CVN members may be interested in this free two-day workshop to be held in June by the BC Wildlife Federation. Here is their description:
“Wetlands can filter water, mitigate flooding, and provide critical habitat to hundreds of species. Unfortunately, wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate and need our protection.”
“Come join us to learn about the different types of wetlands around Cumberland and how to map and protect them using technology such as GPS, Google Earth, and BC’s Community Mapping Network. No previous experience is necessary.”
Comox Valley Nature is pleased to host an online lecture by Aaron Purdy from the Ocean Wise Research Institute. The lecture entitled “The Whales in Our Waters: Conservation Through Citizen Science” is on Sunday March 22, 2020, 7:00 to 9:00 pm.
Given the current situation with the CoVid-19 virus, Comox Valley Nature has made arrangements to have a live, online webinar for Aaron’s presentation. To register, go to:
Priority will be given to CVN members. Free available seats will be allocated to non-members. If you cannot get in, the session will be recorded and will be available later free of charge to the public on the CVN website.
Join Aaron Purdy to learn all about the whales in our waters. Aaron will discuss BC’s common cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), the threats they face, and how Ocean Wise helps to mitigate these threats through research and conservation efforts. He will also describe how you can become a citizen scientist by acting as an observer for the BC Cetacean Sightings Network while out on your next coastal adventure. After this talk, you will have all the tools you need to jump in and do your part to protect BC’s cetaceans.
Aaron joined the Ocean Wise Marine Mammal Research team in 2019 as the Coordinator of the Southern Vancouver Island Cetacean Research Initiative (SVICRI). Through community outreach, research, and education, Aaron engages communities around Vancouver Island to increase awareness of cetaceans in our local waters, talk about the conservation issues they face, and what community members can do to help protect these iconic creatures. Aaron spent several years performing marine mammal and other charismatic megafauna research and is a skilled and experienced marine educator.
This is an excellent opportunity for the public to learn more about conservation efforts to protect the whales is our waters.
Posted inGuest Speakers|Comments Off on CVN invites the public to learn about the whales in our waters
New birders are welcome to join experienced birders for this early Spring bird watching outing to Cumberland Marsh. This walk will be about 1.5 km in length on level pathways. We will be bird watching for about 2 hours.
Meet at 9am in the Canadian Tire parking lot, near the Boston Pizza end close to Cliffe Avenue. We will car pool and depart at 9:10. Leader will be Kelly Kline.
March 8: Seaside Treasures – We will go on a beach walk at Goose Spit Park to find and identify different beach items. Note: the time will be earlier than usual (11am to 1pm) to match with low tide times. More details will be sent out closer to the date.
April 19: (tentative date) Location and details to be announced.
Posted inField Trips, NatureKids|Comments Off on NatureKids: Upcoming Explorer Days, March & April 2020
What a refreshing afternoon in the Seal Bay Park forest. We learned how forests can be magical by providing us with many different things such as homes, food, jobs, products, clean water, and oxygen. Not only do forests fight climate change (which makes them pretty cool) but they help us to refresh and reset, allowing for us to feel re-energized for the day or week ahead! Some of our fun forest activities included a colour palette hunt to see how forests can be a source of inspiration for colours, and hiding amongst the flora in a game of Camouflage to see how animals can use the forest for protection.
Here are a few photos from our Explorer Day, and you can see more on our Comox Valley NatureKids Facebook page.
Nature kids
Colour palette hunt
Trail walk
Camouflage game
Posted inField Trips, NatureKids|Comments Off on NatureKids Explorer Day Report – Fun in the Forest – Feb. 9, 2020
Comox Valley Nature has a number of active groups focussed on nature and the environment. These include: Birders, Botany, Courtenay Airpark, Weekend Walkers, Conservation, Garry Oaks, Environmental Heritage & Culture, Photography, Shoreline, Swan Count, Tree of the Year, and Wetland Restoration.
The CVN Annual General Meeting on Sunday, February 16, 2020 will feature brief presentations by the Shoreline Group and the Birders Group. In addition, Gabriel Bau Baiges (former CVN Secretary) will present an update of the Comox Strathcona Waste Management Service Capital Projects. The presentations will start after introductions at 7:00pm in the Rotary Room of the Filberg Seniors Centre, 411 Anderton Ave, Courtenay.
Leather sea star [inaturalist.org]
The Shoreline Group, led by paleobotanist Randal Mindell, have monthly field trips to explore the intertidal zone during the day as well as at night. The field trips highlight the geology, seaweeds, invertebrates, and the occasional intertidal fish found in the local area. The presentation will summarise the observations from some of these field trips during 2019.
Black oystercatcher [inaturalist.org]
The Birders have a bimonthly meeting as well as informal outings for CVN members. This is a great way to learn bird identification, meet people, and explore new locales within the Comox Valley. There are three Bird Counts conducted by CVN: annual Spring count, annual Christmas count, and weekly Trumpeter Swan counts in winter. Kelly Kline (Birder Group leader) will present a summary of the 2019 Christmas bird count.
Gabriel is a Professional Engineer with 20 years of experience managing solid and liquid waste projects. Gabriel is currently working for the Comox Valley Regional District to open a new compost facility and improve the condition of our landfills. Gabriel will provide an overview of the projects he is leading within the Comox Strathcona Waste Management service. This overview includes projects on protecting our environment through the management of our garbage, the closure of landfills and opening of new recycling programs.
