Denman and Hornby Nature: A prelude to a new local book

Posted on October 13, 2011 by web_admin

The regular Monthly Meeting of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society will be held Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Avenue, Courtenay. The featured speaker will be Mr. Mike Yip, local birder, photographer, and author, who will give a presentation on his upcoming book: Denman and Hornby Nature.


Mike Yip is a retired teacher who discovered birds and bird photography in 2003. He has since published 3 very successful books, Vancouver Island Birds vol. 1-3 (2006, 2007, 2010). His work has supported environmental and educational programmes world-wide.  The third volume which came out in 2010 was supposed to be his last publication, however an encounter with the beauty and biodiversity of Denman and Hornby has resulted in a new book.  In addition to documenting island landscapes, birds, wildflowers and butterflies, this new book includes the undersea photography of Amanda Zielinski.

A partial prelude to this book can be found in Mike Yip’s website: http://vancouverislandbirds.com/Journal357.html.

Meetings 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 youth.  A donation of $2.00 is suggested for non-members and new memberships are always welcomed.

Upcoming speakers include: Katie Terhune (Living Oceans Society) “The Enbridge Proposal and Potential Oil Spills”; Helen Robinson “Comox Lake Bluffs Flora and Fauna Conservation” and Richard Mackie “The bastards are at it again!: Life and Times of Melda Buchanan.”

Please come out and join us for these important environmental topics.

 

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Volunteers needed for the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup

Posted on September 19, 2011 by web_admin

Project Watershed, Comox Valley Kayaks, and Comox Valley Naturalists Society are seeking volunteers to help with the cleanup at three sites in the Courtenay Estuary. Meet Sept. 25, 10:00 am at Courtenay Airpark, Mansfield Drive, 49°40’34.84″N 24°58’46.74″W, or Simms Park, or Comox Beaches.

Whether discarded accidentally or deliberately, all of the shoreline litter we find in Canada is the result of human activities. From food wrappers, beverage containers and cigarette butts to fishing line, nets and oil bottles, aquatic litter can leach harmful chemicals into the water, be accidentally eaten by wildlife, or entangle aquatic animals such as otters, sea turtles and birds.

Vancouver Aquarium and WWF-Canada have a formal partnership to grow the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup direct action conservation program — the largest shoreline cleanup program in Canada and third largest in the world. Presented by Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw), the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup engages thousands of Canadians annually to clean up their local shorelines through the removal of shoreline litter.  Through individual action, nearly one million kilograms of shoreline litter has been removed from these fragile ecosystems since 1997.

The 2011 cleanup takes place September 17-25 across Canada. This week-long opportunity ends on BC Rivers Day which was established 30 years ago. The Rivers Day approach “seeks to raise public understanding of rivers and the many benefits they provide to us — clean water, spawning salmon, historic trade and exploration routes, a place to play.” It is a model that has been adopted nationally, and more recently, internationally (www.orcbc.ca/pro_bcriversday.htm).

To celebrate both initiatives, on September 25th, Comox Valley based Project Watershed has registered to clean up three shoreline sites along the Courtenay River Estuary: the Airpark, Simms Park and St Josephs/Port Augusta Park. These three sites form a V – like the heart-shaped Estuary itself.

Members of the Comox Valley Naturalists and employees of Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes will be partnering with Project Watershed volunteers for this event.  Members of the public are encouraged to join in. Shoreline work parties will take place between 10 AM and 12 Noon on September 25th and the water clean-up will occur later in the day.  Gloves will be provided thanks to North Island Labs and Mark’s Work Wearhouse.

Everyone interested in participating in keeping their environment healthy is asked to go online at http://shorelinecleanup.ca/en to join Project Watershed at one of their sites, chose another site to sponsor or obtain further details about the event.  For further information on Project Watershed activities go to http://projectwatershed.ca/ or call 250-703-2871.

 

 

 

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Update re BC Nature Camp

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Krista

The BC Nature Camp planned for Strathcona Park has unfortunately had to be cancelled, due to low registration. The decision had to be made by the end of May in order to give sufficient notice to those involved to make other arrangements. Thanks to the planning team for all their efforts.

