by Pat Karis 20 July 2019 On Saturday ten of  us caught the early ferry to Comox in search of Vancouver Island marmots (Marmota vancouverensis) on Mount Washington. We rode the chair lift to the top of the mountain, where club members were treated to an informative talk on the marmot by Dr. Andrew Bryant, who … Continue reading Marmots on Mt Washington

by Nancy Pezel 13 July 2019 As Nadia brought us up alongside the Misty Isles in the dingy, what a surprise to find Mike would be our captain for the day!  With the aid of his charts, Mike explained about the currents, tides, deep waters, and warm fresh surface waters that make Desolation Sound such a … Continue reading Desolation Sound

by Tom Koleszar 22 Jun 2019 Its 0900 Saturday morning and 12 intrepid naturalists embark on the Catwalker for an all day trip up Powell Lake to learn about the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery!  We made 4 stops on the way up to the head, including one at Captain Byrne’s cabin at Olsens Landing … Continue reading Powell Lake – its natural and not-so-natural history

by Nancy Pezel 25 May 2019 We left the rain behind us as we drove towards Lund, patches of blue sky amongst the clouds promised good weather on our adventure.  After fueling up on cinnamon buns and coffees we took the short water taxi ride to Savary Island.  From the wharf we walked a few kilometers … Continue reading In search of the Contorted-pod Evening Primrose

by Pierre Geoffray 18 May 2019 A group of ten enthusiastic members practiced our “ear-birding” skills along the trails of Wildwood Bluffs.  We started at the Italian Hall in second growth forest, where a variety of birds were singing, among them many Yellow Warblers and Black-headed Grosbeaks and the first Swainson’s Thrush of the year. Next … Continue reading Birding by Ear Part IX

by Duane Sept, 4 May 2019 Twelve keen adventurers boarded the Misty Isles at Lund for a day trip to Mitlenatch Island Nature Provincial Park.  The owner/operator Jonas Fineman was our trusty captain and our guide was guide George Sirk.  George was the original naturalist for Mitlenatch in 1969 and he returned again in 1971. After … Continue reading Mitlenatch 2019

by Andrew Bryant, 27 Apr 2019 Well, we’ve talked about doing this trip for years – and finally did it.  Thirteen of us took the Saltery Bay ferry and shuttled to the trailhead using “Tom’s Uber” .  We walked a couple of km along a well-maintained trail to Ambrose Lake Ecological Reserve – and then the … Continue reading Ambrose Lake Ecological Reserve

by Nancy Pezel, 23 Feb 2019 After a few sleepless nights worrying about the snowy weather forecast for the day of this trip, 12 of our members were happy to board the Sunshine Coast Tours boat at Saltery Bay under high overcast skies! As we travelled up Jervis inlet, one of the deepest inlets of the … Continue reading Princess Louisa Inlet and Chatterbox Falls

by Tom Koleszar, 19 Jan 2019 On a cool Saturday morning, 14 naturalists lead by Rod Tysdal gathered at the Willingdon Beach Trail (the old Michigan & Puget Sound railroad grade) for a leisurely walk up the trail. Along the way we examined much of the old logging equipment displayed there.  Rod is very knowledgeable with … Continue reading Beach Trail Forest History

by Andrew Bryant, 10 Nov. 2018 Fifteen of us carpooled our way out to one of Powell River’s nicest remaining natural areas – the Stillwater Bluffs. Ably led by long-time resident, climber, and friend-of-the-bluffs Jason Addy, the morning began with unsettled November weather…with just a few drops of rain and some hints of sunshine peaking through … Continue reading Return to Stillwater Bluffs

by Cindy Dalcourt, 5 Nov. 2018 28 Members made their way to the Hatchery this morning where we met up with Lee George, the Hatchery manager. There were a lot of fish, both dead and alive in the river as well as in the spawning channel and the fish ladder. We did not get to … Continue reading Tla’amin Fish Hatchery Tour

by Michael Stewart, 13 Oct. It was a beautiful morning as we travelled by ferry to Earls Cove. From there, we went to the southern area of Pender Harbour and had a short but amazing hike along the ocean in Francis Point Provincial Park.  We did some bird watching and found a few mushrooms in … Continue reading Mushroom Festival at Madeira Park