Bear Creek Park Walk, Sept. 15

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Krista

Our Regional Park system is an important part of the ecological legacy to coming generations. Maintaining this legacy depends on understanding and appreciating the constituent values it helps sustain. The best way to preserve it is to use it.

As the fall migration cycle begins again, many birds come through our region. Bear Creek Regional Park is an important varied ecological site that provides connectivity for migratory birds. Local birding experts, Dr. Art Martell and Dave Robinson will be leading a public walk around Bear Creek Park on Sept. 15, Saturday. Participants should either meet at 8:15am at the Old Church on Harmston Street , or at 9am at park entrance. Inquiries should be directed to Art Martell 334-2979.

As one of Vancouver Island’s oldest environmental societies, affiliated to BC Nature, Comox Valley Nature provides weekly guided naturalist walks, to better help understand and preserve our natural heritage. CVN also hosts monthly lectures on a wide variety of ecological topics.

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 public guided walks are open to the public, including children and youth. (No dogs on walks, please). An entrance fee of $3.00 for the lecture is suggested for non-members. New memberships are always welcomed.

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Fall 2012 Nature Walk Schedule

Posted on September 7, 2012 by Krista

CVNS Nature Walks & Activities, September to November 2012

Car pool from the Old Church Theatre, 755 Harmston Avenue, Courtenay unless otherwise indicated.

Sept. 15, Saturday, Bear Creek Park. Meet 8:15am at Harmston or 9am at park entrance. Leaders: Art Martell 334-2979 and Dave Robinson. Public walk.

Sept. 22, Saturday, Browns /Puntledge Rivers. Meet 9am at Harmston. Leader: Fran Newson 339-4001

Sept.23, Sunday, Shoreline cleanup. Meet 10am at Airport Cafe. Leader: Murray Little 703-2653. Public event.

Sept. 29, Saturday, Morrison Creek. Meet 10am at Lake Trail School. Park on Lake Trail Rd. (not on school property). Carpool from there to limit parking on Arden Rd. Leader: Steph Nathan 334-7701 Public walk.

Oct. 6, Saturday, Paradise Meadows. Meet 9am at Harmston or 9:45am at trail head. Bring a snack or lunch and water. Leader: Betty Brooks 337-8180

Oct, 13, Saturday, Millard Creek. Meet 9am at Harmston, or 9:15 at trail head. Steve Williams and Loys Maingon.

Oct. 20, Saturday, Williams Beach Forest. Edible Mushroom Walk. Meet 9am at Harmston or 9:30 am at Williams Beach Forest. Leader: Charlotte Ostrowski. Public walk.

Oct. 27, Saturday, Brooklyn Creek. Meet 9:30am at Harmston or  10am at Cedar St. off Pritchard. Leader: Chris Pielou 339-1780.

Nov. 3, Saturday, Nymph Falls, Mushrooms. Meet 9am at Harmston or 9:30am at Nymph Falls parking lot. Leaders: Dulcie Hamilton, Charlotte Ostrowski and Alison Maingon 331-0143. Public walk.

Nov. 10, Saturday, Lerwick Forest. Meet 9am at Harmston or 9:30am at Sheriton Road off McDonald Road. Carol Muirhead 331-0511

Nov. 17, Saturday, NorthEast Woods. Meet 9:30am at Harmston or 10am north end of Torrence Rd. Leader: Karin Franzen 334-7737. Public walk.

Nov. 24, Saturday, Puntledge River Trails from Fish Hatchery. Meet 9am at Harmston. Leader: Fran Newson 339-4001. Public walk.

Dec. 1, Saturday, Seal Bay Park from Fitzell Road off Langlois. Meet 9am at Harmston or 9:30am at Fitzell. Leader: Loys Maingon 331-0143. Public walk.

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Trent River Walk, Sept. 8

Posted on September 3, 2012 by Krista

Sept. 8,  Saturday,  Trent River, Meet 9 am at Harmston or 9:30am at Hutton Road (off Briardale).      Bring water and a snack, also clippers for minor trail maintenance. Leader: Kate Pierce 1-250-703-9623

 

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BC Nature enews August 2012

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Krista
Upcoming
Events
  • FGM – 2012 FGM is being co-hosted by Nanoose
    Naturalists and Arrowsmith Naturalists. Dates are September 27-30th, 2012.
    Registration in the Summer Magazine or BC Nature Website . Only 5 weeks away, register now. To BC
    Nature Representatives – The club is trying to pin down Lunch Numbers for the
    Directors meeting, please email the registrar office at this link
    if you intend to participate but have not yet sent in your registration.

