Fabulous Fungi

The Secret Life of Wolverines

www.bcnature.ca • Fall 2017 • Vol. 55 No. 3 • ISSN 0228–8824

The Magazine of BC Nature

“Know nature and keep it worth knowing”

Nature Vancouver - 100 Years

BCnature Fall 2017

BCnatureVolume 55 No. 3

In This Issue: Objectives of BC Nature (Federation of BC Naturalists)

• To provide naturalists and natural history clubs of BC with a unified voice on conservation and environmental issues.• To foster an awareness, appreciation and understanding of our natural environment, that it may be wisely used and maintained for future generations.• To encourage the formation and cooperation of natural history clubs throughout BC.• To provide a means of communication between naturalists in BC.

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BCnature is printed on 100 percent recycled stock

Colour Version of BCnature is available online www.bcnature.ca

Regular columnsEditorial.......................................................................................3President's Perch..........................................................................4Natural Mistakes..........................................................................5Conservation Report...................................................................6Book Review...............................................................................12Focus on IBAs............................................................................17NatureKids BC Update.............................................................23Lookin' Out My Backdoor: Nature Photography in BC...........24 BC Naturalists' Foundation......................................................25North in the Spring - South Okanagan Part I...........................31Spotlight on Distinguished Naturalist Mentor.........................32

Feature Open Letter - Flooding Peace River Valley.................................5 2017 Mitlenatch Camp...............................................................7 Preservation of Homer-McCrea Conservation Covenant...........8

Fabulous Fungi............................................................................9Bringing Nature to a Screen Near You......................................10Okanagan Experience 2017........................................................11BC Nature Heroes.....................................................................12

Secret Life of Wolverines............................................................14Camp in Cathederal Lakes Provincial Park..............................15Keila Stark - BC Nature Rene Savenye Scholarship..................16Nature Vancouver - 100 Years...................................................18Viewing Platform Grant for Willband Creek Park...................19Bring Back the Bluebirds Project - Five Years Later..................21 Birds of Langley Brochure........................................................22Mourning Cloak: One of BC's Marvelous Butterflies.............25Wilson's Warbler.......................................................................27Grasses - Made for Mowing......................................................28

Notices FGM 2017 “Lakes, Grasslands, Forests” Vernon...................13 AGM 2018 :Promoting Health in Nature...............................20Dates to Remember.................................................................28FGM 2017 – Vernon Registration...........................................29FGM 2017 – Schedule of Events.............................................29

BCnature magazine is published quarterly by BC Nature – Circulation 6,300

Editorial Team: Betty Davison manager@bcnature.ca Rick Gee rdgee@shaw.ca Claudia Copley dccopley@telus.net Penney Edwards piedward@telus.netGuest Editorial: Kim Fulton, kfultondr_fish@yahoo.caWebsite: www.bcnature.caBC Nature Office: manager@bcnature.caArticles: We welcome your articles, photos and letters Please email your articles and photos to manager@bcnature.ca.Cover Photograph: Ryan Hetschko, Banded Western BluebirdWe reserve the right to edit submissions for length, style, and clarity. For advertising rates and submission deadlines please email the office. Submission deadline for the Winter Edition – Nov. 1, 2017

BC Nature 1620 Mount Seymour Rd., North Vancouver, BC V7G 2R9, Tel: 604–985–3057

BC Nature Executive President Alan BurgerVice President Virginia RaschPast President Kees VisserTreasurer Reda AkladiosSecretary Vivian Birch–Jones Secretary Alternate Susan ThorneConservation Chair Peter BallinCommunications Chair Claudia CopleyKootenay Coordinator Joan Snyder Lower Mainland Coordinator Jude Grass Northern BC Coordinator Fred McMechan Vancouver Island Coordinator John Neville Thompson/Okan.Shuswap Coordinator Janet PattinsonEducation Chair Marg Cuthbert Director at Large Bev Ramey Email addresses may be found on www.bcnature.ca under“Contact Us” or telephone 604–985–3057 the office for further information

Articles and advertising in BCnature magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of all BC Nature members.

100 years of playing around in Nature, members of VancouverNatural History Society hanging out in tree branches.

By John Davidson

Guest EditorialStream to Sea EducationKim Fulton

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Your contract will not be re-newed as of August.” This

shocking, devastating, and unex-pected phone call was received in late May. It was from Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) administrators to the biologists of the Resource Restoration Unit and the “Stream to Sea Educa-

tion” Coordinators. Many of these dedicated folks have worked for DFO for more than thirty years.

Education Coordinators support a program called “Stream to Sea”, formerly called “Salmonids in the Classroom.” The Techni-cal Assistance Biologists and the Resource Restoration Unit pro-vide expertise to ensure that enhancement activities undertaken by schools and community groups are environmentally ethical and beneficial.

For more than 35 years, children around BC have learned ecological principles, developed an environmental ethic, and developed empathy for salmon. By observing the life cycle, learning the habitat requirements, then releasing salmon back to the wild, a generation is educated about, and concerned with, environmental health.

It is estimated that 35,000 children every year participate in the program. Education support contracts cost about $400,000 per year, about 0.2% of DFO’s annual budget. The program has been successful because DFO has provided support for materi-als and provided expertise. In my view, it is the best educational program ever, and worth every penny!

My own life has been deeply affected by the Salmonids in the Classroom Program. It has added life to the curriculum and cur-riculum to my life. Rewind to circa 1982, when I still had hair, a short-term memory, and painless joints. A DFO publication arrived at the school showing coastal kids involved with fertilizing salmon eggs and raising salmon. I thought, why not here in Arm-strong? We used to have salmon in Fortune Creek. I phoned and the next day the DFO Community Advisor was at the school!

Over the next 30 years, with support from the DFO Com-munity Advisor, we built an incubation box on Fortune Creek, developed a cooling system for in-class incubation, raised thou-sands of fry, had “Coho to the Coast” ceremonies involving hundreds of children, created fish passage through beaver dams, planted thousands of riparian trees and shrubs, contributed to the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation program, developed a Water Stewardship Manual, worked on preventing the spread of invasive aquatic species with the Fresh Water Fisheries Society of BC, worked with hundreds of teachers through the Simon Fraser University Summer Institute in Environmental Education, and worked with teachers and children with support from Wild BC (Habitat Conservation Trust Fund) programs.

In a hot, dry July, much like this year, Fortune Creek was dry-ing up and our fry were dying. A SOS (Save Our Salmon) call for help was put out in the local media, and children and parents turned out to build pools and move fry to shady portions of the creek so that their fish would survive. Since then adult Coho have returned to Fortune Creek and many fry rear there. We have helped a whole generation of children and parents develop an environmental ethic. We are not raising salmon we are raising environmental stewards!

Fast forward again to 2017. Once the news of the cuts “got out”, the public reaction was explosive. Petitions, letter writing campaigns, and personal lobbying by people who know the value of the program quickly got the message to politicians that cutting this program was a terrible idea.

By June 15, to their credit, the Federal government listened to the outcry and restored the program for the future.

What can be learned from this event? “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens

can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead, anthropologist.

Most of us become interested in environmental issues through our passions for particular plants or animals. These interests are often gateways to the understanding that every-thing is interconnected.

The BC education system is currently undergoing an evolu-tion, including more inquiry-based learning. Students will be encouraged to pursue their personal passions. Salmonids in the Classroom was years ahead of its time in understanding and nurturing the way kids learn.

“For in the end, we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught.” Baba Dioum, Senegalese forestry engineer.

I believe that offering mentorship to students is a rich opportunity both for the children and Naturalists. Natu-reKids BC is a very valuable program and more outreach to schools would be a valuable addition. Contact your local school and offer your help. As the Lorax in the iconic Dr. Seuss book put it:

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not.” Dr. Seuss

Thank you for caring a whole awful lot! ◊Kim Fulton (aka Dr. Fish) is a retired teacher/administrator living in the North Okanagan Shuswap, where he continues his environmental education work as a Wild BC facilitator.

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BCnature Fall 20174

By Alan Burger

A few days ago my wife and I participated in a field outing

with the new NatureKids Merritt club. Along with seven energetic youngsters and their parents, we joined the local club leader Roxanne Wallace at Kentucky-Alleyne Provincial Park to go toad-watching. Our local adults’ club, the Nicola Naturalist Society, has been working with BC Parks to reduce roadkill of Western Toads

as they move between the pond where they breed and the forest where they spend most of their lives. Our outing coincided with the emergence of tens of thousands of tiny toadlets from the pond, soon after they metamorphose from tadpoles. What an excellent educational opportunity for the kids. They saw tadpoles in various stages of transition and experienced swarms of tiny toadlets. They learned that both the pond and the forest were critical habitat for this threatened species.

And it was a lot of fun too! With dip nets the kids were able to catch a few tadpoles and toadlets and view them close up. Right away they noticed that there was considerable variation in color-ation, size, and markings. They also found some water beetles, larval damselflies, amphipods, and other aquatic critters. A fun introduc-tion to the diversity of life on the edge of a pond. NatureKids BC, the partner organization to BC Nature, does a great job in providing this type of fun outdoor nature experience for children in many communities across BC. I urge you to get involved in helping to mentor these kids – it is a very rewarding experience.

Just before the recent provincial elections, the then Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations announced that the government would establish a new external agency to manage wildlife in BC. This proposal was strongly supported by the BC Wildlife Federation and several other hunter/trapper/outfitter groups, who appeared to be the only groups consulted on this pro-posal. Very soon strong opposition to this proposal was evident, as concerns were raised about managing a public resource in a manner verging on privatization, and in separating wildlife management from all the many other aspects of ecosystem stewardship.

