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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
Bedwell and Cream Lakes botany (part 2)
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on September 4. Here’s part 2 from the Bedwell and Cream Lakes area. See part 1 here. Click a photo to enlarge it. Cream Lake view River beauty or dwarf fireweed … Continue reading
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Bedwell and Cream Lakes botany (part 1)
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on September 4. Apart from Alison’s lovely photos of Paradise Meadows, we haven’t delved into subalpine/alpine plants much this summer. So, here is a blast of the mountain flora. I went … Continue reading
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Learn about western redcedar dieback
Comox Valley Nature is pleased to host the following free online lecture: Title: Western redcedar dieback and community science in the Pacific NorthwestSpeaker: Dr. Joseph HulbertDate: Sunday, September 19, 2021Time: 7:00 p.m. PDT This webinar is facilitated by the Canadian … Continue reading
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Lakeside plants, old boots, and other things
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on August 30. I don’t know how you all coped with the excessive heat this summer…but I ended up spending more time out on the water than I did hiking. I … Continue reading
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Learn about notable flora of Strathcona Park
Comox Valley Nature members and the general public are invited to attend the following free online lecture presented by the Strathcona Wilderness Institute: Title: Notable Flora of Strathcona ParkSpeaker: Eva UllstromDate: Sunday, September 12, 2021Time: 7:00 p.m. PDT This webinar … Continue reading
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Iris on the Croteau Lake trail
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on Aug 27. Mandy and Krista recently found this out-of-place looking iris blooming along the trail that runs alongside Croteau Lake. Loys reports that the iris was there last year also, … Continue reading
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Learn about white pine blister rust in Strathcona Park
Comox Valley Nature members and the general public are invited to attend the following free online lecture presented by the Strathcona Wilderness Institute: Title: Investigating White Pine Blister Rust in Strathcona ParkSpeaker: Kaitlyn Kuzma-WellsDate: Sunday, September 5, 2021Time: 7:00 p.m. … Continue reading
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A few aquatic plants
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on August 26. There are many beautiful, intriguing aquatic plants that often escape our notice, especially since some are totally submerged (maybe botanical snorkeling would be fun?). Here are a few … Continue reading
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August blooms at Paradise Meadows
Photos and notes by Alison M., distributed to the Botany Group on August 22. Click a photo to enlarge it. King gentians (Gentiana sceptrum) are now in full bloom in the Meadows (photos 1 and 2) – though remember that … Continue reading
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Plants of lakes and roadsides (and old ketchup)
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on July 14. In early July I did some exploring around the Whymper Lake area (across the Strathcona dam, west of Campbell River). Here are a few photos (mostly botany…and other … Continue reading
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