    GREAT NEWS – EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DATE EXTENDED TO AUGUST 27, 2012

  • Lillooet Camp – only 5 spots left – October 1 –
    6th, 2012 For further information, please contact
  • Elders Council for Parks BC – Who are we?
    Retiree’s from Parks Canada, BC Parks and Regional Parks. We are hosting a fun
    weekend @ Manning Park Sept 7 – 9, 2012. So – if you are a fellow park retiree,
    please come join in the fun, book your space through Mel Turner –
  • BC Nature Photo Contest – BC Nature is looking
    for your entry on your best nature photographs – Flora or Fauna! Close date for
    entries is September 1, 2012 – Great Prizes and immortal infamy on our website
    with your photographs. Please email with “Photo Contest” in
    the subject line. Please submit high resolution
    jpegs.
FGM 2012 Update
FGM 2012 “Nature by the Salish Sea” on beautiful Vancouver
Island. The FGM is co-hosted by the Arrowsmith and Nanoose Naturalists and
promises to be an not-to-miss event, showcasing much of the flora and fauna that
makes Vancouver Island unique. Highlights of the FGM will include a keynote
address by Dr. “Buzz” Holling, an internationally-recognized scientist
celebrated for his theory of “ecosystem resilience”. Also, the new Deep Bay
Field Research Station – designed and built to LEED specifications – will
demonstrate the latest research into aquaculture and showcase the startling
diversity of our local waters. For registration and program info, see the latest
BC Nature magazine or go to Arrowsmith Naturalists Site GREAT NEWS – EARLY
BIRD REGISTRATION DATE EXTENDED TO AUGUST 27, 2012 – Don’t delay!
Issue
24
Date
August 2012
Dwarf
Dogwood
BC Nature Website
Update
We
now have the new website up and running. We are continuing to update and find
areas that we need to “Tweak” – and we are now ready to start work on the
“members only” section. The password will be based on your name as entered into
our database. When you receive your BCnature Fall magazine, please check the
mailing tag on the back page to ensure that your name is correct. If otherwise,
please email the office with corrections.
Wells Gray’s Valley of Fire and Ice – September 1st
2012
Join
us for a full day guided tour of the Clearwater Valley near Wells Gray Park—BC’s
Valley of Fire and Ice. Dr. Cathy Hickson, Canada’s foremost expert on volcanoes
and the landscapes they produce, will provide a full day of interpretation of
the 400 Million years of geological change that has made the Kamloops region so
rich in gold, copper, uranium and other precious minerals. The tour includes a
bus coach tour from Kamloops to Wells Gray Park, short easy walks to spectacular
viewpoints and landmarks, and a buffet dinner with an illustrated talk by Cathy.
The all inclusive cost for the bus, bag lunch, and buffet dinner will be only
$70, so space will be limited! This will be the first in a series of events to
celebrate the rich resources that are protected by Wells Gray Park for which it
has been nominated as a World Heritage Site. For more information and to reserve
a space contact: Tom Dickinson, The Faculty of Science, Thompson Rivers
University, Kamloops. 250-828-5400;
On going Enbridge Information, articles,updates
The
Joint Review Panel is accepting written comments on the Enbridge Pipeline until
the end of the month. If you didn’t get a chance to make a presentation to the
panel — and even if you did — please take a moment to let the panel know your
opinion. It doesn’t have to be long. Tell the panel in your own words how you
feel about the idea of a crude oil pipeline running through our wild salmon
watersheds and supertanker traffic on our north coast. Here’s how: 1. Click here
to visit the Joint Review Panel’s website and submit your comment using the
online form. OR… 2. Mail or fax your letter to the Joint Review Panel:
Secretary to the Joint Review Panel Joint Review Panel – Enbridge Northern
Gateway Project 444 Seventh Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2P 0X8 Facsimile:
403-292-5503, or toll free at 1-877-288-8803 (you can either send an original
letter or use the comment submission form which you can download here)

This is a reminder that the online scheduling tool is available to
schedule oral statements for the community hearings in Vancouver, Victoria and
Kelowna, BC. The Joint Review Panel announced the dates for the community
hearings for oral statements in these locations on 27 June 2012. The schedule is
available on the Panel’s website at Link . The deadline to schedule your oral
statement for the Community Hearings in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna, BC is
30 September 2012.

Enbridge Waterway Depiction Link Here

About Town – Upcoming Events
Richmond
Raptor Festival – The 5th Annual Richmond Raptor Festival, a fabulous family
event that celebrates the magnificent birds of prey that live in Richmond and
throughout British Columbia, will take place on Sunday, August 26, 11am to 4pm.
This event is hosted by the City of Richmond in partnership with the Richmond
Nature Park Society. The festival takes place at Terra Nova Rural Park in
Richmond, BC. (2631 Westminster Hwy).
For the fourth consecutive year,
Pacific Northwest Raptors will offer flying demonstrations at 11:30am, 1:30pm
and 3:30pm. Last year, approximately 1000 people attended. After last year’s
success, we are again opening up the event to organisations involved in
protection and conservation of birds of prey.

