Nature Cowichan Speaker - Bears
2026-02-02 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Fish Health Building, 1080 Wharncliffe Road, Duncan, British Columbia, V9L2K7, Canada
Helen Davis speaks about bears. Bring a toonie for coffee.

Nature Cowichan Speaker - Sea Otters
2026-01-20 19:30 - 21:00 | Zoom
James Thompson talks about Sea Otters and provides his wonderful photography. Non-members must email cvns@naturecowichan.net for the zoom link.

CANCELLED: Speaker: Dave Weaver: Comunity Managed Forests
2026-01-15 19:00 - 21:00 | North Oyster Community Center, 13467 Cedar Rd, Ladysmith, BC, V9G 1H6, Canada
Dave has worked in field forestry for 37 years, for many BC organizations. He was a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) since 1981 and resigned from this association when he retired in 2016 – to help free his voice. He started his career here on Vancouver Island, working for one of BC’s largest forest companies – MacMillian Bloedel – as a Field Forester for 11 years. But left M&B realizing corporate forestry was not for him and moved with his family to Smithers. While in the northern interior for 14 years, he worked as a Forest Consultant performing pre and post logging assessments, and part-time as a Forestry College Instructor, teaching applied ecology. Dave held a joint Woodlot Licence while living in Smithers, implementing low-impact forestry techniques. For the last 12 years of his career he worked for the BC Ministry of Forests out of Victoria. During these final years he traveled all over BC, developing innovative silviculture policies and provided field training in alternative approaches to clear cutting.
He is currently volunteering with the Beaufort Watershed Stewards in Fanny Bay, where he has has completed three watershed health assessment reports, and representing the Stewards as a working group member within the Vancouver Island Private Managed Forest Action Alliance – a 30 environmental group alliance advocating for the reform of the BC Private Managed Forest Land Act.

Coastal Bird Count-Citizen Science
2026-01-11 10:30 - 11:30 | Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre, 1845 Cowichan Bay Road, Cowichan Bay, British Columbia, V0R1N0, Canada
Young and old, novice and pro birders are all welcome to join in the Coastal Bird Counts at high tide on the second Sunday of each month. . The route is along a nice flat track. Sea lions tend to be an added attraction for the first few months. Later on, the Great Blue Herons at the Rookery are fun to watch as well. Surveys began in 1999 and provide valuable data to Birds Canada totrack the health of our coastal habitats.Check their Coastal Bird Survey Newsletter at https://www.birdscanada.org/bccws_newsletters. If you want to
borrow some binoculars and give it a try please email me at
kathrynmariec@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!

Yellowpoint Ecological Society-AGM
2026-01-10 15:00 - 17:00 | Yellopoint Ecological Society, 13561 Barney Road, Ladysmith, BC, Canada
Come join us for our AGM, and celebration of what we’ve been up to. Bring yourself, a friend, and some nibbles to share. 13561 Barney Road, off Yellow Point Road. Please RSVP for numbers! guy@earthfuture.com

POSTPONED : Reconcilliation - Journey of Our Generation Workshop
2026-01-09 09:00 - 15:30 | Quw’itsun Cultural Center, 200 Cowichan Way, Duncan, BC, V9L 6P4, Canada
Full Day seminar awakening participants to the Indigenous Peoples journey. Nobody will be turned away for insufficient funds.

Nature Cowichan Speaker - Bats (In-Person only)
2026-01-05 09:30 - 11:00 | Fish Health Building, 1080 Wharncliffe Road, Duncan, British Columbia, V9L2K7, Canada
Bernhard Juurlink is quickly becoming the local expert on bats and will talk about the numerous amazing qualities of these often forgotten creatures. Bring a toonie for coffee. Unfortunately, this will event will be IN_PERSON ONLY. No zoom available.

Duncan Christmas Bird Count - Update
2026-01-03 09:00 - 16:00 | BC
The annual Duncan Christmas Bird Count needs everyone to come out and count birds in the valley. Birders and non-birders, families and kids – everyone! Sometimes it’s the kids who see the movement and then the group all point their binoculars. When darkness falls and we are all too tired (and wet?) to count another bird, come to the Fish Health building (1080 Wharncliffe Road) for something to warm you up. What a way to start the year!
To find out which zones are near your home, which zones need more counters, who is the zone leader and where to meet email: CBCBCDU@gmail.com

Swan and Goose Count
2025-12-31 09:45 - 13:00, 2025-12-24 09:45 - 13:00, 2025-12-17 09:45 - 13:00, 2025-12-10 09:45 - 13:00 | Beverly Dog Park, Beverly & Lakes Road, Duncan, British Columbia, Canada
Once a week over the winter a crew of people head out to a few spots around the Cowichan Valley to monitor and count swans and geese. Whether you’re new to birding or an expert you’re bound to learn something from the awesome crew of people who have been dedicated to this count for many years now. Bring binoculars, weather appropriate clothing, some water and a willingness to learn. Length of the event will vary depending on which route you join and the number of birds to count.
The crew meets at the Somenos Dog Park on Beverly Street at 9:45 then will head out together from there.
If you are interested in joining us for this event, please email us at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com for more details.