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BC Nature enews April 2011

Posted on May 4, 2011 by web_admin
Upcoming Events
  • May 6-8, 2011 – Skagit Bird Blitz – details available in Spring Magazine – Spots Still Available!
  • May 12-15 – 2011 – AGM 2011 – Williams Lake – Registration now available on our website
  • June 3-5, 2011 – Mt. Robson Bird Blitz – Info available in Spring Magazine
  • June 17 – 19 – Manning Park Bird Blitz details available in Spring Magazine – Spots Still Available!
  • July 2 – 9th – Nuit Range exploratory Backpacking. email for more Information
  • July 15 – 19 – Strathcona Provincial Park Field Camp. Please see BC Nature Website for more information
  • July 16 – 23 – Backpacking South Chilcotins – for more information please email for more Information
  • Sept. 29 to Oct. 2 – BC Nature Conference and FGM – Tswassen – Hosted by Delta Naturalists.
Communications Director needed!
BC Nature needs your helps in assisting us with the revamping of our website – magazine editor etc. Please contact John Neville through the office
Issue 14
Date April – May 2011
Bellowing Sea Lions
Shorekeepers & Eelgrass Training – Birds on the Bay
An important message from friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society to all of our ‘Shorekeepers’ and ‘Eelgrass’ volunteers. We hope you’ve received the information about and invitation to this year’s training and surveys. Info below and further details on our website: Birds on the Bay
Shorekeepers

What: Shorekeepers Training
Where: Classroom sessions at White Rock Elementary; 1273 Fir Street, White Rock
When: Friday, May 20, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m. orientation; Saturday May 21, 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.; Sunday May 22, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
RSVP: Sharon Jones

Eelgrass
What: Eelgrass Mapping and Monitoring Training
Where: Classroom session South Surrey Recreation Center 14601 20th Ave, Surrey; Field work to follow White Rock Beach
When: Saturday June 4, 2011 – 9 am – 3 pm RSVP: Alison Prentice

Interesting Sites and articles
New Organizational Chart – Ministry of the Environment Updated Chart
Environmental Assessment Office – Associate Deputy Minister Cheryl Wenezenki-Yolland
Environmental Protection – ADM Jim Standen
Environmental Sustainability and Strategic Policy – ADM Mark Zacharias
Parks, Protection and Conservation Services – ADM Lori Halls
Climate Action Secretariat – Acting Head James Mack
Corporate Services Division – ADM Denise Bragg

Interesting story on our National Symbol – “The Beaver” Video

Live webcams – View BC (and worldwide) live webcams compliments of Mark Madryga site to read.

Keep those kids (and adults) busy during our hot summer season Van Dusen Summer Programs

Good article written by our very own Anne Murray – Migration of the Sandpiper View article here. If this link does not work, please use search – type in “sandpiper” and Anne’s article come up or cut and paste this address into your browser http://www.straight.com/article-390282/vancouver/anne-murray-witness-amazing-spring-migration-sandpipers
Baillie Birdathon – 2011
Canada’s Baillie Birdathon is the oldest sponsored bird count in North America. It was established in 1976 as a national fundraiser to support the research and conservation of wild birds. The challenge is to identify as many bird species as possible within a 24-hour period anytime during the month of May. Funds raised by participants benefit not only the work of Bird Studies Canada, but also designated bird observatories, the James L. Baillie Memorial Fund, and participating conservation and naturalist clubs. You can either encourage your members to participate on their own for your club, or you could organize a “Birdathon Day” to get members out birding together. After the Birdathon, 25-50% of all funds raised by participants naming your group will be returned to you to use as you wish. Early this year, we delivered over $93,000.00 to clubs and organizations across the country who participated in 2010! As I said, participation is free, and registration is easy and can be done online. Individuals will then receive a fundraising webpage of their own that can be personalized and used to track their progress, a participants kit and free t-shirt simply for registering. The online registration page is here
Conserving Working Landscapes – The Future of Agriculture in the East Kootenay
Cranbrook, BC 8:30AM to 4:30 PM The East Kootenay Conservation Program and the College of the Rockies are pleased to partner in this forum which is important to both agriculture and to conservation. Topics include: The Agricultural Land Reserve, Agricultural Area Planning, Climate Change Impacts, Water and Agriculture, Energy Assessment Tools, Ecological Goods and Services, and Alternatives To Traditional Agriculture. There is no cost to attend but you must register by email: or by phone (250) 489-8242. For further information contact EKCP at or by phone (250) 581-1122.
Wetlands courses being offered
The BC Wildlife Federation, its’ affiliated clubs, partners and Wetlands Education Program have some upcoming volunteer and training opportunities. Some of the upcoming opportunities are highlighted below. Thank you for your continued support, we look forward to hearing and collaborating with you in the future!
1. Ladner Marsh clean-up volunteer opportunity!
The Delta Ladner Rod and Gun Club, a BCWF member, in cooperation with Hunting BC are planning the annual Ladner marsh clean up and they need your help! If you are interested in helping out, please register with Roger McRurie, Delta Ladner Rod and Gun Club, 604-946-3909, . Thanks in advance for your support in making our marsh enjoyable for generations to come!