BC Nature was one of numerous organizations, including the Association of Professional Biologists, who have urged the govern-ment not to take wildlife management out of direct government control. With the support of 17 other nature and environmental groups and wildlife-viewing businesses, BC Nature has sent a proposal to the new BC government to cancel the external agency plan. Instead we urged the government to do a thorough review and upgrade of wildlife and ecosystem management in our province. For many years now there has been an erosion of funding and staff to deal with research, habitat loss, species-at-risk, hunting regula-tions, and the many other aspects of ecosystem management. We’re keen to see how the new BC government will respond to the calls to greatly improve and fund the stewardship of our natural environ-ment.

I’m looking forward to the Fall General Meeting in Vernon, hosted by the North Okanagan Naturalist Club. They have put together a great package of field outings and interesting presenta-tions. These meetings are always a great way to get to know your fellow naturalists from across the province. But, sadly, we have no club stepping up to host the 2018 FGM, despite some lobbying from the BC Nature executive. If your club has not recently hosted a BC Nature event please give serious thought to hosting the next fall meeting in 2018. It is a very rewarding experience. ◊

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BCnature Fall 2017

By Clive KeenRecantationNatural Mistakes

I hereby recant. Some time ago, this col-umn explored the issue of whether any

birds were boring, and, while it sprang to the defense of many slighted birds, the female Mallard was left defenseless. Disre-spected even. I would like it to be known that I hereby apologize, unreservedly, to Ms. Mallard and all her kin.

Penitence was brought on while recov-ering from too-much jollity the night before. Sitting by a pond at the park, for an hour I shared some restorative quiet with the denigrated dabbler. I had my binoculars, and nothing much else to look at, so I stared closely at her, long and hard.

I first looked at the head, and found that there’s a lot more going on than the stripe over the eye. Being a well-trained birder, I of course examined the bill, and found that it’s bi-colored, with yellow-olive surrounding a dark centre, and at the tip, there’s a rather striking black nail. A good start. Looking at the face, I find an eye with an enchanting shade of brown, plus light-coloured areas under the chin and the bill, giving a surprise contrast to the background grey. All in all, it’s a pretty and shapely face, and I start to see why the nearby male is so attentive.

Looking next at the body, I note the deep blue speculum, normally consid-

5

A seriously underappreciated bird: a female Mallard. You’ll never know how lovely she is until you look both closely and long.

By Clive Keen

ered the most impressive element of the bird’s wardrobe, but to my surprise, it’s trumped by the rich tawny wash of the chest and shoulders and then the beautiful swirl patterns of the body feathers.

And now the bird up-ends, and I have to stifle a laugh as I see the polkadot underside and the bright orange legs – it’s a bit like get-ting an unexpected look at an actress’s lingerie. As the bird dabbles, I almost feel I should look away for the sake of modesty.

But this is just the start. For thirty more min-utes I keep looking and appreciating the bird as a whole, watching the behaviour as well as the features. What an elegant and enchanting creature this is.

Why did I not see all along what a delight the female Mallard can be, particularly when she’s dressed up a little for springtime? The answer is that I was suffering from listitis – looking only for fieldmarks so I could add a tick to a list. Why even bother looking, I was no doubt thinking, when the male is so much more easily identified and listed. So I never really saw the bird at all.

Listitis is a condition shared with far too many naturalists. Rather than seeing some-thing in its fullness, we see enough for a tick, and then move on. Birders are particular sufferers. Large raptor, solid black belly Rough-legged Hawk! Crested passerine, rufous undertail Bohemian Waxwing! Large black seabird, white hip patch Pelagic Cormo-rant! And thus three ticks are swiftly added to the list so the search for more can continue. But all we’ve seen is a solid black belly, a rufous undertail, and a white hip patch. What a waste.

So, don’t let listitis happen to you. Whether it is plants, insects, birds, or anything else from the world of nature, we lose much of the delight if we concentrate just on getting an ID. If you feel listitis coming on, take heed of a lesson I learned from bird-guide extraordinaire Laura Paulson. Before heading out on a trip, she told us that there were no Justa birds on any of her tours. Before long, some-one would say “It’s just a robin,” and would be reminded of the rules – there are no Justa birds on her tours. Robins, and all the other common birds, deserve to be savoured quite as much as the rarities.

So, whatever you are into, make sure you never see a Justa. Look at it hard instead, and I’ll bet you find that it’s not a Justa at all. ◊

Re: Flooding the Peace River valley – don’t do it, please!

Before my recent visit to your region I was somewhat complacent about the

Site C plans. I felt it was in the “lesser evil” category. After all, the Peace River has been dammed twice and I had no appreciation of the landscape that was threatened by the plans to flood it. I do now.

We visited Watson Slough and saw and heard song-birds and other species at risk that rely on wetlands that are disappearing at an alarming rate across our country. We drove past the fertile farmlands and met people that love and are connected to the land. This prime agricultural land, with the long growing days of the northern cli-mate is a treasure. And, in spite of the dev-astation upstream, it is a thriving complex productive ecosystem and it is just plain beautiful. But I don’t have to tell you this.

We went to the W.A.C. Bennett Visitor Centre and admired the scope of the dam but were also disturbed by the dead zone that is the reservoir above in the Williston Valley. The drawdown zones are still life-less and creating dust problems and, fifty

years later, the fish in the Williston Reser-voir are contaminated with mercury from the flooding effects. This results from the rotting of the organic matter in the flood-ing and this effect is still contaminating the fish and food chain to this day. The tap water at the Visitor Centre comes from the Williston Reservoir and is “non-potable”. What is that telling us?

The disregard that the First Nations were treated with, and the devastation that they suffered in the previous flood, remain a shame on our province and something that they are trying to recover from to this day. We can do better than this. And, even if the First Nations win later in court, as they likely will, being “in the right”, it remains wrong to proceed without their consent. It is dubious that will ever be forthcoming, as they have the long view and are the First Peoples that love and rely on the land. We all rely on the land but, sadly, some of us are less connected.

As a representative of the people, it is incumbent upon you as an MLA to also have the long view. The biodiversity and value of the Peace River valley as it is now

is irreplaceable. It would be only short-sighted greed that would drive the deci-sion to continue on this path, and I urge you to join the voices that are speaking out against it. There will be considerable jobs “fixing” what has been done to date and the real long-term sustainable profits will be there for generations to come if farm-ing and biodiversity are allowed to flourish on the landscape. And, as far as needing more power, just have a look around. The amount we are wasting is considerable. We could all make an effort on that front. As some say in the Peace “WTF?”– Why the Flood? Keep the Peace”. It is not too late to make a better decision and reverse this process.Sincerely, Vivian Birch-Jones PS I live in Lillooet in the “footprint” of another large BC Hydro dam operation. We feel very little economic benefit from the operations but we do feel the ongoing damage to habitat for fish and wildlife. I read that profit from Site C will be decades and decades in the future and that there will be enormous financial debt for us in the interim – what folly! ◊

Open letter to MLA Dan Davies, Peace River North

BCnature Fall 20176

Conservation ReportBy Peter Ballin, Chair Conservation Committee

Recently, Anita den Dikken and Peter McAllister joined the Conservation Committee. We attempt

to achieve regional representation on our committee, and Anita becomes another voice for issues for the Fraser River estuary, and Peter represents Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. We are working on more efficiently sharing our collective background expertise and bringing it to bear on important issues that concern BC Nature. At the AGM:

The Conservation Committee met in Lillooet on May 4. We reaffirmed our purpose as responding to concerns of the executive and the clubs about environ-mental issues, as well as concerns generated by our committee. The committee has a mandate for advo-cacy. We considered that we should be more proactive about influencing environmental policy. We have been reactive to environmental crises, as we should be, but wouldn’t it be nicer to avoid them! Some of us are ideal-ists.

We also discussed our input into the federal govern-ment plan to establish 17% of Canada’s land and 10% of ocean as protected area. Jared Hobb’s presentation to the AGM made it clear that which 17% gets protected matters. Currently there is an inverse relationship between the extent of biodiversity and the ecoregions most protected. The most desirable ecotypes to protect are usually the more expensive and difficult to procure. We also discussed bringing more attention to marine protected areas. We followed up with a letter to MP Joyce Murray, who agreed to bring our concerns to the attention of the relevant government members.

We agreed that we would like to hear more from the clubs, particularly from those naturalists who are environmental issue/policy experts. We can strengthen BC Nature’s influence with greater input from the clubs in our federation.The following conservation resolutions received approval:• Resolution 2017-1 Roadside Vegetation Manage-

ment in BC: Protecting breeding bird habitat from roadside brushing during peak breeding times.

• Resolution 2017-2 Protection of Our Fossil Herit-age: Requesting legislation to fully protect all fossils in BC.

• Resolution 2017-3 Un-encapsulated Expanded Polystyrene Used As Flotation: Requesting legislation that bans the use of un-encapsulated expanded polystyrene in all new and replacement dock facilities, establishes an acceptable and effective standard of encapsulation, and governs the transition of all dock facilities to approved encapsulated expanded polystyrene and the recyc-ling and/or disposal of expanded polystyrene and encapsulation materials.

• Resolution 2017-4 BC Nature Position Paper on Climate Change: BC Nature supports, on a case-by-case basis, the actions, policies, initiatives, and organizations that promote the global reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by taking ecologically responsible measures to slow or mitigate climate change.

Cont' P. 7

• Resolution 2017-8 Solar Power Generation: Recommends placing facilities on already highly impacted lands such as brown lands, and excluding agricultural and crown land. The resolution also recommends that government revoke all existing applications for Crown land for the purpose of investigating the feasibility of solar power generation and place a moratorium on all applica-tions and utility-scale solar power production in the province until it develops legislation and policies and the means to ensure compliance.

