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Sophia Priestman, a graduate of Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School, is the 2026 recipient of the CVN Bursary. Our $1000 bursary was presented to her at the school’s awards ceremony on May 28.Sophia graduates with straight A grades. She made extensive contributions to the Environment Club throughout her career at Isfeld, taking on the president’s role in grades 11 and 12. She was also very involved in the Model UN Program, and participated in other school clubs and sports.
Outside school, Sophia has volunteered with Anderton Therapeutic Garden and with Lush Valley for several years. At 12 years old she was offered a job by five vendors at the Farmer’s Market and chose Alderlane Bakery where she is in her sixth year of employment. She also has helped out at Pendleton Farm.
Sophia has been accepted at the University of Victoria where she will pursue a dual major in Environmental Studies and Economics with a minor in Applied Ethics. Of this somewhat unusual combination of disciplines, Sophia says:
This variety of disciplines will allow me to see complex political and environmental issues from multiple perspectives and find innovative solutions that both foster sustainability and ensure welfare for all (human and non-human alike).
Congratulations, Sophia!
The New Forest Act Roadshow is a series of public presentations across British Columbia explaining what the New Forest Act is, why BC’s current forestry system is failing, and what a workable legislative solution looks like.That solution is the New Forest Act – a proposed policy framework developed over several years through research, public input, and lived experience in communities directly affected by forestry decisions.
BC’s forestry challenges are not isolated incidents—they are the result of a system that no longer reflects the realities on the land.
Join Jennifer Houghton and Dave Weaver on Monday June 15th at the Stan Hagen Theatre in Courtenay fpr a presentation that offers a clear, developed alternative.
Jennifer Houghton is lead developer of the New Forest Act, a legislative proposal to replace British Columbia’s current forestry system. She works directly on forestry policy analysis, public education, and government engagement to advance structural reform in how BC’s forests are managed.
Dave Weaver has 37 years of experience in British Columbia’s forestry sector, working across industry, consulting, and government. His career includes field forestry with MacMillan Bloedel, forest consulting and applied ecology instruction in the northern interior, and 12 years with the BC Ministry of Forests developing silviculture policy and training in alternatives to clearcutting.
He now focuses on watershed-level impacts of forestry through his work with the Beaufort Watershed Stewards, bringing decades of on-the-ground and policy experience to the discussion of forestry reform in BC.
This event is for:
Residents concerned about forestry in their region
People working in or affected by the forest sector
Those interested in practical, policy-level solutions
Anyone who wants a clear explanation of what’s happening—and what can be done
To view the schedule for other presentations and for full details on the legislative framework visit boundaryforest.org/the-new-forest-act-proposal/
Sentinel Educational Foundation and the Watershed Sentinel magazine are the sponsors of the Vancouver Island leg of the 2026 New Forest Act Roadshow. Their support is helping bring public education about forest policy reform to communities across Vancouver Island.
This is a free public event and donations are welcome
Photos from Project Watershed's post
The New Forest Act Roadshow is a series of public presentations across British Columbia explaining what the New Forest Act is, why BC’s current forestry system is failing, and what a workable legislative solution looks like. Dave Weaver and Jennifer Houghton will be speaking at Stan Hagen Theatre on June 15th. for more information visit boundaryforest.org/courtenay🚨 ANNOUNCEMENT: The New Forest Act Roadshow - June 2–22, 2026This will be a series of in-person presentations across British Columbia focused on the New Forest Act - a legislative proposal to replace the current forestry framework.
Tour stops include:
Golden • Nelson • Trail • 100 Mile House
Campbell River • Quadra Island • Courtenay
Port Alberni • Honeymoon Bay • Powell River • Victoria
Full details and event pages: boundaryforest.org/new-forest-act-roadshow-2026-info/
About the New Forest Act
The New Forest Act is a proposed legislative framework that restructures forest management around ecological limits and long-term economic stability.
It is built on a Protect–Restore–Harvest (PRH) model:
• Protect primary forests and critical watershed areas
• Restore degraded landscapes
• Harvest only on previously disturbed land using selection-based systems, within ecological thresholds
The framework shifts management from volume-based targets to outcomes-based management, with a focus on watershed function, ecosystem integrity, and stable regional economies.
Format
Each event will be a presentation followed by a focused Q&A.
Presenter
Jennifer Houghton, New Forest Act Campaign Director, draws on years of research, public education, and direct engagement with communities and decision-makers across BC.
Co-presenter
Dave Weaver (retired forestry professional) will co-present in Campbell River, and likely in Courtenay and Port Alberni as well.
If you’ve been watching this issue for years...
If you’ve felt like nothing ever actually changes...
Come to a presentation.
See it for yourself.
Bring someone with you.
June 2–22. Across British Columbia.
Let’s go.
Drought in the summer is hard on plants in our environment. The trees in your yard may have begun to respond to this stress. Our next knowledge walk will help you to learn how to keep your trees healthy and thriving.Join Verna Mumby as we look at the effects of drought and climate change on trees.
This knowledge walk will be at the Airpark. Taking the trees there as a sample, we will look for signs of drought stress, and indications of healthy growth. We will examine factors such as hydrology, disease vectors and soil compaction.
We will discuss watering and other methods of mitigating stress.
Meeting location will be sent before the walk.
Bring binoculars to examine higher branches. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. We will be walking on the airpark paths.
REGISTRATION required using RSVP link at comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca/event/trees-and-drought/ An easy 1 km walk on a wheelchair accessible paved path. Sorry, no dogs. This event is free, but donations are welcome.
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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