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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: News
News Article: Morrison Creek’s Wild Headwaters
Morrison Creek’s Wild Headwaters The Morrison Creek Headwaters is a wild area roughly the size of Stanley Park set between Lake Trail Road to the north and Maple Lake to the south. It extends west from the Inland Island Highway … Continue reading
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In the News: Mack Laing House Report
Background: The Mack Laing House Conservation Committee Team was formed in early June 2013 in response to the emergency discovery that the Town of Comox was proposing to demolish Baybrook, at the mouth of Brooklyn Creek in Comox. Baybrook is … Continue reading
Has Anyone Seen Palliser Rock?
A member of the White Rock & Surrey Naturalists recently emailed CV Nature an interesting request. “I just visited your website and read about one of my favorite spots, Tree Island. What a great write-up, it was a pleasure to … Continue reading
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Christmas Bird Count Report: Dec. 15, 2013
The final tally for the 114th Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the Comox Valley resulted in a total of 105 species: Greater White-fronted Goose Canada Goose Trumpeter Swan Gadwall Eurasian Wigeon American Wigeon Mallard Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Green-winged … Continue reading
Event Report: Swan Fest
Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society hosted the 2013 Trumpeter Swan Festival at the K’omoks Band Hall on November 23. CV Nature participated with a display & a photo slide show by Terry Thormin. CVN members also guided two bus tours to … Continue reading
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Christmas Bird Counts
The dates for the Christmas Bird Counts have just been announced. There are four counts in the area, as follows: Sunday December 15: Comox Count: contact Carol Muirhead to participate 331-0511. Thursday December 19: Deep Bay Count: contact Bill Stewart … Continue reading
Hike Series Update
The final hike in the series of Puntledge River Nature Hikes scheduled for Monday Oct. 14 has been cancelled. A nature walk for CVN members only to Little River Nature Park is scheduled for Saturday Oct. 19. Contact Helen Robinson … Continue reading
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Event Report: Rivers Day Cleanup
Fifteen people pitched in to help CV Nature clean up the shoreline around the Courtenay Riverway & Airpark Lagoon on Sunday Sept. 29 as part of the BC Rivers Day Shoreline Cleanup. Just a few showers did not prevent everyone … Continue reading
Event: Rivers Day Cleanup, Sept. 29, 2013
CV Nature is organizing a Rivers & Shoreline Cleanup at the Courtenay Riverway & Airpark on BC Rivers Day, Sunday, September 29th. “Clean Our Rivers” will take place between 10 a.m. to noon. To participate, meet by the Airpark Cafe … Continue reading
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Spring 2013 Nature Walk Schedule
CVN Nature Walks Spring 2013 April 6 (Saturday) Puntledge River from Powerhouse Road, Meet 9:30am at Harmston Ave. Leader: Loys Maingon 331-0143. April 14 (Sunday) Tsolum River flats. A great place to view gorgeous masses of spring flowers. Meet 1pm at … Continue reading
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