Bowen Nature Club AGMTuesday, January 26th, 2021
Annual General Meeting with a presentation from local marine conservationist Fiona Beaty and share in the discussion about the stewardship of our recovering ecosystem in Howe Sound/Átl’ḵa7tsem.
From seagrass to stewardship - the story of a community united around a love for the sea among us
Bowen Island/Nex̱wlélex̱wem sits at the mouth of Howe Sound/Átl’ḵa7tsem – a deep-water fjord located in the heart of the Salish Sea. Átl’ḵa7tsem’s waters are ecologically rich and support thriving cultures, livelihoods, and communities. Being directly adjacent to the growing metropolis of Vancouver, Átl’ḵa7tsem faces unique opportunities and challenges to preserving its social and ecological integrity.
During her talk, Fiona will dive into the complex and inspiring trajectory of Átl’ḵa7tsem and Nex̱wlélex̱wem’s ocean as it has morphed from an industrial wasteland to a recovering ecosystem that supports a thriving community and culture of stewardship.
Fiona Beaty is a PhD candidate in the University of British Columbia’s Zoology department and works with MakeWay Charitable Society, Ocean Wise, and SeaChange Marine Conservation Society on regional marine restoration and spatial planning initiatives. Her goal is to protect people and nature from climate change using approaches grounded in collaboration, science, and proactivity.
The 120th Annual Audobon Christmas Bird Count
Saturday, January 4, 2020 (Bowen Island)
From December 15 to January 5, tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas will take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among generations. Families and students, birders and scientists go out on this annual mission, complete with binoculars, bird guides and checklists. The desire to both make a difference and to experience the beauty of nature has driven dedicated people to leave the comfort of their warm houses.
Each citizen scientist (that’s you!) who annually braves snow, ice, wind or rain, makes an enormous contribution to conservation. Audubon, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and many other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations and to help guide conservation action.
Bowen’s contribution to the Christmas Bird Count will be on Saturday, January 4, 2020 and the Bowen Nature Club invites you to take part. The more pairs of eyes and ears the better. Bowen is part of the Howe Sound Count Circle, a 15-mile radius taking in other nearby islands, Lions Bay and some of West Van.
Your level of bird expertise matters not - it’s an opportunity to improve your knowledge by teaming up with someone more experienced. Participation during any daylight hours you can spare would be welcome OR you can stay home and count the birds at your feeder. Forms, maps, and protocol will be provided.
For more information, please contact Micaele Florendo at (604) 838-2321.
From December 15 to January 5, tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas will take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among generations. Families and students, birders and scientists go out on this annual mission, complete with binoculars, bird guides and checklists. The desire to both make a difference and to experience the beauty of nature has driven dedicated people to leave the comfort of their warm houses.
Each citizen scientist (that’s you!) who annually braves snow, ice, wind or rain, makes an enormous contribution to conservation. Audubon, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and many other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations and to help guide conservation action.
Bowen’s contribution to the Christmas Bird Count will be on Saturday, January 4, 2020 and the Bowen Nature Club invites you to take part. The more pairs of eyes and ears the better. Bowen is part of the Howe Sound Count Circle, a 15-mile radius taking in other nearby islands, Lions Bay and some of West Van.
For more information, please contact Micaele Florendo at (604) 838-2321.
Bowen Nature Club Mushroom Walk
Sunday, October 20, 2019, 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Join the Bowen Nature Club and Bowen Island Garden Club for a joint informal walkabout on Bowen with mushroom expert, John Field. John is a retired science instructor at Capilano University in Sechelt and a naturalist by inclination.
Registration is free and limited to 22 participants.
To register, email DG at dgblairhome@gmail.com
Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Dr. John Field has taught courses on biology, mushroom identification, salmon biology and stream stewardship, and has hosted many field trips, especially mushroom forays. In the 1990s he was involved in a successful effort to create Spipiyus Provincial Park and is a founding member and former director of the Iris Griffith Interpretive Centre near Ruby Lake. He is currently a volunteer Ecological Reserve Warden for Ambrose Lake ER and is also participating in a long-term citizen science project, now in its fifth year, that collects oceanographic and biological data in the Salish Sea.
Registration is free and limited to 22 participants.
To register, email DG at dgblairhome@gmail.com
Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Dr. John Field has taught courses on biology, mushroom identification, salmon biology and stream stewardship, and has hosted many field trips, especially mushroom forays. In the 1990s he was involved in a successful effort to create Spipiyus Provincial Park and is a founding member and former director of the Iris Griffith Interpretive Centre near Ruby Lake. He is currently a volunteer Ecological Reserve Warden for Ambrose Lake ER and is also participating in a long-term citizen science project, now in its fifth year, that collects oceanographic and biological data in the Salish Sea.
Nature Club Hike to the Ecological Reserve
Saturday, September 14, 2019, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (approx.)
Join us on a visit to Bowen’s own Ecological Reserve. Please meet at the Crippen Park parking lot off Dorman Road to sign in before carpooling to the trailhead. We will stop for lunch at beautiful Optimist Fen. This will be a moderately difficult hike, often through steep terrain, and mostly off-trail. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes or boots, and bring water, snacks and a lunch. Long pants are recommended as there are areas of dense bush. (Sorry, no dogs.)
For more information, please call Alan Whitehead, Volunteer Warden, at 604-947-0144.
For more information, please call Alan Whitehead, Volunteer Warden, at 604-947-0144.
Nature ID Clinic at Bowfest
Saturday, August 24, 2019 starting at 11:00 a.m.
Bowfest Field, Crippen Park
Come by Bowen Nature Club’s booth and bring your photos or captured live specimens of strange creatures, plants, and natural artifacts found lurking along a trail, beach, your yard, or in your house.
Low Tide Beach Survey at Seymour Bay
Sunday, June 16, 2019 from 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a low tide beach survey at Seymour Bay. When the tide is especially low, marine life that we don't normally get to see is exposed. Beach surveys are a great way to explore that marine life, both large and small. Join us for a morning of discovery with DG Blair, Alan Whitehead, Will Husby, and Sue Ellen Fast.
This is an all-ages, hands-on activity. Dress for the conditions including hats, sunscreen, and suitable footwear for low tide. Bring a plastic pail or small tub.
This is an all-ages, hands-on activity. Dress for the conditions including hats, sunscreen, and suitable footwear for low tide. Bring a plastic pail or small tub.
