From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on September 4. Click a photo to enlarge it.
Reflecting back over the summer (as one does, come Labour Day), one of our highlights was a backpack up Mount Albert Edward on August 16-18. We did the usual thing, camping at Circlet Lake and day hiking from there, followed by a second night at Circlet. There are those who hike or trail-run to the summit as a day trip, but it doesn’t look like much fun!
Many lovely subalpine plants, and some higher-elevation alpine plants on the rocky ridge to Albert Edward that I don’t get to see too often. Here are some plants and views, and a few shots of my teenage kids en route. We reached the summit on my son’s 15th birthday!
Notes and photos by Kim D. distributed by Jocie to the Botany Group on September 3. Click a photo to enlarge it.
and 2. Pacific goldenthread. A dodder, likely Cuscuta salina, which parasitizes plants in the Goosefoot family, especially pickleweed (in the genus Salicornia). You can see pickleweed poking through in the photo.
Japanese butterbur, maybe Petasites japonicus. Not native but of historical interest!
Paintbrush (Castilleja sp.).
The first two pictures I believe are Pacific goldenthread/salt marsh dodder. I saw it along the shore on the north side of the road at the Little River Ferry terminal in July. First I thought it was some kind of fish netting. When I read more about it, I learned that it loves pickleweed and it was definitely intertwined with that.
The third picture I saw on a Cumberland Museum tour through No. 1 Japanese Settlement just last week. I was told by the leader Dawn Copeland that it is Japanese butterbur or Japanese sweet coltsfoot. It was looking a little floppy with all the dry weather. Apparently it is only seen near where the Japanese have lived.
The final picture I took on a sea stack at San Josef Bay. I know it is paintbrush but nothing more specific than that. Seemed quite dwarfed and definitely connected with the rock but that is all I know.
Posted inPlants and fungi|Comments Off on More summer botany highlights
A message from Kelly Kline, leader of the CVN Birders Group.
Young Rufous Hummingbird (photo: Charles Brandt)
The CVN Birders Group goes on bird-watching field trips every Thursday morning and on the first Sunday of each month. We skip the Thursday immediately following a Sunday outing.
Currently we are following COVID Protocols which include: current CVN members only may participate; must be fully vaccinated; maintain 2 metres separation; no sharing of scopes, binoculars or devices.
Any Comox Valley Nature member can join the Birders Group by emailing Kelly Kline at: cvnbirds [at] gmail [dot] com.
The following free online lecture presented by the Strathcona Wilderness Institute (SWI) will be of interest to CVN members and others:
Title: Can community science measure vascular plant elevation changes in Strathcona Park? Speaker: Steven Hayward Date: Tuesday September 13, 2022 Time: 7:00 p.m. PDT
This webinar is facilitated by the Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists and is open to the public (see the registration link below).
One aspect of climate change and increasing summer temperatures is the prediction that plants will shift their ranges higher in elevation or northward in latitude to remain in their optimal growing conditions. Community science platforms such as iNaturalist can provide large datasets to researchers and have been used to document flora and fauna in Strathcona Park. Can this dataset be used to track vascular plant elevation changes in Strathcona Provincial Park?
Validation of an R package ‘rgbif’ that provides elevation data based on GPS coordinates and evaluating the current flora dataset of Strathcona Park are necessary first steps to see if answering this research question is possible. Further steps include analyzing this dataset and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of using this approach.
About the speaker
Steven Hayward is a university student who worked for SWI during the summer of 2022.
From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on August 30.
On July 22-23 I attended Botany BC (along with some of you) and we had a lot of fun looking at subalpine plants. Here are a few highlights from that. Most of these are from the McKenzie Lake area [click a photo to enlarge it]:
Queen’s cup (Clintonia uniflora). These white lilies contrast beautifully with the deep green leaves.
Marsh violet (Viola palustris). A lovely mauve-coloured violet.
Northern comandra or bastard toadflax (Geocaulon lividum). This is not too common in our area, but there is quite a lot along the shores of McKenzie Lake. Note the small yellow-green blooms.
This creamy coloured slime mold (Ceratiomyxa sp.) was found on an old log on the McKenzie Lake trail.
This slime mold (Lindbladia tubulina) looks like a blob of tar! Near Diver’s Lake.
The admirable bolete (Aureoboletus mirabilis) has a reddish suede-like cap.
The following free online lecture presented by the Strathcona Wilderness Institute (SWI) will be of interest to CVN members and others:
Title: Species of Conservation Concern in Strathcona Provincial Park Speaker: Jack Bindernagel Date: Saturday September 3, 2022 Time: 7:00 p.m. PDT
This webinar is facilitated by the Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists and is open to the public (see the registration link below).
Common Nighthawk (Photo: Jack Bindernagel)
Strathcona Provincial Park occupies a large part of Central Vancouver Island and encompasses a wide variety of ecosystems ranging from above treeline down to low-lying riparian and coastal areas. This diversity in landscapes and vegetation is responsible for the impressive number of species recorded in the park. Due to the park’s large size, many of the ecosystems found within it are comparatively intact. Given the park’s high diversity of habitats and large areas of relatively unmodified terrain, it is not surprising that many species which are globally or locally of conservation concern are found within the park.
