Oct 14, Saturday: Wood Mountain, Meet at Harmston Road at 8:30
Loys and Alison will lead the walk up the Wood mountain. This walk is along the site of the former “Forbidden Plateau ski area. This property has recently been in the news as many of the derelict structures (Lift towers, etc.) will be removed in the near future. The walk is up slope, so wear good hiking shoes, bring water, and dress for the weather. There are no facilities on site. Bring something to snack on, as we usually take a break at the top of the walk to enjoy the view before returning down hill. . Meet at Harmston Road, Courtenay, by the Old Church at 8:30 to car pool. Dress for the weather
Oct 7, Saturday: Nile Creek, Qualicum Bay, Meet at Harmston Road
Nile Creek, just north of Qualicum Bay is one of the most popular streams for fly fishing on the east side of Vancouver Island. Per a recent note on the Nile Creek Fly Shop, there are currently lots of chinooks and a few pinks spawning in the stream. In the lower stretches, the trail is an easy walk alongside the Creek. Meet at Harmston Road by the Old Church to car pool.
Oct 1, Sunday: Battleship Lake Mushroom Walk, Mount Washington
This is an easy Public Walk that starts with the boardwalks at Paradise meadows, and then climbs an easy 70 meters to Battleship Lake. The total round trip distance is about 4.5 km. Alison and Loys will lead this walk to view the early fall mushrooms. Meet at the SWI Centre near the trailhead of Paradise Meadows, in the Nordic Ski area. Bathrooms are available near the SWI Centre. Bring water and dress for the weather.
World Rivers Day – Visit our website at www.worldriversday.com to find out more about World Rivers Day, and please let us know about any activities you may organize. We can help your promotions via our website, as well as with e-mails like this one. Last year, river enthusiasts from around the world came together for the 12th annual event. It was a great success, with millions of people involved from more than 70 countries. Activities ranged from stream clean-ups and habitat enhancement projects to educational outings and community riverside celebrations. This year’s global event will be even bigger! World Rivers Day is based on the incredible success of BC Rivers Day in British Columbia, Canada, which has been underway since 1980.
Vancouver International Bird Festival is happening a year from now! – August 19 to 26, 2018 – Visit http://www.vanbirdfest.com/ for more information.
BC Nature Annual Appeal
You will all be receiving your BC Nature Fall Magazine (either via mail or electronically) and in this edition, the centerfold is our Annual charitable donation appeal.
BC Nature and your federation of 53 Nature Clubs work diligently throughout the year in various conservation and nature education projects.
Please donate to assist us with funding these worthwhile endeavors. Nature appreciates your financial help!
Issue 59
Date September 2017
Ruddy Duck
BCnature Fall Magazine available now.
Your BCnature Fall magazine should be in the mail to you soon. For those that wish to receive it electronically or wish to download it from the Member’s Only area of BC Nature Website , please note: On the mailed copy of the magazine, you will find a label on the back page with your name, mailing address and a number in the top left corner of the label. The number in the top left hand corner is your access number and the name as it is spelled on your label (including spaces and punctuation) is your access name. Please email if you wish to change from Canada Post Mail to the electronic version.
Nanaimo Nature Club opening soon
We hope everyone had a great summer and that none of you has been negatively affected by wildfires on mainland BC. We wanted to let you know that a small group has been meeting during the summer to gather information about the formation of a nature club or society in Nanaimo. We want to share ideas for a name for the group and what we’ve learned about forming a club or society and insurance for field trips. Most of all, we want your feedback and enthusiasm to get the group going. What’s next? · We have arranged a public meeting on October 24, at the Beban Park Social Centre, Room 2, 2300 Bowen Road, 7-9 pm. Why late October? Well with all of this dry weather, that will be the perfect time for a hands-on “Mushroom Madness!” presentation with Joyce Lee. After mushrooms, we will ask for your input. How might you want to contribute to a club? How does “Nature Nanaimo” sound to you? Do you have knowledge about the natural world you wish to share? Do you know anything amazing or cool about black widow spiders, plants, soil organisms, the inter-tidal zone, fossils or owls? Do you have a preference for where and when club meetings and events are held? Can you help with planning and publicity about events? There are lots of exciting things to learn and do. We need your help and enthusiasm to make it a reality. · Also – please visit and follow us on new our new Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/naturenanaimo/ where you will be able to: o Get a sneak peek at information we will be reviewing at our October meeting; o Let us know how you want to get involved and make a great nature club; o Post your ideas for awesome events; o Share the times and locations of meetings and events with your friends who want join us; o Check out some awesome, local nature information; o Share your interesting nature observations and questions too! I’m sure there is someone in our midst who can answer those little brown bird questions!! We are looking forward to seeing you online and in person.