The new BC government: With a new provincial government that campaigned for environmental changes more closely aligned with BC Nature’s mandate and resolutions, and with environmentalist George Heyman as Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Conservation Committee looks forward to a productive, proactive approach to developing sound environmental policies and actions. As of this writing (with the cabinet just having been sworn in) we are drafting letters in support of species-at-risk legislation, caribou habitat protection, keeping wildlife management within government, halting Robert’s Bank port expansion, park additions, solar power regulations, and opposition to the proposed Fraser River crossing. We will proceed with writing letters addressing more issues, most of which we raised with the previous government, because we hope we have new eyes that will read them.Wildlife Management in BC: BC Nature was in the news (Vancouver Sun, July 19) along with the Association of Professional Biologists of BC in opposition to the proposed privatization of wildlife management. Both organizations expressed deep concern that contracted wildlife management will mean management for hunting, with little regard for non-consumptive uses and broader ecosystem considerations.Solar Power Generation: This June, Nelson became home to Canada’s first municipally-owned community solar garden. Multiple families share the electricity generated. Each customer pays for their solar panels, which produces power for the electrical grid, then receive credits on their utility bill; much cheaper than placing your own panel on your roof.

In California, their legislature has mandated that one-half of the state’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2030. Currently, they are one quarter of the way to meet that goal, once considered wildly optimistic. Today solar power often matches or beats the price of most other types of electricity. While we lack the solar resource of California, we also have only 12% as many people. Of course it’s more complicated than that, but can we do this in BC?Wolf cull: A resolution presented, but not passed, at the AGM regarding banning the controversial wolf cull generated much discussion. Likely not many of us would embrace the shooting of wolves; however, who decides, and how do they make a decision, when the choice not to limit resilient wolves may lead to the extirpation of an endangered population of caribou? Even if poor habitat management spawned the problem of disappearing caribou? And it’s hard to predict consequences in complex systems; unforeseen ones will undoubtedly appear. The Conservation Committee would like to see a carefully worded resolution addressing the issue at a future general meeting. Pipelines: BC Nature and Nature Canada will not directly challenge the federal government decision to approve the TMX (Kinder-Morgan) pipeline, but may join other groups as interveners in court cases challenging this decision. A new opportunity for Kinder-Morgan looms, currently under review in California: dilbit processing in San Francisco Bay, shipped from Burnaby. Meanwhile, Kinder-Morgan’s scheduled pipeline construction is to commence in September. Will our new provincial government be able to stop the pipeline?Salmon: BC Nature sent Prime Minister Trudeau a letter, drafted by Conservation Committee member Jim Bryan, in support of the reinstatement of two very important and worthwhile programs conducted by the Pacific Region of Canada Fisheries and Oceans: the Resource Restoration Unit Program and the Stream to Sea Program that is part of the Education and Community Support Program.

BCnature Fall 2017 7

The Resource Restoration Unit consists of professional biologists and engineers who work with stewardship groups, First Nations, and non-governmental organiza-tions in cooperative stewardship activities spearheaded by community volunteers. Volunteers save tax dollars. The projects cannot be conducted properly without input from DFO’s professional help and seed money. These important coopera-tive projects enhance Pacific salmon runs and provide valuable information about salmon stocks and their habitats. Without their continuation, wild salmon populations will decline, so the govern-ment’s decision to maintain this program is essential for future generations of Canadians.

Conservation Report Continued

With a magical island to explore, the spectre of meeting a ghost, and leadership provided by Bev and Bill Ramey, it’s

hard to top a camp to Quadra and Mitlenatch Islands. The Heriot Bay Inn on Quadra was a beautiful setting for the

May camp, with excellent meals and service provided by the staff. Our introduction to the island began with a trip to the Nuyum-balees (Kwagiulth) Cultural Centre, which displayed many of the recently returned potlatch artifacts of the Kwakwaka’wakw People. We strolled through their park on the waterfront of the Cape Mudge Village and the setting lived up to its description as “A Place to Relax and Tell Stories".

In preparation for our trip to Mitlenatch Island Nature Provin-cial Park, we were entertained the first evening by Ken Kennedy, a member of Mitlenatch Island Stewardship Team. We learned that Mitlenatch has the largest seabird colony in the Strait of Georgia, so we could be sighting Glaucous-winged Gulls, Pelagic Cormorants, Pigeon Guillemots, Black Oystercatchers, and many other species. Because of this sensitive bird habitat, the only area accessible to visitors is the trail from Camp Bay to the bird blind at Northwest Bay. Ken gave us the history of this unique island, including the news that we could run into some metre-long garter snakes that inhabit the island. He completed the evening with tales of the ghost who supposedly roams the halls of the Heriot Inn!

Sunshine greeted us for our trip to Mitlenatch. To facilitate the loading of the zodiacs, we were divided into three groups according to our hiking preferences. Because each group left at a different time, hikes were planned before or after each zodiac expedition. Safety was the priority, so our trip was preceded by the laborious (and hilarious) exercise of donning our survival suits. If only a video had been taken of the gymnastics on that wharf! It was a smooth trip to this small rocky island but our arrival was a wet one. The timing of the tide was just a tad off, which meant that the first and second groups had to wade ashore in hiking boots. How we envied those who had worn water shoes! But our soggy boots were soon forgotten as we viewed the array of wildflowers. The blue Camas growing among the Sea Blush was stunning. Chocolate Lilies, yellow Mimulus and Death Camas were in full bloom. On the trail to the blind, our guides pointed out the coastal cacti which flourish in the Island’s semi-arid conditions. We were treated to some lemon cake at the guides’ camp before tumbling into the zodiac and saying farewell to Mitlenatch Island. This special day was topped off by an after-dinner presentation by author and historian Jeanette Taylor.

On our zodiac trip around Quadra Island the following day, there were many sightings of Grey Whales, Orcas and sea lions en

2017 Mitlenatch CampBy Carol Monaghan

route to our lunch spot on Stuart Island. The third group opted to disembark from their zodiac and hike to the gar-dens created to provide a habitat for clams.

On our route to Stuart Island, we experienced the strong currents in Seymour Narrows and many remembered the engineering feat that was required to allow ships to sail safely over the infamous Ripple Rock which had sunk 119 ships over the years.

On April 5, 1958, the world's largest non-nuclear peace-time explosion tamed Ripple Rock. On our return, we came upon an unforgettable sight. As we entered a narrow channel, hundreds of eagles swooped down to feed on the fish as they burst to the surface. The roiling water caused by tide and currents flung the fish to the surface so quickly that they died of decompression – a feast for the eagles. It was an amazing day, completed by a salmon barbeque at Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge. We had the opportunity to look for the petroglyphs on the beach, walk to the Cape Mudge Light-house, or relax on the deck with some liquid refreshment before dinner.

Our final day was a rainy one, but most of the group joined in on the last outing to Eagle Ridge. While the views were obliterated by clouds, we did spot Rough-skinned Newt on the trail. This poisonous little fellow was featured in an article by Norma Kerby in the Spring 2017 edition of BC Nature. Each newt can contain enough toxin to kill 25,000 mice and they use it to fend off their garter snake predators.

Many thanks to Bev Ramey for leading the early-morning birding trips, organizing the outings for the three groups, and for her warm, relaxing manner with everyone. Many wonderful memories, and no monster garter snakes or ghosts were encountered. ◊

Sea Blush (Plectritis congesta).

By Janet McIntosh

The Stream to Sea Program enables elementary school students in many schools across BC to watch salmonid eggs develop and hatch right in their own school. The children feed and raise the salmonid fry and help release them into nearby streams. This is a wonderful learning experience for students, teachers, and parents of stu-dents. It encourages learning about the life history of salmon as well as ecology, stewardship, environmental apprecia-tion, and conservation. This program helps our children and grandchildren appreciate and value Canada’s salmon and the environment that sustains them.Wells Gray Park: In June, BC Nature submitted a letter to Catherine

McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, regarding logging in critical mountain caribou habitat on Trophy Mountain, near Wells Gray Provincial Park. BC Nature added our name to the application of the Wells Gray Gateway Protection Society for a protection order to halt logging on March 29, 2017, and the application was filed on April 7. Canfor has commenced logging, and to date (July 27) there has been no recommendation from Minister McKenna to enact the emergency protection order.Canada’s National Parks: The Conservation Committee will again join the push for the South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park.

If you haven’t yet done so, remember to get your free national park pass at a local bank or credit union, or at a MEC store near you. ◊

BCnature Fall 20178

Local History and Biodiversity Preserved at Homer-McCrea Conservation Covenant By Alanah Nasadyk, Habitat Acquisition Trust

There are some places with such captivating beauty that

without knowing a word of their history, you can guess at their vitality. British Columbia is ripe with intriguing wild places and spaces with histories untold. The Homer-McCrea Conserva-tion Covenant is one of these.

The Homer-McCrea lands are 24.2 acres (9.8 hectares) of mature second-growth forest in Sooke, owned by the Homer family and stewarded in con-junction with, Habitat Acquisi-tion Trust, a nature preserva-tion organization, through an agreement called a conservation covenant. This property pro-vides continuous upland habitat to the nearby Sooke Potholes and Sea-to-Sea Green-Blue Belt, while including a lush riparian zone alongside Good-man Creek. While this private space is not open to the public, it provides a benefit for all in preserving plants and animals that replenish the surrounding region.

Patti Homer, the landowner at Homer-McCrea, kindly shared

the story of how the conservation covenant came to be. Goodman Creek marks one edge of the covenant, which is also on the east face of Mount Christopher Goodman. Both features are named after the original pioneers that came to clear the land and farm around 1900. Unsuccessful in farming and near starvation, the Goodmans left and the property went back to the Crown. For those who are curious, a visit to the Sooke Regional Museum may provide more information on this pioneer family.

