The COVID-19 pandemic continues. We are facing a potential second wave in B.C. and around the world, and, with many CVN members in a higher-risk age group, the CVN Board reminds members that our policy response from April (see this post) remains in effect.
In particular, no group activities (meetings, field trips) that require physical gathering, including interest group activities but with the exception of work parties, are to be held, and none are planned until further notice. Work party activities such as those at the Airpark and at Little River Nature Park are continuing with a small number of volunteers following the guidelines of the public health authorities.
Another factor in keeping the policy in place is that CVN’s liability insurance, which we have by virtue of our membership in BC Nature, does not cover any harms related to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Having said all that, the CVN Board encourages you to go out individually or with members of your personal “bubble” to enjoy, observe, and record the natural world, provided that you are not required to self-isolate and are able to follow public health guidelines (primarily keeping distanced at least 2 metres from others). CVN recognizes such activities as important factors for our physical and mental health.
And we can all benefit if you share your observations virtually or discuss questions with others on any of the Internet-based platforms available. Here are some channels currently being used by members for such sharing (and for citizen science):
- CVN members and the general public are sharing information and thoughts on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/cvnature).
- The birders are making active use of the eBird website and smartphone application, and Kelly coordinates email discussions within the group.
- The Botany Group has made frequent use of email communication to share information and photos of interesting plants and fungi, and these have formed the majority of the posts on this website during this period.
- Some specific projects have been created on the iNaturalist website:
Also, watch for the virtual resumption of monthly guest speakers this fall. Our September speaker on the Canada Jay, Dan Strickland, has been announced (see this post for details and webinar registration information), and speakers for October and November are being lined up.
So, continue studying and enjoying nature, but stay safe!
