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...
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,...
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.
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).
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...