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Comox Valley Nature invites its members and the public to CVN’s October general meeting, where you can hear the following keynote presentation by our guest speaker: Birdbrains – Smarter than you think- with Sandra Milligan Once dismissed as “birdbrains,” birds are now recognized for their remarkable intelligence. Sandra explores the evolution of our understanding of avian neuroanatomy, focusing on local species. Through engaging stories and videos, Sandra explores how birds solve problems, use tools, express empathy, and communicate with rich vocabulary – inviting you to see these creatures with newfound respect and wonder.Sandra Milligan has been teaching university level biology at North Island College for over twenty years. With graduate degrees in neuroscience, she’s now a generalist, naturalist, and lifelong learner. In Campbell River, she’s a recognized environmental advocate and public educator. Her passion for birding has evolved into a deep interest in avian behaviour and intelligence. Drawing on her neuroanatomy background, Sandra has followed the growing research on bird cognition, confirming what many intuitively felt – birds display an extraordinary range of intelligent behaviours. Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 3 pm in the main hall of Comox United Church, 250 Beach Drive, Comox. Members of the public welcome.This will be an in-person only meeting. We will not record the presentation on this occasion [this is a correction to previous information].As always, there will be a break after the presentation with a chance to meet new people and socialize with old friends. Tea, coffee and treats will be available (by donation).A brief meeting follows. Reports from some of our interest groups and projects are an opportunity for guests to learn more about what we do.
It's that time of year! A couple of off leash dogs have been seen romping at the confluence of Morrison Creek and the Puntledge River. Dogs get quite excited to see those big chum. The chum do spawn right at the mouth of the creek, salmon eggs are very sensitive to disturbance so paws, or feet, in the creek kill eggs. Keep your dog on a leash, especially if you do not want a smelly dog! Dogs like to roll in dead fish. Salmon spook, be a quiet calm wildlife paparazzi.
Fish Walk!!! ( Well, not really...but don't miss this chance to follow their journey!)Join the Morrison Creek Streamkeepers for a walk along Morrison Creek, starting at its confluence with the Puntledge River in Puntledge Park, to watch salmon spawning after their remarkable journey back from the ocean. Register here: form.jotform.com/262924316992264
Thanks to community support, a property in Deep Bay is now protected, safeguarding its mature forests, salmon streams and diverse shoreline.Now, we’re helping restore this land so it can regenerate into a healthy forest.Join the Comox Valley land Trust and WolfTree for a hands-on day to rehabilitate the former homestead by planting trees and shrubsIf you'd like to volunteer your time, the work party is Sunday, October 25th, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.Meet at Rosewall creek Provincial Park parking lot at 9:50 to carpool to the deep bay restoration site.See this link or link in bio to register and for more information: www.jotform.com/form/262826298698277
Comox Valley Nature’s Wetlands restoration group has been working on the Courtenay Rotary Trail removing invasive plants.Removing invasive plants ensures that native plants can thrive. A vigorous native plant population also provides food for insects and birds.Join us in liberating native plants from invasive thugs such as ivy.We meet at the end of 21st street in Courtenay, where it meets the Courtenay Rotary Trail near Dogwood Park. You’ll find us there every Sunday starting Oct 18 to mid-Dec, mid-Jan to March 14, from 1:00 to 3:30 Bring gloves and water, dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.For more information contact
Category Archives: Plants and fungi
Cooley spruce gall
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on January 30. Fanciful-looking Cooley spruce galls add a splash of colour to these grey, dreary days. Many have funky shades of purple, red and yellow. They vary depending on what … Continue reading
Posted in Ecology, Insects and arachnids, Plants and fungi
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Gorse and broom a source of protein?
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on January 29. An article from the Guardian, here, tells how gorse and broom could potentially be used as a source of protein. Maybe we should be using more invasives as … Continue reading
Posted in Plants and fungi
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More Nordic botany
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on January 22. Here are a few more trees from the subalpine (photos from the Jutland nordic ski trail). One of my favourite trees is the amabilis fir (Abies amabilis). The … Continue reading
Posted in Plants and fungi
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Nordic botany
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on January 17. I was up the mountain on Saturday, x-country skiing on the upper west-Jutland loop. The conditions weren’t great…it had rained heavily up there a week or so ago. … Continue reading
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Winter observations
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on December 24. Wishing you all a belated happy solstice and a Merry Christmas. A rare white Christmas this year! Between deluges of rain and the current wintery state, botany walks … Continue reading
Posted in Mammals, Miscellaneous, Plants and fungi
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More mega polypores, plus bear’s heads
Notes and photos by Alison M. distributed to the Botany Group on November 7. After the extremely hot dry summer, many of our favourite fungi have been noteworthy by their almost total absence. In Strathcona Provincial Park, both in the … Continue reading
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Dune blooms in mid-October!
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on October 24. I was over on the west coast last weekend, which was almost as wet as this weekend! While wandering the Wickaninnish beach dunes, I was surprised to see … Continue reading
Posted in Plants and fungi
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Spectacular polypores
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on October 16. I’ve seen some spectacular polypores this fall! Those that grow attached to dead trees and fallen logs are often called “bracket fungus” or “conks.” All have pores underneath … Continue reading
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Moss articles and photos
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on October 10. This is always a good time of year for moss watching (especially after the rain). Two members have sent links to interesting moss-related articles, and I’ve included a … Continue reading
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A few Plateau plants
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on September 15. Here are a few photos from a hike I did up Mt. Becher with Mandy a few weeks ago. Some wonderful colours starting and lots of interesting plants … Continue reading
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