The next person to purchase the property was Mr. Jameson. As the land passed hands through the family, it eventually came under the ownership of Mr. Jameson’s grandson, Chris McCrea, for whom the covenant is partially named today. Chris McCrea was originally in the logging industry. In fact, the property was logged in the 1930s. But, like many people working close to nature, he grew to feel a deep connec-tion to the land and he felt it should be protected.

In his later years, Chris McCrea offered Patti Homer the chance to purchase some of his land inexpensively, if she agreed to protect and not log it. Patti told the Habi-tat Acquisition Trust team she thought this meant an acre or two. When she met with Chris and found out that he meant 40 acres, she said, “I sat down at the creek and just cried.” Truly, the natural area that is now Homer-McCrea covenant has the power to stir the emotions of even those fortunate enough to visit it briefly.

Patti and her son have built homes and live on the portion of land outside the covenant area, keeping a close eye on it. Patti is proud of her family’s connection to the land. “The grandchildren came and I went for a walk with them. It made me feel good to see how comfortable they were in the forest. They really feel a responsibility to the property, they already think of this place as theirs.” This sense of responsibility includes concern when they see signs of trespassing and the harm that this can do to the land.

Trespassing is a problem on the covenant, with trails on adjacent crown land meandering into the protected area. Though there is some “no trespassing” signage, Habitat Acquisition Trust hopes that better placement will deter trespassing by raising awareness of the sensitive nature and protected status of the property. Many people enjoying nearby park and crown land, may not even be aware that this space is off-limits.

With numerous standing, dead trees throughout the covenant, with their rugged bark and cavities for nesting, the landscape gives off a feeling that there are many places inhabited by denizens of the woods. Patti says, “It’s an incredible piece of property, I’m really proud of it”, shar-ing that cougars and bears pass through regularly, and the wolves of the Sooke Hills Wilderness Area can be heard from her neighbours’ property.

Patti posed for a photo in front of a stately Douglas-fir and explained, “When I was building the house I would get a lot of people giving me advice. They would say, ‘oh, you’ve got to take that tree down, it’s going to hit your house.’ I would say, ‘in my lifetime I can build another house, but I could never grow another tree like that.’”

Habitat Acquisition Trust conducts annual covenant monitoring visits at Homer-McCrea and 15 other protected areas, collaborating with other land pro-tection groups to monitor an additional 16 covenants. This is done to ensure ongoing assessment of the condition of the covenant and that the terms protect-ing the covenant are being upheld. Ideally this includes hearing from, and, when possible, spending time with the landown-ers, who are often the most important and knowledgeable stewards of these areas.

This year, as the team made their way through the Homer-McCrea covenant, they photographed and took GPS points at areas of interest or concern. One of the concerns was the encroachment of invasive Scotch Broom and English Holly plants. Habitat Acquisition Trust will be hosting an invasive plant removal day here in the coming year. For those who are interested they can join the volunteer team by emailing volunteers@hat.bc.ca.

At the farthest end of the covenant there stands a lone Garry Oak tree. There is also an oak standing next to Goodman Creek. These Garry Oaks are known to be the furthest west in their range. This is signifi-cant considering that changes in climate can cause ranges of species to shift. With projected warming, dry Garry Oak eco-systems, tolerant of hotter climates, could play an important role in nature’s ability to respond to such rapid changes. Garry Oak ecosystems on the edge of Douglas-fir forest often indicate a historical presence of fire, likely maintained by First Nations.

For more photos of gorgeous natural areas like Homer-McCrea, Habitat Acqui-sition Trust encourages you to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.This covenant does not yet have an endowment fund; donations to its long-term protection as a natural area are warmly welcomed. You can make a gift to its protection by visiting http://hat.bc.ca/donate ◊

Christopher Goodman Creek, named for a Sooke Pioneer.

BCnature Fall 2017 9

Fabulous Fungi. A Lifelong Fascination.

Let me say from the outset that I am not a professional mycologist – simply a

naturalist with a lifelong fascination with fungi. Without them we would lack bread, alcoholic beverages, cheese, and soy sauce, not to mention the unique flavours of mushrooms, themselves. We need fungi!

There was a time, not that long ago, when fungi were considered “plants”. In fact, in an old field guide (1967), fungi were lumped together with mosses, liver-worts, etc. as “non-flowering plants”. Now we have titles like S.L. Stephenson’s The Kingdom of Fungi: The Biology of Mushrooms, Molds, and Lichens.

Since they don’t produce their own food like green plants, many fungi get their liv-ing from dead organisms, making them one of nature’s great recyclers. Many oth-ers form a symbiotic relationship with green plants that is ecologically critical. But it is the fruiting body of mushrooms that intrigue us most, not only for their use as food, but also their beautiful shapes and wondrous colours – reds, violets, pur-ples, greens, yellows, and oranges.

And then there is the mythology.Perhaps the best known of these “leg-

endary” species is the lovely Fly Amanita (Amanita muscaria) – usually shown in its red form with white “spots” on the cap. The species name “muscaria” refers directly to the house fly – but why? One story is that in “days of yore” it was mashed up and mixed with milk and then left out for flies to sip, at their peril, since Amanita muscaria, like many other amanitas, is poi-sonous.

It has also played an important role in some religious rites. J.E. Underhill (in Guide to Western Mushrooms) notes, “One of the symptoms produced by Amanita muscaria is a state of berserk frenzy. Sibe-rian peasants two centuries ago evidently drank the urine of one of their number who had first eaten the mushroom, and whose body evidently filtered out some

of the more dangerous chemicals”. It has been suggested that the Santa Claus myth is in some way connected to Amanita muscaria. With its red and white colours and mind-altering prop-erties it could help you imagine that you are flying through the stars with a herd of reindeer, and mushroom’s cap is the right colour for Santa’s suit!

I must admit that most my explor-ing has been done in south-east Surrey and Campbell Valley Regional Park in Langley. We back onto a lovely wooded green way that winds through alders, maples, and a few conifers, predomi-nately Douglas-fir.

It is interesting to note how many fungi have some reference to birds, like Tur-key Tail (Trametes versicolor), Chicken-of-the-Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus), Hawk Wing (Sarcodon sp.), and Bird’s Nest fungi. Chicken-of-the Woods is a beautiful spe-cies, bright yellow in colour and often spectacular on dead stumps. Like the Tur-key Tail, it has no gills, but tiny “holes” where spores are released on the under-sides. There are many other bracket fungi, and, in winter, when few mushrooms are about, you can practice your identification skills on them.

Bird’s Nest fungi are always a job to dis-cover, some with their little ‘eggs’ called peridioles – sesame seed shaped spore cap-sules. The ‘birds nest’ works like a splash cup: rain drops knock the spore capsules out of the cup, where they can then split open to release the delicate spores.

Another lovely cup to be watched for is the Eyelash Cup (Scutellinia sp.). The radiating lines inside the cap do resemble beautiful eyelashes. Look for these cups on woody twigs.

I’ve always been impressed by the won-derful array of fungi supported by dead alders. The Turkey Tail has already been mentioned but then there are delicate Fairy Helmets (Mycena sp.) including the Bleed-

ing Fairy Helmet (M. haemato-pus) – so called because when you nick it, it oozes a reddish liquid. Also growing on these lovely alder stumps are species in the genus Pholiota.

Our local alder stumps are well used by woodpeckers. Apparently by feeding on insects associated with dead trees, woodpeckers help to “transport” fungi about the forest. Work has been done to show this relationship with the Hairy Woodpecker and the Red Belt Conk (Fomitopsis

pinicola) and Western Hemlock.

Another popular use of the dead alders: the punky, softer wood permits smaller birds like the Chestnut-backed Chickadee to excavate its own nesting cavities.

Local lawns come up with a variety of mushrooms. Most are little brown jobs, but a really interesting one is the Fairy Ring Mushroom (Marasmius oreades). This species is also found in other parts of the world and subject of much folklore. For instance, you’re not supposed to walk through a ring or you will annoy the “lit-tle people”. They might even play tricks on you!

Please enjoy our vast array of fungi and do the following to help increase your enjoyment:• Utilize a good app or field guide – it

is said that you can’t have too any mushroom books.

• Buy a good quality 20X hand lens (every naturalist should have one.)

• Bring a small mirror with you so you can check the undersides of mushrooms for spines, pores, or gills.

• Join a mycology club and learn from the experts. And please do not eat any mushroom unless you are 100% sure of its identity.

• Take lots of time in your woodland rambles.

• And it should go without saying: do not pick mushrooms in parks – instead take lots of photos.

• In your travels, you will discover fungi that look like blobs of jelly, some like coral, and some in your next bite of blue cheese!

Additional References:Arora, David. 1991. All That the Rain Promises and More. Biosystems Books, Santa Cruz, California.McKnight, K. and Vera McKnight. 1987. A Peterson Field Guide to Mushrooms: North America. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Boston, Massachusetts. National Audubon Society, 1981. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms. Knopf, New York City, New York.

By Al Grass

Hawk Wing (Sarcodon.sp.)

Fly Amanita (Amanita muscaria).

By Al Grass

By Al Grass

BCnature Fall 201710

Bringing Nature to a Screen Near You!

By Haley Crozier

Every time I’ve found myself in the south terminal of the

Vancouver Airport I’ve had a smile on my face. Why? Because the only place I’ve flown to from there is Bella Bella, in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest.

For the last two and a half years, I’ve been lucky enough to volunteer and work with Pacific Wild, a non-profit environmental organization based on Denny Island, across from Bella Bella. Pacific Wild is actively working towards conser-vation goals in the Great Bear Rainforest in collaboration with First Nations, scientists, other non-profits, as well as individuals such as myself.

