CVN Facebook Posts
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: Simpson Farm, Sept. 22,2016
Today, Sept 22nd, 11 birders went to Simpson Farm (restricted access) to look for fall migrants, and found 29 species. Highlights included nine juvenile Long-Billed Dowitchers, an Anna’s Hummingbird displaying on territory, a young Merlin trying to hunt Northern Flickers, … Continue reading
Posted in Birds
Comments Off on Bird Outing Report: Simpson Farm, Sept. 22,2016
Bird Outing Report: Lighthouse Regional Trail, Sept. 15,2016
Today 8 birders went to the Lighthouse Country Regional Trail between Bowser and Qualicum Bay. We walked the full loop, plus part of the Lost Runners trail, which we renamed the Lost Birders trail. The woods were quiet, but we … Continue reading
Posted in Birds
Comments Off on Bird Outing Report: Lighthouse Regional Trail, Sept. 15,2016
Bird Outing Report: Hornby Island, Sept. 8,2016
Yesterday 14 birders travelled to Hornby Island, where another 7 Hornby birders joined us. We visited Gurney Point and Sandpiper Beach to look for shorebirds. We had good looks at Black-bellied Plovers in various plumages and at Black Turnstones. This … Continue reading
Posted in Birds
Comments Off on Bird Outing Report: Hornby Island, Sept. 8,2016
Birds of the K’omoks Estuary
A great video featuring members of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society Birders Group has been produced and can be viewed here .
Posted in Birds
Comments Off on Birds of the K’omoks Estuary
Bird Outing Report: Oyster Bay, Aug.20,2016
Today 14 birders went to Oyster Bay on a falling tide for shorebirds. We had good numbers of shorebirds and overall we saw 30 species of birds. Highlights included good looks at Sanderlings and Baird’s Sandpipers and an unforgettable tussle … Continue reading
Posted in Birds
Comments Off on Bird Outing Report: Oyster Bay, Aug.20,2016
Bird Outing Report: Oyster River Park, Aug. 11, 2016
Eight birders went to Oyster River Nature Park and the southern half of the Pub to Pub Trail this morning. Highlights were a Northern Shoveler in the river mouth and a Merlin chasing a gull, trying to get it to … Continue reading
Posted in Birds
Comments Off on Bird Outing Report: Oyster River Park, Aug. 11, 2016
Bird Outing Report: Oyster Bay, Aug. 4,2016
Thirteen birders went to Oyster Bay on a falling tide for shorebirds. The Bay was quite active and we saw 30 species including 10 species of shorebirds. Highlights included good looks at many Least and Western Sandpipers, Lesser Yellowlegs and … Continue reading
Posted in Birds
Comments Off on Bird Outing Report: Oyster Bay, Aug. 4,2016
Bird Outing Report: Oyster Bay, July 21,2016
Eight birders went to Oyster Bay today on a falling tide for the shorebird lottery. We didn’t do too badly with 9 species of shorebirds and moderate numbers – with shorebirds you never know what or how many will turn … Continue reading
Posted in Birds
Comments Off on Bird Outing Report: Oyster Bay, July 21,2016
Bird Outing Report: Lazo Marsh, July 14,2016
Two birders went to Lazo Marsh and Lazo Woods this morning and found the following 20 species: Eurasian Collared-Dove Pileated Woodpecker Willow Flycatcher Hammond’s Flycatcher Pacific-slope Flycatcher Common Raven Chestnut-backed Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch Marsh Wren Bewick’s Wren Swainson’s Thrush American … Continue reading
Posted in Birds
Comments Off on Bird Outing Report: Lazo Marsh, July 14,2016
Bird Outing Report: Cumberland Marsh, June 16,2016
Thursday June 16th, birds were active and singing at Cumberland Marsh. Six birders enjoyed a pleasant, sunny morning and found 36 species. Highlights included great looks at Black-headed Grosbeak (pair), Black-throated Gray Warbler (pair), and Band-tailed Pigeon. Mallard Turkey Vulture … Continue reading
Posted in Birds
Comments Off on Bird Outing Report: Cumberland Marsh, June 16,2016
