find out more about us here.

Although CVN lectures are free, donations of any size from non-members who attend are always appreciated ($4.00 is suggested).

The post Learn about BC Nature’s work on Key Biodiversity Areas appeared first on Comox Valley Nature.

BC Nature eNews June 2018

Botany — Sat, 09 Jun 2018 00:00:32 +0000

Upcoming Events

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 BCParks.Volunteers@gov.bc.ca.

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. The application deadline is June 11, 2018. For more details and how to apply, visit charityvillage.com

Current Issues with BC’s Caribou
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 caribou.recovery@gov.bc.ca.

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

The post BC Nature eNews June 2018 appeared first on Comox Valley Nature.

BC Nature eNews March 2018

Botany — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 00:00:14 +0000

Upcoming Events

AGM 2018 – Your host, Nature Vancouver, cordially invite you to sign up for another great conference. Registration now open. For registration and schedules, please visit this link.
March 15, 2018 – Rene Savenye Scholarship applications due.
Hope Mountain Centre – Skagit Valley Bird Blitz – May 4 – 6, 2018 email for further information
Hope Mountain – Manning Park Bird Blitz – June 15 – 17, 2018 – email

Two Executive Positions open – Volunteers needed

Treasurer needed – Our executive needs a treasurer. If you are a retired (or working)Chartered Professional Accountant – we need you! This is a volunteer position and requires a few hours a month, 6 meetings a year via conference call. For the full outline of duties, please email the office.

Harrassment Officer: Although we hope we never need one, we need to have someone from our membership stand as our Harrassment Officer – This is not an executive position, but an “as needed” position. We are hopeful that from within our 6,300 members we have someone that has Human Resources or Conflict Management skills that could form a committee if ever called upon to deal with any harassment issues we may encounter either within our clubs, Executive or Administration. Please email the office.

Issue 63

Date March 2018

Spring is coming!

BCnature Spring Magazine available now.

Please email if you wish to change from Canada Post Mail to the electronic version.


AGM – 2018 – Nature Vancouver Update
BC Nature May Conference and AGM, May 10 – 13, 2018 Update from host club, Nature Vancouver. Registration is going well. Due to delays in the Vancouver Naturalist newsletter circulation the early bird registration deadline is extended to Sunday, March 25. If you haven’t registered yet, we encourage you to do so soon. Some field trips are close to full, so check the registration website for updated information on field trips. Nature Vancouver Link For those who have already booked accommodation at UBC in Orchard Commons, the location will be changing. UBC Accommodations now has a logistical difficulty with opening that accommodation and so have offered to move our people to nearby Ponderosa Commons residence. Ponderosa is higher value accommodation, but this move will be at no extra charge. Ponderosa residence is slightly farther from our conference venue at UBC Forest Sciences Centre (about 3 blocks walk further). However its studio suites are private, with double beds, and equipped kitchenette. UBC Accommodations will contact each person who has booked a room to explain the change. If you have not yet booked your room, look on our conference website page under Accommodations for updated information. The Saturday evening banquet will now be held at St Johns’ College on UBC campus, with a Musqueam presentation after dinner. St John’s College is an interesting venue, located just a block from Ponderosa Commons.

Harrison Hot Springs “Eagle” Field Camp Registration
Harrison Eagle & Salmon Camp – Registration will commence March 20, 2018 – via telephone (604 985 3057) or via email. There are 24 spots in this camp and this camp was full up back in 2016 when Chilliwack Naturalists hosted this camp. I attended the camp in 2016 (as part of the organizing committee) and it was both educational and a great experience for all those involved. I will be attending again and hope to see a full camp! If you do email to register, please include your full name, telephone and if you are registering one other person, please include these details.

