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.
Posted inField Trips, News|Comments Off on Rosewall Creek Walk, Aug. 18
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.)
Posted inField Trips, News|Comments Off on Dragonfly Field Workshop, Aug. 11
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 usvia this website.
Posted inBirds, News|Comments Off on New Bird Checklist
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
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 inBC Nature|Comments Off on BC Nature enews June 2012
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.
In March many readers were dismayed to hear that our guest speaker Terry Thormin was rushed to hospital and would not be able to present his dragonfly show. Comox Valley Nature (Comox Valley Naturalists Society) is pleased to announce that Terry Thormin is fully recovered and looking forward to presenting a one hour slide-illustrated lecture at the Filberg Centre at 7 pm, Sunday May 20th. The meeting is open to all members of the public, young and old, with an interest in the diversity of the Comox Valley environment .
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 his photo website .
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, and the reason for this is the great diversity of dragonfly habitats. 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. Terry, through the use of his photographs, will take you on a journey to these habitats and show you what species can be found in each habitat. As well you will learn about their life histories and find out how to identify the various species.
This lecture promises to provide the public with a rare insight into the biological wealth at our doorstep.
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 are open to the public, including children and youth. An entrance fee of $3.00 for the lecture is suggested for non-members. New memberships are always welcomed.
Posted inGuest Speakers|Comments Off on May 20, 2012: Dragonflies of the Comox Valley
AGM – Hosted by Central Okanagan Naturalists –
May 10 – 13, 2012. Registration and details at BC Nature. Mark this on your calendar and get your registration forms in early! NOTE Pretrip to Osoyoos is full and waitlisted.
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. More info available in the Spring Magazine.
Bird Blitz:
May 4 – 6 – Skagit Valley Bird BlitzJune 9 -10 – Robson Bird Blitz
June 15-17 – Manning Park Bird BlitzDon’t know what a bird blitz is? Refer to Page 14 of your Spring BC Nature
Magazine. Looks like lots of fun to be had, with a little education thrown
in!
Our Own Jude Grass – YWCA nominee for Women of Distinction –
Environmental
GREAT NEWS: Our very own Jude Grass is a candidate for the YWCA’s Women of Distinction Award in the Environmental Sustainability Category.
Jude was nominated by Christine Bishop, Wildlife Research Scientist with
Environment Canada, and with BC Nature and Burke Mountain Naturalists providing letters of support. The Awards dinner is scheduled for May 24. You can read more about the award at:this Link
The nominees are also eligible for the Connecting the Community Award where they select a YWCA program area that they wish to promote through social media votes. Jude selected “Healthy Choices for Youth”. If you are able, please vote for Jude online. You can vote each day up to May 24 at this site: this Link
Issue 22
Date April 2012
Interesting Sites and articles
End Your Toxic relationship with cleaners – Link
Club Fundraising – An old fashioned Bottle Drive – check out link A good opportunity to raise some funds for a great club project, save the environment and promote some comaraderie between
club members. Forest Ethicswebsite
Chernobyl Radiation Fells Female Birds, Making Chirping More Frequent from Lonely Males – read the article Vancouver Island Birding group discussions – website For our “Geeks” – new app available link here for your ipads/iphones or any smartphone. Jellyfish population growing – link to article On the lighter side – Jackdaw? sliding bird Some Live Cams – Red Hawk link Great Blue Heron Live Cam Link
A fabulous Site to visit link
AGM Registration
Sunny Kelowna – site of our 2012 AGM – Now accepting registration forms. In 2011, both
Williams Lake and Delta Naturalists held a fabulous AGM/FGM (respectively) – the
meeting portion is short and will not have you squirming in your seat to go outside to play! There are many great outings, speakers and bird watching events rounded up with a nice wind up banquet. It will be warm enough to camp or motorhome and the list of accomodation is long for those that prefer
hotel/motel! Details and Registration available on BC Nature Website or Central Okanagan Naturalists
Club website Please note that the Osoyoos pre-trip is now full and waitlisted….early bird got the worm!
On going Enbridge Information, articles,updates
Check out some of these links – they may assist you in your presentation, keep you
informed. Warning – not for the faint of heart, but do yell at your monitor – it will help to reduce the frustration!