Treefest 2012 – The
Treefest Planning Committee would like to extend an invitation to your
organization to participate in the 19th annual Treefest. The festival is an
opportunity to celebrate trees and heritage with an emphasis on the fine
collection of trees on the Riverview lands. This year’s event will take place on
Saturday, September 15th, from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Riverview Hospital
Grounds located at 2601 Lougheed Highway in Coquitlam. Activities will include
tree tours, an outdoor heritage tour, live entertainment, Blackberry Tea,
children’s activities, community displays and more. Food and beverage services
will be provided on site and the Serenity Garden provides a great location for
picnics. Please also note that this year is a critical year for the future of
Riverview. For nearly 100 years, the Lands have been a centre for the treatment
of mental illness and addiction. In August 2012, the use of the Lands as a
provincial mental health hospital will come to an end and the future of the
Lands is unknown. For more information and to participate in planning for the
future of Riverview see Riverview Values

White Rock Native Plant
Demonstration Your are cordially invited to: to attend the unveiling of the
White Rock Native Plant Demonstration Garden Interpretive Signage
Thursday,
September 6, 2012, 4:00p.m. at the west side of the White Rock Museum &
Archives – 14970 Marine Drive,City of White Rock
“The White Rock Native
Plant Demonstration Garden is a Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society Project with
the support of the City of White Rock,the White Rock Museum & Archives and
the White Rock & Surrey Naturalists’ ”. Please RSVP: Margaret Cuthbert,
or call 604-536-2636

Volunteers needed for
the Campbell Valley Country Celebration, a family event, September 15th
and 16th. • The ‘task’: Saturday September 15th, 8:30 am – pick up materials at
the FoSBS office, go to Campbell Valley Park Country Celebration venue off 8th
Ave and 204th St. (Langley) and set up the display and activity for 10am; attend
the tent until 4pm, then cover for overnight with a tarp. • Sunday September
16th, 9:45 am attend the display and family activity until 4pm then pack up and
return materials to the FoSBS office. If you can help for all or part of this
time, please contact Marg as soon as possible, email:

Reminder: Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup September 22nd at Blackie Spit,
Crescent Beach, Surrey at 10am. The Vancouver Apneists (free divers) and 1st
Semiahmoo Sea Scouts/Venturers will be participating. Please contact Alison if
plan to attend, email:

BC Butterfly Atlassing update
Launched
in 2012, the BC Butterfly Atlas is harnessing the efforts of both professional
biologists and citizen naturalists to document the distribution and abundance of
butterflies in British Columbia. Gathering butterfly records from across BC will
help identify which species are truly rare and which are more common, provide a
snapshot of butterfly populations to which past and future surveys can be
compared, and inform efforts to conserve butterflies and their habitats. Results
will be collated into a single database and made available on maps on the
project website. The project also aims to educate and engage the public about
the importance of biodiversity and increase involvement in butterfly
conservation in BC. For more information on the Atlas project, go to BC
Butterfly Atlas
Interesting Sites and articles
Tropical
Fish invading East Coast Canada – Link
Endangered Whale Species make
appearances in California Link
Heritage trees are worth protecting – Link
Beauty and the Beak – Link
Latest
news from the BC Breeding bird atlas – Link

Birds that live with varying weather sing more versatile songs: study link
A Bluebird Summer: Bringing Western
Bluebirds back to Southeastern Vancouver Island – Article
14
Fun Facts about Fireflies – Link
Carbon Tax Feedback
The
B.C. government wants your views on the future of the carbon tax and how to make
it better. Until August 31st, you can influence the future of this crucial
policy.
Since 2008, the carbon tax has been encouraging industries and
households that generate carbon emissions to pollute less. And it works; B.C.’s
climate policies are driving down emissions while keeping the economy healthy.

B.C. showed great leadership by implementing this solution. Now it’s time to
lead again, by improving it with a Better Future Fund.
We want the
government to start taxing all industries equally. Currently, no companies get
taxed for so-called “fugitive and process emissions.” Taxing the responsible
industries would generate another $125 million per year, which could go toward
sustainable solutions like transit, renewable energy, and green jobs. By
investing wisely in green projects that reduce emissions, we’ll make our
communities healthier and better places to live. Like the sound of that? The
Better Future Fund (a partnership between the David Suzuki Foundation and other
like-minded organizations) is collecting your thoughts on the carbon tax and how
your community could benefit from a “green fund,”and sending them to B.C.’s
Finance Minister. Have your say today! Send your Feedback here