From Nature Canada on New Federal Park Funding
We have great news; the Federal Budget 2018 is a billion-dollar breakthrough for nature! Thanks to thousands of nature lovers, like you, have joined together to ask the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister to provide funding for nature in Budget 2018. This once-in-a-generation investment is critical to reach the target of protecting 17% land and inland waters that Canada is committed to by 2020. We have great news; Budget 2018 is a billion-dollar breakthrough for nature! Nature Canada congratulates Finance Minister Morneau, Prime Minister Trudeau, and Environment Minister McKenna. We think that Canada’s wildlife would also applaud. This budget is a game-changer in recovering declining wildlife populations through protected area investments. With our members to back us up, when we speak to politicians and lawmakers to combat global warming and save endangered animals, they listen. And even better: when we remind politicians and lawmakers that we have the support of thousands of concerned citizens like you, then we speak from strength and they act. Meeting Canada’s international promise to protect 17% of our lands and waters by 2020 will be a challenge, but we believe we are up to the challenge. Nature Canada and provincial and local nature groups are keen to work with governments, local and Indigenous communities, and industry to take full advantage of the opportunities to protect ecologically important places across the country, whether grasslands in Saskatchewan, Carolinian forests in Ontario, Acadian forests in the Maritimes, or wetlands in British Columbia or Quebec. Will you take a moment to say thank you to Minister Morneau and Minister McKenna and Prime Minister Trudeau? If you love Canada’s forests, water and wildlife, this is an exciting first step, here’s how you can help… Add your voice your voice today to protect nature and wildlife in Canada.

BC Community Bat Program needs your help
Have you seen bats this winter? The BC Community Bat Program needs your help monitoring for white nose syndrome. Please report any winter bat sightings, dead or alive, at the BC Bats site

Endangered Rivers campaign
Deadline to nominate is Monday, March 12, 2018, by 4:00 PM. The Endangered Rivers list increases awareness about the various threats that confront our waterways, while helping to profile important river issues. The survey collects information about environmental impacts and threats, such as pollution and habitat destruction, as well as loss of outdoor recreation activities due to poor river health. Public recreation may include fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, birdwatching, and walking by the river. ORC publishes the Endangered Rivers List every two years based on the results of the public survey. NOMINATE A BC RIVER FOR THE 2018 ENDANGERED RIVERS LIST

The post BC Nature eNews March 2018 appeared first on Comox Valley Nature.

BC Nature eNews February 2018

Botany — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 03:18:19 +0000

Upcoming Events

AGM 2018 – Your host, Nature Vancouver, cordially invite you to sign up for another great conference. Registration now open. For registration and schedules, please visit this link.
February 28, 2017 – Resolutions for AGM due.March 15, 2018 – Rene Savenye Scholarship due.
Hope Mountain Centre – Skagit Valley Bird Blitz – May 4 – 6, 2018 email for further information
Hope Mountain – Manning Park Bird Blitz – June 15 – 17, 2018 – email

Two Executive Positions open – Volunteers needed

Treasurer needed – Our executive needs a treasurer. If you are a retired (or working)Chartered Professional Accountant – we need you! This is a volunteer position and require a few hours a month, 6 meetings a year via conference call. For the full outline of duties, please email the office.

We are also looking for a second regional coordinator in the lower mainland (Executive)and a harassment officer (Committee head), and a BC Nature representative to Outdoor Recreational Council.
For the full outline of duties, please email the office.

Issue 62

Date February 2018

Spring 2018 Magazine Coming Soon

BCnature Spring Magazine available next week.

Please email if you wish to change from Canada Post Mail to the electronic version.


Columbia River Treaty renegotiations.
We are asking members of BC Nature to give their suggestions on the Columbia River Treaty renegotiations. The deadline is February 28th for these comments. Please submit them to email . What do you think our priorities should be moving into these negotiations? The building of the dams on the Columbia River and the subsequent flooding to create the reservoirs had large impacts on our landscape, ecosystems, and flora and fauna. If you want to read about dam impacts, here is a study that summarizes some of the impacts. The Executive Summary will give the gist of the study in only two pages. We want to hear from you! Any comments are welcomed, even short ones.