May 14, 2011 *Please arrive at Welington Point Park (3653 River Road West), for 9:00am in Ladner BC.
*Bring your gloves, boots and waders and dress for the weather *Families are welcome *Refreshments will be provided! 2.Wetlandkeepers Courses- training opportunity!

1. Courtenay BC May 6-8, 2011 (Please register with Project Watershed: here
2. Pemberton BC May 13-15, 2011 Please register with BCWF WEP: here

3. Puddle Project- training opportunity! 1. North Vancouver BC June 5, 2011 Please register with BCWF WEP: here

The Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia (ORC)
The issues presently being addressed by ORC are fully described in the Spring 2011 issue of its newsletter The Outdoor Recreation Report which will be published in May. BC Nature is a member of ORC so members of naturalist clubs may request to have their names placed on the mailing list for a hard copy of the newsletter by contacting ORC’s office at The newsletter is usually published twice a year and after it has been published the content is posted on the ORC website For questions about ORC please contact Jeremy McCall, Executive Director, at 604-876-7694
BC Butterfly Atlas
Over the past year, we have been working to initiate a citizen-based survey of butterflies in British Columbia. The BC Butterfly Atlas would follow on the recent success of the BC Breeding Bird Atlas (www.birdatlas.bc.ca) and successful butterfly atlassing projects in other jurisdictions (e.g., Canadian Maritimes, Maine, Vermont, UK). The project would standardize efforts by volunteers to collect butterfly records across a series of 10 km x 10 km squares (based on BC Breeding Bird Atlas) covering the whole province over a five-year period. The atlas would also collect incidental butterfly observations from a wider range of contributors. A new website would be a key part of the atlas and would provide information on survey methods, butterfly identification, and show the survey results graphically.

How you can help us: •Join our contact list: We are establishing a contact list of people who wish to stay informed about the project. If you would like to stay informed, please send a quick email to me Here and I will add you to this list. Also, please forward this email to others who might be interested
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Flower Power! A Naturalist’s View of Plants of Vancouver Island.

Posted on April 10, 2011 by web_admin

The regular monthly meeting of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society will be held April 17, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Avenue, Courtenay. The speaker will be naturalist and interpreter Genevieve Singleton, who will speak on “Flower Power!! A Naturalist’s View of Plants of Vancouver Island.”

Genevieve hails from the Cowichan Valley, and has been a naturalist and interpreter since the late 1960’s. She has worked/volunteered for BC Parks for many years and runs an environmental consulting firm with her husband, Dave Polster. She has been sharing her passion for the outdoors, particularly her love of the creepy crawlies and plants with children and adults in many settings through the years.

“Flower Power!!…” illustrates very well her passion for plants and will include many interesting tidbits about ethnobotany, current uses, and folklore, and will be accompanied by Dave Polster’s photographs.

Please come and join us to become better informed, and to learn how you can help CVNS provide education and protection for B.C.’s natural environment.

Meetings 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 youth. A donation of $3.00 is suggested for non-members, and new memberships are always welcomed. Meetings are not held in July, August, and December.

The CVNS May 15 presentation features Maj. Birch, with a lecture on the activities of the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society, and on June 19 we will have our annual CVNS Society Picnic.