Climate change threatens to alter marine ecosystem
Climate
change threatens to wreak havoc on entire marine ecosystems due to factors such
as rising water temperatures, increased acidification, and reduced oxygen
levels, according to a report on B.C.’s Pacific coast Read more: Vancouver Sun
Fracking could taint water systems: research
A
new scientific study of the risks associated with hydraulic fracturing or
“fracking” – in the U.S., found that current methods for wastewater disposal put
drinking water at risk. Read more: Times Colonist
Calling all clubs – PCAF Funding Available – Deadline September 25,
2012
We
are pleased to announce that the Public Conservation Assistance Fund is running
a second call for applications from individuals or groups interested in doing a
conservation project. The application deadline is September 25, 2012.
For
more information, including the application forms and guidelines, please visit
our website If you have questions, please do not hesitate to phone
Jane Algard ( 250 940-9781) or Lynne Bonner
( 250 940-9787). http://www.hctf.ca/PCAF/PCAF.html
Feedback on National Marine Conservation Area
Why
does my feedback matter?
Parks Canada is finalizing the boundaries and
other measures to create a National Marine Conservation Area in the Southern
Strait of Georgia. Public opinion counts! YOUR feedback will influence the
outcomes! What’s at stake? The southern Strait of Georgia is an
incredibly rich part of our inland sea with unique marine habitats and a huge
diversity of marine life – including killer whales, lush kelp forests, seals,
sea lions and seabird colonies.
The Strait of Georgia is also bustling with
human activities. A National Marine Conservation Area will help ensure that the
special species and their habitats are protected, and the wide array of human
uses – from fishing to shipping to whale watching and more – are sustainably
managed.
Keeping this marine environment healthy matters for everyone who
lives in or visits our coastal communities, or enjoys the sea’s rich harvest!

I’m no expert, what can I say? Let Parks Canada and your local
politicians know why the Southern Strait of Georgia is special to you, and why
you believe there should be a large National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA).

Some points you may also wish to make: •The proposed north and south
boundaries are good, but the large rectanglar area NE of Galiano and Valdes
Islands should be added back into the NMCA. •The NMCA boundary should extend up
to the high tide line and include important near-shore ocean habitats (e.g.
areas beside provincial parks) •The NMCA should include a network of core “no
take” areas that are fully protected. •Parks Canada should assume management
responsibility for the entire NMCA at once, rather than phasing it in over many
years. Feedback Link

Posted in BC Nature | Comments Off on BC Nature enews August 2012

Quinsam River Walk, Aug. 25

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Krista

As the regional representative for BC Nature, Comox Valley Nature (Comox Valley Naturalists Society) is offering a free public nature walk along the Quinsam and Campbell Rivers. The public is invited to join biologists Loys Maingon (RPBio), President of Comox Valley Nature, and Luisa Richardson. This is an opportunity to explore the importance of one of our local watersheds and the effects our growing urban environment is having on them.

The Campbell River Watershed consists of 1,822 square kilometres. It is the source of Campbell River’s water supply. However, it lies mainly outside City boundaries and the City has very limited enforcement abilities within the watershed. The best protection for this and any other  green space is in fact a well-informed citizenry familiar with the values inherent in its watershed, the problems that it faces and the ecological services that it provides for the city’s economic well-being.

As Campbell River states on its website: “ The entire community is responsible for keeping our watershed clean.” (http://www.campbellriver.ca/Residents/Water/FAQ/Pages/WatershedProtection.aspx).

This free Public Walk will take place, August 25 at 9:00 am. Meet at the Tyee Plaza Parking Lot. The group will then follow Luisa to the logging bridge on the Campbell River on highway 28, 1.17 km after the last traffic lights on the Gold River Highway (Highway 28). (Contact Loys: 250 331 0143, or Luisa: 250 202 3266) .

Luisa Richardson is a long-time resident of Campbell River, Certified Heritage Interpreter and environmental educator. She has created educational programs and guided tours highlighting waste reduction, water conservation, watershed protection, natural and cultural history on behalf of Greenways Land Trust, the Comox Strathcona Regional District, City of Campbell River,  Strathcona Wilderness Institute, Run of the River Excursions and Wild B.C. Luisa has guided historical boat trips for the CR Museum since 2008.

Among his various responsibilities, Loys Maingon (RPBio) is a limnologist specializing in riparian and wetland ecology, and a member of the IAIA (International Association for Impact Assessments.) He is currently chair of the ISO Canadian Advisory Committee for Methods of Water Quality Sampling and member of various provincial and international working groups.
Anyone interested in taking part in this walk or participating in CVNS activities can contact us  ( Loys Maingon at 250-331-0143 or Luisa Richardson: 250-202-3266.)

 

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Rosewall Creek Walk, Aug. 18

Posted on August 12, 2012 by Krista

In the third of their summer Watershed Walk series, Comox Valley Nature and Comox Valley Conservation Strategy are offering a free, guided public walk in the Rosewall Creek forest and watershed on Saturday August 18th starting at the park trailhead at 10:15 am.

