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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: Miracle Beach to Oyster River, Jan.26,2017
This morning 11 birders went to Miracle Beach, Saratoga Beach and Oyster River estuary. We had a pleasant morning with a variety of waterbirds. Highlights were Brant, both Goldeneyes, and great looks at shorebirds. The following 33 species were found: … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Courtenay Airpark, Jan.19,2017
Today, January 19th, 11 birders spent a pleasant morning (with only a brief shower) at Courtenay Airpark and found 29 species. Highlights included great views of Ring-billed Gulls and White-crowned Sparrows. Canada Goose Trumpeter Swan American Wigeon Mallard Green-winged Teal … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Point Holmes & Kye Bay, Jan. 12,2017
This morning, January 12, five birders spent a cold but otherwise pleasant morning at Point Holmes and Kye Bay. We had good numbers of a variety of waterbirds, shorebirds, and gulls. This gave us a good opportunity for gull study. … Continue reading
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Comox Christmas Bird Count Report: Dec. 22,2016
The 117th Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the Comox Valley was held on Thurs. Dec. 22 (postponed from Sun. Dec. 18) and resulted in a total of 108 species, including a MEGA-Rarity: a Red-flanked Bluetail, found by Shane Tillapaugh … Continue reading
Bird Outing Report: Ships Point Peninsula, Dec. 1,2016
Today, December 1st, the rain held off (mostly) and 12 birders spent a pleasant morning at Fanny Bay Conservation Area and Ship’s Point Park. Overall, we found 48 species. Highlights included Gadwall, Long-tailed Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, and a Cooper’s Hawk … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Courtenay Airpark, Nov.17,2016
Thirteen birders visited the Airpark today. Highlights were a Herring Gull on the hangar roof, a Northern Shrike and two Wilson’s Snipe with a Dunlin at the lagoon. The following 38 species were found: Canada Goose Trumpeter Swan Eurasian Wigeon … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Simpson Farm, Nov.10,2016
Today, Nov 10th, 19 birders went to the Dyke Road Viewing Stand and waded through flooded fields on Simpson Farm (restricted access). We had a pleasant morning – without rain! Overall we found 37 species. Highlights included large numbers of … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Comox Shorelines, Oct. 12,2016
This morning ten birders explored various spots between Little River and Kin Beach. We had a beautiful morning with a decent variety of species, although with low numbers. The day’s highlight was a Lincoln’s Sparrow at Little River Nature Park. … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Courtenay Airpark, Oct. 6, 2016
Today, October 6th, the rain held off and 11 birders spent a pleasant morning at Courtenay Airpark and found 50 species. Most of our winter birds were back in good numbers, which was an overall highlight. Canada Goose American Wigeon … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Tyee Spit, Sept.29,2016
Today, Sept 29th, 16 birders spent a pleasant morning at Tyee Spit. Large numbers of waterbirds were moving and feeding in Discovery Passage which gave us multiple good views. Overall we found 33 species. Thanks particularly to Gordon for looking … Continue reading
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