Species at Risk (SARA) Consultations
The Government of Canada has launched consultations regarding the potential to amend Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA). These consultations seek the public’s input into the federal Minister of the Environment’s response to assessments of species at risk submitted by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). In British Columbia there are 7 terrestrial species for which COSEWIC’s assessments could lead to amendments to SARA Schedule 1 (the List of Wildlife Species at Risk): •Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) – a bird found broadly across Canada – Potential new addition to Schedule 1, listed as Special Concern •Monarch (Danaus plexippus) – a butterfly found primarily in central and eastern Canada, with occasional occurrences in southern British Columbia -Potential change in status from Special Concern to Endangered •Pink-footed Shearwater (Puffinus creatopus) – a bird found off British Columbia’s coast – Potential change in status from Threatened to Endangered •Rusty Cord-moss (Entosthodon rubiginosus) – a moss found in British Columbia’s central and southern interior – Potential change in status from Endangered to Special Concern •Sonora Skipper (Polites sonora) – a butterfly found in south-central British Columbia – Potential removal from Schedule 1 (currently listed as Special Concern) •Transverse Lady Beetle (Coccinella transversoguttata) – an insect found broadly across Canada – Potential new addition to Schedule 1, Special Concern •Western Painted Turtle, Pacific Coast pop. (Chrysemys picta bellii) – a turtle found on Vancouver Island, some Gulf Islands, the Sunshine Coast, Metro Vancouver, and the lower Fraser Valley – Potential change in status from Endangered to Threatened An additional 5 terrestrial species at risk found in British Columbia had their current status under SARA confirmed by COSEWIC. These are not included in this consultation process, as no regulatory amendment is required. Please note that Fisheries and Oceans Canada is also conducting related consultations for aquatic species. The full list of Ministerial Response Statements outlining how the Minister of Environment intends to respond to COSEWIC’s assessments is available at Link You are invited to submit comments on the potential impacts of amending SARA Schedule 1 according to COSEWIC’s assessments. Comments can be submitted via email to email. The comment period ends on May 22, 2018 for most species found in BC, and on October 22, 2018 for Monarch. Further information regarding the listing and consultation processes for terrestrial species can be found in “Consultation on Amending the List of Species under the Species at Risk Act -Terrestrial Species: January 2018″ posted here ). This document also includes a questionnaire that provides guidance on the types of information and comments Environment and Climate Change Canada is seeking. Thank you for taking the time to consider this information. You are welcome to contact our regional office in British Columbia with any questions at link

On the Conservation front
Vancouver Sun Article – Two B.C. steelhead runs at imminent risk of extinction Article Nature Canada – Demand action for stronger environmental laws – to sign the petition Nominate a BC river for the 2018 endangered rivers list online form Deadline is March 12, 2018.

Interesting Nature-related Sites and Links
Article – Day to Night Robson Bight – Canadian Geographic Link CTV News – Sperm Whale sighting near Alert Bay link

Public Consultation on Migratory Game Bird Hunting
The Canadian Wildlife Service is currently holding public consultations on proposed changes to the migratory game bird hunting regulations in Canada for the next two hunting seasons (2018-2019 and 2019-2020). You will find attached a consultation document that outlines the proposed changes (“Proposals to amend the Canadian Migratory Birds Regulations – December 2017”). The consultation period begins on January 29, 2018 and ends on February 28, 2018. During this period, comments can be submitted at the following address: via email There are two reports that have been posted at the following address: link Reports from previous years can also be found at this address. For information on the consultation process to establish the migratory birds hunting regulations, please visit: link Environment and Climate Change Canada Canadian Wildlife Service

The post BC Nature eNews February 2018 appeared first on Comox Valley Nature.

BC Nature eNews December 2017

Botany — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 02:20:54 +0000

Upcoming Events

AGM 2018 – Your host, Nature Vancouver, cordially invite you to sign up for another great conference. For registration and schedules, please visit this link.
Funds available for nest box or wildlife tree projects
BC Nature has $3,600 earmarked for wildlife tree or nest box programs. Clubs that have projects involving these activities can apply for a share of this money. Send a brief (no more than 1 page) summary of your club project and the expected expenses to the BC Nature office: EMAIL Deadline for applications: 31 January 2018 The money will be divided up among eligible projects by the BC Nature Executive, in time for the spring breeding season in 2018.
Dates to Remember January 31, 2018 – Wildlife Tree Projects grant.
February 28, 2017 – Resolutions for AGM due. BC Nature and BC Naturalist’s Foundation Club Support Grant applications due.March 15, 2018 – Rene Savenye Scholarship due. February 28, 2018

	B.C. to end grizzly bear trophy hunting after this season
	CBC News online – Trophy hunting ban will be effective Nov. 30, 2017, says B.C. government. B.C. is ending the grizzly bear hunt throughout the entire province. First Nations still will be able to harvest grizzly bears in accordance with Aboriginal rights for food, social, or ceremonial purposes, or treaty rights. “Through consultations this past fall, we have listened to what British Columbians have to say on this issue and it is abundantly clear that the grizzly hunt is not in line with their values,” Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, said in a release. Continue to this Link to read the complete article.

Issue 60

Date December 2017

Grizzly Bear and cub

BCnature Winter Magazine available now.