I first got involved with Pacific Wild in December 2014 as part of my practicum for my two-year photography program. Because of my boating experience, I was lucky to jump straight on board the S/V Habitat as a dive tender and photogra-pher for a week-long media gathering trip with executive director Ian McAllister and photographer April Bencze. I clearly remember being shown the photos and videos from the first dive Ian and April went on because they absolutely floored me. They looked like something from the tropics. Vibrant reds, pinks, yellows, greens, and purples. Walls of anemones and sponges, in the brightest colors you can imagine. I couldn’t believe these were colors found in the cold, dark waters of the Great Bear Sea, but they were. Every single dive after that one I couldn’t wait to see what had been documented below the surface. At the end of that trip, I flew home, dreaming of the Great Bear Rain-forest’s streams, forests, and underwater world, wondering when I would be back again. Little did I know that it wouldn’t be long, and that there would be many trips to follow.

After that first trip with Pacific Wild, I volunteered on another two media gathering dive trips. To see video footage of a Northern Abalone cruising along the bottom, a female greenling guarding her eggs in a barnacle, and to eat fresh sea-cucumber sushi are just some of the highlights of those first three trips. I was also lucky enough to be tasked with recording and creating time-lapse videos for Pacific Wild’s use, something I really enjoy doing.

On the third trip I was on with Pacific Wild in February 2016, Ian told me some

A behind the scenes look at how those beautiful documentaries are brought to a screen near you.

exciting news. He told me there was a chance that he and some others would be making an IMAX film of the Great Bear Rainforest, and he was going to be finding out if he got the funding some time while I was there. A few days later, the news came through, and so did the guarantee of funding. I couldn’t contain my excitement- the thought of people around the world seeing and appreciating the beauty found here on the BC coast in the Great Bear Rainforest, was what I thought the place needed.

Fast forward to February 2017, when I found myself onboard the S/V Habitat for three weeks as a deckhand/cook as part of the IMAX crew. On board the boat was myself, Ian, and Deirdre Leowinata, who is Ian’s amazing camera assistant for the film. This time we were traveling north from Vancouver, with our longest travel day covering more than 100 kilometers. Over the course of our travel, Ian dove with and filmed a pair of giant Wolf Eels, seals, and so much other marine life. On one of our travel days, I was on log watch at the helm, and I saw a huge dark cloud creeping up behind us. Within an hour we were having wet, heavy snow dumped upon us. It was snowing so hard that I couldn’t keep the windshield at the helm clear, so I was forced to stand out in the driving snow. It only took me a minute to realize I couldn’t keep my eyes open, but I knew a solution. A few minutes later I was back at the helm, wearing Ian’s dive mask to protect my eyes.

One of the major highlights for me on this trip was when I found a raft of roughly 40 Sea Otters, floating in a quiet bay. Though we didn’t end up filming those Sea Otters in particular, we now knew where they would be again. Instead of being sad when I left the Great Bear after this trip, I was stoked because I

knew I’d be back again in two weeks for the return of herring.

As long as I’ve been volunteering and working with Pacific Wild, I’ve been wanting to witness the great event that is the return and spawning of Pacific Her-ring in the Great Bear Sea. Two years in a row I had to decline volunteering with Pacific Wild during the event due to my schooling, but this time I knew I could handle it. We had a full crew on the S/V Habitat for herring - five of us. I’d be cooking three-meals-a-day for the crew, in addition to deck-handing, and actually running the boat when needed. We also had another vessel working with us, with the other half of our film crew.

After 10 days of only seeing spot spawns - probably due to the long, cold, winter - the spawn kicked off in full force, turning the waters around the islands a milky blue. The sky was alive with birds, and the water was alive with every creature that could eat herring or their eggs. To watch coastal Wolves licking her-ring eggs off the beach, to hear sea lions grunting with the satisfaction of a full stomach, and to see the Heiltsuk people harvest their spawn-on-kelp product was nothing short of a dream come true. Our days were long (at least a 12 hour work day), but extremely productive. We were able to capture every aspect of the event we needed, from the herrings’ first arrival, to the pulling of kelp and hemlock boughs from the water by the Heiltsuk people, which were now coated in a thick layer of delicious herring roe. We covered the aerial scenes with a heavy lift drone, and the underwater world with Ian and his underwater scooter. Everything fell into place perfectly, with the majority of our filming coming in the last four days of the two-week trip. Things wrapped up quickly- the day we returned to Bella Bella we had to hustle straight to the airport. Before I left, Ian made sure I knew how proud he was of me- not every-one can work 12-14 hour days for 14 days straight, but I did it, and for the most part, I enjoyed every minute of it.

In May, Ian called again- he needed a deckhand/cook for their spring Grizzly Bear photoshoot, but this time I’d be working on the second vessel, with the other half of our film crew. As usual, the trip amazed me. Though I was on the boat most of the time, I did make it on shore enough to see numerous Grizzlies, including a mom and cub that were forced to run from an incoming male. Work days on this trip were extra-long - 16 hours or more, with a short nap in the middle. As per usual, wrapping up the shoot was hard - it’s always strange to leave a group of people when you spend 14 days straight with them, and truly enjoy their company.

By Crew of the S/V Habitat

Travelling north in February in the snow.

Continued p. 11

BCnature Fall 2017 11

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Fifteen members of BC Nature participated in a lakeside set-ting residential camp in Lake Country, north of Kelowna.

Monday dawned sunny with a light breeze and all were led on a nine-kilometre walk following the old Canadian Pacific Rail-way track. It has been bought by the municipalities to become a 42 km biking and hiking trail that follows the lakeshore.

On Tuesday, we enjoyed a day of birding following Beaver Lake Road. The increase in elevation produced many species new to the visitors, including Western and Mountain Bluebirds and Red-naped Sapsucker.

The following day, covering the same area, botanists from the Central Okanagan Naturalist Club identified local plant species. A late spring had resulted in an equally late flowering of many species.

The proposed trip to Scenic Canyon was somewhat in doubt due to the deteriorating weather conditions, but many hiked the seven kilometres and were rewarded with spectacular geo-logical features and viewpoints.

The campers filled in their time with winery visits, muse-ums, art galleries, and shorter hikes. Of particular interest was Robert Lake with its many species of waterfowl and shorebirds, including American Avocets.

Each evening we enjoyed presentations, including badgers, snakes, bats, and bird songs of the Okanagan with John Neville. John identified and recorded many birds at the campsite.

Pat, Fiona, and Heather Neville managed the catering.It was a successful camp and a worthwhile fundraising effort

for the Central Okanagan Naturalist Club and BC Nature. Many thanks to CONC Members for their leadership and knowledge ◊

By Hugh and Pat Westheuser The Okanagan Experience May 7 - 12 2017

I feel so privileged and grateful to be involved with Pacific Wild, and this Great Bear Rainforest in IMAX project. I’m not sure if I’ll be working on it again before shooting is complete, but what I do know is that I will continue to volunteer with and support Pacific Wild in any way I can. They are an organization that is making a difference in the Great Bear Rainforest, and I couldn’t be more proud to be involved with them. Look for the Great Bear Rainforest in IMAX in the spring of 2018, it’s a film you won’t want to miss! ◊

By Heather Neville

Beautiful view from our lakeside camp.

Bringing Nature to a Screen Near You! Continued

BCnature Fall 201712

Book ReviewBest Places to Bird in British Columbia. Written by: Cannings, R & Cannings, R (2017) Greystone Books. $22.95 CANReviewed by Louise Pedersen

As a birding enthusiast who’s fairly competent on northern European birds but just above the novice level when it

comes to birds in this province, I have often looked for help in Richard Cannings’ past handbooks to help me identify and locate birds in the Lower Mainland, where I do most of my

birding. So when asked by BC Nature to review Russell and Richard Cannings’ new book, I jumped on the opportunity to learn more about what this new book might have in store for birders across the province.

In their new book, Best Places To Bird In British Columbia, biologist Richard Cannings and his son Russell Cannings (named Canada’s top birder by Maclean’s magazine in 2012), identify 30 of their top birding locations across BC. This book really is more than a just a birding guide. It is full of personal anecdotes, notes for each location, and directions with maps. These maps are a tremendous help when faced with a new birding location but no local friends who can give you the lowdown on the best time to visit or where exactly to go to see some really special birds.

So which of the 30 birding locations might just claim the top spot? According to the Cannings, the Salmon Arm Bay area gets top remarks in terms of the sheer numbers of different species that you can see in the bay area during the year. With a combina-tion of an ample number of different songbirds so characteristic of the interior with its grasslands and shrubs, combined with migratory birds by the shoreline in spring and fall, and breeding birds in the summertime, local bird watchers have counted more than 300 different species in this area.

The book includes locations that will be familiar to most birders such as Vaseaux Lake, Maplewood Flats, and Triangle Island, but, after reading this book, I think you too will feel inspired to visit a new place to watch birds. I am already thinking about when I might be able to head up to Belcher’s Prairie on the Chilcotin Plateau to look for Sharp-tailed Grouse and the dashing Lazuli Bunting!

Richard and Russell Cannings also co-authored the book, Birdfinding in British Colum-bia in 2013. ◊

BC Nature Heroes

On behalf of BC Nature and the Camp Committee we wish to recog-

nize Pat Westheuser and Fiona Flook as heroes. These two dedicated volunteers have catered seven BC Nature camps over the years. With their hundreds of hours of volunteer time as camp "cooks", BC Nature has reaped an enormous finan-cial benefit from their generous efforts. Thank you! ◊

By Heather Neville

Pat Westheuser and Fiona Flook.

BCnature Fall 2017 13

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The North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club welcomes BC Nature and its affiliated club members to our beautiful region for the 2017 Fall General Meeting at the Village Green Hotel in Vernon.