Earth Matters Article
Vancouver Sun – B.C.’s sovereignty threatened by aggressive push for Enbridge Article
Robyn Allen blog site – There are several article here worth reading!
2012 Funding Requests from the Park Enhancement Fund (PEF)
Connecting with Communities
What is the PEF? The Park Enhancement Fund (PEF) is an account where money is
collected and is to be used for the purpose of enhancing BC Parks. Where does PEF get its funding from? The account can accept donations, bequests,
earn money through merchandise sales and the Discover Camping Reservation
Service, and earn interest on unspent balances. PEF can offer tax deductible
receipts to donors. How much PEF funding is available for 2012? For 2012, a total of $200,000 is available for regions ($40,000 per region). The $200,000 is divided into two portions: • $100,000 for visitor experience and
recreation initiatives. Divided equally, each region has up to $20,000. •
$100,000 for conservation initiatives. Divided equally, each region has up to $20,000. What can this PEF funding be spent on? • Volunteers –
priority will be given to initiatives with a volunteer component (includes
activities and recognition). The funding can also be spent on events and
initiatives that support the following: • Healthy living • Conservation
(e.g.,support for Ecological Reserve Wardens, nature education, invasive species
control, restoration, science/ research, etc.). • Attracting new and current
visitors (e.g., learn to camp and learn to fish initiatives, youth events,
multi-cultural events, accessibility projects,events, celebrations, etc.). •
Partnerships and sponsorships Eligible expenses include: • Supplies, materials,
signage • Financial contribution to a local group or Park Facility Operator who
is organizing an event or initiative • Fees in support of community outreach
(e.g. hosting a booth at a local tradeshow) What can PEF funding NOT be spent on? An event or initiative in which vote funding, funding from another ministry, or funding from the core ministry budget is used. How can my park/region access funding? Please see attached form. All funding requests
must be approved by the regional manager (who is also the spending authority).
Please fill out a separate form for each request. Once signed off by regional
manager please send completed forms to Jim Gilliland, Manager of Marketing and
Partnerships in the Visitor Services Branch, ( ,
250-356-6831).
Note: Promotional material and prizes will be sent to regions
to help support 2012 events and initiatives
The Sea to Sky Gondola Corporation has made applications to the Province for the
authorizations required to construct and operate an aerial gondola that would
originate from a staging area situated on private land adjacent to Highway 99
and pass through Stawamus Chief Park to a ridge-top viewing area on Crown land
above the park. This includes an application to modify the Stawamus Chief Park
boundary to allow for a 20-metre wide corridor, approximately 1.2 kilometres in
length, to function as a right-of-way for the construction of seven towers and
the gondola to traverse the park. This proposal would involve removing 2.36
hectares from Stawamus Chief Park. No lands are proposed to be removed from
Shannon Falls Park. If the boundary amendment application is supported and an
amendment to modify the boundary is introduced into the Legislature and
subsequently passed, the lan! ds removed from the park would be established as a
protected area under the Environment and Land Use Act and remain under the
jurisdiction of BC Parks.
Proposals for boundary adjustments are guided by
the Cabinet approved Boundary Adjustment Guidelines Policy, Process and
Guidelines link , and do not necessarily involve amendments
to management plans (which is a different process), though management plans
would be considered in the review of any boundary modification application. The
boundary adjustment policy clearly describes that it is the proponent, in this
case the Sea to Sky Gondola Corporation, that must establish the case to adjust
a protected area boundary and bear the associated costs. Additionally, the onus
is on proponent to assess the level of support or opposition among the key
community, local government and public groups, and provide that information to
BC Parks for its consideration. Our website for Stawamus Chief Park link has a notice describing the proposed amendment and
provides a link to the Sea to Sky Gondola Corporation’s internet site where
information is available at this link and public comments are welcome at
this link . We understand that the Sea to Sky Gondola Corporation has
undertaken significant public, local government and stakeholder consultation in
2011 and 2012, including upwards of 80 meetings and community open houses
regarding the proposal, and also held numerous discussions regarding the
proposed boundary changes. Currently, I understand that there is a high degree
of support for the proposal within the local community and the District of
Squamish, as well among numerous stakeholders and the Squamish First Nationand
Tslei! l-Waututh First Nation.