 

 

 

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BC Nature enews March 2011

Posted on March 30, 2011 by web_admin
Upcoming Events
  • April 4, 2011 Deadline – Rene Savenye Scholarship – go to website
  • April 8 – Early Bird registration for AGM – Williams Lake. Register early! Registration available after April 8 but reduced pricing not in effect.
  • April 28 to May 1 – Canyon Camp Details below
  • May 6-8, 2011 – Skagit Bird Blitz – details available in Spring Magazine
  • May 12-15 – 2011 – AGM 2011 – Williams Lake – Registration now available on our website
  • June 3-5, 2011 – Mt. Robson Bird Blitz – Info available in Spring Magazine
  • June 17-19, 2011 – Manning Bird Blitz – Info available in Spring Magazine
  • July 15 – 19th – Strathcona Park Camp – details now on BC Nature Website
  • Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 – F.G.M. – “Nature on the move – Fall Migration through Delta” – hosted by Delta Naturalists in Tsawassen BC – Details available in Spring Magazine.
  Science Fair 2011  
  There is still time for you to get involved with your local community in Science Fair 2011. BC Nature is proud to sponsor prizes for BC Nature Award (Federation of BC Naturalists)• $50. To be awarded at each British Columbia Regional Science Fair to the best natural history project done by a student(s) in Grades 7 to 12. This includes studies of any aspect of natural history, conservation of natural habitats, or the conservation of natural species. Science Fair Website
Issue 13
Date March 2011
Downy Woodpecker
 
Communications Director needed!
BC Nature needs your help in assisting us with the revamping of our website – magazine editor etc. Please contact John Neville through the office
 
 
Big Day For The Brant – 2011 Birding Competition
For the 18th year a Big Day competition will be held to crown the teams that can see the most species of birds in one day. • WHERE: Parksville/Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island, BC. • WHEN: Saturday April 9, 2011 from 4:30am to 3:00pm. • WHO: Teams of 3 to 5 in both Green and Motorized Categories. Novice, Intermediate, Experienced & young birders all welcomed. • PRIZES: Awards Presentations immediately following at Deez Bar & Grill, Qualicum Beach. • COST: $10 cash per person at the door. • HOW: TO REGISTER, contact RHYS HARRISON or (250) 248-5305 with team names, email addresses, category & experience level.
 
Interesting Sites and articles
Rob Butler (Guest Speaker at Scout Island Center – Williams Lake Nats.) has a blog that has lots of diverse interesting items to view – Rob Butler Blog Map – use your “ctrl” key and the + button to enlarge this interesting map.site to read.site Metro Vancouver Invasive Plant Council Site Watershed Watch

Where have all of our animals gone since 1850? visit this site

Endangered Rivers Nominations – the date has passed for 2011 — however — interesting

Water for Life Benefit concert April 7/11 – details can be found on

Interpretation Workshop – put on my Metro Vancouver – information found for the April 9th & 10th workshop at the

Find out what Alien Plant species are invading your neighbourhood

Interesting website –
 
Sustainability and Change: Studies in BC’s Past, Present & Future Communities
“Sustainability and Change: Studies in B.C.’s Past, Present, and Future Communities” is the theme for the B.C. Studies Conference, UBC Okanagan, Kelowna, B.C. May 5-7, 2011. We invite scholars in all disciplines to explore this theme as the conference will offer multiple perspectives on where we regard cultural and environmental sustainability and change amongst various stakeholders in our society. We welcome panels, sessions and individual papers in the traditional areas of BC Studies as well as symposia and presentations on a range of subjects: the arts and sciences, First Nations, fine arts, professional and community associations, and government agencies and representatives. We especially encourage colleagues in fields as diverse as water quality, agriculture, forestry, tourism, ecology, immigration, and land use to submit proposals related to community sustainability ! issues in B.C. Other colleagues may consider examining directions in BC’s social, health, industrial, and environmental policies. Studies from and about First Nations’ communities are particularly encouraged. Finally, proposals that place British Columbia within transnational or comparative contexts are welcome. Studying the past, understanding the present, and preparing for the future make these discussions even more relevant today. We must continue to assert the importance and appreciation for diverse and relevant modes of cultural and environmental interaction within society and the environment. This conference is one place where the exchange of ideas better prepares us, our students, and our work to serve our communities, however they are defined. For further information please go to: BC Studies – Okanagan or contact us at:
 
