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
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 April 2012
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
Posted inBC Nature|Comments Off on BC Nature enews March 2012
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”
Posted inGuest Speakers|Taggedguest speakers|Comments Off on Mar. 18, 2012: The Value of Fisheries Habitat Protection
On Sunday, February 19 Comox Valley Nature (Comox Valley Naturalist Society) will hold its Annual General Meeting, at the Filberg Centre at 8pm. The meeting is open to all members.
Prior to the AGM, as part of its public educational mandate, Comox Valley Nature will host Canadian historian Richard Somerset Mackie at 7pm. Richard Somerset Mackie is the author of the well-known histories: Island Timber (2000) and Mountain Timber (2009).
In this illustrated talk, Richard Somerset Mackie will discuss the long residence and work of Comox Valley naturalist and writer Hamilton Mack Laing (1883-1982). Laing, a Manitoban, arrived in the Comox Valley in 1922 and spent the rest of his life at the two houses he built on Brooklyn Creek: Baybrook and Shakesides. Along with Allan Brooks, Theed Pearse, and Ronald Stewart, Laing helped form perhaps the tightest and most productive fraternity of practicing ornithologists in rural Canada — a group that Betty Brooks has termed The Pioneer Birdmen of Comox. Laing also hunted with Cecil “Cougar” Smith, John and Norman Pritchard, and many other local men. Mackie will assess Laing’s significant contribution to the valley’s natural history.
Comox Valley Nature is a non-profit society affiliated with BC Nature which fulfills its educational mandate by hosting monthly lectures, organizing weekly guided hikes and undertaking a variety of environmental projects . Founded in 1964, 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. An entrance fee of $3.00 for the lecture is suggested for non-members. New memberships are always welcomed.
Richard Somerset Mackie will be available for book sales and signings at the Blue Heron Bookstore from 2 -4pm and after his lecture at the Filberg Centre at 8pm.
Forthcoming lectures include: “ Dragonflies of the Comox Valley” by well-known photographer, Terry Thormin, retired curator of invertebrate zoology, Royal Alberta Museum.
Posted inGuest Speakers|Comments Off on Feb. 19, 2012: Celebrated Comox Valley Historian Richard Somerset Mackie to lecture on Pioneer Naturalist, Mack Laing (1883-1982)
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!
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
Club Grants from the Foundation – due into office by Jan 31, 2012
Deadline for resolutions for the AGM February 28, 2012
BC Nature Awards – nominations accepted up until February 28, 2012 – for both AGM & FGM
Rene Savenye Scholarship – Please apply by April 4, 2012
Camps & Bird Blitz’s 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
Invitation to BC Parks Volunteer Strategy Workshop
As a valued contributor to BC Parks, you are invited to help develop a province-wide volunteer strategy at an upcoming regional workshop.
In 2011, BC Parks celebrated its 100th Anniversary, commemorating the establishment of Strathcona Provincial Park in 1911 and celebrating the creation of almost 1000 parks and protected areas since then. This successful celebration would not have been possible without the valuable contributions from volunteers across the province, more than 2500 volunteers participated!
To build on this success, BC Parks is developing a volunteer strategy to improve the volunteer experience for our existing and future volunteers. Our goal is to develop a strategy over the next few months and launch it in the upcoming summer season. The workshops will provide you with an opportunity to: • Share the work you or your organization has done in support of BC Parks; •Contribute to a discussion about how BC Parks can improve the volunteer experience; •Provide input on future volunteer opportunities you would like to see; and, •Network with BC Parks staff and other volunteer groups. Workshops will be held in February and March in nine locations across the province. You are welcome to attend the workshop location that best fits with your schedule and travel abilities.
Please RSVP to Erick Pay, Project Assistant () based on RSVP dates listed below. You will receive a confirmation email with detailed workshop information no later than two weeks prior to the workshop. If you are unable to participate in any of the workshops, please submit written comments to by March 16, 2012.
If you have any questions about the volunteer strategy, please contact Becs Hoskins, BC Parks Project Manager ().