Support Yinka Dene’s Freedom Train Petition!
President John Neville has signed the petition opposing the Enbridge Northern Gateway
Pipeline. Could you take a minute and add your name for this extremely
worthwhile cause. Please review the email sent out:Hadih to all our allies, As you’ve probably heard, the Yinka Dene Alliance is leaving this Sunday
on our Freedom Train to the Enbridge AGM on May 9 in Toronto. We are travelling
across Canada to enforce our legal ban on the Enbridge Northern Gateway oil
pipelines and tankers project, and to stand up for our freedom to choose our own
future. A large delegation of Yinka Dene people will travel with allied First
Nations from our traditional territories all the way to Toronto, with events in
Jasper, Edmonton, Saskatoon and Winnipeg along the route. In Toronto we will
take the Save the Fraser Declaration directly to Enbridge’s leadership, and to
financial observers, at Enbridge’s annual shareholders meeting. A representative
from the Coastal First Nations will also bring their Declaration. Among the key
purposes of this journey is to raise up our opposition on the national stage, to
project strength, and to reinforce the message that this project is not going to
get built. We need your help. We have created a petition – Petition Link – specifically for the Freedom Train as we gather support and interest across the country. We hope that you will share it
with your considerable lists and encourage your supporters and members to sign
on. We have not made this sort of a request to you before. We are taking an
effort to reach out to as many people Canada-wide as possible, and hopefully
beyond our normal base of support. As you know, the Yinka Dene Alliance is not a
list-building organization and our authority not depend on endorsement by those
outside of our communities. However, we know that people are supporting First
Nations in this fight and we would like to be able to show it in numbers. The
list generated will be used rarely, but strategically, in the future. We hope
that you will help us in this regard, and hopefully soon so that we build a fast
head of steam on this petition as we set out on our journey, and prior to it.
Spreading the word on Freedom Train: We also encourage you to personally, and as
organizations, share and spread the goings-on from the Freedom Train. We will be
blogging from the road and uploading videos, and there will be press conferences
in Edmonton, Winnipeg and Toronto. We have been honoured by the way that our
allies have respectfully shared the news from the Save the Fraser events, and
other Yinka Dene Alliance and broader Indigenous events, in this struggle. We
will be tweeting from @yinkadeneA5, and using the #freedomtrain and #enbridge
hashtags. Thanks for your assistance. If you need to reach us on the road, you
can reach us at or
Petition link again: http://freedomtrain2012.nationbuilder.com/ Freedom train
website: http://freedomtrain2012.com/ Mussi cho’
Follow up to AGM Resolution – Responsible Cat
Ownership
Although there’s been, and will continue to be, plenty of ups and downs in this ongoing
initiative, I’m happy to report two positive new developments:1) The BC SPCA,
officially supportive of Cat Licensing and Responsible Cat Ownership for the
past year and a half, has taken another step forward in their public
communication throughout the province via newsletter and television spots for
adopt a pet. They are now specifically stating the need for and importance of
cat owners keeping their cats indoors, ensuring spay/neuter and ID, and either
supervising any outdoor cat time to keep them from harming birds and wildlife,
or using a cat enclosure. Although these measure are only logical and
responsible behaviour to all of us and the many responsible cat owners already
out there, it’s a significant piece of public education for any cat (or dog)
owner who needs additional help or motivation to change their behaviour. I’ve
attached the link re: BC SPCA’s new messaging and hope you’ll circulate it
beyond this email. Perhaps an update on this or related educational piece in BC
Nature Magazine or local newspaper? With baby bird season right around the
corner, I’m sure some of your local newspaper editors would be happy to get
something from you and your local group. They LOVE timely pieces that get the
community engaged. Read Article Note: If you have time, a brief note of
acknowledgement (to Craig Daniell, CEO BC SPCA) for this public messaging would
reinforce this positive approach. Craig’s email: 2)
Within the next two weeks I’m meeting with some key contacts in the veterinary
community to discuss the need for BC Veterinarians to assume more of a
leadership role on this issue. With their expertise and critical role in the
community, Responsible Cat Ownership could advance to a much higher level
throughout the province in 2012. They could even sell vet approved cat
enclosures and other enrichment products for happy, healthy indoor cats. So much
opportunity with this shift in focus and so many benefits for cats, birds and
wildlife!
