Botany Group Report for December 2015
December 7th Fifteen of us met for our annual Christmas Potluck at Helen’s. There was an amazing spread, as usual. The reported highlights of 2015 included the water purslane (Ludvigia palustris) with its minute flower at Little River Park, both searockets (Cakile edentula = American searocket & Cakile maritima = European searocket ) at Kin Beach, glacier lilies (Erythronium grandiflora) near Croteau Lake, and among unusual mushrooms one of the false morells (Gyromitra infula), the earpick fungus (Auriscalpium vulgare) and the parrot’s beak ( Hygrocybe psittacina). All agreed that the most spectacular spring display was to be seen at the end of the Comox runway – the remnants of the Garry
Oak prairie ecosystem; camas and spring gold dominated, but other noteworthy blooms included the diminutive red maids (Calandrinia ciliata). Then our little gray cells were challenged by two botany quizzes created a few years ago by Betty and Norma.
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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.