Please join us at one of the following workshops:
Victoria – February 6, 9 am – 12 pm; RSVP by January 27
Prince George – February 10, 9 am -12 pm; RSVP by January 27
Smithers – February 13, 9 am -12 pm; RSVP by February 3
Vancouver – February 16, 1-4 pm; RSVP by February 3
Penticton – February 20, 1-4 pm; RSVP by February 10
Williams Lake – February 24, 9 am – 12 pm; RSVP by February 10
Miracle Beach – February 28, 1-4 pm; RSVP by February 17
Nelson – March 5, 1-4 pm; RSVP by February 24
Cranbrook – March 7, 9 am – 12 pm; RSVP by February 24
Kamloops – March 12, 9 am – 12 pm; RSVP by February 24
Issue 20
Date January 2012
Snowy Owl – Boundary Bay
Are you Opposed to the Northern Pipeline and Tanker Traffic
Did you miss the deadline for being on the speakers list for the Enbridge Northern Gateway Project Joint Review Panel(Oral presentations)? There is still time to have your opinion heard! Written submissions will be taken up to March 13, 2012 – the How – Where and When links are here There is still plenty of time to send in your submissions. Information pertaining to Enbridge/Pipeline/Tanker traffic and the impact on the BC landscape and waterscape can be found in a myriad of locations. Call the office if you would like more information
Interesting Sites and articles
Explore Inner Wild in the Midst of Nature: Unlikely Duo Who Share Recovery from Addiction & Love of Nature – Link
Blackthroat Luscinia obscura audio file . link
Sensational Bird discover in China Link
For information on Bat – White Nose Syndrome – link
How we can preserve and protect our beautiful coast
You’re invited to a panel discussion about tankers and pipelines and how we can preserve and protect our beautiful coast, Sunday, January 22, from 1-5pm, at the Roundhouse Community Centre. Speakers include Art Sterritt, Executive Director, Coastal First Nations; Rex Weyler, Tanker Free BC, Author, Co-founder of Greenpeace; and Nathan Cullen, former NDP Environment and Natural Resouces Critic, Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP, and NDP Leadership Candidate.
This will be a unique opportunity to talk with First Nations and Environmental Groups about what oil tankers on our coast will mean to us all. There will be ten environmental groups with information tables as well as the panel, so people will have an opportunity to look at information from many sources.
We hope people will come, learn, talk and discuss this important issue. It’s a free event and everyone is welcome.
Description & Schedule Title: Oil Free Coast. Tankers & Pipelines: Preserving and Protecting our Coast Date: January 22, 2012, 1-5pm
Speakers: Art Sterritt, Executive Director, Coastal First Nations Rex Weyler, Tanker Free BC, Author, Co-founder of Greenpeace Nathan Cullen: former NDP Environment & Natural Resources Critic, Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP, NDP Leadership Candidate
Moderator: Leslie Kemp, Coordinator Sustainable Communities Program, Langara College
Music: Ta’Kaiya Blaney, Tla’Amin Environmental Singer Songwriter
Program: 1 pm doors Open: Information tables (environmental groups), Tea/coffee/juice
1:30 Performance by Ta’Kaiya Blaney, Tla’Amin Environmental Singer Songwriter
2-4 Panel discussion: First Nations Blessing, Audrey Fisher, Squamish Elder
Presentations by Art Sterritt, Nathan Cullen and Rex Weyler Questions and discussion with audience (3-4)
4-5 Information tables (environmental groups), refreshments, informal discussion Sponsors: Coastal First Nations & Nathan Cullen, Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP, NDP Leadership Candidate Information: (604) 608-0384 or http://www.facebook.com/events/216911685061355/
Location: Roundhouse Community Centre, Theatre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Corner of Davie/Pacific, Downtown Vancouver (One block to Yaletown Canada Line Station) More: Free admission ? Everyone is welcome ? Free childcare ? Refreshments ? Wheelchair accessible ? ASL Sign Language Interpreters
Vancouver Airport Fuel Delivery Project – Public Comment on Highway 99 Pipeline Route Addendum
Your commments would be appreciated by Feb. 1. The public is invited to obtain information about and comment on the addendum to Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corporation’s application for an environmental assessment certificate for the proposed project. A 21 day public comment period on the application will start on January 11, 2012 and end on February 1, 2012. All written comments received by online form, fax or mail during this time period in relation to the addendum will be considered. View Link and details
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
News Release- Ministry of Environment