If any of you care to offer input or ideas on this for my
meetings, please feel free. And if BC Nature could, in any way, encourage the
BCVMA to consider this approach, that could prove helpful.
Thanks for your time and your valuable advocacy and support over the past couple of years. What
a difference you have made!
Sherril Guthrie
The University of British Columbia Herbarium, Beaty Biodiversity
Museum, is giving the Grimmia Workshop toughed by Roxanne Hastings on May 9-10,
2012
This two day bryophyte workshop will concentrate on the genus Grimmia, one of the
most diverse and abundant group of mosses that grow in western North America.
This complex and often difficult genus is not easily keyed out using a
traditional dichotomous key. During the workshop, the instructor will present a
series of tables breaking the genus into four easily recognized subgenera, thus
making identification easier and reliably accomplished by comparing a diversity
of characters. Through lectures and hands-on experience participants will learn
the key characters of Grimmia that are critical to using the tables and
dissecting techniques that will maximize the probability of correct
identification. Participants are encouraged to bring collections of Grimmia with
them to work on during the workshop.Roxanne Hastings is the Curator of
Botany at the Royal Alberta Museum. She received her Master’s degree in Plant
Ecology from the University of Alberta (1984) and her current research focuses
on moss systematics and floristic biogeography as related to continental drift
and the structure of ancient continental landscapes. She has contributed
treatments of Grimmia and Coscinodon to the treatments of bryophytes in the
Flora of North America North of Mexico and has published five new species in the
Grimmiaceae and one new lichen taxon. Currently Roxy is working on several new
treatments of Grimmia from California.
Workshop fee $175.00 (cheque payable
to the UBC Herbarium) Class limit: up to 15 persons Registration deadline May 1,
2012. If you are interested, please, contact Olivia Lee: or
UBC Herbarium Dept. of Botany University of British
Columbia #3529-6270 University Blvd. Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6T 1Z4
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AGM – Hosted by Central Okanagan Naturalists -May 10 – 13, 2012. Registration and details at BC Nature. Mark this on your calendar and get your registration forms in early! NOTE Pretrip to Osoyoos is full and waitlisted.
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. More info available in the Spring Magazine.
Club Deadlines
Rene Savenye Scholarship- Please apply by April 4, 2012
Camps & Bird Blitz’s
WildResearch Pelagic Trip – April 29, 2012 – Details in BC Nature Skagit Bird Blitz: May 4 through 6th – 2012 Saltspring Camp – June 4-8, 2012 – now full up – wait list in effect Mt. Robson Bird Blitz – June 9 & 10, 2012 Manning Bird Blitz– June 15 – 17th, 2012
Lillooet Camp – Oct. 1-6th, 2012
Great Backyard Bird Count Results
The 15th annual Great Backyard Bird Count was the most successful count ever. New checklist records were set this year for 23 states and 6 provinces. Canadians submitted 9800 checklists, a nearly 30% increase from last year’s 7500. To get all of the details – please visit GBBC
website
Issue 22
Date March 2012
The Real Hooded
Merganser
Thank You from Kitimat
Naturalists
Kitimat Valley Naturalists wish to pass on our grateful thank-yous to Nature BC., and the
many member clubs and individuals within who took the time to plead the case of the Kitimat River and Estuary under the threat of an oil superport. Being designated as BC’s 2nd most endangered river system by the River’s Institute can
only help our case in the media and perhaps even before the Joint Review
Process. Your continued support in our battle with Enbridge is so appreciated.KVN Director -Walter Thorne Kitimat
Interesting Sites and articles
Our own Anne Murray – Spotted Owl Article
Say it isn’t so – Birds eating Snot? – Link here
Travelling this Summer? – Stop in at the Penticton Museum – Wild at Heart : A Century of Conservation in the South Okanagan See the Penticton Museum poster here
Amazing Dolphin Rescue – link
Do we have “Dutch Disease” – Link
AGM Registration
Sunny Kelowna – site of our 2012 AGM – Now accepting registration forms. In 2011, both
Williams Lake and Delta Naturalists held a fabulous AGM/FGM (respectively) – the
meeting portion is short and will not have you squirming in your seat to go
outside to play! There are many great outings, speakers and bird watching events
rounded up with a nice wind up banquet. It will be warm enough to camp or
motorhome and the list of accomodation is long for those that prefer
hotel/motel! Details and Registration available on BC Nature Website or Central Okanagan Naturalists
Club website Please note that the Osoyoos pre-trip is now full and waitlisted….early bird got the worm!
