CVN Facebook Posts
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: Guest Speakers
Guest Speaker: Dan Strickland, ‘West Coast Gray Jays’, Sun. Oct. 16, 2016
Comox Valley Nature would like to introduce Dan Strickland, the Chief Naturalist of Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park from 1970 to 2000. Dan grew up as a keen young naturalist at the west end of Lake Ontario, graduating in biochemistry from … Continue reading
Posted in Guest Speakers
Comments Off on Guest Speaker: Dan Strickland, ‘West Coast Gray Jays’, Sun. Oct. 16, 2016
Link to: Slideshow – Tree Diseases in Gardens and Parks with Duncan Morrison
Tree Diseases in Gardens and Parks with Duncan Morrison Diseases are normal components of ecosystems and will be illustrated with examples of diseases of foliage, stems, and roots from local broadleaf and conifer species. In his presentation, Duncan will define … Continue reading
Posted in BC Nature AGM 2016 News, Guest Speakers, News
Comments Off on Link to: Slideshow – Tree Diseases in Gardens and Parks with Duncan Morrison
Guest Speaker: Dr. Will Marsh, “On the Ragged Edge of Land & Water”, Sun. Sept. 18,2016
The next Comox Valley Naturalists Society meeting will feature Dr. William Marsh, who comes to British Columbia from the University of Michigan where from 1970 to 2000 he enjoyed a diverse career as an earth scientist, landscape planner, teacher, author … Continue reading
Posted in Guest Speakers
Comments Off on Guest Speaker: Dr. Will Marsh, “On the Ragged Edge of Land & Water”, Sun. Sept. 18,2016
Guest Speaker: Brian Walwork, ‘Natural History of Costa Rica’, Sun. Apr.17,2016
Comox Valley Nature is pleased to welcome Bryan Walwork, who will give a presentation of photographs from a recent Natural History Trip to Costa Rica. Walwork’s intense two-week trip was designed for the naturalist. The trip leader, Dr. Keith Wade … Continue reading
Posted in Guest Speakers
Comments Off on Guest Speaker: Brian Walwork, ‘Natural History of Costa Rica’, Sun. Apr.17,2016
Guest Speaker: Chanchal Cabrera, ‘Botanical Gardens’, Sun. Mar. 20, 2016
Comox Valley Nature is pleased to welcome Chanchal Cabrera, owner of Innisfree Farm, a 7-acre botanic garden specializing in food and medicine plants, and providing educational internships in organic gardening and herbal medicine. Cabrera’s presentation will focus on how botanic … Continue reading
Posted in Guest Speakers
Comments Off on Guest Speaker: Chanchal Cabrera, ‘Botanical Gardens’, Sun. Mar. 20, 2016
Guest Speaker: John Tayless “Plankton, Herring and Sea Lions; The Annual Herring Migration Explained” Sun, Feb 21st, 2016.
Comox Valley Nature is pleased to welcome Dr. John Tayless, who is well known in the valley as the founding president of North Island College. Dr. John Tayless is a marine biologist who specialized in coral reef ecosystems. His talk … Continue reading
Posted in Guest Speakers
Comments Off on Guest Speaker: John Tayless “Plankton, Herring and Sea Lions; The Annual Herring Migration Explained” Sun, Feb 21st, 2016.
Guest Speaker: Jan Slomp, President of the National Farmers Union: “Farming for Biodiversity and Climate Needs” Sun, Jan 17th, 2016.
Comox Valley Nature Hosts Farming for Biodiversity and Climate Needs Comox Valley Nature would like to introduce Jan Slomp, President of the National Farmers Union and Comox Valley resident who will discuss his work on healthy challenges and opportunities in … Continue reading
Posted in Guest Speakers
Comments Off on Guest Speaker: Jan Slomp, President of the National Farmers Union: “Farming for Biodiversity and Climate Needs” Sun, Jan 17th, 2016.
Guest Speaker: Kees Visser, BC Nature President: “Geology, Rocks and Times, an Education” Sun, Nov 15th, 2015.
Comox Valley Nature would like to introduce Kees Visser, who has a Ph.D in Geology through the Universaity of Amsterdam, and amongst much experience in the field, has worked for Petro- Canada as a Development and Exploration Geologist in Alberta, … Continue reading
Posted in Guest Speakers
Comments Off on Guest Speaker: Kees Visser, BC Nature President: “Geology, Rocks and Times, an Education” Sun, Nov 15th, 2015.
Guest Speaker: Matthew Rubin (Syracuse University), ‘The importance of being on time: plant circadian clocks and adaption’. Sun, Oct 18th, 2015
The speaker for our next General Meeting, Sunday October 18 will be Dr. Matthew Rubin (Syracuse University): “The importance of being on time: plant circadian clocks and adaption”. Dr Rubin is a botanist who is doing a long-term project on … Continue reading
Posted in Guest Speakers
Comments Off on Guest Speaker: Matthew Rubin (Syracuse University), ‘The importance of being on time: plant circadian clocks and adaption’. Sun, Oct 18th, 2015
Guest Speaker: Industrial Agriculture, Engineered Food & Your Health: Sun. Sep. 20, 2015
To begin our annual lecture series on the Comox Valley environment, Comox Valley Nature would like to introduce Thierry Vrain who will speak about engineering technology, about the current success of the RoundUp Ready technology and the implications of the … Continue reading
Posted in Guest Speakers
Comments Off on Guest Speaker: Industrial Agriculture, Engineered Food & Your Health: Sun. Sep. 20, 2015
