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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
Bird Outing Report: Qualicum, Mar. 12,2015
Once again, 11 birders went to look for concentrations of waterbirds feeding on herring spawn – and we were successful! We went south to Qualicum Bay, Little Qualicum estuary, and Columbia Beach and had thousands of gulls and seaducks at … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Qualicum to Deep Bay, Mar. 5,2015
Today 13 birders went in search of spawning herring and, hopefully, lots of birds. We started at Nile Creek – there were many birds scattered over the waters but no concentrations. We could see several gill netters searching for herring … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Little River Ferry, Feb. 26, 2015
Despite the fog this morning we were able to get in an hour’s birding at the ferry terminal before the drizzle began in earnest. Six birders saw the following 35 species. The highlights being close looks at approximately 40 Long-tailed … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Ship’s Point, Feb. 19, 2015
Thursday Feb. 19th started off with drizzle ending by 10:00 leaving us with an overcast but calm day for a morning of birding at Ship’s Point. Nine birders saw the following 42 species. Highlights were having a good look at … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Trent Estuary, Jan. 29, 2015
Thirteen birders went to the Trent River Estuary and the Royston Wrecks for a very pleasant morning of birding. Most of us saw or heard 44 species some of the highlights being: Snow Goose, Cooper’s Hawk,Northern Harrier, and Red-winged Blackbirds … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Oyster Bay, Jan. 22, 2015
Thursday Jan. 22nd brought grey skies and drizzle. Twelve birders went to Oyster Bay and the Oyster River Estuary where we saw the following 29 species: Oyster Bay 26 species: Eurasian Wigeon American Wigeon Mallard Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Surf … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Parksville/Qualicum, Jan. 14, 2015
Nine birders enjoyed an overcast, calm, and rain free day of birding yesterday at the Englishman River Estuary, Parksville Community Park, and the mouth of the Little Qualicum River. The day brought a Total of 61 species – 41 at … Continue reading
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RBA Multiple Sightings
The Thursday Walk turned up several interesting birds at the Courtenay Airpark this morning. 1. Orange-crowned Warbler. This was visiting feeders in the townhouse complex just south of the former Old House buildings along the river. Viewing is from the … Continue reading
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Trumpeter Swan Counts 2014/2015
Although Trumpeter Swan numbers in the Comox Valley appear low this year, the population overall is healthy. Numbers have increased south on Vancouver Island & in Washington, so the population here may have reached a balance given the capacity of … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Deep Bay to Englishman, Mar. 13, 2014
It was a very spring like day on Thursday. Our morning started at Deep Bay and ended at the Plummer Rd. side of the Englishman River Estuary. We saw our first Violet-green Swallows, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Turkey Vulture, 2 Merlins vocalizing, … Continue reading
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