Comox Valley Naturalists Society

January, 2004
Frank Hovenden

With the New Year come the resolutions for self-improvement that many of us make but few of us keep. Whether it is losing ten pounds, or sorting out one’s finances, these pursuits tend to be narcissistic and perhaps as result are quickly discarded.

The Comox Valley is the retirement haven of choice for many people filled with skills from careers in the work force. Many of our environmental organizations are looking for well qualified volunteer help. If you have the skills and the time I urge you to consider making a resolution to join one of these groups lending a hand to make this Valley and the world a better place for you and future generations to live in. Here are four of my favourite organizations, which are looking for people to get involved.

Do you ever feel remiss at not knowing the difference between a dandelion and a daisy? The Comox Valley Naturalists have represented birders and botanists in the Valley for over 35 years. They meet as a club once a month on the third Sunday of the month at the Florence Filberg Centre. A guest speaker follows a short business meeting. The birding and botany sub-groups also have meetings once a month. Major projects undertaken by the naturalists include natural restoration of the estuary, the planting of native plants in the Courtenay Lagoon Airpark and the Audubon Christmas bird count. They have a series of field trips and are affiliated with the Federation of BC Naturalists. Their website is found at www.comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca

If you have ever gazed west to the Beauforts and the Glacier and wondered what the view would be like from up there, then you might be interested in Comox District Mountaineering Club. This is primarily a hiking club affiliated with the Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC. The CDMC was formed in 1928 and built some of the first trials into Forbidden Plateau. The tradition continues with the Club building many of the trails found in Strathcona Park. The CDMC has an extensive trip schedule with activities every weekend and hikes suitable for all levels. Besides hiking, snow-shoeing and canoe trips are also organized by this group. There are only two meeting a year, the last Sunday in February when the trip list is presented, and the last Sunday in October when a slide show and potluck dinner is held. Their website is located at http://www.comoxhiking.com/

If you are not sure whether you live in the Puntledge, Brooklyn, or Morrison Creek watershed you might want to check out the local stream keepers in your neighbourhood. The stream keepers are local residents who are interested in preserving, and/or rehabilitating their watersheds. They do basic water quality assessments, as well as rehabilitation projects in conjunction with government agencies. Stream keepers exist for Roy Creek (Royston), Brooklyn Creek (Comox) Morrison Creek, Millard/Piercy and the Tsolum River. Links to the local stream keepers can be found on the Project Watershed webpage at www.projectwatershed.bc.ca/

The Comox Valley Land Trust is dedicated to protecting the Comox Valley’s rich heritage of land and resources through voluntary conservation. One of their goals is to help create a network of greenways to benefit both wildlife and the human population of the valley. This organization is involved with many of the key conservation projects in the valley such as the One Spot Trail, The Cumberland Community Forest Society and Lannan Forest. Their website is www.communitythings.com/cvlt

Here in the peace and safety of the Comox Valley it is easy to take the luxuries of life for granted. We must recognize that each of us has been given great gifts. A famous quote attributed to St Thomas states that to those that much has been given, much is expected. I would like to challenge those looking to give something back to society to join one of the many fine organizations connected with the out of doors and protecting our environment. There are other fine organizations working for the environment in the Comox Valley - unfortunately I do not have the space to mention them all.

Click on a link below to view the CVNS newspaper column.