Set aside as part of the provincial park system, the Rosewall Creek watershed is an ecologically important mid-size East Vancouver Island river just 3 km south of Fanny Bay. Historically a very productive salmon river, it is now home to an important fish hatchery and a bottled-water business, which co-exist with the rich biodiversity of the provincial park. The walk will highlight some of the key riparian (stream-side) processes that occur in low-gradient coastal streams.

Interested participants are asked to meet at either the Old Church on Harmston Street in Courtenay at 9:30 am, or at the Rosewall Creek Provincial Park parking lot at 10:15 am. The walk will take us up out of the park to a falls, a distance of about 3.5 km. The complete walk should take about 3 to 3.5 hours. This is a level established trail up to the falls area where the trail then requires some climbing or scrambling to access a second optional viewpoint. The walk is suitable for able hikers of all ages but participants should bring good walking shoes, water and a snack.

The walk will be guided by biologists Loys Maingon (RPBio), President of Comox Valley Nature, and Kerry Dawson, Education Coordinator of the Comox Valley Conservation Strategy. It will cover aspects of the local flora and fauna of the Rosewall Creek watershed as well as a discussion of the important role of establishing a biodiversity network in the Comox Valley.

For more information please contact Loys Maingon at 250-331-0143. For more information on CVCS visit the website at www.cvconservationstrategy.org or contact Kerry Dawson at (250) 339-1029.

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Dragonfly Field Workshop, Aug. 11

Posted on August 8, 2012 by Krista

The Comox Valley is blessed with an extraordinary richness in regional biodiversity. To a large extent this is because of the foresight of local government leaders and planners to create and maintain regional parks which provide many species with a foundation for green corridors, in collaboration with local volunteer community groups.

Last year, Little River Nature Park, which is part of Comox Valley Nature’s restoration projects, was found to be attractive to an extraordinary diversity of dragonfly species on Vancouver Island. Comox Valley Nature is therefore organizing a free dragonfly field workshop, which is open to all members of the public of all ages, from 1:30 to 5:00pm at the Little River Nature Park, on Saturday, August 11. 

This is an occasion to learn about nature and the value of our regionalparks, and to celebrate our regional government’s civic engagement in our environmental future.

Of the 41 species of dragonflies that can be found on Vancouver Island, 38 occur within the Comox Valley. This is an impressive diversity of dragonflies for such a small area.  The reason for this is the great diversity of dragonfly habitats found locally and maintained by the park system. From high altitude meadows dotted with lakes and streams to sea level ponds, marshes and bogs, from forested lakes to fast flowing rivers and quieter streams, they all occur in the valley and support a diversity of dragonflies.  Expert entomologist, Terry Thormin will be on hand to help you will learn about their life histories and find out how to identify the various species.

Photographer and naturalist extraordinaire, Terry Thormin recently retired to the Comox Valley after 23 years at the Royal Alberta Museum where he curated the entomology collection. Terry has been a naturalist all his life and first became interested in insects in his early teens.  Anyone interested in an illustrated insight into the world of Terry should visit http://www.pbase.com/terrythormin

Interested participants in this workshop should bring their binoculars and cameras, as well as butterfly nets.  For those who are uncertain of the Nature park location please meet 1 pm at the Old Church on Harmston St,  1:30 at Little River Nature Park – Parking is limited at the park so we encourage you to carpool at Harmston and limit our carbon footprint (Contact Terry Thormin 250-941-5130 or Loys Maingon 250-331-0143.)

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New Bird Checklist

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Krista

A new  version of the Comox Valley Checklist of Birds has just been published. Updates include clearer distinction of rare birds as well as notation of historical records of rarities prior to 1970.

The previous issue from 2007 was completely sold out. The new update is available for $2 plus postage from CV Nature :  contact us via this website.