Making progress: BC Parks Investments celebrate BC Parks 100th birthday VICTORIA – British Columbia’s world-class parks system has been enhanced by more than $10.5 million in capital and community legacy investments and free parking for the approximately 20 million annual visitors to ensure our provincial parks are more welcoming for families and visitors to B.C. The Province invested $10.1 million in a range of provincial park projects, including a $1-million upgrade to electrical systems at Golden Ears Park, $135,000 for trail improvements at Horne Lake Caves Park on Vancouver Island, a $193,000 investment in Liard Hot Springs Park facility and a new shower building worth $550,000 in Juniper Park in B.C.’s Thompson region. Projects from wetland restoration in Cypress Park to cultural celebrations at Montague Harbour Marine Park to new foot bridges at West Twin Park have been undertaken through $450,000 in legacy funding, which leveraged an additional $470,000 from communities throughout the province. All legacy improvements were aimed at recreational activities or conservation efforts. Most projects will be completed by March 31, 2012. Quotes: Environment Minister Terry Lake – “BC Parks not only help define us as British Columbians, they are a calling card internationally. They speak to our love of our province, the environment, a healthy lifestyle and they help draw tourists to B.C.” “It’s no surprise that investing in our parks just makes good economic sense. We know that for every dollar spent, we get back more than eight dollars in visitor spending on food, entertainment, transportation, and other goods and services.” Marie Fournier, Cetus Research & Conservation Society – “Cetus Research and Conservation Society was pleased to be part of the Community Legacy Grant initiative. This season we were able to complete some necessary upgrades to a popular marine life viewing area in the Qwiquallaaq/Boat Bay Conservancy Park. These upgrades and the funds received from the Community Legacy Grant have transformed this site for all who visit the area.” Quick Facts: * Parking fees were eliminated from B.C.’s provincial parks on May 3, 2011, making parks more accessible and inviting to families. * The Province invested $450,000 in community groups through the Community Legacy Fund to support improvements to 27 projects throughout the province. Community groups receiving funding through the program are contributing a total of nearly $470,000 in cash and in-kind support for a total project value of nearly $920,000. * BC Parks recently invested $100,000 in 100 new easily accessible picnic tables to be installed in two of B.C.’s busiest provincial parks (Rathtrevor and Golden Ears) throughout 2012. * The 100 Park Benches for 100 Years of BC Parks program allows people to sponsor a park bench and personalize it, at the same time providing 100 new locations for park visitors to sit down and enjoy the spectacular scenery. * BC Parks provided a grant of $5,000 to support Learn to Fish sessions at parks in the Okanagan, Kamloops and Vancouver Island regions – attracting a record number of 2,400 participants. * Park rangers are featured in four Great Ranger videos sharing their experience of working as stewards of B.C.’s wonderful provincial parks. Learn More: * BC Parks: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/things_to_do.html * Great Ranger videos: http://bit.ly/ooyxPj * Connect with BC Parks on Facebook: www.facebook.com/YourBCParks
Insurance Update
Please have your executive in charge of your meeting rental location double check with the landlord where you are holding your meetings. Please ensure you are not being charged extra for Liability Insurance. It came to my attention today that one of our clubs was paying extra fees to the City for the rental of a hall for their meetings. All that you require from us is an insurance certificate for your club showing your liability coverage. This can be obtained through the office. Please email the office with the name and address of your landlord and if seperate location, the name and address of your meeting venue. You are already paying for this service, do not duplicate payment.
David meets Goliath
Our naturalists club in Kitimat (10 members) had their time in front of the Joint Advisory Panel on Enbridge. For being one of our smallest clubs (10 members),they did an outstanding job with a great presentation! Kudo’s to one of our smallest federated clubs in standing up for Nature against one of the largest and potentially damaging pipeline projects in our province. We can only surmise at how much time and energy this project has taken up with your group and we applaud your efforts. Please few the following link for some of the proceedings at the Kitimaat hearing day. See also the Financial Post link about the Kitimat Naturalists presentation.!
Enbridge Updates and links
Due to the extensive media coverage on the Enbridge issue, we will be putting some links and updates in this section. BC Nature in conjunction with Nature Canada is also an Intervenor and will have links and updates on our website along with Nature Canada as our presentation is reviewed. Thank you to Nature Canada and the BC Nature Conservation team for all of their time and efforts in finalizing our submission. Below you will find links to video and excerpts of news releases that you may find interesting.
