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Recent Posts
- Resources for the bird intelligence talk
- Learn about bird intelligence at our October general meeting
- Courtenay Rotary Trail “Pulling Together” project resumes (fall 2026)
- Celebrating autumn: Overstory, understory, your stories
- Recording for talk on Brooklyn Creek coho stewardship
- Learn about coho and Brooklyn Creek stewardship at our September general meeting
- Enjoy an afternoon of storytelling with author Caroll Simpson
- SWI workshop: Subalpine mycology 2026
- Entomology and botany at Mt. Washington, July 2026
- Smartphone photography for iNaturalist
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CVN Facebook Posts
2 days ago
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-island6 days ago
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 MilliganOnce 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. ...
7 days ago
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. ...1 week ago
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 ...2 weeks ago
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 shrubs
If 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, Nov. 5th 2016, Lower Trent River Walk, 9:00 am
Saturday, November 5th, Lower Trent River Walk, 9:00 am Loys and Alison Maingon will lead a late fall walk along the top of the Lower Trent canyon. The walk will start at Hatton Road, and is approximately 2.8 km one … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Sunday, Oct. 30th 2016, Nymph Falls Mushroom Public Walk, 9:00 am
Sunday, October 30th, Nymph Falls Mushroom Public Walk, 9:00 am Alison and Loys will lead an Autumn mushroom walk along the shores of Puntledge River at Nymph falls in this very popular Public walk. Participants will meet at the main … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Saturday, Oct. 22nd 2016, K’omoks Estuary Walk , 8:30 am
Saturday, October 22nd, K’omoks Estuary Walk , 8:30 am Dan Bowen and Bill Heidrick will be leading a fall interpretative walk to a number of sites of cultural, ecological and geological importance around the K’omoks Estuary. The participants will meet … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Saturday, Oct. 15th 2016, Ralph River, Strathcona Park Mushroom Walk, 9:30 am
Saturday, October 15th, Ralph River, Strathcona Park Mushroom Walk Alison and Loys will lead the popular, albeit long, Mushroom hike to Ralph River , which flows into Buttle Lake. The drive to the trail head goes through Campbell River and … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Sunday Oct 9th 2016, Courtenay River Interpretive Walk, 9:00 am
Sunday October 9th, Courtenay River Interpretive Walk, 9:00 am Come along with Frank Hovenden and friends for a shoreline walk down the Courtenay River to the Estuary. The walk from Simms Park to Millard Road will stop a various points … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Saturday, Oct. 1st 2016, Kin Beach to Little River Shore Line 11:00 am
Saturday, October 1st, Kin Beach to Little River Shore Line 11:00 am Helen and Robbie Robinson will lead this shore line walk to the north of the Comox Airport. Participants to this 11 am walk will meet at the Main … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Saturday, Sept 24th 2016: Cape Lazo and its Garry Oaks, 9:00 am
Saturday, September 24th: Cape Lazo and its Garry Oaks, 9:00 am What better way to follow up on Dr. Marsh’s presentation at the General Meeting on Sept 18th, than with a walk of the Cape Lazo/Point Holmes area with Judy … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: SUNDAY, September 4. 2016 : (PUBLIC WALK) Pub-to-Pub walk at Oyster River/Salmon Point.
SUNDAY, September 4: (PUBLIC WALK) Pub-to-Pub walk at Oyster River/Salmon Point. Meet at 10:00AM at the Courtenay Country Market on the Old Highway (19A), across from the Golf Course just north of Courtenay or at 10:30AM at Oyster River Regional … Continue reading
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Upcoming Walk: Saturday, August 27. 2016 : Rosewall Creek.
Saturday, August 27: Rosewall Creek. Meet at Harmston at 9:00AM to car pool.
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Upcoming Walk: Saturday, August 20. 2016 : Nile Creek.
Saturday, August 20: Nile Creek. Meet at Harmston at 9:00AM to car pool.
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