Posted in Birds, News | Comments Off on New Bird Checklist

BC Nature enews June 2012

Posted on June 29, 2012 by Krista
Upcoming
Events
  • FGM – 2012 FGM is being co-hosted by Nanoose
    Naturalists and Arrowsmith Naturalists. Dates are September 27-30th, 2012. This
    event also should be circled as a no miss event. Registration in the Summer
    Magazine – early payment discount – August 20, 2012
  • Lillooet Camp – only a few spots left – October 1
    – 6th, 2012 For further information, please contact
  • Elders Council for Parks BC – Who are we?
    Retiree’s from Parks Canada, BC Parks and Regional Parks. We are hosting a fun
    weekend @ Manning Park Sept 7 – 9, 2012. So – if you are a fellow park retiree,
    please come join in the fun, book your space through Mel Turner –
Interesting Sites and articles
Here is a link about Harper’s cuts to air pollution
monitoring. More carcinogens will go into the atmosphere from industry and there
will be no way to know how bad it is and no way to enforce violations whatever
environmental laws Harper bothers to leave in place. Check out the link here
We don’t want to eat Farm Salmon with
the Salmon Flu link & Petition
A great Blog from one of
our CONC members Link
Grizzly Bear Identification poster – link Here
South Coast Conservation Program – link
IBA Updates
here
Local BC Nature birder and the Caspian Terns Link Here
Tanker Nightmare – Tyee Link here
As a regular contributor to BCnature
Magazine, please find an interesting Blog from Terry Taylor
Lawyers give failing
grade Canadian budget bill link
Issue
23
Date
June 2012
Noisy Sea Lions
BC Nature Website
Update
Within
the upcoming months, you will see a change in our website. Part of our updating
will include a “members only” section. The password will be based on your name
as entered into our database. When you receive your BCnature Summer magazine,
please check the mailing tag on the back page to ensure that your name is
correct. If otherwise, please email the office with
corrections.
BC Wildlife Federation Workshop
Wetland
Institute 2012 Sea-to-Sky Corridor, July 8-15 Make your wetland conservation
project happen!
The BC Wildlife Federation’s Wetlands Institute, an 8-day
environmental stewardship workshop, is coming to the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. It is
with great pleasure and excitement that we bring this valuable course to the
Squamish-Pemberton area free of charge (worth over $1,000 per participant) – if
you register before June 10th! This special offer is as a result of the generous
contributions from our 2012 funders (this does not include food and lodging,
although these can be arranged for a reasonable fee). The workshop is suitable
for consultants, planners, environmental/conservation groups, government and
First Nations representatives, engaged community members and keen
outdoors-types. Participants should come to the course with a wetland project or
program that they wish to implement in their community. Sign up early, as this
course has been known to fill quickly!
Throughout the workshop,
knowledgeable experts will cover the following topics: • An appreciation of the
importance and diversity of wetland types and functions; • Approaches for
raising public awareness and influencing conservation policies in municipalities
with Kyle Hawes (Ecoscape Ltd.); • Hands-on experience planning, constructing
& restoring wetlands with both ground water and liner techniques with
internationally renowned Wetland Restoration Specialist Tom Biebighauser (US
Forest Service); • Invasive species in wetlands with Kristina Swerhun
(Sea-to-Sky Invasive Species Council); • Current inventory/evaluative field
techniques for vegetation with Michele Jones (Mimulus Consulting); • Wildlife
Survey Techniques for bats (Erin Rutherford, South Coast Bat Action Team), small
mammals (Pontus Lindgren, Madrone Ecological Services) & amphibians (Elke
Wind, consultant Herpetologist).
For questions, contact Neil Fletcher toll
free: 1-888-881-2293 ext. 232 or via email to Sea
to Sky workshop Information
On going Enbridge Information, articles,updates
Enbridge
Throws Millions on a Advertising Campaign Link

