Comox Valley Naturalists Society

October 22, 2002: Books Donated to Library

Two copies of a new book published by the Federation of BC Naturalists, ‘On the Living Edge - Your Handbook for Waterfront Living’, were donated to the Vancouver Island Regional Library by the Comox Valley Naturalists Society. The books will be on reference at the Comox Branch and Courtenay Branch. The buffer zone, the edge where water meets land, is one of the most productive ecological zones. Many of the shoreline issues in and around the Comox Valley can be solved using the common sense methods put forward in this handbook.

August 16, 2002: IBA Plaques Installed

Two permanent plaques commemorating the designation of theComox Valley and Baynes Sound as Important Bird Areas (IBA's) were installed at the Courtenay Airpark and Union Bay boat ramp on August 16,2002. A formal ceremony celebrating the designation, hosted by the Comox Valley Naturalists Society, was held last fall on the Courtenay River Walkway. Funding for the permanent plaques was made possible by a grant from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

July 10, 2002: Volunteers Broom Bash

As part of their Community Investment Program, employees of Centra Gas volunteered a morning to assist members of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society with the ongoing battle against broom in the Courtenay Lagoon Park. The Comox Valley Naturalists are stewards of the park,and over the years the society has planted native trees and plants, as well as controlling invasive species. Regular broom and bramble removal helps the Society in their aim to create a native Garry oak ecosystem in the park.

June 17, 2002: Highland Student Recipient of CVNS Bursary

Highland student Rachel Rutherford was awarded the ComoxValley Naturalists Society Bursary of one thousand dollars at the awards ceremony on June 17. Krista Kaptein of the CVNS presented the award. The CVNS annual bursary is awarded for academic standing, as well as for involvement in environmental or natural history activities. Students from either of the two local secondary schools, who are proceeding to a post-secondary institution, are eligible. Rutherford also received the Governor-General’s Academic Award. She plans to attend the University of Alberta in Calgary to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences, and then proceed to medical school.

May 27, 2002: Low Tide Ramble

The lowest tide of the year was an opportunity to view creatures normally hidden underwater, on a Low Tide Ramble at Point Holmes led by John Tayless.

May 21, 2002: Earth Day Broom Bash
Earth Week 2002 was marked by members of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society, with a broom bash and planting of native species in the Courtenay Lagoon Park.

May 4, 2002: Filberg Garden Show
The third annual Filberg Garden Show in Comox was a success, with the Comox Valley Naturalists Society participating with a display of native and invasive plants.

April 7, 2002: MARS Open House
The Comox Valley Naturalists Society participated in the Open House held by the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society, with an educational display on birds.

February 21, 2002:
$1000 Donation to Marmot Recovery Foundation

On behalf of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society, President EdDahl and FBCN Director Frank Hovenden presented a cheque for $1000 to Dr. Malcolm McAdie of the Marmot Recovery Centre on Mount Washington. The Vancouver Island Marmot is Canada's most endangered species. The new captive breeding facility houses hibernating marmots in a controlled and monitored environment, with the goal of reintroducing the animals into their natural habitat. The CVNS membership has been active in the 'Adopt-a-Marmot' program for many years.

November 16, 2001: IBA Dedication Ceremony

Comox Valley and Baynes Sound have been designated as Globally Significant Important Bird Areas (IBA's). The IBA program was launched in Canada in 1996, by the co-operative efforts of the Canadian Nature Federation and Bird Studies Canada. The primary goal is to identify and protect a network of sites critical to birds. Two plaques were unveiled by the Lieutenant-Governor of BC, Iona Campagnolo, at the dedication ceremony. Other speakers included Anne Murray of the Federation of BC Naturalists, Neil K. Dawe of the Canadian Wildlife Service, and Wedlidi Speck of the Comox First Nations. Permanent plaques will be installed along the walkway in the Courtenay Lagoon Park, and at the boat ramp in Union Bay.

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2002/01