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
To celebrate our 60th anniversary we invite you to come for a guided stroll on the Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk with a member of Comox Valley Nature on April 24, 10 am -noon. Learn about the history of this area, including how the former sewage lagoon has become one of the most popular walking spots in the Comox Valley. Check out the restoration work that has replaced invasive plant species and added more native plants, shrubs and trees that is being done by Comox Valley Nature in partnership with the City of Courtenay. Hear why invasive plant species are so damaging to the ecosystems. Enjoy the view from the "lookout" over the estuary and be reminded how important the estuary is to the web of life.REGISTRATION required on our events page cvnature.ca/events An easy 1 km walk on a wheelchair accessible paved path. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle Sorry, no dogs. This event is free, but donations are welcome.
For more information, add your name to a wait list or to cancel your reservation email: .
To celebrate our 60th anniversary Comox Valley Nature is offering this opportunity to get together with knowledgeable birders to share skills and learn more about birding in the Comox Valley.This outing is designed for beginners, but birders of all levels are welcome. Experienced birders will help with identifying species, equipment, useful apps, and field guides.
Both CVN members and the public are welcome on this walk at the Courtenay Airpark which will be on a wide smooth pathway for about 2km round trip. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Warm clothing necessary – it’s often windy there! Please leave pets at home.
Register through our events page at This event is free. Donations welcome.
#birding #comoxvalley #iba #courtenay airpark
Plant more native plants and weed out invasives to build a stronger food web:
To celebrate our 60th anniversary we offer this opportunity to learn more about Garry oaks in the Comox Valley.Vanier Nature Park is home to a small grove of Garry oak trees which is being stewarded by Comox Valley Nature. These oaks are at the northern extent of their range, and are a remnant of a culturally modified ecosystem that once covered 160 square kilometres in the Comox Valley
This walk will be lead by Geologist Bob Hauser and Forester Terry Lewis. They have spent many hours in the park removing invasive holly. Terry and Bob will look at the work in progress in the grove and share their unique perspective on this forest, with a focus on soil science and tree species.
The Vanier Nature Park project is being co-managed by Comox Valley Nature and the City of Courtenay with funding from the City of Courtenay, BC Nature and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.
Registration required through
The walk is partially on level ground with some gentle to moderate uphill walking on a forest trail that has some uneven footing. No dogs please.
For more information, to add your name to a wait list or to cancel your reservation, email: Details of the meeting place will be sent to registrants. Please be at the meeting spot at least 10 minutes before the walk starts to sign in.