Your BCnature Winter magazine was mailed a few weeks back. For those that wish to receive it electronically or wish to download it from the Member’s Only area of BC Nature Website , please note: On the mailed copy of the magazine, you will find a label on the back page with your name, mailing address and a number in the top left corner of the label. The number in the top left hand corner is your access number and the name as it is spelled on your label (including spaces and punctuation) is your access name. Please email manager@bcnature.ca if you wish to change from Canada Post Mail to the electronic version.


BC Nature Annual Appeal
Last chance for charitable tax receipts for donations to BC Nature and BC Naturalist’s Foundation. For the 2018 tax year, we will have to receive your donation by December 31, 2017. Thank you to the members that have donated already. We are at 70% of achieving our modest goal. We very much appreciate any size of donation you can send in. We are able to take donations direct through the office, Paypal or Canada Helps (receipts are issued for any donation over $20.00)

Amendments made to Water Sustainability Act regulations
Minor amendments are being made to two regulations under the Water Sustainability Act to support existing groundwater users and clarify requirements for authorizing water use. READ MORE Environment and Climate Change Strategy, Government Operations

Science Fair Team BC Off To Taiwan!
On January 24, two British Columbia students and an educator will board a plane for Taipei, Taiwan to represent British Columbia and Canada at the annual Taiwan International Science Fair (TISF) to be held January 28th to February 3rd, 2018. Aaliyah Mahboubi is a Grade 9 student at Charles Hays Secondary School in Prince Rupert and Yimeng Li is a Grade 10 student at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary in Vancouver. They will be accompanied by educator Pouyan Mahboubi from Prince Rupert, BC. Aaliyah who attended the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) in 2016 and 2017 will be bringing her most recent project, “Microbial-film Power Generation 2.0 – It’s about to get cooler” testing electricity production from microbial decomposition. Aaliyah received a University Entrance Scholarship, the Energy Challenge Award, a Renewable Energy Award and a Gold Medal for this project at the 2017 CWSF. Yimeng also attended the 2016 and 2017 CWSF and will be bringing her most recent project “Anaerobic Respiration: A Novel Bioelectrochemical Copper Recovery System?” which aims to develop an electrochemical copper recovery system that is not dependent on external energy sources. Yimeng received a University Entrance Scholarship, the Youth Can Innovate Award, the Environment Challenge Award, and a Gold Medal for this project at the 2017 CWSF. Ms. Mahboubi and Ms. Li are Science Fair veterans – both have participated in their local Regional Science Fairs and at the national Canada-Wide Science Fair. The TISF will offer an exciting new experience by bringing together students and teachers from around the world for seven days of competition, collaboration and exciting cultural exchanges. Congratulations Ladies – exceptional job

Interesting Nature-related Sites and Links
Bird song of the Month – by John Neville – Link Lake O’Hara Larches Link A good read over the holidays – Island of the Blue Foxes – Disaster and Triumph of the World’s Greatest Scientific Expedition by Stephen R. Brown Link In the Aerie of the Philippine Eagle Link

In the News – Articles from other sites
Tyee – By William E. Rees Link Humans Are Blind to Imminent Environmental Collapse Osoyoos Today – By Richard Cannings – Home  Editorial  Opinion  Answers to some questions about a proposed national park Answers to some questions about a proposed national park Link CPAWS – Landmark Supreme Court decision is a victory for First Nations and environmental groups. Link Kelowna Capital News – Commitment to South Okanagan National Park renewed Link Here Sierra Club – Now’s Our Chance to Get Environmental Reviews Right – Let’s make sure laws for approving pipelines, dams and mines are strong and fair Link Times Columnist – By David R. Boyd – It is time to stop treating nature as a commodity Should B.C.’s killer whales have legal rights? Link

Join Us in Vancouver in 2018
Registration is now open for the International Ornithological Congress in Vancouver! This premier event will take place from August 19-26, 2018, and will coincide with the Vancouver International Bird Festival. Discover why bird lovers will be flocking to Vancouver at this Link

Bulkley Valley Naturalists Nature Diary
Bulkley Valley Naturalists Nature Diary now available Link Here on how to get your copy now. Please email Email

New IBA Caretakers – Moore and Byers Islands and Banks Bella Bella, BC
Both are active naturalists & Walter is President of the Kitimat Valley Naturalists . This remote IBA off the Central Coast encompasses two Ecological Reserves with significant seabird numbers & few visitors. There are still a few BC IBAs needing Caretakers , such as Cecil Lake IBA in northern BC,Cleland Island & Southeast Clayoquot Sound IBA on Vancouver Island, and Cumshewa Inlet north to Sheldens Bay IBA in Haida Gwaii. If you are interested in volunteering as Caretaker for these or other IBAs listed on the BC Nature website , or if you have any suggestions for potential Caretakers, please contact Krista, the IBA Caretaker Network Coordinator .