The three–part theme of the Conference has attracted speakers and presenters who will highlight threats, challenges, and successes in each of the subject areas. A well–known local published historian will talk on the impact of commercial ranching on natural grasslands and a climate change adaptation scientist will speak on assisted seed migration in certain forest species. His work has recently drawn the attention of National Geographic magazine. Our Saturday evening banquet speaker will be a professional geoscientist speaking on the impact of climate change on water supply and demand in the Okanagan basin.

Early morning birding and field trips will include visits to our local provincial parks, the Swan Lake Reserve, as well as new trails adjacent to the Predator Ridge and Sparkling Hills resorts. The Okanagan Valley’s newest “rail trail” will also be featured. If that is not enough, then come earlier and stay longer to enjoy the apple harvest, winery/cidery tours, and the many attractions for which the Okanagan

Valley is renowned. For the latest and more detailed information, please go to our website at www.nonc.ca. The registration form and full conference schedule are available on page 29 and 30 of this edition of BCnature. ◊

“Lakes, Grasslands, Forests” BC Nature Fall General Meeting: September 21 to 23, 2017

AwardPresentations

(L) Julie Schooling presenting to Jean Crowe with Alan Burger

(R) Lisa Scott presenting to Orville Dwyer

BCnature Fall 201714

The Secret Life of Wolverinesby Shannon West, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation

When you read the word “Wolverine”, what comes to mind? A snarling, snapping North-American version of the Tasmanian

Devil? A fearsome fur ball taking down prey ten times its size? Hugh Jackman?

For a creature whose reputation has reached mythical proportions, it might surprise you to learn that there’s still a lot we don’t know. Naturally rare, Wolverines are found in remote wilderness areas, making them challenging study subjects. But with increasing pres-sure on the landscapes that Wolverines and other wildlife call home, it’s more important than ever for land managers to have accurate information on populations in BC. Advances in research techniques and technology are not only providing the data necessary to protect Wolverines, they’re actually changing the way we view this elusive species.

Cliff Nietvelt is a BC government wildlife biologist who has been studying Wolverines since 2009. It was that year, working on a col-laring project in the North Cascades, that he had his first up-close encounter with a Wolverine. “We had set up a box trap and caught other carnivores but had no luck getting any Wolverines,” recalls Cliff. “I’d actually gone out to close the trap for a few days when I noticed a Wolverine track. I tapped on the top of the box and heard this low, guttural growl, the kind that makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck.” The Wolverine – nicknamed “Rocky”- was fit-ted with a satellite collar and sent on his way to collect information about the species’ habitat use and range.

Now, Cliff has just completed another Wolverine conservation project supported by the province and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. Using a combination of remote cameras and genetic analysis, the project examined how Wolverine distribution and density could be affected by factors such as human disturbance. This question is of particular importance in the South Coast region of BC - a paradox of development and wilderness.

“Here, we have the bulk of BC’s human population and Canada’s third largest metropolitan centre adjacent to this really rugged ter-rain that’s home to Grizzly Bears, Mountain Goats, Wolverines - all species with big space requirements,” says Cliff. “It’s good habitat for the most part, but it’s becoming more and more fragmented by roads and human habitation.”

Cliff and his team set up more than 70 data collection sites in the South Coast’s Sea-to-Sky District. Each site was equipped with a remote camera, a run-pole, and specially-designed hair snaggers made from alligator clips and barbed wire. The setup was based on research done in Alberta and Alaska, but the BC team had to customize some of their techniques to meet the unique challenges posed by west coast weather.

To attract Wolverines to the site, they started with a “lure”: a tan-talizing mix of Beaver castoreum, American Marten or Fisher musk, and essence of Striped Skunk. “We mix it all up in a 2-litre milk jug with a glycerin base,” explains Cliff. “It’s pungent at first, but it loses its potency fairly quickly in wet conditions.” To offset this, the team had to bring in an extra ingredient tolerated by only the toughest of researchers: rotten cattle blood.

“The cattle blood was primarily used for Grizzly Bear DNA stations and sourced from a local abattoir. We have to keep it at the local dump, where it’s stored in barrels, baking in the sun. After a few months, it gets quite the bouquet on it. Ninety-nine percent of peo-ple who’ve experienced it vow never to touch the stuff again,” shares Cliff. “We splash it on the trees in the periphery and it mimics a kill site or rotting carrion. Even a couple of weeks later, the scent of blood will still be in the air. It draws the animals close enough to spot the bait. We primarily use Beaver meat, as we can source it from local trappers. But we’ll also use road-killed Moose, elk and deer when we can get it.”

Like the lure, Cliff’s description of bait preparation is not for the squeamish. “We have to freeze it solid first so we can easily cut it up

with a chainsaw, and we need to be able to drill through bone to hang it at the site. Otherwise, an animal can rip it off pretty quickly.” If the bait disappears, Cliff says it doesn’t take long for the animals to stop coming, and this impacts the effectiveness of the study. “You risk under-estimating what’s out there. To mitigate this, we hang a cattle femur at each site, as it serves as a visual attractant and Wolverines can also break the bone to access to mar-row. If there’s at least a bone still hanging, you’ll still get Wolverines coming to check it out and chew on it.”

To reach the bait, Wolverines make their way across the run-pole, a platform of sorts constructed from two 4x4s braced to a tree. At the end of the 4x4s is a reinforced plastic frame attached to a 2x4 cross piece, and behind this are two plastic rods with a carefully arranged series of alligator clips with jaws open in wait. As the Wolverine vigorously attempts to take down the bait, they knock the alligator clips shut and leave a hair sample behind. This technique works well for matching a Wolverine caught on camera with its DNA from the hair sample, but an addi-tional modification had to be made after the team found they had multiple Wolverine visitors. “The disadvantage of the alligator clips is that they usually only collect hair from one animal, so if there are three or four Wolverines in a sampling session, you’re not collecting the hair from all of them,” explains Cliff. “So we found a way to add barbed wire to the tree and run-pole. We’ve really refined it to the point that we’re getting much better samples from the wire than the alligator clips.’”

In total, Cliff’s study collected 1,560 hair samples in the Squamish-Lillooet and Garibaldi-Pitt regions. The DNA from these samples was analyzed in the lab and determined to belong to 36 different Wolverines (20 males and 16 females), and as many as 45 Wolverines were identified visually. While the number of individu-als was higher than expected, it was the degree of genetic isolation between the geographic populations that the lab described as “remarkable”. After incorporating the results of hair samples from a separate Wolverine study in the Bridge area, the lab found there is almost no mixing of individuals between the three regions: the popula-tions are almost completely distinct. Not only is it highly unusual to find such clear separation between popula-tions in an area of this size, it also has important conser-vation implications. “Isolated populations are much more susceptible to any kind of disturbance or mortality,” says Cliff. “And if they’re wiped out, there’s a much lower chance of an area being recolonized.”

With the rapid pace of development on the south coast, Cliff feels there’s cause for

The remote cameras capture images of the Wolverines’ activity at night.

By Cliff Nietvelt

Continued p. 15

BCnature Fall 2017 15

concern. “You’re dealing with a species that’s likely not as tough as we think, and maybe not as resilient as we think,” he says. “Because of the [remote] cameras, we’re getting a very different picture of Wolverines.” While the cameras’ primary role in Cliff’s research is to match up an individual's unique throat and chest markings with the genetics from the hair samples, they also act as a fantastic window into the secret world of Wolverines. Multiple clips show Wolverines playing and socializing with each other, and Cliff’s study has identified up to six different Wolverines visiting a particular site. It would seem that Wolverines (on the south coast, anyway) are hardly the reclusive loners they’re reputed to be. The footage also shows a side of Wolverines that is far more vigilant than vicious. Even when engrossed in a meal of beaver bait, the animals frequently pause to look, listen, and smell; behaving more like prey than predator. While there’s no doubt that Wolverines can be fierce hunters, they are not fearless, and seem easily spooked by the presence of other predators – and humans.

“We see higher detection rates of Wolverines at sites that are truly backcountry, with no human access,” explains Cliff. “Sites in the front country that are adjacent to snowmo-bile trails and the like have a much lower rate of detection.” Development and a reduced snowpack caused by climate change could result in increased access to areas where Wol-verines have traditionally lived undisturbed. Increased access could also lead to increased competition from Wolves and Coyotes in habitats that were formally a niche for Wolver-ines. Neither scenario bodes well for the species.

“If you look at where Wolverines are found, they are true wilderness areas,” says Cliff. “In places such as Ontario, the range of Wolverines has decreased more than 50% since 1850, and now they are only found in the province’s far north. In BC, we have the advan-tage of very rugged terrain that, thus far, has been difficult to access.” Cliff says the real importance of this research is to get a clear understanding of what factors are important to Wolverine survival, so that we can work to protect them before the damage is done. The benefits are likely to go far beyond saving the south coast’s Wolverines. Cliff explains: “I have this saying: If we protect wildness, we protect wilderness. The Wolverine is a spe-cies that is representative of wildness, and if we can keep species such as Wolverine on the landscape, we can maintain the wilderness that so many British Columbians hold dear.” You can view some of the video footage captured by the remote cameras at Cliff’s research sites on the HCTF website at www.hctf.ca/Wolverines ◊

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We are organizing a BC Nature camp in the Lodge in Cathedral Lakes Provincial Park on September 13, 14, and 15, 2018.

This camp will be a hiking camp, offering strenuous hikes to the alpine, and long walks in the subalpine. The Lodge is at 2000m altitude and the alpine hikes go to more than 2500m, so the nights will be (very) cool.

Accommodation will be in lodge rooms, bungalows, and cabins, all with different amenities. Registration will be with the Lodge. Lodge staff will explain the differences in the accommodation and hence the pricing. There will not be a camping option.