Grasslands Reclamation/Restoration Workshop at Clear Sky Centre
Grasslands Reclamation/Restoration Workshop at Clear Sky Centre Tools For Change: A
Holistic Approach – May 5 & 6, 2012 with Biologist and Agrologist Peter
Davidson and Landscape Architect and Environmental Planner, Leslie Lowe.Course includes: • Hands-on practical experience • Rocky Mountain Trench
History •Values of Grasslands • Understanding Biogeoclimatic zones and our
environment •Native Plants and Native Seeding.
Contact or call 250-429-3929 to learn more or register for the early bird price before April 25, 2012.
Permaculture Design Certificate Course at Clear Sky Centre
June 2-15th 2012
This 2 week intensive residential
course will be taught by one of Canada’s leading permaculture instructors, Jesse
Lemieux of Pacific Permaculture. Permaculture training arms you with the skills
needed to design for sustainability in any situation and climate. Course content
will cover the full extensive 72 hour standard PDC curiculum as laid out in
“Permaculture, A Designers Manual,”(Mollison 1983) and includes permaculture
certification. Join the growing community of permaculture graduates who are
bringing viable green business and sustainable food alternatives to Canada and
the world. Register by April 30th for a $200 early bird discount. Visit www.clearskyfarm.ca/courses for more information.
Sacred Headwaters and Kokish River jointly top BC’s Most Endangered
Rivers List for 2012 – Kitimat, Peace and Kettle Rivers close behind
In the next position is the Kitimat River, threatened by industrial development and
the proposed northern gateway pipeline. The fact this river is so prominent on
this year’s list reflects the widespread concern about the pipeline project that
is being expressed by so many locals, first nations and conservation groups. In
the 3rd spot is the Peace River, threatened by the Site C dam, while the Kettle
River in the Okanagan appears as number 4. “Current issues along the Kettle
River highlight the need to update the Water Act so that fisheries and aquatic
ecosystems are adequately considered when making water allocation decisions”,
noted Angelo.
As one scans this year’s list, the issues and problems
outlined are extensive and diverse, ranging from the importance of pro-actively
protecting productive salmon rivers to ensuring that adequate water management
regulations are in place”, explains Angelo. The list also helps to create a
greater awareness of the various threats that confront our waterways”, he added.
These issues highlight the fact that you cannot separate the health of our fish
stocks from the health of our rivers; they are completely inter-dependent”. Each
year, the Outdoor Recreation Council solicits and reviews nominations for BC’s
Most Endangered Rivers from its member groups, which total close to 100,000
members, as well as from the general public and resource managers from across
BC. For more details, see the endangered rivers backgrounder at this
link
BC’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2012; 1. (tied). Sacred Headwaters
of Skeena, Nass and Stikine (coalbed methane, new mines) 1. (tied) Kokish River
(IPP proposal) 2. Kitimat (industrial development, pipeline proposal) 3. Peace
River (hydro-electric dam proposal) 4. Kettle River (water extraction,
development) 5. Fraser River, “Heart of the Fraser”(urbanization, industrial
development, habitat loss) 6. Taku River (mining development, road proposal,
leachate concerns) 7. Elk River (development, increasing selenium levels,
wildlife migration issues) 8. Big Silver Creek (IPP proposal) 9. Coquitlam River
(excessive sedimentation, urbanization – some progress evident)
The BC Environmental Assessment of the VAFFC Proposal to Deliver
Flammable and Toxic Jet Fuel in Tankers to YVR on the Fraser River is Yet Again
Suspended.