The post BC Nature eNews December 2017 appeared first on Comox Valley Nature.

BC Nature eNews September 2017

Botany — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 18:50:21 +0000

Upcoming Events

World Rivers Day – Visit our website at www.worldriversday.com to find out more about World Rivers Day, and please let us know about any activities you may organize. We can help your promotions via our website, as well as with e-mails like this one. Last year, river enthusiasts from around the world came together for the 12th annual event. It was a great success, with millions of people involved from more than 70 countries. Activities ranged from stream clean-ups and habitat enhancement projects to educational outings and community riverside celebrations. This year’s global event will be even bigger! World Rivers Day is based on the incredible success of BC Rivers Day in British Columbia, Canada, which has been underway since 1980.
Vancouver International Bird Festival is happening a year from now! – August 19 to 26, 2018 – Visit http://www.vanbirdfest.com/ for more information.

	BC Nature Annual Appeal
	You will all be receiving your BC Nature Fall Magazine (either via mail or electronically) and in this edition, the centerfold is our Annual charitable donation appeal. BC Nature and your federation of 53 Nature Clubs work diligently throughout the year in various conservation and nature education projects. Please donate to assist us with funding these worthwhile endeavors. Nature appreciates your financial help!

Issue 59

Date September 2017

Ruddy Duck

BCnature Fall Magazine available now.

Your BCnature Fall magazine should be in the mail to you soon. For those that wish to receive it electronically or wish to download it from the Member’s Only area of BC Nature Website , please note: On the mailed copy of the magazine, you will find a label on the back page with your name, mailing address and a number in the top left corner of the label. The number in the top left hand corner is your access number and the name as it is spelled on your label (including spaces and punctuation) is your access name. Please email manager@bcnature.ca if you wish to change from Canada Post Mail to the electronic version.


Nanaimo Nature Club opening soon
We hope everyone had a great summer and that none of you has been negatively affected by wildfires on mainland BC. We wanted to let you know that a small group has been meeting during the summer to gather information about the formation of a nature club or society in Nanaimo. We want to share ideas for a name for the group and what we’ve learned about forming a club or society and insurance for field trips. Most of all, we want your feedback and enthusiasm to get the group going. What’s next? · We have arranged a public meeting on October 24, at the Beban Park Social Centre, Room 2, 2300 Bowen Road, 7-9 pm. Why late October? Well with all of this dry weather, that will be the perfect time for a hands-on “Mushroom Madness!” presentation with Joyce Lee. After mushrooms, we will ask for your input. How might you want to contribute to a club? How does “Nature Nanaimo” sound to you? Do you have knowledge about the natural world you wish to share? Do you know anything amazing or cool about black widow spiders, plants, soil organisms, the inter-tidal zone, fossils or owls? Do you have a preference for where and when club meetings and events are held? Can you help with planning and publicity about events? There are lots of exciting things to learn and do. We need your help and enthusiasm to make it a reality. · Also – please visit and follow us on new our new Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/naturenanaimo/ where you will be able to: o Get a sneak peek at information we will be reviewing at our October meeting; o Let us know how you want to get involved and make a great nature club; o Post your ideas for awesome events; o Share the times and locations of meetings and events with your friends who want join us; o Check out some awesome, local nature information; o Share your interesting nature observations and questions too! I’m sure there is someone in our midst who can answer those little brown bird questions!! We are looking forward to seeing you online and in person.

Peace Region Grants
Fish & wildlife grants are available in the Peace Region. Don’t miss this chance to apply for a Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program grant. The first step is to submit a mandatory Notice of Intent by Friday, Sept. 8, 2017. This short project description will take just a few minutes to complete and submit online. It will help the FWCP support you to develop a grant application due October 27, 2017. Learn more at fwcp.ca.

