– Malaspina Naturalists

October
Andrew Bryant - "Bats, Bears, Sidehill Gougers, Peregrine Falcons, sea monsters and Kirtland’s Warblers – one biologist’s journey through the landscape of Canada’s threatened species” 19 October 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Armed with backpack and a whole lot of enthusiasm, Andrew Bryant spent 25 years as an independent consultant, working on a variety of threatened species across Canada. Best known for his work on Vancouver Island marmots, he also spent time searching for Kirtland’s Warblers, reintroducing Peregrine Falcons, scaring grizzly bears, and rappelling into abandoned gold-mines in search of bats. Drawing upon modern science, ancient Kodachromes, and a multitude of highly improbable tales, Dr. Bryant will share his thoughts about our collective successes...and failures…and the road ahead. We hope you’ll join us!
November
Duane Sept - "BC Wildflowers & Edible/Medicinal Plants" 23 November 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Duane Sept is a biologist, professional free-lance nature photographer and writer. During his biological career he has worked with a wide variety of organisms including birds, mammals and various plants and their communities. He's authored several books including "Beachcomber's Guide to Seashore Life in the PNW", "Common Wildflowers of British Columbia", and "Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Northwest". In this talk, Duane Sept will delve into some of the wildflowers found in surrounding rainforest, mountain, alpine, grasslands and wetland ecosystems. He'll discuss the current and historical uses of a few of these plants.

October
Andrew Bryant - "Bats, Bears, Sidehill Gougers, Peregrine Falcons, sea monsters and Kirtland’s Warblers – one biologist’s journey through the landscape of Canada’s threatened species” 19 October 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Armed with backpack and a whole lot of enthusiasm, Andrew Bryant spent 25 years as an independent consultant, working on a variety of threatened species across Canada. Best known for his work on Vancouver Island marmots, he also spent time searching for Kirtland’s Warblers, reintroducing Peregrine Falcons, scaring grizzly bears, and rappelling into abandoned gold-mines in search of bats. Drawing upon modern science, ancient Kodachromes, and a multitude of highly improbable tales, Dr. Bryant will share his thoughts about our collective successes...and failures…and the road ahead. We hope you’ll join us!
November
Duane Sept - "BC Wildflowers & Edible/Medicinal Plants" 23 November 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Duane Sept is a biologist, professional free-lance nature photographer and writer. During his biological career he has worked with a wide variety of organisms including birds, mammals and various plants and their communities. He's authored several books including "Beachcomber's Guide to Seashore Life in the PNW", "Common Wildflowers of British Columbia", and "Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Northwest". In this talk, Duane Sept will delve into some of the wildflowers found in surrounding rainforest, mountain, alpine, grasslands and wetland ecosystems. He'll discuss the current and historical uses of a few of these plants.

September
Lang Creek Hatchery 30 September 8:00 am - 10:00 am The salmon are returning to Lang Creek for spawning. Four species of salmon return to the creek to spawn and renew their life cycle. Lang Creek is an egg collection facility run by the Powell River Salmon Society. Eggs are collected and transferred to the main hatchery at the mill in town where the eggs are then fertilized and reared for release in the spring. We'll observe the salmon in the creek as they gather before they swim into the egg collection building. If we are lucky we may be able to go into the building where the fish are separated by species and sex for storage until the females are ready to harvest. The trip goes rain or shine (unless we have a torrential down pour). Be prepared for the weather and dress appropriately. Bring a snack and beverage if you like. Coordinator: David Bedry (or email us).
October
Mushroom hunt 14 October 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Join Izi Loveluck for our most popular annual field trip to identify, collect and sample our local mushrooms. Make sure to dress warmly and be prepared for rain and possible mud. Bring a collecting bag and your field guide if you have one. Coordinator: Nancy Pezel (or send us an email)

September
Lang Creek Hatchery 30 September 8:00 am - 10:00 am The salmon are returning to Lang Creek for spawning. Four species of salmon return to the creek to spawn and renew their life cycle. Lang Creek is an egg collection facility run by the Powell River Salmon Society. Eggs are collected and transferred to the main hatchery at the mill in town where the eggs are then fertilized and reared for release in the spring. We'll observe the salmon in the creek as they gather before they swim into the egg collection building. If we are lucky we may be able to go into the building where the fish are separated by species and sex for storage until the females are ready to harvest. The trip goes rain or shine (unless we have a torrential down pour). Be prepared for the weather and dress appropriately. Bring a snack and beverage if you like. Coordinator: David Bedry (or email us).
October
Mushroom hunt 14 October 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Join Izi Loveluck for our most popular annual field trip to identify, collect and sample our local mushrooms. Make sure to dress warmly and be prepared for rain and possible mud. Bring a collecting bag and your field guide if you have one. Coordinator: Nancy Pezel (or send us an email)

October
Coastal Waterbird Survey 8 October Come help out with the BC Coastal Waterbird Survey - no experience needed. You get to spend a couple of hours with local experts and powerful telescopes - it’s a great way to learn our winter birds! Coordinators: Heather Harbord (Westview), David Bedry (Sliammon). Check your member message for times and meeting locations.
Young Naturalists - Marvellous Mushrooms! 28 October 10:00 am - 12:00 pm The Young Naturalists will set out to Find Fabulous Fungi in the Forest, led by our very own Ioni Wais. The plan is to meet at 10:00 AM and walk the trails together. Check your member-message...and dress for the weather! Coordinator: Janet May (or send us an email).

October
Coastal Waterbird Survey 8 October Come help out with the BC Coastal Waterbird Survey - no experience needed. You get to spend a couple of hours with local experts and powerful telescopes - it’s a great way to learn our winter birds! Coordinators: Heather Harbord (Westview), David Bedry (Sliammon). Check your member message for times and meeting locations.
Young Naturalists - Marvellous Mushrooms! 28 October 10:00 am - 12:00 pm The Young Naturalists will set out to Find Fabulous Fungi in the Forest, led by our very own Ioni Wais. The plan is to meet at 10:00 AM and walk the trails together. Check your member-message...and dress for the weather! Coordinator: Janet May (or send us an email).
November
Coastal Waterbird Survey 12 November Come help out with the BC Coastal Waterbird Survey - no experience needed. You get to spend a couple of hours with local experts and powerful telescopes - it’s a great way to learn our winter birds! Coordinators: Heather Harbord (Westview), David Bedry (Sliammon). Check your member message for times and meeting locations.
December
Young Naturalists - Sixth Christmas Bird Count for Kids 2 December 10:00 am - 12:00 pm For the 6th year in a row\, the Young Naturalists will participate in their very own Christmas Bird Count. Children must be supervised by an adult\, but families are welcome. Coordinator: Janet May (or send us an email).
Coastal Waterbird Survey 10 December Come help out with the BC Coastal Waterbird Survey - no experience needed. You get to spend a couple of hours with local experts and powerful telescopes - it’s a great way to learn our winter birds! Coordinators: Heather Harbord (Westview), David Bedry (Sliammon). Check your member message for times and meeting locations.
118th Christmas Bird Count 16 December Club members will again be sallying for to count birds, and socialize, and count birds, and learn, and help out in the longest-running and most successful citizen-science event...EVER. Date is PROVISIONAL. Coordinator: Heather Harbord (or email us).