Peace Region Grants
Fish & wildlife grants are available in the Peace Region. Don’t miss this chance to apply for a Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program grant. The first step is to submit a mandatory Notice of Intent by Friday, Sept. 8, 2017. This short project description will take just a few minutes to complete and submit online. It will help the FWCP support you to develop a grant application due October 27, 2017. Learn more at fwcp.ca.
FGM silent Auction
September 21 – 24, 2017 – Vernon, BC is our Fall General Meeting and Conference. Registration is now closed, however, we wanted to alert you to a donated silent auction item that may be of interest to members:
Description: Signed limited edition print of a Wildebeest by Robert Bateman. Includes the notes on the print by the artist. Professionally framed and ready to hang. Frame is 31 x 26 inches.
Complete book Collection of “Birds of BC”
Description: Complete set (4 volumes) of the Birds of British Columbia by Wayne Campbell et al. (published 1993-1997) in pristine condition. Value: $400 These are a but a few of the items available. If you are interested and not going to the FGM, please contact your club to see who might be going that could put a bid in for you!!!
Aquatic Species at Risk for assessment
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is seeking input from your community or organization with respect to whether or not Bocaccio should be listed as Endangered under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Further detail can be found in the attached letter, which has also been sent via mail and fax. We welcome input online, by phone, letter, email, and meetings with respect to whether or not Bocaccio should be listed as Endangered under SARA. Specifically, we are seeking a statement in support of or against a SARA listing, and any supporting data, Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge, or information that can be shared and would support advice towards a fulsome listing decision. The online public consultation period will be active September 7 – December 8, 2017 and is available through the Species at Risk Public Registry consultation tool. An online survey in support of the consultations on the Bocaccio listing is now open for comment. The following documents have been developed to help inform the Department in its advice for the Government of Canada on whether or not to list Bocaccio under SARA. These documents are detailed below, and are available via the links provided.
• SARA Registry Species Profile for Bocaccio
• COSEWIC assessment and status report on Bocaccio (Sebastes paucispinis) in Canada
• Recovery Potential Assessment for Bocaccio (Sebastes paucispinis) in British Columbia Waters (2009)
• DFO Management Scenarios for Bocaccio (2016)
• DFO Socio-Economic Analysis for Bocaccio (2017)
• The Listing Process Options under the Species at Risk Act.
In order for your input to be considered in DFO’s advice to the Government of Canada, comments must be received by December 8, 2017. If you or your organization is interested in participating in a webinar or setting up a meeting via phone or in-person, please contact the SARA program at or 604-666-7907. Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you on this matter.
Improving IBAs Across Canada
Birds across Canada will have even more protection! Twelve local projects in Important Bird Areas across Canada are protecting birds, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem integrity!
Learn how you are helping birds in Canada Link
The Aviva Community Fund is back and donating over $1 Million in funding!
Is your organization in need of funding for a current or new project or idea? If so, please see the ACF Eligibility Funding Guide_2017. It includes eligibility guidelines, application questions and information on how to submit your application.
Applications will be accepted between September 13 and October 2, 2017. To ensure you receive all necessary information, register by visiting www.avivacommunityfund.org
The Aviva Community Fund has four funding streams this year:
Community Health, Development, Resilience, and Legacy
The campaign is open to CRA registered charities, public foundations, non-profit organizations, social enterprises, registered B Corporations, publicly-funded schools, universities or colleges, and municipality or government entities.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please email,
Book reviewers Needed
With Fall and winter coming, now a chance to get back to some reading! BC Nature receives books and DVD’s for review and need your assistance in doing the reviews. If you are interested in reviewing any of these books, please email and we will send you the criteria for the Book Review (to be published in the BCnature Magazine.