Nature Canada – Enbridge Link No tankers Nathan Cullen, MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley, spoke on Salt Spring several months ago. He told about hiring a small boat and its captain to travel out from Kitimat, following the route that oil tankers would take with bitumen from the tar sands. Cullen was surprised at all the right-angled turns in the narrow fjord. He commented that the huge tankers would have to slow right down to get around the corners safely. The captain laughed: “ You’ve canoed. You know a boat has to keep up speed for steerage around a turn. Otherwise she stalls and drifts.” It doesn’t sound safe. The pipeline backer, Enbridge, says these would be double-hulled tankers. But the tankers would be owned by whatever companies in China and U.S. were hired to transport the bitumen. They might not be double-hulled. Two decades after the Exxon Valdez spill, only seven tankers serving Alaska are double-hulled, while seventeen are not. Exxon continues with cheaper single-hulled tankers on its Alaskan runs. Our shorelines, bays, and fjords need provincial and federal protection from oil tanker traffic.
Join Bird Studies Canada (BSC) and eight other ornithological organizations and societies, as Canada hosts for the first time, the fifth North American Ornithological Conference (NAOC-V). The conference is being organized by the American Ornithologists’ Union, Society of Canadian Ornithologists/Société des Ornithologistes du Canada, BSC, Association of Field Ornithologists, Cooper Ornithological Society, Raptor Research Foundation, La Sociedad para el Estudio y Conservación de las Aves en México (CIPAMEX), Waterbird Society, and Wilson Ornithological Society. It takes place August 14 to 18, 2012 at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Academic and professional ornithologists from every sector of the field, including the research sciences, management, policy, and planning will come together from around the world. Registration opens January 20, 2012. The conference will begin with an opening reception on the evening of August 14, 2012. There will be society council and conservation group meetings, as well as workshops, held prior to the main scientific program at the same venue. One and three-day field trips to some of Vancouver and BC’s most spectacular locations will be offered before and after the scientific program. The four-day scientific program (August 15 to 18) will begin each day with an address by a distinguished plenary speaker and presentation of society awards. The remainder of the daily program will consist of symposia, contributed papers, poster sessions, and networking events. Many exhibitors, including commercial publishers, equipment suppliers, artisans, local groups, and conservation organizations will be present throughout the meeting. We are actively seeking sponsors and exhibitors for the conference – for more information and to view the prospectus, select this ! link.
Urban Wildlife: Challenges and Management
Urban Wildlife: Challenges and Management
April 18-19, 2012 Rocky Mountain Prestige Inn, 209 Van Horne Street South Cranbrook BC
Details, speaker list and registration are at this link Wildlife numbers are increasing within many British Columbia municipalities, leading to more interactions with humans and our infrastructure. Interactions can lead to property damage, public safety issues, public health concerns, impacts on biodiversity, and death or suffering of wildlife. Deer, elk, coyotes, moose, geese, racoons, bears, and other animals can become more than a nuisance, putting themselves and humans at risk. Through a combination of presentations, posters, and field trips, this conference will address the environmental, social, and economic issues related to wildlife in urban settings. We anticipate attendance by a multidisciplinary group of people: provincial, regional district, and municipal staff; biologists; resource managers; First Nations; academics; industry, stewardship groups; and others with an interest in human–wildlife interactions. We have 23 speakers lined up plus an evening presentation by Dr. Michael Proctor about co-existing with grizzly bears in the urban/rural Creston Valley. The list of presentations and posters is here
Questions or comments? Contact us via E-mail us at BC Nature
Posted inBC Nature|Comments Off on BC Nature enews Jan 2012
This camas was planted as seed 5 years ago and is blooming for the first time.
For a naturalist these current times can be depressing with widespread ecological destruction being one of the constant themes of life in the new millennium. However optimism is also part of the human condition and with most naturalists it gains momentum every spring with perhaps the arrival of the first rufus hummingbird or the first salmonberry bloom.
For myself this moment happened in June during a walk through the Courtenay Air Park when I noticed several camas plants in bloom. The camas is a special plant intertwined with the history of our region. The American explorer Meriwether Lewis of Lewis and Clark fame described the beauty of fields of camas so vast that they appeared as small lakes of clear water. Many early European explorers did not believe that a lansdcape so beautiful could be possible without man caring for it. In fact they were right. The camas fields were not wild. Many First Nations tended these fields. The camas produces a bulb which when steamed is a nutritious source of carbohydrate. The camas bulbs were thus highly prized. They could be stored, used for making flour, and frequently traded amongst First Nations. Camas fields were highly valued, and were tended by their first owners though not in the traditional methods to which Europeans were accustomed.