Salmon Watch Survey
2025-12-30 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Somenos Marsh Head Office, #3-55 Station Street, Duncan, BC, Canada
The SMWS salmon watch annual surveys have begun with the salmon returning to the watershed. We will be walking up the watershed creeks to count spawning salmon so be prepared for difficult terrain and some scrambling. Please bring water, weather appropriate clothing, polarized sunglasses and waders if you have them, if not, we will supply you with a pair. All other materials will be provided.
We will be meeting in the SMWS office at 55 Station Street at 9:00 am.
If you are interested in joining us, please email us at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com as space is limited.

Salmon Watch Survey
2025-12-17 09:00 - 12:00 | Somenos Marsh Head Office, #3-55 Station Street, Duncan, BC, Canada
The SMWS salmon watch annual surveys have begun with the salmon returning to the watershed. We will be walking up the watershed creeks to count spawning salmon so be prepared for difficult terrain and some scrambling. Please bring water, weather appropriate clothing, polarized sunglasses and waders if you have them, if not, we will supply you with a pair. All other materials will be provided.
We will be meeting in the SMWS office at 55 Station Street at 9:00 am on Wednesday mornings.
If you are interested in joining us, please email us at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com as space is limited.

Our Community's Water: The CVRD's Drinking Water and Watershed Protection Plan
2025-12-15 19:00 - 20:30 | VIU Cowichan Campus, Lecture Hall 140, 2011 University Way, North Cowichan, British Columbia, V9L 0C7, Canada
Come ‘dive’ into the topic of drinking water with us and learn about our community’s water!
Water that is fish-friendly, swimmable, and drinkable is an important aspect of a healthy watershed, and Water Quality is one of the Cowichan Watershed Board’s Targets for Watershed Well-being. At the CWB’s December Speakers Night, we’re excited to be joined by Galen McMenamin to learn about the CVRD’s Drinking Water and Watershed Protection strategy and how our drinking water is being monitored and stewarded for the future!
Galen McMenamin is a Senior Environmental Analyst for the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD). As a part of his role, Galen also coordinates the regional Drinking Water and Watershed Protection strategy. Galen joined the CVRD in January of 2025 and brings his experience in both consulting and mining environments, working on projects related to groundwater exploration and assessments, surface water and groundwater monitoring, and water resource management.
Come early a little earlier than usual (6:30pm) to join us for a short Winter Social before Galen’s talk! Enjoy holiday punch, salmon and bear gingerbread cookies made by Kim Barnard, and a chance to catch-up with and get-to-know other friends of the watershed! Galen will also bring with him the CVRD’s new watershed model that you can look at during the social or after his presentation. With lots to do and learn at our December Speakers Night, we look forward to seeing you there!

Riparian Restoration – Streamside Stewardship Partners Program
2025-12-15 12:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-12 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-08 12:00 - 15:00 | Somenos Marsh Head Office, #3-55 Station Street, Duncan, BC, Canada
Join us for an afternoon of restoring the riparian area along Bings and Menzies Creeks. Through our Streamside Stewardship Partners Program we are working with private landowners along our watersheds creeks to help restore and enhance riparian function through invasive removal and native species planting. You can expect to learn about riparian areas, invasive and native species and restoration processes.
If you would like to hear a little bit more about this event or would like to join us, please email us at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com.

Coastal Bird Count-Citizen Science
2025-12-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre, 1845 Cowichan Bay Road, Cowichan Bay, British Columbia, V0R1N0, Canada
Young and old, novice and pro birders are all welcome to join in the Coastal Bird Counts at high tide on the second Sunday of each month. . The route is along a nice flat track. Sea lions tend to be an added attraction for the first few months. Later on, the Great Blue Herons at the Rookery are fun to watch as well. Surveys began in 1999 and provide valuable data to Birds Canada totrack the health of our coastal habitats.Check their Coastal Bird Survey Newsletter at https://www.birdscanada.org/bccws_newsletters. If you want to
borrow some binoculars and give it a try, please email me at
kathrynmariec@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!

NatureKids Explorer Day
2025-12-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Providence Farm, 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan, BC, Canada
Join the Cowichan Valley NatureKids Club as we explore a hiking trail at Providence Farm and complete a nature scavenger hunt. From the main entrance off of Tzouhalem Road, follow the gravel road all the way to the back. This will be a casual walk/hike to explore one of the trails at Providence Farm and we’ll have a nature scavenger hunt too.
What to Bring: No equipment is necessary, just keen eyes and curiosity! Feel free to bring water, snacks and clothing appropriate for the weather. The trail is in fairly good shape but with all the recent rain, boots may be helpful. There are bathrooms available near the trailhead.
Sign up for your free membership here and click here to register for this Explorer Day.
A reminder that parents must be accompanied by a child (or guardian).

