Comox Valley Nature

As the archeological record continues to push back the dates for the arrival of First Nations, the many uses and value of our native flora which is increasingly threatened, is becoming increasingly important. In many instances, the threats to these plants comes from our failure to understand the conditions under which aboriginal peoples maintained and cultivated many of these plants in cultural systems different from our sets of expectations.

For thousands of years people sustained themselves by gathering, cultivating and managing local resources and trade. Comox Valley Nature is pleased to host a presentation which will provide a glimpse into the management and use of traditional foods and medicines primarily from Southwestern BC and adjacent areas.

Sharon Niscak is of Neskonlith decent and learned some of the plants and medicines used by her father, grandmother and great grandmother who retained traditional knowledge. Sharon is part of the Working Group for the Indigenous Food Network and has been involved in the revitalization of Indigenous Food Networks. She has also studied botanical medicines from both a practical and scientific viewpoint.

She will make presentation entitled, “Indigenous Plants: Sharing Traditional Ecological Wisdom with a focus on the traditional plants and foods that are part of our environment,” at the Filberg Seniors Centre at 7pm, Sunday May 18 as part of CVN’s monthly meetings.

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, Comox Valley Nature also supports specialized groups ( Birding, Botany, Garry Oak Restoration, Wetland Restoration, Photography and Young Naturalists Club) 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 the Comox Valley Naturalists Society are held on the third Sunday of most months at the Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton, Courtenay. Meetings and guided walks are open to the public, including children and youth. Lecture is free, though a $3 contribution from non-members is appreciated. New memberships are always welcomed.

Anyone interested in this lecture or participating in CVNS activities can also contact Loys Maingon (CVN President) at 250-331-0143.

Recent legislative changes to the ALR, the Forest Act and the BC Parks Act constitute a radical change in the conservation framework of British Columbia. The boundaries of green spaces, and public access to them, are being opened to short-term private industrial interests with broad management rights. Management of these areas and the public’s stake in them, and access to them, are being redefined, without public consultation.

Comox Valley Nature has for over 48 years carried out a broad variety of long-term citizen science and restoration projects monitoring bird and plant population trends throughout the valley. These data and the trends they represent have helped a number of agencies and non-governmental organizations provide a picture of the environmental health of the Comox Valley. This work has also contributed to the preservation of green spaces and “protected areas” which are critical to the high quality of life enjoyed by residents, and which form the economic basis of the Comox Valley’s tourism and agricultural economies.

This important work has only been made possible by unfettered access to public Crown lands and by co-operative agreements with landowners and various ministries. It is therefore extremely important that the public understand what these legislative changes will mean for the long-term conservation and maintenance of the high quality economic and ecological environment, which we currently enjoy.

Comox Valley Nature will be hosting an open public forum with representatives from various key local environmental associations to discuss conservation implications and possible ways to react or adapt to the legislation.

This public workshop will be held this Easter Sunday April 20 at 7pm at the Florence Filberg Seniors Centre, 411 Anderton, Courtenay.

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, Comox Valley Nature also supports specialized groups ( Birding, Botany, Garry Oak Restoration, Wetland Restoration, Photography and Young Naturalists Club) 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 the Comox Valley Naturalists Society are held on the third Sunday of most months at the Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton, Courtenay. Meetings and guided walks are open to the public, including children and youth. Lecture is free, though a donation from non-members is always appreciated. New memberships are always welcomed. Anyone interested in this lecture or participating in CVNS activities can also contact us at the website or Loys Maingon (CVN President) at 250-331-0143.