There are two camas species found locally, the common camas and the great camas. Besides the size difference the flowers have slightly different diagnostics. The colour of the bloom varies from a pale lilac to a deep magenta. Occasionally a pure white bloom can be found.
The camas is often associated with the Garry Oak ecosystem where it frequently grows. Unfortunately on Vancouver Island only remnants of this most beautiful of ecosystems remain. In the Courtenay Air Park the Comox Valley Naturalists have been working for many years to create a small piece of Garry Oak ecosystem. Non-native invasive plants such as Scotch Broom and Himalayan black berry have been systematically removed, while native plants such as Garry Oak have been planted and tended.
Over five years ago a large quantity of camas seed was scattered and covered with mulch. I for one had given up on ever seeing the camas emerge. Last year I found a couple of flowering plants which I dismissed as a fluke. This year there was no mistaking that a small patch had indeed taken hold. When it is not flowering, the camas plant is a rather nondescript lily-type plant. However in flower there is no mistaking this native blue jewel. Recent DNA testing has resulted in camas being removed from the lily family.
I look forward to the day in the future when the Courtenay Air Park is blue with the blooms of camas under the pale green of Garry Oak trees. The Naturalists’ vision for this Park is part of their Wetland Restoration Project which fights invasive plants in the Courtenay River Estuary. Recently we have erected a new sign on the viewing platform overlooking the lagoon explaining our work in the area.
This work is made possible though funding this year received from the City of Courtenay, the Comox Valley Regional District, BC Nature, and Ducks Unlimited Canada for which we are grateful.
One of the Comox Valley’s favourite recreation areas, enjoyed by mountain bikers and hikers alike, the Comox Lake Bluffs region is above all a frequently overlooked special ecological jewel. It is registered as a rare northernmost arbutus/manzanita/maritime juniper ecosystem. It is home to many rare and endangered plant species.
As such, it has been designated since 1996 by the province as an ecological reserve. Care must be exercised to preserve it as such. As with 150 other such areas throughout the province, these ecological reserves are protected for educational and scientific research. The recreational public needs to take an informed approach in the enjoyment of the Comox Lake Bluffs to preserve its value for generations to come.
As part of its public educational mandate Comox Valley Nature (The Comox Valley Naturalists Society) will be hosting a one hour talk on the Comox Bluffs and the ecological reserve system on Sunday January 15th, at the Filberg Centre at 7pm.
Helen Robinson is one of the Comox Valley’s best-known plant taxonomist. Helen Robinson has been the volunteer warden for the Comox Bluffs for the past 4 years, and is very familiar with the botanical and geological features that make this area so special. Her powerpoint presentation will cover ecological reserves in general, and then show pictures of many flowering plants, as well as birds and mammals found in the Comox Lake Bluffs Ecological Reserve.
The Comox Valley Naturalists Society (Comox Valley Nature) is a non-profit society affiliated to BCNature which fulfills its educational mandate by hosting monthly lectures, organizing weekly guided hikes and undertakes a variety of environmental projects . Founded in 1964, 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. A donation of $3.00 for the lecture is suggested for non-members. New memberships are always welcomed.
Forthcoming events include: February 19, Richard Somerset Mackie, “Bird Man of Comox: Mack Laing and the Natural History of the Comox Valley.”
Please come out and join us for these important environmental topics. For more information on CVNS please visit the website at www.comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca
Posted inGuest Speakers|Comments Off on Jan. 15, 2012: Rare and Special Listed Species of the Comox Lake Bluffs Ecological Reserve
The CVN photo group met last night for its September meeting and here are a few of the photos we shared with one another.Species and photographer shown in each photo... ...
Join the Comox Valley Conservation Community for a day long celebration of the watersheds and waterways that connect us all in the Comox Valley!Learn about restoration and habitat enhancement projects, salmon cycles, drinking water, forests, creeks, wetlands and estuaries – and so much more. Art projects, kids activities, volunteer engagement opportunities, hands on learning and guided walks – all looking out over the beautiful Puntledge River.Comox Valley Nature will be there with our new outreach tent. Come by and say hello, and try our bird identification game. We can also show you why native plants are best for your garden, and how to spot invasive species.Pack a picnic and stay for the day! Saturday Sept 19th from 9 am – 3 pmin Puntledge Park 1111 1st , Courtenay ...