VAPOR* learned that the Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corporation (VAFFC) has again
requested another suspension in its BC Environmental Assessment Office’s (BC
EAO) 180 day environmental assessment of this high risk proposal. This
environmentally irresponsible and hazardous project will send Panamax tankers
full of flammable and toxic jet fuel up the Fraser River’s south arm to supply
the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) with a cheaper supply of offshore jet
fuel. A similar but much smaller proposal by the same corporation in 1988 was
reviewed by a Federal government Public Review Panel and rejected as being of
too great a risk to the Fraser River, its vast estuary and its fish and wildlife
resources after a thorough public review. This latest suspension of the process
could now make this 180 day review process into a multi-year review process as
they attempt to patch up shortcomings in their proposal to make it appear more
palatable to the public. These last two suspensions were requested so as VAFFC
could address some of the complaints raised by VAPOR and the public. VAFFC seems
to see the BC EAO process as an iterative process whereby they can patch up
their proposal as complaints come in. Also as recommended by Environment Canada,
BC EAO has asked for more studies on the deleterious effects of jet fuel on the
biofilm that nourishes many of the Pacific Flyway migratory shorebirds feeding
on the tidal mud flats of the Fraser River Estuary. Thus instead of an outright
rejection this project, BC EAO allows the constant moving of the goal posts to
keep the public confused as to the major objection to their proposal. It is
clearly apparent that the biggest shortcoming has not been addressed in any way,
i.e., the strong opposition by the public, City of Richmond and VAPOR to any
bulk jet fuel tankers entering any arm of the Fraser River or the estuary. BC
EAO must proactively and responsibly protect the river, its abundant fish and
wildlife resources, property and public safety. Also, what has not been
addressed is the impact of the Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) commissioned Tanker
Risk Study that will have a strong bearing on the viability of this VAFFC
project. Plus where is the plan to compensate the fishery for losses when jet
fuel spills do occur in the river? * VAPOR is a Lower Fraser Valley grass roots
community group formed to oppose any jet fuel tanker transport on the Fraser
River and to promote a safer and more secure fuel delivery system to YVR by
means of a land based pipeline fuel delivery system.
Ajax Mine Project – Public Comment Period Extension
The Public Comment Period for Draft Application Information Requirements document
for the proposed Ajax Mine Project will be extended from 60 days to 75 days,
resulting in the closing date for public comments being moved from March 12,
2012 to March 27, 2012. EAO has received numerous comments over the public
comment period, and there continues to be a consistent flow of comments. The
Public Consultation Policy Regulation under the Environmental Assessment Act
outlines that public consultation periods be between 30 and 75 days. We are
extending the period to the maximum amount in the Regulation to help ensure the
public has maximum ability to provide input. The Canadian Environmental
Assessment Agency is not extending their consultation period, but advises that
our extension will not impact the coordinated EA process. View Article
Spending Time Near the Ocean this year? Live near the Ocean? BC
Beached Bird Survey: Call for Volunteers
This winter has been active for British Columbia Beached Bird Surveyors. Several
birds have been found, including gulls, grebes, and many alcids such as Common
Murres, Rhinoceros Auklets, and Tufted Puffins. One of the more unusual beached
birds was a Horned Puffin found in late January near Bamfield, on the west coast
of Vancouver Island. Our colleagues with COASST, who run a sister beached bird
program in the United States, have also had occasional Horned Puffins reported
this year from surveys in Washington and northern Oregon. The BC Beached Bird
Survey is in need of volunteers. This monitoring program involves conducting
monthly beach walks during the last week of the month. Surveyors look for bird
carcasses that have washed up on shore, and for signs of oiling. Although a bit
grim, this information is key to understanding causes of seabird mortality, and
identifying which species are most vulnerable. The results provide important
insights into the impacts of oil spills, fisheries bycatch, and plastics
ingestion in BC’s marine birds. No special skills are required, and we supply
the survey equipment and data forms. We have many vacant beach routes in
Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo-Parksville, and elsewhere. Please email Karen Barry Karen Barry for information or to sign up.
The Beaty Biodiversity Museum at UBC
Birding Bonanza March 10 – May 25, 2012 Discover the amazingly diverse lives of birds
like never before through displays and activities of bird specimens from our
exclusive behind-the-scenes collections.
Interaction March 6 – May 6 , 2012
A photography exhibition exploring diverse interactions between organisms, the
environment, and us. This exhibition highlights interactions that are often too
fast, too slow, too global, or too hidden for us to notice and allows us to
explore them in depth.