The price is all inclusive: all meals, all tax, plus the transportation up the mountain to the Lodge. Your only cost will be alcoholic beverages. You will have to drive to a closed parking lot about 25 km west of Keremeos, from where an open Unimog will drive to the Lodge (about 45 minutes). On the 16th you will be returning the same way.

This camp is not for members with mobility issues, and we will offer only shared accommodation (either couples or same sex).

Prices will vary from $550 to $700/person and includes a BC Nature commission component. Registration will be from January 10, 9 a.m. to January 31, and will be capped at 45. Thirty registrants will be needed to go ahead. Wait for the BC Nature magazine, Winter issue, for more details about the registration process.◊

Camp in Cathedral Lakes Provincial Park By Kees Visser

The Secret Life of Wolverines Continued from p. 14

BCnature Fall 201716

The BC Nature Education, Scholar-ship Selection Committee chose

Keila Stark for her outstanding academic achievement in science and her strong leadership and commitment to environ-mental volunteering that support the ideals of BC Nature.

Keila Stark is a direct member of BC Nature and is attending the University of British Columbia as a Bachelor of Science Honours student, specializing in Marine Biology with a minor in Political Science. Keila tells us that growing up on the coast of BC had a dramatic impact on her deep connection to nature.

Keila Stark wrote in her application:“At about five years old I wanted to be a marine biologist and a protector of biodiversity throughout my lifetime. This decision has carried me to where I am today; everything I do in my life: studies, jobs, volunteer efforts, and personal activities- all contribute to mitigating biodiversity loss and learning more about human-wildlife interactions so that both can co-exist sustainably for coming generations.

I have contributed to these goals by participating in nature outreach and edu-cation, as well as scientific research. My engagement as an environmental leader began in high school in my time as the President of the New Westminster Sec-

ondary School Environment Club. Along with managing club logistics, I initiated several projects, including purchasing indoor Bokashi compost bins for class-rooms, installing a wind turbine on our roof, and winning $1000 for our school in the BC Green Games for several con-secutive years. In 2012, I was recognized as the City of New Westminster Junior Citizen of the Year for my work with the N’Dub Environment Club, which also received recognition on Shaw TV’s Earth Day special that year. I am a fierce advo-cate of science outreach and education because I believe our scientific under-standing of the natural world should be communicated throughout society.

Since high school, I have volunteered and worked several positions in nature outreach and education and delivered children’s nature camps, facilitated cetacean citizen-science workshops, and delivered nature programs on ferry trips with an environmental call-to-action (i.e. choosing sustainable seafood, minimizing plastic use, supporting Marine Protected Areas).

Recently, I have further expanded my reach by founding a zoology and botany research mentorship program for elementary-aged students with a school near UBC campus called BioBuddies. The goals of the program are to inspire

young students to be curious and observant of the nature in their backyards, and to learn scientific techniques that real biologists use to further understand it. Activi-ties include plant walks, pond dips, seaweed explorations, and games that teach con-cepts in ecology and conserva-tion. Seeing eleven-year-olds take a strong liking to any of the topics we cover is an incredibly rewarding feeling. I like to think that, as I was inspired by teachers and camp leaders, the BioBuddies team is inspiring the next genera-tion of biologists and nature stewards.

Other volunteer efforts at UBC include being an execu-tive for the UBC Biological Sciences Undergraduate Soci-ety, and the External Assis-tant Director for Common Energy UBC- UBC’s largest student environment club. My efforts were rewarded recently as I was a recipient of the 2017 Canadian Youth

Environmental Leaders Scholarship, and was given the opportunity to attend the Globe Capital corporate sustainability conference in Toronto. Earlier this year I have also been the recipient of the Dr. M. Wosk Environmental Leadership Award sponsored by the Pacific Parklands Foundation.

I’m currently working on my honours thesis in marine ecology, where I am investigating the factors that determine community structure in seagrass beds in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. My findings will hopefully provide insight on the benefits of Marine Protected Areas in our region, and help inform Marine Protected Area planning. In the future, I hope to continue learning more about important ecosystems through research, while integrating anthropogenic inter-ests, to arrive at sustainable solutions for nature and humans.

I simply love being outdoors and inter-acting with wildlife. I volunteer as a bird-banding assistant with WildResearch at Iona Island Bird Observatory. Waking up at 3 am to catch the birds at sunrise is the best part of my week. I am still mesmer-ized by the otherworldly underwater flora and fauna when I go SCUBA diving. I notice peculiar plants as I walk through my own urban neighbourhood in Van-couver. This nature-centric worldview is at least partially a self-selected bias I’ve acquired as a biologist, but I like to think that there is a deep sense of fulfilment that all of us acquire from being among other different living things.”

As Naturalists, we’re delighted to meet Keila Stark, as she and others with her world view give us hope for the future! ◊

BC Nature - 2017 Rene Savenye Scholarship Awarded to Keila Stark By Marg Cuthbert

Congratulations Keila!

Rene Savenye Scholarship for 2018

BC Nature wishes to acknowledge the many generous donations made in memory of the late Rene Savenye, which made this scholarship possible. Future scholarships depend on future donations.

In September 2018, BC Nature will awarda $1,500 scholarship

To qualify, a candidate must be:• a direct member of BC Nature or a member of a BC Nature Naturalists Club• registered at an accredited institution of higher learning in BC in full time studiestowards an undergraduate degree program in a discipline that contributes to an awareness, appreciation and understanding of our natural environmentInformation and Applications for Scholarships may be obtained by:* visiting the BC Nature website, refer to the Education tab - download and �ll in the form and submit by using the electronic Submit button.

For queries; please email:manager@bcnature.caCompleted applications should reach the BC Nature office by Friday June 1, 2018.The successful candidate will be notified prior to the new school year.

By Marg Cuthbert

BCnature Fall 2017

Focus on IBAs: Sumallo River/Skagit Valley IBABy Krista Kaptein and Scott Denkers

17

Sumallo River/Skagit Valley Important Bird & Biodiversity Area (IBA) is comprised of a series of interconnected, forested valleys,

with rugged and rocky terrain, within a highly faulted area of the Cascade Mountains. Most of this site is protected within Manning Provincial Park and Skagit Provincial Park. The Sumallo/Skagit IBA is one of only a few sites in Canada that historically had consistent records of breeding pairs of the nationally endangered Northern Spotted Owl. The provincial government created Special Resource Management Zones (SRMZ) to help preserve Spotted Owl habitat by controlling forestry practices within these areas, and SRMZ #1 (Manning and Skagit) encompasses this IBA site.

The Sumallo and Skagit Rivers also provide breeding habitat for Harlequin Duck, Common Merganser, and American Dipper. Black Swifts are also thought to nest on some of the valley walls that are situated near small waterfalls. Forests in the surrounding area provide habitat for species characteristic of coastal coniferous forests, including Northern Pygmy-Owl, Vaux's Swift, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, and Varied Thrush.

The volunteer caretaker for Sumallo River/Skagit Valley IBA is Scott Denkers, Administrative Director with Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning. Scott is a passionate birder and life-long student of nature and earth sciences in general, and is also a board director at the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve Society and an executive committee member with the Chilliwack Field Natural-ists. Scott took on the IBA Caretaker role at the beginning of 2016, saying he “feels it's definitely a privilege and honour to take on the role of IBA Caretaker in the Skagit, which has always been one of my favourite haunts for birding in BC.” One of Scott's first initia-tives to get the IBA better known for its value to birds and biodiver-sity in general was to coordinate the installation of three small IBA signs at trail and road entrances to the Park.

The volunteer caretaker role is a natural fit with Scott's activi-ties at the Hope Mountain Centre, a registered charity working to strengthen people’s connection with nature. The Centre offers outdoor events for all ages and abilities, in all seasons, to build a love of the outdoors and inspire people to become better stewards. Among the Centre's popular programs are the well-known annual Manning Park Bird Blitz as well as the increasingly popular Skagit Valley Bird Blitz.

Established in 1983, the Manning Park Bird Blitz is one of BC’s longest-running bird counts. The Skagit Bird Blitz builds on the success of the Manning Park Bird Blitz, and for the past seven years has been based at the Ross Lake group campground on the Canada-US. border. Because the Skagit Valley runs north-south, spanning the international border, it forms a natural corridor for spring bird migrants — an important area to study in the years ahead, as climate change continues to impact the timing of migra-tion and breeding.

As BC IBA Coordinator, I was invited to attend the Skagit Bird Blitz from May 12-14, 2017. Having no idea what to expect after I turned off the paved roads south of Hope, the bumpy two-hour drive along the gravel Silver-Skagit Road (not yet graded for the sea-son) had me wondering whether many people would be attending this event! On arriving at the Ross Lake campground I was thrilled to see more than 30 participants, and about one-third of those, young people under 20 , already camped and excited for a birding weekend. During the well-organized registration and introductory information, it was great to see the diversity of participants, from expert naturalists to young families and keen teenagers.

The Saturday birding day began for me at 12:30 a.m., when a Northern Pygmy-Owl tooted several times, confirmed later in the day by other campers. After dawn, several birders started with a walk to Ross Lake reservoir, where some of the younger birders found a Western Bluebird, considered a rare sighting by eBird and

an exciting first for the Park checklist. The 16 target areas to be birded included forest trails as well as lakeshore and meadows, where highlights for me included Calliope Hum-mingbird and Nashville Warbler. Later in the afternoon, I arrived back at the campground intending to have a siesta, but was re-energized by Scott who had just photographed a Lewis's Woodpecker! As other birders arrived back at the campground after a day of birding they were directed to Ross Lake, where most saw and photographed this rare bird for the area. At the evening barbeque, when the bird sightings and stories were shared and tallied, a father and daughter team revealed that they had been the first to see the Lewis's Woodpecker in the early afternoon, but there had been no other participants around at the time to alert to their exciting find!