In her memoir, Pacific Northwest author Caroll Simpson recounts the highs and lows of running a remote fishing lodge on her own following the untimely death of her husband, and of falling in love with the natural world. Simpson tells stories of living in the remote wilderness and managing the lodge, becoming an accidental environmental activist, fending off wild animals, working as an angling guide and finally, fighting off a proposed mining operation and participating in the development of a government land management plan as a spokesperson for the wilderness tourism industry.While Simpson welcomed paying guests at Ookpik Lodge, unwanted house guests included a woodchuck, a pack rat, and martens. Simpson constantly had to watch out for grizzlies, moose, and cougars. Storms and extreme weather also provided fodder for hair-raising tales. All this makes for wonderful storytelling.Caroll’s story is essentially a love story. In an essay for Sierra Club, Simpson wrote: “I developed an immense passion for flora and fauna. Just walking back and forth on the 300’ dock several times a day, I was exposed to the unbelievable beauty of the northern spectrum of water life: the golden eagle soaring above, the osprey and kingfisher diving and coming up with fish for their hatchlings, the muskrats and otters looking for an easy meal, the tireless beaver working into the late evening sunsets. All of these creatures and more expressed their generational ownership of this small piece of the world. In return each was given my utmost respect and admiration…As I listened to the loons at the end of each day and the owl and the wolf in the night, I felt blessed to be witnessing such beauty. “On September 20th, join Comox Valley Nature and Save Our Forests Team for an afternoon of storytelling about this remarkable time spent living on a remote British Columbia lake.The event is being held at the Comox United Church Hall. (250 Beach Drive, Comox) Admission is by donation. Doors open at 2:30; the event begins at 3:00 p.m. There will be time for Q&A after the presentation, as well as books available for purchase. Tea/coffee and cookies - including forest-themed cupcakes - will be available for a donation.Join us, and prepare to fall in love. ...
🎟️ Get your tickets to the Project Watershed 2026 Keeping It Living Dinner today! projectwatershed.ca/2026-keeping-it-living-dinner/Every ticket holder makes a difference. 💙 🎟️ Get your tickets to our 2026 Keeping It Living Dinner today! projectwatershed.ca/2026-keeping-it-living-dinner/When community and local businesses invest in conservation, our entire ecosystem benefits. Ticket sales directly support habitat restoration, scientific research, and environmental education, while the generosity of our sponsors helps offset event costs, ensuring that more of the funds raised can go directly toward this important work. Thank you to our incredible sponsors and dinner attendees for believing in the power of community-led conservation. Odlum Brown Community and Northwest Hydraulic Consultants, 40 Knots Winery, CNB Together, we're keeping our watersheds living. 🌿 Hope to see you September 12, 5 - 8 pm at 40 KNOTS Winery #KeepingItLiving #ProjectWatershed #CommunitySupport #Conservation #ComoxValley ...
The City of Courtenay is developing a long-term vision for Bill Moore Park and Dogwood Park to guide future improvements. To help guide these decisions, three initial concepts have been developed, and there is an opportunity for you to offer your input.The latest survey on the City website engagecomoxvalley.ca/bill-moore-and-dogwood-park asks for feedback on three concept plans and specifically which concept you prefer. The three concepts present a range of recreation possibilities and there is room on the survey for your comments.Dogwood Park is a 2.32‑hectare nature park featuring mature forested areas, natural habitat and a small wetland. Only Concept A will maintain the intact forest areas in Dogwood Park. Concepts B and C propose increased recreation in the park including an off leash dog park, disc golf course, pump track (a purpose built track for children’s cycling) and nature play areas. While the planners may say that no trees or few trees will be taken down to accommodate this, the under-story will not survive this level of trampling and fragmentation. The trees as well as all the wildlife who now call that area home will disappear over time. For those of us who value this forest, Concept A is the only option that makes sense.Dogwood Park is one of the few islands of green for many, many blocks. It provides habitat for wildlife, shade, retains water and acts as a carbon sink. On the architect's base plan of current conditions it is now characterized as an "underutilized space". The City has heard from sports enthusiasts but not nature lovers. Let them know why you value an intact forest and your connection to it. The survey is open until Sept 15. ...