The future of Wind Energy in BC – Free Webinar
This free webinar is April 3 @ 12:00 pm (noon) – Although free, you must still
register at this link
“Stop Wasting Our Lakes” campaign by Nature Canada
Alex MacDonald from Nature Canada is the coordinator for this action. As background
I(Fred McMechan) represented BC Nature in a teleconference call recently to be
updated in this campaign. Directors from other provincial naturalist
organizations also participated. Two major topics were covered in this meeting:
1) an update on the new website This website provides background information about
Schedule 2 of the federal Metal Mining Effluent Regulations and this loop-hole
in the Mining Act which is allowing mining companies to use heathy lakes as
tailings impoundment areas. In this website the public is being given an
opportunity to participate in the “Love My Lake Campaign ” and express their
concern about the abuse of this regulation. 2) Allan Casey, author of “Lakeland:
Ballad of Freshwater Country ( 2010 Governor General Award for non-fiction),
participated in the teleconference call. He was asked by Nature Canada to write
an opinion letter about this issue and he accepted the invitation. Last week his
letter was released to the public. It was published in the online newsletter,
“The Tyee” Friday of last week. You can read the letter by going to the website The title of the letter is”Lake Killing Made Easy”
Enbridge Updates and articles
1) Greenpeace blog on Enbridge lobbying Federal Gov’t – link
2) As a follow up to the Greenpeace blog
above, please visit this site and add your name to the petition regarding
the government attempts to “Protecting our Fisheries”
To remove your name from our mailing list, please contact the BC Nature Office email us here Questions or comments? Contact us via E-mail us at BC Nature
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Due to unforseen circumstances there is a change of speaker for Sunday’s meeting.
Jack Minard, President of the Tsolum River Restoration Society, will give a one hour lecture on the value of habitat protection in light of his two decade experience in bringing back the Tsolum River. He will be our guest speaker at the Filberg Centre at 7 pm, Sunday March 18. The meeting is open to all members of the public, young and old, with an interest in the diversity of the Comox Valley environment .
Enacted in 1976 Section 35 of The Fisheries Act, which is now under serious political attack , has been instrumental in reversing decades of streamside degradation by de-regulated development and industry. Legally it was a direct extension of acts governing pollution and health. Scientifically, it was the logical outcome of work done mainly by the Yale University Forestry School and the Canadian Experimental Lakes Station of the Fisheries Research Board.
Jack Minard is the ideal person to speak out on the value of fisheries habitat protection. With more than two decades of valuable and irreplaceable experience in working to bring back a river that was killed by poorly-regulated mining practices in 1962, Jack Minard and local volunteers have managed to bring salmon back upstream the mainstem of the Tsolum by capping the mine site which is not directly connected to the main fish-bearing areas. This experience highlights the intimate ecological connection between non-fish-bearing habitat zones and the economically important zones, which proposed revisions to the Fisheries Act would open to destruction.
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 are open to the public, including children and youth. An entrance fee of $3.00 for the lecture is suggested for non-members. New memberships are always welcomed.
Please come out and join us for these important environmental topics.
Forthcoming lectures include: Bernice Muir: “The North Woods: Sights and Sounds of Lazo Marsh”
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(THIS EVENT IS FULL, join the waitlist through our events page) Comox Valley Nature invites you to a special opportunity to learn and connect with K'omoks First Nation storytelling, benefiting the KFN culture department. Pamela Mitchell, Culture Manager for KFN, has created a workshop around the legend of Dzunuk’wa the wild Woman of the Woods. Kwakwak’wakw oral tradition tells of a giantess that lives in dark forests and has thick messy hair, a black face and full red lips.This workshop is a great way to learn about local Indigenous traditions through a hands-on project that creates lasting memories about the K’ómoks First Nation culture. For this project we will be creating a wild woman ornament; you will colour the iconic red lips and face of the wild woman and hand-spin the wool for the crazy wild woman hair. While we work on our ornaments, Pamela will read her version of the wild woman story.This project takes about 1-1.5 hours. Workshop fee is $36 which includes the cost of a supply kit. Proceeds go to the KFN Culture Dept.Register through our CVN events page.https://comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca/events/ ...