BC Hydro is Listening?
In June 2010, the BC Government passed the Clean Energy Act. This instructed BC Hydro to prepare a 20 year Integrated Resource Plan to address , amongst other things, the use of renewable power potential to achieve the provincial government’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. On March 9, I attended BC Hydro’s Open House in Victoria. They presented a number of scenarios for the coming years. They also projected a production shortfall of ~5,000GWh by 2031. A combination of additional electrical generation with wind power, run-of-river , Site C and Gas-fired generation is proposed. Wind power and run-of-river resources are presented as the most expensive option. While a combination of windpower, run-of-river, Site C and Gas-Fired Generation would be the cheapest. I was introduced to a new subject called “Electrification”. This encompasses more use of electrical transportation and other services. How far do you want them to go? BC Hydro really wants your feedback! This is an opportunity for naturalists ,as individuals, to voice their opinion. Go to: BC Hydro on line feedback form In the spotlight on right of the page and give them your ideas on energy production and the future of our province. I will certainly be giving them mine. John Neville President
 
Environmental Assessment of the proposed Kitsault Mine
Please follow the link below (i.e. View Article) for a Notice giving details of the on feedback and comments by April 9th for the proposed Kitsault Mine project which would be located at the head of Alice Arm about 50 km south east of Stewart. Article on Kitsault Mine
 
Great Backyard Bird Count Results
Are your toes and fingers thawed out yet? Ever wondered what happened to those hours of counts you submitted? — Check out this site for all of the updated information from all the participating areas.
 
Cumulative Effects: From Assessment Towards Management
Cumulative Effects – interesting report The Forest Practices Board has had growing concerns about the cumulative effects of resource use on the British Columbia (BC) land base for a number of years. In the Board’s work examining forest and range practices, it was often apparent that other activities were impacting the land and water; activities that were not regulated under the Forest and Range Practices Act. Read more If that link doesn’t work then go to www.fpb.gov.bc.ca and under What’s New and Latest Releases, click on the title:Cumulative Effects: From Assessment Towards Management
 
Take the Water conservation Pledge
Canada has some of the world’s most extensive water resources. But we also consume far more per person than in other countries. Each of us uses about 57 gallons (260 litres) of water each day – about 10 times the global average. Join Nature Canada in signing on to save water – the statistics are amazing! Water Pledge Site
 
Nature Conservancy of Canada needs your help
BC region of the Nature Conservancy of Canada who will be holding an event at the estuary of the Campbell River on April 9, 2011. Here are the event details: Re-decorating the Nursery
Date: Saturday, April 9, 2011
Closest town: Campbell River, BC
Meeting time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Key Partner: Greenways Land Trust
NCC needs your help with the biggest and most exciting ecosystem restoration project on the BC Coast! The estuary of the Campbell River is essential to the world famous “Tyee” or Chinook salmon that helped earn Campbell River the title of “salmon capital of the world”. The estuary is also a central character in the writings of Roderick Haig-Brown, a celebrated Canadian nature writer who lived a short distance up stream. NCC has been purchasing degraded industrial sites in the estuary and restoring them back to their original inter-tidal, salt marsh habitats. These habitats are critical “nursery” habitats for out-migrating Chinook smolts each spring. Come help NCC re-plant restored areas with marsh plants that have been harvested from an adjacent natural “donor” marsh. Please make sure you eat a solid breakfast, and pack a lunch to bring with you for the day of the event. Snacks and beverages will be provided by NCC to keep you energized and hydrated. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Erin at Greenways Trust
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Arctic Naturalist, The Life of J. Dewey Soper.

Posted on March 7, 2011 by web_admin

The regular monthly meeting of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society will be held March 20, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Avenue, Courtenay. The speaker will be author and explorer Anthony Dalton, who will speak on his newest book “Arctic Naturalist, The Life of J. Dewey Soper”.

J. Dewey Soper was the last of the great pioneer naturalists in Canada. He was also a skilled and meticulous explorer. In the 1920s, Soper completed the last links in the complex map of Baffin Island’s coastline. As a naturalist, he was a major contributor to the National Museum of Canada and to the University of Alberta, as well as to other museums across the country.

