Comox Valley Nature would like to introduce Pearl McKenzie who spent most of
her working life as a community law office worker and human rights advocate, focusing
on law reform activities before retirement. Pearl has lived in the Comox Valley since
1997 and has been a board member of Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS) for
more than 10 years, most recently Vice-President.
For more than 20 years, MARS has provided wildlife rehabilitation to the
northern half of Vancouver Island, sharing what they learn from doing this work through
their outreach educational activities. Their caseload has almost doubled in the past few
years and, because there is no room to expand at their current location, MARS has
purchased land and is building a new wildlife hospital.
The new property will also allow MARS to build a ‘first ever’ home for their
Education Program and to welcome visitors to their facility. Their new visitor complex
will consist of an interpretive building for displays and learning activities; an aviary for
their educational birds, a flight pen and wetlands.
The Interpretive Building will provide space for other environmental
organizations in the area to put up displays, make presentations, use the meeting room
and contribute items for sale in the gift shop.
This presentation will briefly summarize the history of MARS, offer examples of
our wildlife caseload and provide information about their new development. One or two
of their Ambassador (educational) Birds and their Handlers will join us for a brief
discussion about how the birds came to work for MARS. This lecture, entitled: “MARS Is
Spreading Its Wings” will take place at the Florence Filberg Seniors Centre at 7 pm
(sharp) November 20, 2016.
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, CVN also supports specialized groups
(Birding, Botany, etc.) 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 CVN are held on the third Sunday of most months at the
Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Avenue, 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.
CVN Facebook Posts
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
Many people fear trees, especially big trees, and old trees. Join us on this guided walk and overcome those fears. Verna Mumby (ISA certified arborist), will take us through the basics of tree bio-mechanics; how trees dance and move, how they withstand wind loads, and the importance of tree roots. Understand how trees help each other during storms and how they communicate. This walk will take place in Filberg Park, Comox, on October 17th, from 11 a.m. to 12:30.This walk is on flat ground, on grass and well maintained paths. Check the weather and choose appropriate outerwear. The workshop will be cancelled in the event of strongwinds and heavy rain.REGISTRATION required using the link in our bio, or visit cvnature.ca/events/This event is free. Donations welcome.For more information, to add your name to a waitlist or to cancel your reservation, mail: . Details re meeting place will be sent to registrants.
Autumn is fast upon us, and the trees in the Comox Valley are beginning their transition into the winter season. CVN’s Comox Valley Trees team (formerly Trees of the Year) is inviting you to share how your favourite trees are changing with the season and preparing for the winter ahead. It could be a brilliant display of autumn foliage, a production of fruit, nuts or berries, or as a winter haven for wildlife. As the leaves fall, do they reveal an interesting or unique tree architecture, shape or silhouette? Perhaps you have discovered trees of interest in forgotten spaces or unusual or unexpected places, or trees with fungi or lichen.Send us the story of why you selected your tree of note. Include a brief description of the tree, a photograph, and the geographical location of the best viewing spot. Ideally the tree is in a public location to facilitate viewing.Please send your story to We will share your stories on our website and on CVN’s Facebook and Instagram pages.Also, be sure to check CVN’s Events calendar regularly for other Comox Valley Trees events such as knowledge walks.#treestories #comoxvalley #comoxvalleytrees #autumn
Hands Off Old Growth, this Sunday October 4th in Simms Park:
Join Comox Valley Nature for a walk to celebrate Comox trees on Saturday, October 3, 2026. We will meet in the parking lot of the Comox Tennis Courts at 1:00 p.m. This 1.5 to 2 hour walk will be led by tree lovers Alora Griffin and Barbara Neilson. The number of participants is limited, and registration is required. RSVP on our events page at comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca/events/We will walk beneath the graceful boughs of some of Comox’s glorious trees, while enjoying their surroundings and the ambience they create for us. The trees selected will include examples of all the native trees now protected by the Town of Comox, as well as some exotic trees.We will discuss their biological features and historical significance as we amble along Brooklyn Creek and through Filberg Park and other parts of Comox. The path through Brooklyn Creek is uneven and there are stairs to climb. Bring your curiosity and questions as well as a water bottle and sun or rain protection, if needed. Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Children are welcome but please leave your furry friends at home, except for service dogs.This event is free, but donations are welcome.
