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Learn about Arctic research at our November general meeting

Comox Valley Nature invites its members and the public to CVN’s November general meeting. where you can hear the following keynote presentation by our guest speaker:

Title: Research in the High Arctic: muskoxen and bird data
Speaker: Dr. Greg Henry
Date: Sunday, November 22, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. PT
Location: Main hall of Comox United Church, 250 Beach Drive, Comox

About the speaker

Dr. Greg Henry is a Professor Emeritus, Geography, at the University of British Columbia. He has been working to understand the consequences of environmental change, driven by the changing climate, on Arctic tundra ecosystems through long-term observations and field experiments. Studies of plant growth, phenology and reproduction, biodiversity responses, biotic interactions, evolutionary and migration potential of plant species, carbon and nutrient fluxes, and effects of permafrost disturbance form the basis of investigations by his group.

His lab also works in Arctic communities to help northern students understand and interpret observations of environmental change by elders through shared field and class experiences and participation in science-based projects.

More about the meeting

The keynote presentation will be followed by brief reports from some of our interest groups and projects, which are an opportunity for guests to learn more about what we do.

There will then be a break with a chance to meet new people and socialize with old friends. Tea, coffee and treats will be available (by donation). A short business meeting for members follows the break.

Posted in Climate, Ecology, Guest Speakers | Comments Off on Learn about Arctic research at our November general meeting

Resources for the bird intelligence talk


Red Crossbill gathering water.
(Photo: Bruce Moffat)

CVN members and other community members filled the hall at our October general meeting and were informed and amazed by the following keynote presentation:

Title: Birdbrains – Smarter than you think
Speaker: Sandra Milligan
Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026

Although we couldn’t record this talk because Sandra illustrated it with some third-party videos, she has kindly made her list of resources (books, videos, websites, and research papers) available for anybody who would like to learn more. You can download the list here.

For more information about this talk, see the announcement in our earlier post.

Posted in Birds, Guest Speakers, Learning material | Comments Off on Resources for the bird intelligence talk

Learn about bird intelligence at our October general meeting

Comox Valley Nature invites its members and the public to CVN’s October general meeting. where you can hear the following keynote presentation by our guest speaker:

Title: Birdbrains – Smarter than you think
Speaker: Sandra Milligan
Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. PT
Location: Main hall of Comox United Church, 250 Beach Drive, Comox

Red Crossbill gathering water.
(Photo: Bruce Moffat)

 Once dismissed as “birdbrains,” birds are now recognized for their remarkable intelligence.  Sandra explores the evolution of our understanding of avian neuroanatomy, focusing on local species. Through engaging stories and videos, Sandra explores how birds solve problems, use tools, express empathy, and communicate with rich vocabulary – inviting you to see these creatures with newfound respect and wonder.

About the speaker

Sandra Milligan has been teaching university level biology at North Island College for over twenty years. With graduate degrees in neuroscience, she’s now a generalist, naturalist, and lifelong learner. In Campbell River, she’s a recognized environmental advocate and public educator. Her passion for birding has evolved into a deep interest in avian behaviour and intelligence. Drawing on her neuroanatomy background, Sandra has followed the growing research on bird cognition, confirming what many intuitively felt – birds display an extraordinary range of intelligent behaviours.

More about the meeting

This will be an in-person only meeting. We will not record the presentation on this occasion [this is a correction to previous information].

As always, there will be a break after the presentation with a chance to meet new people and socialize with old friends. Tea, coffee and treats will be available (by donation).

A brief meeting follows. Reports from some of our interest groups and projects are an opportunity for guests to learn more about what we do.

Posted in Birds, General Meetings, Guest Speakers | Comments Off on Learn about bird intelligence at our October general meeting

Courtenay Rotary Trail “Pulling Together” project resumes (fall 2026)

Starting in 2025 (see this post), Comox Valley Nature’s Wetlands Restoration group, with the participation of community members, has been working on the Courtenay Rotary Trail removing invasive plants. After a hiatus during bird-nesting season, the project resumes this month.

Join us in liberating native plants from invasive thugs such as English ivy.

Big piles, big smiles: Conquering ivy at the Rotary Trail
(Photo: Karen Cummins)

Removing invasive plants ensures that native plants can thrive. A vigorous native plant population provides food for insects and birds.

Where and when

We meet at the end of 21st street in Courtenay, where it meets the Courtenay Rotary Trail near Dogwood Park. You’ll find us there every Sunday starting October 18 until mid-December, and mid-January to March 14, from 1:00 to 3:30.

Bring gloves and water, dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.

For more information contact .

Posted in Conservation and Restoration, Plants and fungi | Comments Off on Courtenay Rotary Trail “Pulling Together” project resumes (fall 2026)

Celebrating autumn: Overstory, understory, your stories

Autumn is fast upon us, and the trees in the Comox Valley are beginning their transition into the winter season. CVN’s Comox Valley Trees team (formerly Trees of the Year) is inviting you to share how your favourite trees are changing with the season and preparing for the winter ahead. 

It could be a brilliant display of autumn foliage, a production of fruit, nuts or berries, or as a  winter haven for wildlife.  As the leaves fall, do they reveal an interesting or unique tree architecture, shape or silhouette? Perhaps you have discovered trees of interest in forgotten spaces or unusual or unexpected places, or trees with fungi or lichen.

Send us the story of why you selected your tree of note. Include a brief description of the tree,  a photograph, and the geographical location of the best viewing spot. Ideally the tree is in a public location to facilitate viewing.

Please send your story to

We will share your stories on this website and on CVN’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Also, be sure to check CVN’s Events calendar regularly for other Comox Valley Trees events such as knowledge walks.

Posted in Comox Valley Trees, Events | Comments Off on Celebrating autumn: Overstory, understory, your stories