Coastal Tanker Information link here

Enbridge restarts pumping
station Link

Robyn Allan Blog

Ornithologists Lecture – UBC
PUBLIC
LECTURE by Dr. Bridget Stutchbury) – NAOC-V, August 2012 Ornithologists from
all over North America and beyond will be flocking to Vancouver in August to
attend the Fifth “North American Ornithological Conference” (NAOC-V), likely to
be the largest ornithological event ever held in Canada. To open the conference,
there will be a Public Lecture by renowned Canadian ornithologist Dr. Bridget
Stutchbury (Professor and Canada Research Chair in Ecology and Conservation
Biology at York University, Toronto) on the UBC campus in the evening of Monday
13 August. Attendees will be able to meet Dr. Stutchbury in a reception after
her lecture and she will be signing copies of her best-selling book “The Bird
Detective: Investigating the Secret Lives of Birds”. There will be no charge for
attending the Public Lecture but, as space is limited, tickets will need to be
ordered in advance. For further details contact: Dr. Robert W. Elner, Chair of
the Local Organizing Committee for NAOC-V Lecture
Information ()
Inventory of Barn Swallow Colonies
in the Lower Mainland
This spring and summer I am working on an
inventory of Barn Swallow colonies in the Lower Mainland, including the Fraser
valley. I would appreciate hearing of any colonies with 5 or more nests that you
know of in the region. If you could include an approximate number of nests and
location information with landowner names if possible, that would be great – but
even if it’s just: “old barn at the intersection of roads…” that would help. I
have someone working for me for 4 weeks this June to track colonies down and am
hoping to have a Master’s student start a project next summer studying Barn
Swallow productivity in relation to weather and landscape context. Your help
will be greatly appreciated and I will be sure to add all data into the Breeding
Bird Atlas if you have not previously entered it.
Grizzly Bear Joins the Secies at risk List
Earlier
this month, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
(COSEWIC) assessed 35 species as at risk during their spring meeting in
Kananaskis, Alberta. There are now 650 species listed under various risk
categories, and the Grizzly Bear – an iconic Canadian symbol of wilderness – is
among them. Read the Nature Canada Blog
Delta ALR Petition Delivered
The
Petition to the Legislative Assembly today, opposing industrial development
plans for prime ALR land near Deltaport was delivered at the end of May. This is
the same petition many of you signed at the AGM in Kelowna this year! Read all
about it here
British Columbia Students the Winners
Thirteenth
Annual PMC Science Fair Fun Run Raises $40,000 for Science and Technology
Programs in Province Vancouver B.C., May 30, 2012 – The thirteenth annual PMC
Science Fair Fun Run attracted over 1,000 participants on Sunday, May 27, 2012.
Despite a struggling Canadian economy the PMC Science Fair Fun Run raised
approximately $40,000. In the past thirteen years the run has raised over
$530,000 for The Dr. Michael Smith Science Fair Endowment in support of Science
Fair programs across British Columbia.
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“The students and the Foundation are thankful for the support of participants
and sponsors over the past thirteen years and in particular 2012,” says Patti
Leigh, Interim Executive Director of the Science Fair Foundation of B.C. “The
students benefit greatly as is evident from their outstanding results at
national and international competitions I’m thrilled so many people participated
and volunteered. We hope to see everyone again next year.” The PMC Science Fair
Fun Run is the largest timed 5km run in B.C. and has received generous support
from Vancouver’s leading companies and institutions; including representatives
from the high-tech, biotech, financial, and legal community, as well as local
universities and schools. After the Run, participants enjoyed giveaways, live
entertainment and science experiments. PMC, a leading high-tech company in the
Lower Mainland, has been the Fun Run’s title sponsor since it began in 2000.
Participants from across the Lower Mainland enjoyed a day of science, fitness
and fun hosted by PMC and other generous sponsors including BC Innovation
Council, E-Cubed, Running Room/Walking Room, Science World, SFU and UBC. If you
would like to get involved with the PMC Science Fair Fun Run next year, please
visit our website at http://www.sciencefairs.ca/Fun-Run.aspx
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About Science Fair Foundation BC The Science Fair Foundation supports science
education through the science fair program to foster curiosity and building for
the future. The Science Fair Foundation of British Columbia (SFF BC) is a
non-profit, charitable organization incorporated in February 1998 to support and
promote science fair activity in British Columbia. The Foundation is committed
to ensuring ongoing financial support in order to build a stronger and more
visible Science Fair Program throughout the province. To learn more about the
Foundation please visit the Science Fairs Link
Nature Vancouver – Summer Camp Openings
Some
spots are still available for week 2 (July 29 – August 5) of Nature Vancouver’s
summer camp in the Chilcotin’s Niut Range. This fully catered week long camp
costs $725 and families are encouraged with a children’s rate of $250. Info is
available at our web site naturevancouver.ca/2012_camp or contact our registrar
Elly Brok 604 438-1871 or Camp Chair Don Griffiths 604 228-1450 Camp
Enquiry
International Badger Symposium to be held in Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada, 1-4 October 2013
Alpha
Wildlife Research & Management will be hosting the first INTERNATIONAL
BADGER SYMPOSIUM in October 2013. The objective of this symposium is to bring
together researchers, conservationists and managers working on the following
species: American Badger (Taxidea taxus); European Badger (Meles meles); Ferret
Badgers (Melogale spp.); Stink Badgers (Mydaus spp.); Hog Badger (Arctonyx
collaris); Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis). Topics include: Evolutionary
history – Phylogenetic relationships – Distribution and status – Population
structure and spacing – Reproductive Biology – Man-caused and natural mortality
– Parasites and Diseases – Habitat Ecology – Food Habits – Translocation –
Interspecific Relationships – Man-Badger Relationships – Research &
Management Techniques – Conservation Programs. Call for Papers – If you are
interested in presenting original research findings, a conservation program, or
a review on one of the above-noted subjects, please submit abstracts before 15
September 2012. Please consult the symposium website at: here Selected papers for oral presentations or posters will be
peer-reviewed for a synthesis book published by Alpha Wildlife Publications ( here . For
further inquiries about the symposium, please contact email
us here
Upper Lillooet Hydro Project – Feedback
The
public is invited to obtain information about and comment on the application for
an environmental assessment certificate for the proposed project. Open houses
will be held in Mt. Currie and Pemberton . A 45 day public comment period on the
application will start on June 15, 2012 and end on July 30, 2012. All written
comments received by online form, fax or mail during this time period in
relation to the application will be considered. Link with information and forms
Iona Island BC Butterfly Atlas survey bonanza
WildResearch
invites you to our Iona Island BC Butterfly Atlas survey bonanza.