This presentation aims to showcase a few of these imperilled species which utilize the habitats found in the park, and explore the significance of the park as it relates to their conservation. Some species discussed will include Donn’s small limestone moss (Seligeria donniana), Black Swift (Cypseloides niger), Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), oldgrowth speckleberry lichen (Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis), Sticta weigelii (a foliose lichen), Salish daisy (Erigeron salishii), and cliff dwarf-primrose (Douglasia laevigata).
About the speaker
Jack Bindernagel is a student who worked for SWI during the summer of 2022. After his stint at SWI he resumes his studies at the University of Victoria. Jack has also been very active as a volunteer with CVN’s Wetlands Restoration Group, particularly at Courtenay Airpark.
By Karen Cummins. Updated 2022-07-15 to add link to Kerri Scott’s podcast.
2022 Tree of the Year
Tree #13, a Garry oak located at 3015 Glacier View Rd. in Courtenay, amassed the most votes in the 2022 Tree of the Year event. The nominator was property owner Ruth Barry. It is a beautiful tree that has been lovingly protected and appreciated for a very long time.
The nominator of the winning tree receives a gift bag or basket consisting (mostly) of consumable treats. They also have the privilege of having an original tree painting in their home for the coming year. This year, Ruth will soon be moving to England so she has requested that the loan of the painting go to the nominator of the second place tree. Tree #5 Douglas fir at Kin Beach nominated by Bev Wolsey was second, so Bev will be the custodian of the painting until next year’s contest.
Nominator Ruth Barry and husband Jerry Van (with prize bag) at the winning treeRuth and Jerry with the painting
#20 Douglas fir on the bluffs near Connemara in Comox
#9 Garry oak on Grieve Rd.
In a three-way tie for 6th place were #10 Apple in Courtenay, #32 Lazo Garry oaks, and #27 Garry oak on Ryan Rd.
We have had a lot of positive feedback about the number and diversity of the trees that were nominated this year as well as the pleasure of reading their stories followed by touring to see and appreciate the trees where they live. These are the goals of the event and it is both the people who nominate the trees and the people who tour and vote for their favourite that make it happen.
What we also heard was that it was very difficult to vote in favour of just one tree. All the trees are “winners”! The descriptions of the nominated trees and the tour maps will stay on the CVN website so that the stories can be shared and the trees toured throughout the year.
Our Tree of the Year Committee would be happy to hear any feedback CVN members wish to share to keep improving this event in the future.
Trip report provided by Kathleen W. with photos by Barbara N.
On May 18, despite a dismal weather forecast, 13 Shoreline Group members joined our enthusiastic trip leader Sandra Milligan for a productive low tide outing at Willow Point Reef, south of Campbell River. Sandra is a Biology instructor at North Island College, and a well-known participant in environmental activities in Campbell River. She previously led us on an outing to this location in 2019, and we were keen to revisit the area. This was the first in-person activity of our group in over two years.
We saw no nudibranchs this time, and fewer numbers of sea urchins, sea stars and anemones compared to our previous outing there, but several species of algae, bivalves, and gastropods were abundant. Here are photos of a few of the species seen [click a photo to enlarge it]:
Giant red sea urchinGumboot chitonLeather star
Here is a species list (as a PDF file to download) compiled from observations provided to me by several of the participants.
Many thanks to Sandra, and our knowledgeable facilitators Ian G., Robin H. and John N. for their help with identifications, and to Kelly K. and Judy C. for help with the COVID protocol.
Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii). Photo by Kevin Cole from Pacific Coast, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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?
This booklet is a useful introductory guide in PDF form that you can download for free and use to learn about the different groups of insect pollinators: honey bees, bumble bees, other bees, hover flies, butterflies, and wasps.
It begins with some general information, including a diagram of basic insect anatomy. Then the section for each of the six groups of insects covered also has a diagram, followed by clear labelled photos of a few examples from the group.
This is not a field guide, but it’s a fun way to enhance your knowledge of the insect pollinators that visit the flowers in gardens and in the wild. For those who want to identify the insects more specifically, this guide can lead beginners to the correct section of their detailed field guides.
Posted inInsects and spiders|Comments Off on Identifying insect pollinators: a visual guide
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! ... See MoreSee Less
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 regionPeople working in or affected by the forest sectorThose interested in practical, policy-level solutionsAnyone who wants a clear explanation of what’s happening—and what can be doneTo 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 ... See MoreSee Less
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 HouseCampbell River • Quadra Island • CourtenayPort Alberni • Honeymoon Bay • Powell River • Victoria Full details and event pages: boundaryforest.org/new-forest-act-roadshow-2026-info/About the New Forest ActThe 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 thresholdsThe framework shifts management from volume-based targets to outcomes-based management, with a focus on watershed function, ecosystem integrity, and stable regional economies.FormatEach 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-presenterDave 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. ... See MoreSee Less
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. ... See MoreSee Less
