As 2015 begins with growing concerns over climate change, it is important to be acquainted with both the work done by the province and the tools open to the public to help manage species and ecosystems at risk.
As part of its educational mandate Comox Valley Nature is pleased to host a public lecture on BC’s conservation data collection systems by Marta Donovan. Marta is a Registered Professional Biologist who currently works as a botanist in Victoria. She manages information on the status and distribution of rare plants at the BC Conservation Data Centre, and teaches botany in Victoria. Her presentation will focus on work carried out by the BC CDC and will include slides of local native plants at-risk. A Comox Valley resident, Marta is also a respected CVN member who frequently makes CVN’s week-end walks all the more informative.
The British Columbia Conservation Data Centre systematically collects and disseminates information on plants, animals and ecosystems (ecological communities) at risk in British Columbia. This information is compiled and maintained in a computerized database which provides a centralized and scientific source of information on the status, locations and level of protection of these organisms and ecosystems. The CDC is part of the Environmental Protection and Sustainability Division in the B.C. Ministry of Environment. It is also part of NatureServe Canada, a national organisation, and NatureServe, an international organisation of cooperating Conservation Data Centres and Natural Heritage Programs all using the same methodology to gather and exchange information on the threatened elements of biodiversity. Information and access to the CDC can be found at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/cdc/index.html
This lecture “Information for Conserving Natural Diversity” will take place at the Florence Filberg Seniors Centre at 7pm (sharp) January 18 2015.
Comox Valley Nature is a non-profit society affiliated to BC Nature consisting only of unpaid volunteers. CVN fulfills its educational mandate by hosting monthly lectures, organizing free weekly guided hikes for members, and a free monthly walk open to the public. The society also undertakes a variety of environmental projects. Aside from its main activity as a non-profit, Comox Valley Nature also supports specialized groups ( Birding, Botany, Conservation ,Garry Oak Restoration, Wetland Restoration, Photography and Young Naturalists) all of which have separate monthly activities. Membership in BC Nature and Comox Valley Nature is $30 per adult and $40 for a family.
Founded in 1966, it is one of the oldest environmental societies on the North Island. Meetings and lectures of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society are held on the third Sunday of most months at the Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton, Courtenay. Meetings and guided walks are open to the public, including children and youth. Lecture is free, though a $4 contribution from non-members is appreciated. New memberships are always welcomed.
Anyone interested in this lecture or participating in CVNS activities can also contact us at this website or Loys Maingon (CVN President) at 250-331-0143.