Chasing Smoke – A wildfire Memoir, Aaron Williams
Birdmania – A remarkable passion for birds, Pete Dunne
The Inner Life of Animals – Peter Wohlleben
Bird songs of Canada’s West Coast – DVD – John Neville
Your BC Nature Executive have been busy
On the BC Nature website, we have a page called “Letters Sent and Received”.
Please visit our website to view a copy of our letters.
Posted inBC Nature, News|Comments Off on BC Nature eNews September 2017
Todays’ walk is along Myra Creek, to the Myra Falls near Buttle Lake. This walk is a joint one between Strathcona Wilderness Institute and CVN and is being led by Alicia Korpach from SWI. A short trails lead from the Boliden-Westmin mine to the beautiful Upper and Lower Myra Falls which descend into turquoise pools located in the deep forest. The lower falls have a total drop of 70 meters in three cascades created by geologic faults. A bathroom is located at the trailhead. Wear sturdy hiking boots, bring water and dress for the weather.
Please note the early start for the car pool at the Courtenay Country Market, 5353 North Island Highway.
Sept 16, Saturday: Elk Falls Regional Park and Salmon Run, Campbell River
Meet at Courtenay Country Market 5352 North Island Highway to car pool. Campbell River is famous for its salmon runs, and at today’s visit we will be seeing a sample of this. The actual viewing location may change depending on the species spawning. Bathrooms are available at the Suspension Bridge parking lot, and off John Hart Road, on the way to the generating station. Bring water, wear sturdy boots and dress for the weather.
Map of Park: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/elk_falls/elk-falls-map-11X17.pdf?v=1504800902808
This walk is explores a stretch of the upper Trent River, from the bottom of the Trent River Canyon. We will be accessing the river from the Inland Highway at a pull-off just north of the Trent River bridge. This walk is only possible if the water levels are low. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, and bring a snack and water as there are no facilities on this walk.
Posted inField Trips, Weekend Walks|Comments Off on Upcoming Walk: Saturday Sept. 9th. 2017, Upper Trent River
The planned Pub to Pub walk will proceed, albeit in the reverse direction. We will start at the Salmon Point Pub end , and take the trail to Oyster River. We will return by the same path, and have lunch at the Salmon Point Pub. The trail is flat, and mostly along the ocean front. There are bathrooms at both ends of the walk, but bring water. We will meet at Harmston Road in Courtenay to car pool to Salmon Point.
Posted inField Trips, Weekend Walks|Comments Off on Upcoming Walk: Saturday Sep. 2nd. 2017, Pub to Pub Walk
FGM 2017 – Registration for all BC Nature Members and BC Nature Club Directors is available online or in either the Summer or Fall Magazine. Available on the BC Nature Website
September 21 – 24, 2017 – Hosted by North Okanagan Naturalists in Vernon. There are some great speakers
World Rivers Day – Visit our website at www.worldriversday.com to find out more about World Rivers Day, and please let us know about any activities you may organize. We can help your promotions via our website, as well as with e-mails like this one. Last year, river enthusiasts from around the world came together for the 12th annual event. It was a great success, with millions of people involved from more than 70 countries. Activities ranged from stream clean-ups and habitat enhancement projects to educational outings and community riverside celebrations. This year’s global event will be even bigger! World Rivers Day is based on the incredible success of BC Rivers Day in British Columbia, Canada, which has been underway since 1980.
Vancouver International Bird Festival is happening a year from now! – August 19 to 26, 2018 – Visit http://www.vanbirdfest.com/ for more information.
BC Nature Annual Appeal
You will all be receiving your BC Nature Fall Magazine (either via mail or electronically) and in this edition, the centerfold is our Annual charitable donation appeal.
BC Nature and your federation of 53 Nature Clubs work diligently throughout the year in various conservation and nature education projects.
Please donate to assist us with funding these worthwhile endeavors. Nature appreciates your financial help!