This is an excellent opportunity for the public to learn more about the activities of Comox Valley Nature.
Posted inGuest Speakers, News|Comments Off on The public is invited to learn about CVN activities at the AGM on February 16
The advance schedule of weekend walks for members for the period from February 16 to May 16 is now available. Download it here.
Of these trips, the ones on the following dates will be open to the public:
March 22
April 18
May 2
The information in the advance schedule reflects planning as of the posting date and is subject to change. Always check for the latest information and additional details in the President’s weekly email announcements, in blog posts on this website, or on Facebook.
Jillian Stelfox receiving CVN Bursary in 2019 from President Jim Boulter
The 2019 recipient of our $1000 bursary award was Jillian Stelfox, who graduated from Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School and enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (Ecology) program at the University of Calgary in 2019. She intends to pursue a career as an ecologist or wildlife biologist, with a goal of promoting conservation. She has participated in G.P. Vanier School’s Explore program, and the Young Women in Ocean Literacy and Leadership camp, which encouraged her interest in the environment. Her record as a volunteer is impressive and includes involvement in the following environmental initiatives:
5 years as a member of the Isfeld Environment Club, including 2 years as Club vice-president
Salmon count with the Tsolum River Restoration Society
Removal of invasive species with Broombusters and Project Watershed, and planting native species with Project Watershed
Lead organizer of Isfeld’s 2019 Eco-Fair
Participant in numerous beach cleanups; a lead organizer in 2018 and 2019
Fund-raised for MARS Wildlife Rescue Centre
In addition Jillian has been an outstanding student, achieving Honour Roll status for the past 3 years, while also participating in school and extracurricular sports. Her references speak very highly of her commitment and passion for the natural world.
Congratulations Jillian, and we wish you much success in your studies and future endeavours!
Posted inBursary|Comments Off on Jillian Stelfox, CVN Bursary Recipient, 2019
Let’s go to Little River Nature Park. Meet at 9am at Quality Foods on Guthrie Road, Comox. Park in the back lot, south of the store. We will car pool and depart at 9:10. Should be back before noon.
Good Birding.
Kelly
Posted inBirds, Field Trips|Comments Off on January 30 Bird Walk to Little River Nature Park
The Plant Native Grow Wild event is coming up soon. This is your chance to learn more about supporting wildlife in your area by growing native plants. Have a look at the beautiful native gardens around the MARS visitor centre, chat with knowledgeable experts and purchase some plants to help you become a habitat steward in your own backyard. We are looking forward to meeting you there.We're joining our fabulous community partners for a fun and educational day of learning how to support wildlife close to home with native plants and ecological practices. Local experts and environmental groups will have friendly advice to help you become a habitat steward in your own yard. Oh, and there'll be 35+ native plants species for sale for a variety of different growing conditions. 📆 Saturday, May 30th 10 am - 2 pm📍 1331 Williams Beach Rd. MervilleOur guests experts:🌱 Comox Valley Nature 🌱 Gone to Seed Little Library🌱 Vancouver Island Master Gardeners🌱 Native Bee Society of BC🌱 Comox Community Bat Program⭐️ Some vendors cash-only ☑️ Bring your own flats🚗 Limited parking: carpool if you can ❤️ MARS Visitor Centre and Gift shop open but no site tours 🛑 No dogs, please❓️ email ... See MoreSee Less
May 9th is World Migratory Bird Day, and the Town of Comox Bird Team invites you to celebrate atthe Filberg Park Stage!This marks the Bird Team’s first event as a certified Bird Friendly Town (Intermediate level)—amilestone worth celebrating with the community.Come meet local bird enthusiasts and discover this year’s theme:“Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter”May 9th is World Migratory Bird Day, and the Town of Comox Bird Team invites you to celebrate at the Filberg Park Stage!This marks the Bird Team’s first event as a certified Bird Friendly Town (Intermediate level)—a milestone worth celebrating with the community.Come meet local bird enthusiasts and discover this year’s theme:“Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter”Visit the Town of Comox Bird Team Booth and learn how to identify and record birds in your community using citizen science tools. Pick up helpful pamphlets outlining how to prevent bird injuries and simple ways to make your neighbourhood a safer, more welcoming place for birds.At the Comox Valley Naturalists Society Booth explore displays showcasing local stewardship initiatives, including birding, shoreline conservation, botany, nature walks, invasive plant awareness, and native plant gardening.Join experienced birders Mandy and Kathryn from Comox Valley Naturalists Society for a guided bird walk through Filberg Park at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. (limit 12 people). First come, first served.At 10:00 Karen Cummins will lead a walk to look at garden features and management practices that make Filberg Park bird friendly. (limit 12 people). First come, first served. Special Guest: Ambassador OwlMARS Wildlife Rescue Centre will be bringing their ambassador Western Screech Owl, Lanei,who will be retiring soon after the event. Come meet Lanei and wish her a happy retirement!for more information on World Migratory Bird day visitwww.fws.gov/story/2026-01/world-migratory-bird-day-2026... See MoreSee Less