FGM silent Auction
September 21 – 24, 2017 – Vernon, BC is our Fall General Meeting and Conference. Registration is now closed, however, we wanted to alert you to a donated silent auction item that may be of interest to members: Description: Signed limited edition print of a Wildebeest by Robert Bateman. Includes the notes on the print by the artist. Professionally framed and ready to hang. Frame is 31 x 26 inches. Complete book Collection of “Birds of BC” Description: Complete set (4 volumes) of the Birds of British Columbia by Wayne Campbell et al. (published 1993-1997) in pristine condition. Value: $400 These are a but a few of the items available. If you are interested and not going to the FGM, please contact your club to see who might be going that could put a bid in for you!!!

Aquatic Species at Risk for assessment
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is seeking input from your community or organization with respect to whether or not Bocaccio should be listed as Endangered under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Further detail can be found in the attached letter, which has also been sent via mail and fax. We welcome input online, by phone, letter, email, and meetings with respect to whether or not Bocaccio should be listed as Endangered under SARA. Specifically, we are seeking a statement in support of or against a SARA listing, and any supporting data, Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge, or information that can be shared and would support advice towards a fulsome listing decision. The online public consultation period will be active September 7 – December 8, 2017 and is available through the Species at Risk Public Registry consultation tool. An online survey in support of the consultations on the Bocaccio listing is now open for comment. The following documents have been developed to help inform the Department in its advice for the Government of Canada on whether or not to list Bocaccio under SARA. These documents are detailed below, and are available via the links provided. • SARA Registry Species Profile for Bocaccio • COSEWIC assessment and status report on Bocaccio (Sebastes paucispinis) in Canada • Recovery Potential Assessment for Bocaccio (Sebastes paucispinis) in British Columbia Waters (2009) • DFO Management Scenarios for Bocaccio (2016) • DFO Socio-Economic Analysis for Bocaccio (2017) • The Listing Process Options under the Species at Risk Act. In order for your input to be considered in DFO’s advice to the Government of Canada, comments must be received by December 8, 2017. If you or your organization is interested in participating in a webinar or setting up a meeting via phone or in-person, please contact the SARA program at SARA.XPAC@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or 604-666-7907. Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you on this matter.

Improving IBAs Across Canada
Birds across Canada will have even more protection! Twelve local projects in Important Bird Areas across Canada are protecting birds, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem integrity! Learn how you are helping birds in Canada Link

The Aviva Community Fund is back and donating over $1 Million in funding!
Is your organization in need of funding for a current or new project or idea? If so, please see the ACF Eligibility Funding Guide_2017. It includes eligibility guidelines, application questions and information on how to submit your application. Applications will be accepted between September 13 and October 2, 2017. To ensure you receive all necessary information, register by visiting www.avivacommunityfund.org The Aviva Community Fund has four funding streams this year: Community Health, Development, Resilience, and Legacy The campaign is open to CRA registered charities, public foundations, non-profit organizations, social enterprises, registered B Corporations, publicly-funded schools, universities or colleges, and municipality or government entities. Should you have any questions or require further information, please email, avivacommunityfund@aviva.com

Book reviewers Needed
With Fall and winter coming, now a chance to get back to some reading! BC Nature receives books and DVD’s for review and need your assistance in doing the reviews. If you are interested in reviewing any of these books, please email manager@bcnature.ca and we will send you the criteria for the Book Review (to be published in the BCnature Magazine. Chasing Smoke – A wildfire Memoir, Aaron Williams Birdmania – A remarkable passion for birds, Pete Dunne The Inner Life of Animals – Peter Wohlleben Bird songs of Canada’s West Coast – DVD – John Neville

Your BC Nature Executive have been busy
On the BC Nature website, we have a page called “Letters Sent and Received”. Please visit our website to view a copy of our letters.

The post BC Nature eNews September 2017 appeared first on Comox Valley Nature.

