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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: Weekend Walks
Upcoming Walk: Sunday Aug. 20th 2017, Hike to McKenzie Meadows
Aug 20, Sunday; Joint CVN/SWI Hike to McKenzie Meadows An easy, 3 km. one-way hike from the trailhead into McKenzie and Douglas Lakes, and on to McKenzie Meadows, with biologist Loys Maingon. The trailhead starts halfway up Mt. Washington, not … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Sunday July 30th, 2017, SWI Hike to Hairtrigger Lake
Sunday, July 30, SWI Hike to Hairtrigger Lake This is a long, Level 2 Hike of about 16 kilometers return, and will take about 8 hours, but well worth the effort. Loys will lead this walk, which will feature the … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Saturday July 29th, 2017, 09:30 Public Walk at Little River Regional Park
Saturday, July 29, 9:30 Public Walk at Little River Regional Park Loys will lead todays public walk near the Little River ferry terminal. Meet at 9:30 am at park entrance on Wilkinson Road off Ellenor Road. This little park is … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Sunday, July 23rd 2017, Wild Ginger and Shepherds Creek Trails, Buttle Lake
Sunday, July 23, Wild Ginger and Shepherds Creek Trails, Buttle Lake Strathcona Park is more than just Paradise Meadows. Today’s SWI walk will introduce you to the other side of the park, from the shores of Buttle Lake. We will … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Sunday July 16, 2017, Trees and Lichens in the Subalpine
Sunday, July 16, Trees and Lichens in the Subalpine Forester Margaret Symon will lead the combined SWI and CVN group around Paradise Meadows on an easy 2 to 2.5 hour walk today. Margaret will identify the trees and lichens. There … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Saturday July 15, 2017, Oyster Bay
Saturday, July 15, Oyster Bay Regional Park Loys will lead today’s Public walk. Oyster Bay Regional Park, aka Oyster Bay Shoreline Protection Park is a small park in the Strathcona Regional District. It features sand dunes and interesting foreshore vegetation. This little visited … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Sunday July 9th 2017, Trees in Paradise Meadows
Sunday, July 9th, SWI Walk, Trees in Paradise Meadows Fred Newhouse will be leading today’s Strathcona Wilderness Institute walk. Paradise Meadows is sub-alpine at around 1,300 meters, and the tree species and growth patterns are sustainably different than their cousins … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Saturday, July 8, 2017, Headquarters Townsite Park Walk
Saturday, July 8, 9:30 am, Headquarters Townsite Park Walk This is an easy walk around Headquarters Townsite Park on level trails. The 8 hectare riparian forest site on the east bank of the Tsolum River was once an active centre … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Sunday July, 2nd 2017, Paradise Meadows
Sunday, July 2, 1 pm SWI/CVN Paradise Meadows Early Flowers This is to announce the opening of the Strathcona Wilderness Institute 2017 Season of Nature Walks at Paradise Meadows. The first one will be held on Sunday July 2nd at … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Sunday June 25th 2017, Public Walk Nymph Falls
Sunday June 25 Public Walk Nymph Falls, 9:30 Forbidden Plateau Road. Nymph Falls Park is not just for mushroom walks in the fall, but is a very popular walking park the year around. Loys will lead the group along the … Continue reading
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