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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
Subalpine fungi – recent observations
Notes and photos from Alison M., distributed to the Botany Group on August 30. Click a photo to enlarge it. Fall approaches and there are even a few fungi bravely raising their heads up on the mountain after sporadic rains … Continue reading
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Botany on the Trent River trail (part 2)
From an email by Jocie to the Botany/Mycology Group on June 21. Click a photo to enlarge it. Here are some more of Véronique’s lovely photos of seeds (first 6) and flowers (last 6) from our visit to the Trent … Continue reading
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Botany on the Trent River trail (part 1)
From an email by Jocie to the Botany/Mycology Group on June 21. Click a photo to enlarge it. On Monday we enjoyed a leisurely ramble along the ridge above the Trent River, accessing the trail from the end of Hatton … Continue reading
Posted in Field Trips, Molluscs, Plants and fungi
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Paradise Meadows – spring 2023
Notes and photos by Alison M. distributed by email to the Botany Group on June 18. Click a photo to enlarge it. The main Boardwalk loop in Paradise Meadows is now clear of snow. The abnormally hot weather in May … Continue reading
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Cumberland Marsh botany highlights
From an email by Jocie to the Botany/Mycology Group on May 17. Click a photo to enlarge it. Last week we took a walk along Cumberland Marsh from Jumbo’s cabin to the coal hills above the old Japanese townsite. Many … Continue reading
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Roy Morrison Nature Park walk
From an email by Jocie to the Botany/Mycology Group on April 19. Click a photo to enlarge it. We had a wet and cold walk in Roy Morrison Nature Park on Monday April 17 (should I have canceled?) Nonetheless, 7 … Continue reading
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Spring botany notes
Notes and photos by Alison M. distributed to the Botany/Mycology Group on April 13. Click a photo to enlarge it. Spring is a little slow again this year! A few of our early flowers are reluctantly appearing… On Tuesday at … Continue reading
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Kitty Coleman botany highlights
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on March 18. Click a photo to enlarge it. We had a brilliant sunny day for our March 13 walk at Kitty Coleman Beach Provincial Park, and thanks to Robbie we … Continue reading
Posted in Field Trips, Insects and arachnids, Plants and fungi
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Guide to lichens of Strathcona Park published
Loys Maingon’s lichen field guide for Strathcona Park is now available! Loys is a Registered Professional Biologist (retired) and the research director of Strathcona Wilderness Institute (SWI). He is also a former president of Comox Valley Nature. Field Guide to … Continue reading
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Upper Puntledge botany and fungi notes
This report by Alison M. was distributed to the Botany Group by Jocie on March 4. Click a photo to enlarge it. On February 11 we walked down the south side of the Puntledge River from the dam. Too early … Continue reading
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