Drawing on the Salish Sea: A Zoom course in support of the Mitlenatch Island Stewardship Team (MIST)Have you wished that you could keep a nature journal or paint the life around you? During three Zoom sessions you can explore how to quickly capture wildflowers, inter-tidal life and birds You’ll learn how to draw quickly and accurately, starting with simple shapes, then using some refining techniques, which will help you draw with less frustration!You’ll look at materials: papers, pens, and coloured mediums like pencil crayons. Then you’ll jump into watercolours with a simple palette and mixes as well as quick watercolour techniques you can use in the field or at home. All the lessons will be accompanied with downloadable notes.You will finish the course ready to start your own Nature Journal.Zoom recordings will allow you watch the sessions at your convenience during the course and for a month after we wrap up. About Mitlenatch Island:Mitlenatch Island is a small rocky island that sits between Campbell River and Powell River, in the Salish Sea. Cast in the rain shadow of Vancouver Island, its flanks are clad in golden grasses and its meadows host an explosion of spring wildflowers. Anchored where tides rush in from the north and south, rich waters encircling the island teem with fish; intertidal life flourishes and thousands of seabirds nest on cliffs, in rocks, and on open ground. It’s shores provide refuge for mother seals with their pups, and haul out for sea lions in the winter. In recent years Humpbacks have returned to nearby waters, to feed on krill and schooling fish. With so much life, much of it on exposed nesting areas, the island has a special vulnerability. The Mist volunteer wardens are in place for the summer months to welcome people to the island (which is accessible by boat only) and to relate to visitors the natural and human history of the island. For 25 years Alison Watt has spent a week on the island in the summer, as a volunteer warden. Her journals are full of Mitlenatch sketches. She finds it a delight and a privilege to return each year to this jewel of the Salish Sea. MIST is a special organisation which works closely with BC Provincial Parks to ensure that Mitlenatch Island remains a haven for the plants and animals of the Salish Sea.Sign up and donate through www.alisonwatt.ca/drawing-on-the-salish-seaFor more information on Mitlenatch Island visit www.mitlenatch.ca/mitlenatch-island...
Comox Valley Nature invites its members and the public to CVN’s October general meeting, where you can hear the following keynote presentation by our guest speaker: Birdbrains – Smarter than you think- with Sandra Milligan Once dismissed as “birdbrains,” birds are now recognized for their remarkable intelligence. Sandra explores the evolution of our understanding of avian neuroanatomy, focusing on local species. Through engaging stories and videos, Sandra explores how birds solve problems, use tools, express empathy, and communicate with rich vocabulary – inviting you to see these creatures with newfound respect and wonder.Sandra Milligan has been teaching university level biology at North Island College for over twenty years. With graduate degrees in neuroscience, she’s now a generalist, naturalist, and lifelong learner. In Campbell River, she’s a recognized environmental advocate and public educator. Her passion for birding has evolved into a deep interest in avian behaviour and intelligence. Drawing on her neuroanatomy background, Sandra has followed the growing research on bird cognition, confirming what many intuitively felt – birds display an extraordinary range of intelligent behaviours. Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 3 pm in the main hall of Comox United Church, 250 Beach Drive, Comox. Members of the public welcome.This will be an in-person only meeting. We will not record the presentation on this occasion [this is a correction to previous information].As always, there will be a break after the presentation with a chance to meet new people and socialize with old friends. Tea, coffee and treats will be available (by donation).A brief meeting follows. Reports from some of our interest groups and projects are an opportunity for guests to learn more about what we do. ...
It's that time of year! A couple of off leash dogs have been seen romping at the confluence of Morrison Creek and the Puntledge River. Dogs get quite excited to see those big chum. The chum do spawn right at the mouth of the creek, salmon eggs are very sensitive to disturbance so paws, or feet, in the creek kill eggs. Keep your dog on a leash, especially if you do not want a smelly dog! Dogs like to roll in dead fish. Salmon spook, be a quiet calm wildlife paparazzi. ...
Fish Walk!!! ( Well, not really...but don't miss this chance to follow their journey!)Join the Morrison Creek Streamkeepers for a walk along Morrison Creek, starting at its confluence with the Puntledge River in Puntledge Park, to watch salmon spawning after their remarkable journey back from the ocean. Register here: form.jotform.com/262924316992264...