Anthony Dalton is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a Fellow of the Explorers Club. He is also National President of the Canadian Authors Association. The author of eleven non-fiction books on exploration and marine subjects, Anthony is a former professional expedition leader with years of experience in the Sahara, the deserts of the Middle East and in the Arctic.

Please come and join us to become better informed, and to learn how you can help CVNS provide education and protection for B.C.’s natural environment.

Meetings 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 youth. A donation of .00 is suggested for non-members, and new memberships are always welcomed. Meetings are not held in July, August, and December. The CVNS April 17 presentation features Genevieve Singleton, with a lecture on “Wildflowers of Southern Vancouver Island”, and on May 15 we will have a presentation on the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society.

Please come out and join us for these important environmental topics. CVNS is a local 45 year old registered charity, with primary functions of protecting the environment, and educating the public about the environment. For more information please visit the website at www.comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca.

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BC Nature enews February 2011

Posted on February 25, 2011 by web_admin
Upcoming Events
  • February 28/11 – Deadline for Resolution submissions for the AGM
  • February 28/11 – Deadline for BC Nature Awards – email us here for details of Awards
  • April 4, 2011 Deadline – Rene Savenye Scholarship – go to website
  • April 28 to May 1 – Canyon Camp Details below
  • May 6-8, 2011 – Skagit Bird Blitz – details available in Spring Magazine
  • May 12-15 – 2011 – AGM 2011 – Williams Lake – Registration now available on our website
  • June 3-5, 2011 – Mt. Robson Bird Blitz – Info available in Spring Magazine
  • June 17-19, 2011 – Manning Bird Blitz – Info available in Spring Magazine
  • July 15 – 19th – Strathcona Park Camp – details now on BC Nature Website
  • Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 – F.G.M. – hosted by Delta Naturalists
BC Nature/Comox Naturalists Summer Camp 2011
Join us for a celebration of Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island. This was the first park established in the BC system and is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2011. There will be opportunities for birding, botany, geology, swimming, education about the area, and just plain relaxing. Camp starts on Friday evening July 15, 2011 and ends on Tuesday morning July 19, 2011 – Complete Details now available
Issue 12
Date February 2011
Mergansers await Spring!
Grants Available
BC Hydro Grants and Sponsorships: BC Hydro provides Sponsorships and Donations. These are in addition to the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program that some clubs are aware of. Sponsorships are for events such as annual meetings or conventions. Donations are for ongoing programs with focus on environmental sustainability, youth education and community leadership. Donations are in the range of $5000 for regional programs and $15,000 for provincial programs. New funding cycle starts April 1. Here is the link
Canyon Camp – April 28 to May 1
The Chilliwack Field Naturalists, BC Nature and Hope Mountain Centre are teaming up to host an exciting 3-day camp in the historic Fraser Canyon. Food and accommodation will be provided by Camp Squeah near Yale. Expert educators will lead day trips that reveal the canyon’s fascinating cultural history and ecology. Highlights archaeology site, gold rush wagon roads, railway history, the Othello Tunnels near Hope, and a rare Gary Oak Ecological Reserve near Yale. Early spring is a great time to explore, when flowers and birds are returning to this rugged canyon landscape. Info now available on BC Nature Web site or Hope Mountain Center
Conservation Groups Join to Help BC Protect the Flathead River Valley
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) have announced a multi-million dollar funding commitment to help remove major threats to British Columbia’s Flathead River Valley – a spectacular wilderness area that straddles the Canada-U.S. border. The two leading conservation organizations will provide $9.4 million to the Province of British Columbia to help offset the costs of enacting a historic memorandum of understanding signed a year ago by BC Premier Gordon Campbell and the Governor of the State of Montana, Brian Schweitzer. That agreement permanently prohibits coal mining as well as exploration and development of oil, gas and mineral resources on nearly 400,000 acres (160,000 hectares) in southeast British Columbia. In addition, the conservation groups will assist the BC government in maintaining and enhancing high conservation standards in the natural area in order to protect the rich diversity of plant and animal life.
New Member on the Board of Directors – Director of Communications
At our last executive meeting, it was decided that in order to update all of our communications with members, we would actively like to pursue a new volunteer position – Director of Communications – this new position will be a new position on our board of directors. This director would oversee the editorial aspect of our BC Nature Magazine and oversee a committee for the upgrading of our website. This position would involve working directly with the BC Nature office manager on both the website and the BCnature magazine and from time to time would have to make decisions regarding content of the magazine. If interested and you require more information, please email us at the office addressed to the President. John Neville.
Interesting Links and Dates
Interesting article in todays paper – BC Parks 100 year celebration and the budget – click here

Beat the Winter Blues and keep the kids or grandkids occupied over spring break — visit Van Dusan Gardens website for all the details

Interesting Article – “The ominous rise of amateur ornithology.”

