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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
Comox Valley Nature’s Wetlands restoration group has been working on the Courtenay Rotary Trail removing invasive plants.Removing invasive plants ensures that native plants can thrive. A vigorous native plant population also provides food for insects and birds.Join us in liberating native plants from invasive thugs such as ivy.We meet at the end of 21st street in Courtenay, where it meets the Courtenay Rotary Trail near Dogwood Park. You’ll find us there every Sunday starting Oct 18 to mid-Dec, mid-Jan to March 14, from 1:00 to 3:30 Bring gloves and water, dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.For more information contact
Category Archives: Insects and arachnids
Entomology and botany at Mt. Washington, July 2026
Véronique M., former co-leader of the Botany Group, sends this note, complete with a set of slides, for your viewing pleasure. I made a very short PowerPoint from the Mount Washington outing we did July 7 under Martin Dollenkamp’s leadership. … Continue reading
Posted in Field Trips, Insects and arachnids, Plants and fungi
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Learn about arachnids in Strathcona Park
NOTE: This presentation, originally planned for September 14, has been postponed while the speaker begins a new job which is in the field, off the grid. We will post a new date when the speaker becomes available. CVN members and … Continue reading
Posted in Guest Speakers, Insects and arachnids
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Kitty Coleman botany highlights
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on March 18. Click a photo to enlarge it. We had a brilliant sunny day for our March 13 walk at Kitty Coleman Beach Provincial Park, and thanks to Robbie we … Continue reading
Posted in Field Trips, Insects and arachnids, Plants and fungi
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Botany walk at Roy Morrison Nature Park
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on February 19. Click a photo to enlarge it. We had a good walk around Roy Morrison Nature Park on February 13, seeing many wonderful things. We focused mainly on winter … Continue reading
Posted in Field Trips, Insects and arachnids, Plants and fungi
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Identifying insect pollinators: a visual guide
Many CVN members want their gardens to attract pollinators, and carefully select native plants for this purpose. But how much do we know about the pollinators themselves? As a joint project, the Environmental Youth Alliance and a project named Border … Continue reading
Posted in Insects and arachnids, Learning material
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Learn about checkerspot butterfly recovery
Comox Valley Nature is pleased to host the following free online lecture: Title: An update on the checkerspot butterfly recovery projectSpeakers: Jennifer Heron and Chris JunckDate: Sunday, April 10, 2022Time: 7:00 p.m. PT This webinar is facilitated by the Canadian … Continue reading
Posted in Conservation and Restoration, Guest Speakers, Insects and arachnids
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Hip to be a botanist!
From an email by Jocie to the Botany group on March 6. Before the spring growing season explodes, take a moment to check out some colourful rose hips! [Click a photo to enlarge it.] Our native Nootka rose (Rosa nutkana) … Continue reading
Posted in Insects and arachnids, Plants and fungi
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Cooley spruce gall
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on January 30. Fanciful-looking Cooley spruce galls add a splash of colour to these grey, dreary days. Many have funky shades of purple, red and yellow. They vary depending on what … Continue reading
Posted in Ecology, Insects and arachnids, Plants and fungi
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Recording available for orchid pollinators talk
The Strathcona Wilderness Institute hosted an online talk on March 24 by Dr. Jasmine Janes and Genevieve van der Voort whose topic was “Orchid pollinators of Strathcona Park“. If you missed this event or would like to see it again, … Continue reading
Posted in Guest Speakers, Insects and arachnids, Plants and fungi
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Learn about orchid pollinators of Strathcona Park
The Strathcona Wilderness Institute, in conjunction with the Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists, is offering a free online lecture titled “Orchid pollinators of Strathcona Park” on Wednesday, March 24 at 7:00 pm PDT. The presenters are Dr. Jasmine Janes and … Continue reading
Posted in Insects and arachnids, News, Plants and fungi
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