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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: Saturday, March 25th. 2017, Bear Creek Park
Saturday 25th March,Car Pool: Bear Creek Park Mandy and Charlie Vaughan will lead the walk at Bear Creek Park today. There will likely be a few fry streams, and of course the fry will be in the rearing pond. As … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Saturday, March 18th. 2017, Public Walk Comox Ecological Reserve
Saturday 18th March: Public Walk Comox Ecological Reserve Loys and Allison will be leading a tree and moss public walk at the Comox Lake Bluffs ecological Reserve. This reserve features one of the most northern enclaves of Mediterranean ecosystems, with … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Saturday, March 4th. 2017, Union Bay Coal Hills
Saturday 4th March, 9:30 am; Union Bay Coal Hills The annual herring spawn in Baynes Sound has not materialized yet, and so we will not be going on a “sea-cruise” this day. Instead, Loys will be leading us on a … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Saturday, February 4th. 2017, Campbell River Museum Tour
Saturday, February 4th, Campbell River Museum Tour 12 pm (car pool at 11 am) The CVNS members will be taken on a guided tour to the Campbell River Museum by museum staff. We will meet at the Courtenay Country Market … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Saturday, January 28th. 2017: Goose Spit Waterfowl Walk
Saturday, January 28th: Goose Spit Waterfowl Walk 9:00 am Art Martell will lead a waterfowl walk along the Goose Spit at 9 am. The group will meet at the parking nearest to HMCS Quadra gate, at the end of public … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Sunday, January 22th. 2017 : Ruth Masters Greenway
Sunday, January 22th: Ruth Masters Greenway, 9:30 am Loys and Alison will lead a walk through the Ruth Masters Greenway and along the Puntledge River. Meet at Powerhouse Road Park entrance to Ruth Masters Greenway 9:30 am. Entrance is on … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Sunday, Dec 4th 2016, Kye Bay
Sunday, December 4th, Kye Bay Loys and Alison Maingon will lead a walk along the beach at Kye Bay, below the Comox Airport. The high bluffs and cobble beach make for an interesting area, even with a 5metre high tide … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Saturday, Nov. 26th 2016, Goose Spit Public Walk, 9:00 am
Saturday, November 26th, Goose Spit Public Walk, 9:00 am Alison and Loys Maingon will lead a Public Walk along Goose Spit, from the DND gate north to the Willemar Bluffs. Like much of our coast line, this area has been … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Saturday, Nov. 19th 2016, Maple Lake Public Walk, 9:00 am
Saturday, November 19th, Maple Lake Public Walk, 9:00 am Loys and Alison Maingon will lead a walk part way around Maple Lake. Since 2013 the Maple Lake Fundraising Committee has been working towards buying this 20 hectare lake and its … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Saturday, Nov. 12th 2016, Headquarters Townsite Park Walk, 9:00 am
Saturday, November 12th, Headquarters Townsite Park Walk, 9:00 am Alison and Loys Maingon will lead an easy walk around Headquarters townsite Park on Remembrance Day weekend. This 8 hectare riparian forest site on the east bank of the Tsolum River … Continue reading
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