Mt. Robson Bird Blitz – June 3 – 5th
Birders! Come and join us on the weekend of June 3rd to 5th in Mt Robson Provincial Park for the 24th Annual Mt Robson Bird Blitz. Over the years, the number of species has ranged from 76 to 111, with the average being in the 90’s. Birders can drive the Highway 16 corridor, paddle the Moose March area, hike to the high country or explore a variety of additional areas by foot. Camping is available at Robson Meadows Campground and cabins are located nearby at Mount Robson Lodge. For further information contact Gail Ross
Consultation DFO – Shorthead Sculpin
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is seeking your input in consideration of listing the Shorthead Sculpin as “Special Concern” under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Shorthead Sculpin (Cottus confuses) was listed as Threatened in 2003 on Schedule 1 of SARA. This species has been recently re-assessed by COSEWIC as being of “Special Concern”. The Shorthead Sculpin is a small fish species whose known Canadian range consists of the Slocan River, the Kettle River, and the mainstem and tributaries of the Columbia River. General threats to this species include changes in water quality and quantity, including adverse impacts from industrial, agricultural and residential land use. For comments and input, please see Link by March 14th
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Our Native Pollinating Bees

Posted on February 8, 2011 by web_admin

The regular monthly meeting of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society will be held February 20, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Avenue, Courtenay. The speaker will be Victoria bee expert Gordon Hutchings, and will consist of detailed information on native bee pollinators and their habitat requirements. An abbreviated meeting, and our annual AGM will follow.

Gordon has been studying native bees for 22 years in BC, Yukon and Saskatchewan. He has been a contract field biologist for the Royal BC Museum, BC Ministry of Environment (Conservation Data Centre), the Yukon Territory Government, and Canada Wildlife Service. He also has a book on dragonflies of western boreal forests coming out soon.

There are over 450 species of bees in BC, and some species are adapted to very specific types of flowers. The biggest threats to native bee species are habitat loss/degradation, habitat fragmentation and pesticides. Native bees (especially Mason bees) are becoming increasingly important as pollinators since honey-bee populations have been drastically reduced by an introduced mite. Most of the agricultural crops in British Columbia depend on pollination by bees.

Please come and join us to become better informed, and to learn how you can help CVNS provide education and protection for BC’s natural environment.

Meetings 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 youth. A donation of .00 is suggested for non-members, and new memberships are always welcomed. Meetings are not held in December, July, and August. The CVNS March 20th presentation features author Anthony Dalton, with a lecture on the northern naturalist, botanist J. Dewey Soper, and on April 17th we will host Genevieve Singleton on Wildflowers of Southern Vancouver Island.

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BC Nature Camp: July 15-19 in Strathcona Park

Posted on January 29, 2011 by Krista

CV Naturalists are sponsoring a BC Nature Summer Camp in Strathcona Provincial Park from Friday July 15 to Tuesday July 19.  Participants will be accommodated at Strathcona Park Lodge at Upper Campbell Lake bordering the heart of the park. All meals are provided at the Lodge.   Planning is underway for a full program of walking, hiking, birding, botany, swimming, and education about the park and the area, as well as special presentations & activities.

2011 is the 100th anniversary of Strathcona Park so it is fitting that we have a camp focussed on the oldest park in the BC Parks system.   Registration will be limited to 24 participants and opens on April 1.   Cost for the full program will be $600 shared occupancy.  Watch for  the next issue of BC Nature magazine for registration information.

The organizers are looking for a couple of naturalists who are willing to volunteer some time on Saturday (July 16) or Sunday (July 17) to assist with birding and botany on the daily hikes.  Contact Pam Munroe through our contact page  if you are interested.

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