BC Nature eNews August 2017

Botany — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 21:44:06 +0000

Upcoming Events

FGM 2017 – Registration for all BC Nature Members and BC Nature Club Directors is available online or in either the Summer or Fall Magazine. Available on the BC Nature Website
September 21 – 24, 2017 – Hosted by North Okanagan Naturalists in Vernon. There are some great speakers
World Rivers Day – Visit our website at www.worldriversday.com to find out more about World Rivers Day, and please let us know about any activities you may organize. We can help your promotions via our website, as well as with e-mails like this one. Last year, river enthusiasts from around the world came together for the 12th annual event. It was a great success, with millions of people involved from more than 70 countries. Activities ranged from stream clean-ups and habitat enhancement projects to educational outings and community riverside celebrations. This year’s global event will be even bigger! World Rivers Day is based on the incredible success of BC Rivers Day in British Columbia, Canada, which has been underway since 1980.
Vancouver International Bird Festival is happening a year from now! – August 19 to 26, 2018 – Visit http://www.vanbirdfest.com/ for more information.

	BC Nature Annual Appeal
	You will all be receiving your BC Nature Fall Magazine (either via mail or electronically) and in this edition, the centerfold is our Annual charitable donation appeal. BC Nature and your federation of 53 Nature Clubs work diligently throughout the year in various conservation and nature education projects. Please donate to assist us with funding these worthwhile endeavors. Nature appreciates your financial help!

Issue 59

Date August 2017

Ruddy Duck

BCnature Fall Magazine available now.


Conservation Issues
B.C. government putting an end to the grizzly bear trophy hunt – BC Gov News Link 3 Years After The Mount Polley Disaster, Our Waters Are Still In Danger – Huffington Post Article Link Climate Change or Habitat Loss? Study Weighs Future Priorities for Conserving Forest Migrants – Cornell Lab of Ornithology Article Link Here Mid-Season BC Salmon Update – Watershed Watch Article Link

Around Town – Events and Happenings
August 27, 3:00pm to 5:30pm Social Sunday with music at VanDusen on the Great Lawn, VanDusen Botanical Garden The Day Trippers (60s and 70s) are a Vancouver based Beatles tribute band that transport you back to the touring days of the early 1960s. Saturday, September 2 Birding Port Coquitlam’s Pitt River Dyke Join Larry Cowan for a half-day birding field trip along Port Coquitlam’s Pitt River Dyke north from the east end of Nicola Place back to the parking lot at DeBoville Slough. On last year’s fourth September field trip for this route we added another 8 species to this growing list bringing the total to 68. This route covers excellent dyke-side habitats. Come out and help us add to the total. Meet in the main parking area at Cedar & Victoria Drives (DeBoville Slough) in Port Coquitlam at 0900. We will then carpool to our starting point on Sherling Place. 604-370-0931 September 2, 1~5 pm; September 3, 12~3:30 pm Vancouver Dahlia Society Annual Show Location: Floral Hall & Cedar Room, VanDusen Garden Admission by donation TaiwanFest September 2 to 4, Labour Day weekend on Downtown Granville Street, Vancouver Ingenuity is the tale of human history. From humble paper to elegant crafts, classical music to contemporary pastry; whether it’s Taiwan or Japan, chiyogami or even Van Gogh, discover how these are all connected in the showcase of cultures at the 2017 TAIWANfest: “Kanpai, Japan!” The food is endless, the traditional Taiwanese medicine is salubrious, the music is marvellous, and the entire area around Granville Street remains spotless thanks to the efforts of volunteers from the Tzu Chi Foundation Canada. Who it appeals to: People with a serious addiction to Taiwanese beef noodle. https://taiwanfest.ca/

Interesting Nature-related Websites
Dance Moves Suggest New Bird-of-Paradise Species – Link Here BC Students’ Project Takes Off! – Alexa Durand and Brenda Shen’s project was successfully launched on SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket destined for the International Space Station (ISS) MicroGravity Lab Science Fair Video Link Here

Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation’s 2017 photo contest
The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation’s 2017 photo contest is now open. We’re looking for spectacular images of BC’s fish, wildlife and habitats, specifically: -Wildlife (species native to BC, excluding marine mammals and those in captivity) -Freshwater fish (species native to BC) -BC Landscape photos of freshwater fish and wildlife habitats, including lakes, rivers, wetlands, forests, and grasslands. -People engaged in activities that connect them to nature in BC. This year’s prizes are a $500 VISA gift card for the first place winner, and two runner-up prizes of a $250 VISA gift card. For full contest rules and instructions on how to enter, please visit http://www.hctf.ca/communications/photo-contest Entry deadline is 4:30PM PST on September 30th, 2017. The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) provides money for fish, wildlife and habitat conservation projects. Funding for these projects primarily comes from conservation surcharges on angling, hunting, trapping and guide outfitting licences sold in BC.

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