Ladysmith Christmas Bird Count needs volunteers
2025-12-14 08:00 - 16:00 | Cedar to Ladysmith, Ladysmith, BC, Canada
Volunteers Needed for 2025 Ladysmith/Chemainus Christmas Bird Count: Dr Bob Hay, a local bird expert, is organizing the Ladysmith Christmas Bird Count for 2025 and is looking for volunteers. It is being held on Sunday 14 December; (alternatively Saturday, December 13). The first such bird count was held on 20 December 2020 and it has been conducted annually since then. The 15 mile diameter count circle extends from the Chemainus River estuary to just north of Nanaimo Airport and from Thetis Island to inland (and upland) areas. Volunteers are needed to count birds by species in assigned areas (to prevent overlaps in counting), and/or by counting birds at their own bird feeders. There were 31 participants last year, up a few from 2023, with 2 watching at feeders. The bird species total for 2024 was a new record of 96 species, 2 more than in 2023. So far for 2025 only 16 participants have committed to the Count, and so more help is needed. Dr Hay will have to know how long participants are birdwatching that day and how far they’ve travelled by road, foot or boat. He’ll also need their names, addresses and contact information. Instructions will be provided, including how to group participants for sub-areas. Participants will need to know how to identify birds. Anyone interested should contact Dr Hay at: rbhay2020@gmail.com or at 250-755-5745.

Salmon Watch Surveys
2025-12-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Somenos Marsh Head Office, #3-55 Station Street, Duncan, BC, Canada

Resilient Coasts for Salmon-Webinar
2025-12-10 07:00 - 20:30 | Zoom
Protecting the Shoreline: A Shared Responsibility
Island shorelines hold immense ecological and cultural value. As climate change in the Islands Trust Area results in more
extreme storms and sea level rise, the need to protect the shoreline is critical. This session will teach participants about
coastal climate impacts, clam gardens as sites of cultural revitalization, and what individuals can do to promote shoreline health.
Participants will learn about the Green Shores® program, which was designed to help waterfront landholders restore natural shorelines using science-based tools and best
practices to minimize the impacts of new development and view brand-new data from the shoreline hardening mapping
initiative led by the Pacific Salmon Foundation
Register at: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fresilientcoasts.us14.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3D5a4e2514f72ba3e679af067b1%26id%3D540d245d9f%26e%3D2d78008ce1&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6c4003a93caf44b5e3b608de2dfec1bc%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638998769353618588%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jrw15urlDmONzfEpX2EmyGHaitwB4x%2F2c3Byoe6NakA%3D&reserved=0

Invasive Plant Removal – Garry Oak Protected Area
2025-12-09 10:00 - 12:00 | York Road End, End of York Road off of Trillium Terrace, Duncan, BC, Canada
Join us to pull invasive hawthorn, blackberry, and broom from the Somenos Garry Oak Protected Area. Learn about different removal methods and the uniqueness of the Garry oak ecosystems. You can expect to do some digging, cutting and moving of invasive plant material. Bring weather appropriate clothing and water, SMWS will provide tools, snacks, and warm drinks.
We will be meeting on site at the end of York Road, left off Trillium Terrace through the Timberlands neighbourhood.
If you are interested in joining us for this event, please email us at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com for more details.

Nature Cowichan Speaker - Tanzania
2025-12-01 09:30 - 11:00 | Fish Health Building, 1080 Wharncliffe Road, Duncan, British Columbia, V9L2K7, Canada
Hilary Emberton will speak and show slides of their recent trip to Tanzania. In-person at Fish Health building or on zoom (email cvns@naturecowichan.net for the link).

Forum on Forest Management
2025-11-29 15:00 - 17:00 | HUB-Cowichan Station, 2375 Koksilah Road, Duncan, BC, V9L6M5, Canada
Examining how clearcuts affect watersheds. View the film “Trouble in the Headwaters” and then discuss the implications with Younes Alila (Hydrologist – UBC Forestry Faculty), Daniel J. Pierce (film maker) and Heather Pritchard (Local R.P.F.). Hosted by the Shawnigan Basin Society and the Koksilah Watershed Working Group.

Stoney Hill Regional Park: Scotch Broom Removal
2025-11-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Stoney HIll Regional Park, North Cowichan, BC, Canada

Maple Mountain Broom Bashing
2025-11-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Andy Hutchins Park, 964 Herd Road, Maple Bay, Duncan, British Columbia, Canada
Part of the “Special Places” project. Meet near Maple Bay at Andy Hutchins park about 9:50am. We will take a short hike uphill to the location. Tools and gloves available, but please bring your favourites (cleaned prior to the session). We need at least 3 people each session (2 volunteers and Laura) to go ahead, so please confirm by emailing info@cowichanlandtrust.ca with Maple Mountain in the subject line. And please spread the word to other folks who might be keen!

Night Tracking:Western Screech Owls with Megan Buers
2025-11-27 19:00 - 21:00 | North Oyster Community Center, 13467 Cedar Rd, Ladysmith, BC, V9G 1H6, Canada
Megan writes: “I’ve spent the better part of a decade chasing the quiet mysteries of the natural world, often favouring the nocturnal. My work as a biologist has always been about listening – to the land, and the wildlife that inhabits it, trapping, tagging, and tracking owls to learn where conservation efforts matter most. At the core of every project is a simple question: How do we give wildlife the space they need to persist and thrive in a rapidly changing world?
