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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.
Category Archives: Birds
MARS benefit concert
Enjoy an afternoon of music to celebrate wildlife and support MARS Wildlife Rescue! Saturday, November 15th, 2:30 p.m. Comox United Church in Comox, 250 Beach Dr. Doors open at 2 p.m. Concert followed by wine, cheese, and refreshments. Meet a … Continue reading
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Recording for talk on a birding “big year”
Comox Valley Nature hosted the following presentation at our September 2025 general meeting: Title: 2024 – A Big Year: One birder’s attempt to see more birds on Vancouver Island in a single year than ever beforeSpeaker: Liam Ragan (BC Nature … Continue reading
Posted in Birds, General Meetings, Guest Speakers
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Hear about a birding “Big Year” at our next general meeting
Comox Valley Nature invites its members and the general public to CVN’s September general meeting. where you can hear the following keynote presentation by our guest speaker: Title: 2024 – A Big Year: One birder’s attempt to see more birds … Continue reading
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Audio and slides for “Bird Friendly” Comox talk
Comox Valley Nature hosted the following presentation at our April 2025 general meeting: Title: The Bird Friendly Cities Initiative in ComoxSpeakers: Robert McLennan, James MacKenzie, Dianna TalbotDate: Sunday, April 27, 2025 The presentation was in two parts. Robert and James … Continue reading
Posted in Birds, Conservation and Restoration, Guest Speakers
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Learn about the Comox “Bird Friendly” initiative at our next general meeting
Comox Valley Nature members and the general public are invited to CVN’s April general meeting. where you can hear the following keynote presentation by our guest speaker: Title: The Bird Friendly Cities Initiative in ComoxSpeakers: Robert McLennan, James MacKenzie, Dianna … Continue reading
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Recordings for the two March meeting talks
Comox Valley Nature hosted the following keynote presentation at our March 2025 general meeting: Title: Introduction to the Little River Enhancement SocietySpeaker: Henry Ellis and Don Hicks (Little River Enhancement Society)Date: Sunday, March 23, 2025 If you missed this event … Continue reading
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New article: Hybrid swans
In the last couple of decades you might have seen reports of some hybrid swans (Mute Swan x Trumpter Swan) in our region. In her latest long-form article, CVN member Véronique McIntyre collects those reports and delves into the behaviour … Continue reading
Coastal waterbirds workshop on June 9
Comox Valley Nature is hosting a workshop by Birds Canada to promote interest in its Coastal Waterbird Survey and Beached Bird Survey citizen-science programs. CVN members and the general public are invited to this two-part workshop to be held on … Continue reading
Posted in Birds, Guest Speakers, Shoreline and Marine
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Recording for talk on insectivorous birds in Strathcona Park
Comox Valley Nature members recently attended the following webinar presented by the Strathcona Wilderness Institute, facilitated by the Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists: Title: Climate Change and its Potential Impact on Insectivorous Bird Populations of Strathcona Provincial ParkSpeaker: Mateo JaeckelDate: … Continue reading
Posted in Birds, Climate, Ecology, Guest Speakers
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Learn about insectivorous birds in Strathcona Park
CVN members and the general public are invited to attend the following free online lecture hosted by the Strathcona Wilderness Institute, and facilitated by the Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists: Title: Climate Change and its Potential Impact on Insectivorous Bird … Continue reading
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