CVN Facebook Posts
Drawing on the Salish Sea: A Zoom course in support of the Mitlenatch Island Stewardship Team (MIST)Have you wished that you could keep a nature journal or paint the life around you? During three Zoom sessions you can explore how to quickly capture wildflowers, inter-tidal life and birds You’ll learn how to draw quickly and accurately, starting with simple shapes, then using some refining techniques, which will help you draw with less frustration!You’ll look at materials: papers, pens, and coloured mediums like pencil crayons. Then you’ll jump into watercolours with a simple palette and mixes as well as quick watercolour techniques you can use in the field or at home. All the lessons will be accompanied with downloadable notes.You will finish the course ready to start your own Nature Journal.Zoom recordings will allow you watch the sessions at your convenience during the course and for a month after we wrap up. About Mitlenatch Island:Mitlenatch Island is a small rocky island that sits between Campbell River and Powell River, in the Salish Sea. Cast in the rain shadow of Vancouver Island, its flanks are clad in golden grasses and its meadows host an explosion of spring wildflowers. Anchored where tides rush in from the north and south, rich waters encircling the island teem with fish; intertidal life flourishes and thousands of seabirds nest on cliffs, in rocks, and on open ground. It’s shores provide refuge for mother seals with their pups, and haul out for sea lions in the winter. In recent years Humpbacks have returned to nearby waters, to feed on krill and schooling fish. With so much life, much of it on exposed nesting areas, the island has a special vulnerability. The Mist volunteer wardens are in place for the summer months to welcome people to the island (which is accessible by boat only) and to relate to visitors the natural and human history of the island. For 25 years Alison Watt has spent a week on the island in the summer, as a volunteer warden. Her journals are full of Mitlenatch sketches. She finds it a delight and a privilege to return each year to this jewel of the Salish Sea. MIST is a special organisation which works closely with BC Provincial Parks to ensure that Mitlenatch Island remains a haven for the plants and animals of the Salish Sea.Sign up and donate through www.alisonwatt.ca/drawing-on-the-salish-seaFor more information on Mitlenatch Island visit www.mitlenatch.ca/mitlenatch-island
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
Category Archives: Field Trips
Miracle Beach part 1: Fungi
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on November 13. Click a photo to enlarge it. We saw a wealth of things at Miracle Beach Park on November 7. Here’s Part 1, the fungi (mosses are coming up … Continue reading
Posted in Field Trips, Plants and fungi
Comments Off on Miracle Beach part 1: Fungi
Botany highlights from upper Puntledge trails
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on October 29. Click a photo to enlarge it. Last Saturday we walked along the east side of the upper Puntledge River trails. We took a look at the bog, and … Continue reading
Posted in Field Trips, Plants and fungi
Comments Off on Botany highlights from upper Puntledge trails
Woodhus Slough botany photos
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on October 16. Photos by Veronique. Click a photo to enlarge it. Our last walk was a lovely morning at Woodhus Slough on October 3. Thanks to Veronique for the photos! … Continue reading
Posted in Field Trips, Plants and fungi
Comments Off on Woodhus Slough botany photos
Another day in paradise!
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on September 29. Click a photo to enlarge it. Last weekend the Strathcona Wilderness Institute (SWI) wrapped up its season with a walk around Paradise Meadows, which several of you joined … Continue reading
Posted in Amphibians and reptiles, Field Trips, Plants and fungi
Comments Off on Another day in paradise!
Intertidal life at Willow Point Reef
Trip report provided by Kathleen W. with photos by Barbara N. On May 18, despite a dismal weather forecast, 13 Shoreline Group members joined our enthusiastic trip leader Sandra Milligan for a productive low tide outing at Willow Point Reef, … Continue reading
Posted in Field Trips, Shoreline and Marine
Comments Off on Intertidal life at Willow Point Reef
Kin Beach botany walk
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on May 14. Last Monday (May 9) we enjoyed a rare sunny day at Kin Beach Provincial Park. There were lots of plants in bloom. Special thanks to Helen R. for … Continue reading
Posted in Field Trips, Plants and fungi
Comments Off on Kin Beach botany walk
Botany walk highlights: Exhibition Grounds
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on April 16. Last Monday we enjoyed our first botany walk at the Exhibition Grounds access to the Tsolum River. Trilliums & fawn lilies, just getting started in Alison’s last photos, … Continue reading
Posted in Field Trips, Plants and fungi
Comments Off on Botany walk highlights: Exhibition Grounds
Field trips resuming!
We’ve all been disappointed that the pandemic forced suspension of CVN field trips. The good news is that the CVN Board of Directors decided in October that field trips can now resume with suitable precautions. Some key points in the … Continue reading
Posted in Field Trips
Comments Off on Field trips resuming!
COVID-19 policy still in effect
The COVID-19 pandemic continues. We are facing a potential second wave in B.C. and around the world, and, with many CVN members in a higher-risk age group, the CVN Board reminds members that our policy response from April (see this … Continue reading
Posted in Field Trips, Miscellaneous
Comments Off on COVID-19 policy still in effect
March 1, 2020 Sunday Bird Walk – Cumberland Marsh
New birders are welcome to join experienced birders for this early Spring bird watching outing to Cumberland Marsh. This walk will be about 1.5 km in length on level pathways. We will be bird watching for about 2 hours. Meet … Continue reading
Posted in Birds, Field Trips, Weekend Walks
Comments Off on March 1, 2020 Sunday Bird Walk – Cumberland Marsh