Date: Saturday June 23rd, 10:30am – 2:30pm
Location: Iona
Island, Richmond BC
Meeting spot and time: Iona Island parking lot, 10:30am
Details:
The BC Butterfly Atlas is a new citizen science project aimed at
increasing our understanding of butterfly species distributions and abundances
here in BC. WildResearch has committed to surveying the 10x10km atlas square,
which includes Iona Island, for the BC Butterfly Atlas. The Iona Island BC
Butterfly Atlas survey bonanza will kick off WildResearch’s Butterfly Atlas
survey efforts.
How to Register: email
us here
What to bring: -camera -handheld GPS (if possible) -smart phone
with GPS app -notebook and pencil -butterfly net (if possible) -butterfly field
guides (if possible) -sunscreen -snacks and water
______
Additional
Butterfly Atlas volunteer opportunities with WildResearch: Volunteers are need
to survey the following additional sites within WildResearch’s Atlas square: 1)
Vanier Park 2) Jericho Beach/Spanish Banks 3) Pacific Spirit Park 4) Southlands
5) Sea Island 6) Iona Island 7) Arbutus Corridor For an overview of these
locations, please look at the following pre-set google maps link: BC Butterfly
Atlas Wildresearch Vancouver Sites.
If you, or anyone you know is interested
in assisting with butterfly surveys at the above locations, please sign-up to
survey with WildResearch by indicating: 1) your name(s) 2) site(s) interested in
surveying (of 7 listed above) 3) survey period(s) (either 1) mid-June, 2)
mid-July, or 3) second half of August **You are free to sign-up for more than 1
survey site/period, priority will be given to WildResearch members Any questions
or interest in these surveys can be directed to
WildResearch is looking forward to working with you on this project and is
excited to help see the BC Butterfly Atlas through its very first year of data
collection. Thanks for your contributions to this great project!
New Horizons for Seniors Programs
Calling
all clubs – Close Date June 29/12 We are pleased to announce Service Canada’s
New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is holding another Call for Proposals
(CFP) for Community based Projects. The program offers grants of up to $25,000
for projects that encourage seniors to share their skills and experiences with
others and help communities increase their capacity to address local issues.
Deadline for applications: June 29, 2012 You or someone from your organization
may have an interest in attending an information session for the current Call
for Proposals. Please distribute this email to others who may be interested.
Additional information on the Call for Proposals can be found at the following
link
To
remove your name from our mailing list, please contact the BC Nature Office email
us here All email addresses are protected from misuse by BC Nature by way of
Blind Carbon Copying these notices. Questions or comments? Contact us via
E-mail us at BC Nature
Posted in BC Nature | Comments Off on BC Nature enews June 2012

Empower the 99%: Visit the 1% forest, and learn about Courtenay’s threatened Garry Oak heritage

Posted on June 18, 2012 by web_admin

Comox Valley Nature wishes to thank the 40 residents and the staff of School District 71 who made the Garry Oak Gardening Workshop a very successful educational event, and an important step towards recovering the valley’s natural heritage.

Fresh out from last week’s important workshop, Dr. Loys Maingon (RPBio), President of Comox Valley Nature, will lead a free public walk around the last remaining Garry Oak grove in the Courtenay region.  As discussed at this week-end’s workshop with visiting experts from the Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team, Garry Oak ecosystems both in the Capital Region and in the Comox Valley have been reduced to 1% of  their historic distribution, down from 3-5% a mere 20 years ago.

In 1870 John Richards surveyed 12 square kilometres of Garry Oak savannahs in the Comox Valley.   Only a few hectares now remain of these 12 square kilometres.  These few hectares represent about 18% of the total genetic diversity of Garry Oaks across their entire geographic distribution from mid-California to the Comox Valley.

Comox Valley Nature has embarked on a long-term project to reverse this decline through systematic planting in collaboration with private landowners, and education.   As part of its educational mandate the Comox Valley Nature Walk will take place on Sunday June 24, at 9:30 am.  Interested parties should park at the Vanier  Ice Rink (3001 Vanier Drive, next to Vanier Collegiate.  (Contact Loys Maingon 250-331-0143).

Comox Valley Nature is a non-profit society affiliated to BC Nature which fulfills its educational mandate by hosting monthly lectures, organizing weekly guided hikes and undertakes a variety of environmental projects .  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.  (No dogs on walks, please).  An entrance fee of .00 for the lecture is suggested for non-members.  New memberships are always welcomed.

 

 

Posted in Guest Speakers | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Empower the 99%: Visit the 1% forest, and learn about Courtenay’s threatened Garry Oak heritage