Issue 59
Date August 2017
Ruddy Duck
BCnature Fall Magazine available now.
Your BCnature Fall magazine should be in the mail to you soon. For those that wish to receive it electronically or wish to download it from the Member’s Only area of BC Nature Website , please note: On the mailed copy of the magazine, you will find a label on the back page with your name, mailing address and a number in the top left corner of the label. The number in the top left hand corner is your access number and the name as it is spelled on your label (including spaces and punctuation) is your access name. Please email if you wish to change from Canada Post Mail to the electronic version.
Conservation Issues
B.C. government putting an end to the grizzly bear trophy hunt – BC Gov News Link
August 27, 3:00pm to 5:30pm Social Sunday with music at VanDusen on the Great Lawn, VanDusen Botanical Garden The Day Trippers (60s and 70s) are a Vancouver based Beatles tribute band that transport you back to the touring days of the early 1960s.
Saturday, September 2 Birding Port Coquitlam’s Pitt River Dyke Join Larry Cowan for a half-day birding field trip along Port Coquitlam’s Pitt River Dyke north from the east end of Nicola Place back to the parking lot at DeBoville Slough. On last year’s fourth September field trip for this route we added another 8 species to this growing list bringing the total to 68. This route covers excellent dyke-side habitats. Come out and help us add to the total. Meet in the main parking area at Cedar & Victoria Drives (DeBoville Slough) in Port Coquitlam at 0900. We will then carpool to our starting point on Sherling Place. 604-370-0931 September 2, 1~5 pm; September 3, 12~3:30 pm Vancouver Dahlia Society Annual Show Location: Floral Hall & Cedar Room, VanDusen Garden Admission by donation
TaiwanFest September 2 to 4, Labour Day weekend on Downtown Granville Street, Vancouver Ingenuity is the tale of human history. From humble paper to elegant crafts, classical music to contemporary pastry; whether it’s Taiwan or Japan, chiyogami or even Van Gogh, discover how these are all connected in the showcase of cultures at the 2017 TAIWANfest: “Kanpai, Japan!” The food is endless, the traditional Taiwanese medicine is salubrious, the music is marvellous, and the entire area around Granville Street remains spotless thanks to the efforts of volunteers from the Tzu Chi Foundation Canada. Who it appeals to: People with a serious addiction to Taiwanese beef noodle. https://taiwanfest.ca/
Interesting Nature-related Websites
Dance Moves Suggest New Bird-of-Paradise Species – Link Here
BC Students’ Project Takes Off! – Alexa Durand and Brenda Shen’s project was successfully launched on SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket destined for the International Space Station (ISS) MicroGravity Lab Science Fair Video Link Here
The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation’s 2017 photo contest is now open. We’re looking for spectacular images of BC’s fish, wildlife and habitats, specifically:
-Wildlife (species native to BC, excluding marine mammals and those in captivity) -Freshwater fish (species native to BC) -BC Landscape photos of freshwater fish and wildlife habitats, including lakes, rivers, wetlands, forests, and grasslands. -People engaged in activities that connect them to nature in BC.
This year’s prizes are a $500 VISA gift card for the first place winner, and two runner-up prizes of a $250 VISA gift card.
For full contest rules and instructions on how to enter, please visit http://www.hctf.ca/communications/photo-contest
Entry deadline is 4:30PM PST on September 30th, 2017.
The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) provides money for fish, wildlife and habitat conservation projects. Funding for these projects primarily comes from conservation surcharges on angling, hunting, trapping and guide outfitting licences sold in BC.
Posted inBC Nature, News|Comments Off on BC Nature eNews August 2017
Aug 26th, Saturday: Public Walk Rosewall Creek Provincial Park
Rosewall Creek is a little used day park south of Fanny Bay. The forest is mostly western hemlock and big leaf maple, and the creek supports a run of Coho salmon. There are toilets near the parking lot. The trail has some challenging (dangerous) points near the falls. Participants should be sure-footed and feel free to turn around if they feel insecure about the trail. Meet at 9:30 at Harmston Road, near the Old church to car pool.
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
