CVN Facebook Posts
Spring migration is in full swing and many birds are shedding their dull winter plumage to dress in the breeding finery. This one example is pretty extreme as the Horned Grebes prepare to leave for northern and interior lakes to nest.This recent photographic encounter required the donning of insulated chest waders and a strong tripod to wade into the Salish Sea near the Little River ferry terminal to get close up detailed shots.
Once in the water these birds, like many others see threats differently and can display a curiosity that can been seen by how close this bird came to me. I'm sure if it had a camera it would have take a shot of me!
The last photo is of the same species in winter plumage where it is simply trying to lay low until summer comes.
These birds have mostly left now but many more species continue to pass through or come here for the breeding season...
Discovering the Groves:🌳You nominated a tree, and we discovered a grove.
🌳A single tree can be an impressive sight, yet to be amidst a group of mature trees in an urban or semi rural environment can be awe inspiring. 🌳Groves of a single species can give us insights into natural habitats, and reminds us of the stewardship required so that these groups of trees continue to enrich our communities.
🌳The English Walnut, (#8) is fourth in a line of walnut trees on Comox Ave and Port Augusta. As a non native tree, these walnuts were likely planted for shade and nuts, and perhaps also as a reminder of a far away home. It is growing on the site of the old Lorne Hotel which burned down in 2011 (1878-2011). It was one of the oldest pubs in BC. The original seedlings or nuts may have been sourced from Mack Laing’s Baybrook fruit and nut orchard.
🌳Tree # 19, is a Sitka spruce that is part of a grove of spruce located in a very wet area in Seal Bay Park. This is an ideal habitat for these trees, and the protection provided by the park has ensured that this grove of Spruce continues to survive and thrive.
🌳A Garry Oak, (#6) is one of a line of trees growing along Topland Road. It is part of a larger population of Garry oaks that is spread out across the neighbouring properties, one of which has at least 16 of these rare trees in their yard. The open fields and southern exposure of this hillside provide an ideal habitat for Garry Oak.
🌳The grove of Douglas Fir on Stewart Street (# 25), is an impressive stand of mature second growth trees. Perhaps their location in and adjacent to the Comox Golf Club has ensured their continued existence.
#treeoftheyear #garryoak #douglasfir #sitkaspruce #englishwalnut #urbantrees #comoxvalley #comoxvalleynature
Comox Valley Conservation Partnership brings together environmental and stewardship groups to create a strong voice to protect our watersheds and forests
Take the survey, your voice matters!🌎Your Voice Matters on Climate Change. What are your thoughts on the impact and priorities within our community? Take a short survey and share your feedback. Visit www.engagecomoxvalley.ca/climatestrategy#ComoxValleyRD #ClimateAction
🌸On Wednesday May 15th from 10 am to noon, join CVN Naturalist Karen Cummins as we explore diverse habitats in the two sections of Little River Nature park. This walk will take you past ponds and salt marsh, over beach plain and estuarine plain and offer a chance to view a provincially designated sensitive stream.🌸This approximately 2km, 2 hour ramble will feature spring flowers growing on the native beach plain, including Menzies Larkspur, Blue Eyed Mary and Bare-stemmed Desert Parsley.
🌸This area is a relatively new park and lots of restoration work has been done by CVN volunteers to remove invasive species. This work is ongoing and volunteers will be engaged in this work while we visit the park
🌸Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy these spring wild flowers!
🌸email for more information or to get your name on the waitlist
Comox Valley Regional District - Local Government
CV Land Trust & Conservation Partnership
City of Courtenay
Category Archives: Weekend Walks
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
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Weekend Walk Schedule for Spring 2020
The advance schedule of weekend walks for members for the period from February 16 to May 16 is now available. Download it here. Of these trips, the ones on the following dates will be open to the public: March 22 … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walks: October 2018 – February 2019
MASTER SCHEDULE: Variances only announced by Loys Maingon Questions: CVN Walks October 2018 -February 2019 .PDF CVN WALKS: October 2018 to February 2019 All walks minimum 2 hrs PARTICIPANTS SHOULD MEET EITHER AT CARPOOLING LOCATION OR AT TRAILHEADS Carpooling … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Sunday, 29th July 2018, Hike to Aston Pond
SUN. July 29, 8:30am: Hike to Aston Pond (near Panther Lake) A long day hike (14 km round trip) with biologist Loys Maingon on subalpine pond ecology. Pack a lunch. Meet at Parking area on Strathcona Parkway just off Highway … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Saturday, 28th July 2018, Paradise Meadows – Trees & Lichens
SAT. July 28, 1:00pm : Nature Walk –Paradise Meadows – trees & Lichens A 2-2 ½ hour walk around the Meadows led by forester Margaret Symon. Meet at the Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre, Paradise Meadows at 1:00 pm. Sturdy footwear … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Sunday, 22nd July 2018, Hike up Mt Becher
SUN. July 22, 9:00am: Hike up Mt Becher – Evolution of land plants. Paleontologist Randal Mindell will use examples from the hike up Mt Becher (11km round trip) to show how land plants evolved. Meet at the trailhead at the … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Saturday, 21st July 2018, Paradise Meadows flora & fauna
SAT. July 21, time 9:30am : Nature Walk –Paradise Meadows flora & fauna Naturalist Joel Kositsky will lead a 2-2 ½ hour walk around the Meadows . Meet at the Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre, Paradise Meadows, at 9:30 am. Sturdy … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Sunday, 15th July 2018, Geology of Karst Creek Nature Trail
SUN. July 15, 10:30 am: Nature Walk – Geology of Karst Creek Nature Trail, Buttle Lake Area Paleontologist Randal Mindell will lead an easy walk around the 2km Karst Creek trail at Buttle Lake. Meet at the trailhead, on Westmin … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Saturday, 14th July 2018, McKenzie Meadows Hike
SAT. July 14, 8:30 am: McKenzie Meadows Hike– Subalpine ecosystems An easy, 3 km one-way hike from trailhead into McKenzie & Douglas Lakes & the Meadows, with biologist Loys Maingon. Meet at Parking area on Strathcona Parkway just off Highway … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Sunday, 8th July 2018, Circlet Lake Hike
SUN. July 8, 8:30 am: Circlet Lake Hike – Avalanche Lily search. Biologist Loys Maingon will lead this strenuous full-day hike up to the vicinity of Circlet Lake – 20 km round trip. Pack a lunch. Expect wet snow beyond … Continue reading
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