On the final day of the weekend, several participants visited areas that had not been birded the previous day to complete the blitz. Having contributed to the total of 86 species seen the previous day, I was already happy enough with my 58 species including a few 'lifers'. However even these were not the rarest birds ever seen on the Skagit Bird Blitz – in May 2016, a Sage Thrasher photographed by Gail Newell and later entered onto eBird, was perhaps the rarest bird seen so far on the Skagit Bird Blitz – a great incentive to participate again another year, and continue the valuable recording of bird sightings for this IBA. ◊

Skagit Valley Important Bird and Biodiversity Area.

By Scott Denkers

By Scott Denkers

Lewis's Woodpecker. Photograph taken at the Skagit Valley Bird Blitz 2017.

BCnature Fall 201718

Nature Vancouver - 100 years

On the occasion of the Vancouver Natural History Society’s (VNHS) 50th Anniversary in 1968, Bert Brink wrote an insightful synopsis

of the Society’s first fifty years. This he titled The Beginning of Wisdom, taken from Stewart Udall’s book The Quiet Crisis. With eloquence and perception, he outlined the Society’s emergence from the amalgamation of the Natural History Section of the BC Mountaineering Club and the Arbor Day Society, to becoming the lead organization promoting the establishment of the BC Nature Council (1963), precursor to the Federa-tion of BC Naturalists (1969), now known as BC Nature. He touched on the challenges, the programs, activities, conservation issues, community advocacy, and the personalities that united and laid the foundation for the Society’s second half century. Bert’s treatise is a wonderful read!

During the Society’s second 50 years many of the themes and activities championed previously have continued, all-be-it modified by incredible technological advances. Helicopters have replaced horses for summer camp access; computers rather than a Gestetner made possible the trans-formation of The Bulletin into Discovery; and film photography has all but disappeared with the ascendency of digital imaging. The Audubon Wild-life Screen Tours, where prominent naturalist-photographers travelled to Vancouver to personally narrate their nature encounters (at the Point Grey High School Auditorium), have now largely been replaced by David Attenborough and many others on television seen from the comfort of our living rooms.

Communication is now instantaneous. Via www.naturevancouver.ca and smartphones, members can “post” pictures and text during hikes, field trips, and camps within seconds, at the touch of a button. What would VNHS’s first President, John Davidson, make of all this?

For members desiring to reach out, to physically experience new envi-ronments, it is possible, within 24 hours from Vancouver, for a person to reach almost every conceivable destination on earth!

Vancouver has also changed dramatically in character over our 100-year history. The city’s ever increasing human population (Coyote, Skunk, and Raccoon populations too!), diminishing green space, densification, an ever-changing cultural diversity, and improved public transit have combined to make present day Vancouver almost unrecognizable to those of yore. For those with an interest in nature, or a love for wildness, the ability to satisfy these needs close at-hand is an increasing challenge.

Our Society however, (now known as Nature Vancouver), continues to adapt. Now, well into the 21st Century, it remains strongly based on the experience gained during our earlier years. Summer camps, field trips, evening programs, the Christmas Bird Count, and Discovery continue to be Nature Vancouver’s “bread & butter”. Today the “work” of the naturalist is regarded as “citizen-science”. Thankfully, no longer are shot guns, pickled or dried specimens required, to verify records. A good pho-tograph will suffice!

One practice that has set our society apart has been its dedication to recording its accomplishments through publications. These include: The Vancouver Natural History Society, 1918-1993, edited by Jim Peacock

and Nature Vancouver, A Portrait, 1994-2010, which chronicles our progress to the present. Three indices, first for The Bulletin (1941 to 1971), then Discovery (1972-1993 and 1994-2010), list all the con-tributors, their observations, and the loca-

By Bill Merilees (edited by Cynthia Crampton and Jeremy McCall)

tions visited. The Nature Vancouver Birding Section was established in the late 1970’s by members with a special interest in birds. Their “in-house” publication, The Wandering Tattler, chronicles their many activities. Together these form a very considerable data base about the natural resources of Greater Vancouver past.

Placing the Society on a more stable financial footing has evolved over time. At first, due to the uncertainty of alpine weather, a summer camp’s sizable budget was always difficult to predict. When the Nature Bus Tours program was first proposed it recognized that a nonprofit society could budget for a “surplus” from these activities. This was on the condi-tion that monies received must be used to enhance the Society’s stated aims and objectives. From this point onwards all camp and tour offerings wisely included a contingency fee built into the budgeting process. The surplus generated became a support fund for event organizers, as well it created the Special Proj-ects Fund (for publications and other projects) and, in part, helped kick start the Society’s Endowment Fund. This latter fund also became the repository for a number of gifts and bequests received by the Society. As of 2016, the book value of the Endowment Fund was $465,000, and it is used annually to subsidize the Society’s operations.

The Society’s first milestone publication was the book Nature West Coast – As Seen At Lighthouse Park (1973) produced by Kay Smith, Kay Beamish, and Nancy Anderson. It was reprinted in 1988. The list of books since published by the Society now includes the Guides to Stanley Park, 1988 and 2006, Bird Watching Guides 1993, 1995, 2001, and 2016, Parks and Nature Places in Vancouver, 1996 and 2009, and Exploring the Rocky Shore at Stanley Park (2009).

Dr. Bert Brink was the Society’s acknowledged inspirational leader on conservation initiatives from 1965 until 2007. Supported by a sizable committee, this group played a major role in habitat preservation efforts at Boundary Bay, the Alaksen National Wild-life Area, Robert’s Bank, the Sanctuary at Hastings Park, Camosun Bog, the Seymour Demonstration Forest, Burns Bog, Serpentine Fen, Maplewood Flats, Colony Farm, Cypress Provincial Park, and Iona Beach, to name just a few!

Our Society’s interest in nature education for chil-dren started through the Boy Scout and Girl Guide organizations.

Nature Vancouver camp, Botanie Valley.

By John Davidson

Continued p. 19Nature Vancouver members on a Savary Island outing

By John Davidson

BCnature Fall 2017 19

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Avocet Tours, 4430 Trepanier Rd, Peachland, BC, V0H 1X3

Phone: 250-718-0335.

$90,000 Donated For Viewing Platform At Willband Creek Park By Hank & Alice Roos

The Abbotsford-Mission Nature Club (AMNC) has received

a $90,000 donation from Co-op Community Spaces, a funding program supporting recreation, environmental conservation, and urban agriculture projects. The donation will be used by the club to construct a new trail, board-walk, and 400-square-foot viewing platform in Willband Creek Park, providing visitors with mountain views and excellent bird-watching opportunities. As part of the proj-ect, native trees and shrubs will also be planted in the area, restoring and enhancing wildlife habitat.

The wheelchair-accessible plat-form, designed by local architect

Ryan Huston of CHP Architects and engineered by Bill Louwerse of Lang Engineering, will be completed this year.

A sod-turning ceremony took place on Wednesday June 14 at the site.“This donation makes our dream a reality. I don’t know how many car washes and

bottle drives we would have needed to raise that amount of money, but it would have taken us forever,” said Hank Roos, AMNC president.

Otter Co-op CEO Jack Nicholson was also on hand at the ceremony.“Co-op Community Spaces is an exciting program that is making a difference across

Western Canada, and we’re delighted to see it come to Abbotsford,” he said.Students from nearby Abbotsford Christian School who have been volunteering at Will-

band wetlands, were also in attendance.“The opportunities this park provide are undeniable. As an outdoor learning space

with connections and applications to our curriculum, this park and this new facility will provide students authentic learning experiences that connect them to their community for years to come”, said Tym Berger, Abbotsford Christian Middle School principal.

Willband Creek Park is located on the Abbotsford Mission Highway at Bateman Road. ◊

Hank Roos (L) (Abbotsford-Mission Nature Club) and Jack Nicholson (R) (Otter Co-op) presenting the cheque.

Scouts and Guides, upon passing their Naturalist badge, were given an Honorary Junior Membership in the VNHS, by examiner Allan Wootton. The initial Junior Naturalists program was formed under the guidance of Wyn Pearson in the 1950s. When an initia-tive by the Federation of BC Naturalists to create a provincial-based young naturalist program stalled in 1997, the VNHS stepped in. With Daphne Solecki at the helm, the Young Naturalist program (now known as NatureKids BC) expanded across the province to become a provincial organization of its own.

Some years ago a very telling question was asked of the eminent British Biologist, Dame Miriam Rothschild (1908-2005). An interviewer asked Ms. Rothschild what she would wish for her grandchildren. This is her response: “I would wish for my grandchildren a love and fascination for nature. With this love they should never be bored, and one life would never be long enough!”

In today’s world, challenged by climate change, rising ocean levels, loss of biodiversity, the worship of Dow Jones and our Gross National Product, etc. etc. and despite all the dire predictions that bombard us every day, the Rothschild quote is worth remember-ing! As naturalists we may not be able to change the direction of these winds but we can always adjust our sails to reach fascinating destinations where we can engage our senses in the appreciation of natures’ immense beauty and biodiversity. May this remain forever so! And may Nature Vancouver continue to flourish!Disclaimer: In the preparation of this account – the author profoundly regrets he has not been able to mention all the contributions and names of members who have made Nature Vancouver the incredible organization it has become on this, the occasion of its 100th

birthday. A more detailed account is available in the Society’s publication Nature Vancouver – A Portrait 1994-2010 (154 pages) edited by Marian Coope. Copies are available free through the Society. ◊

Nature Vancouver - 100 years, Continued From p. 18

BCnature Fall 201720

Preparations continue for the 2018 BC Nature Conference and AGM on the University of BC campus. In keeping with the theme, Promoting Health in Nature: Past, Present, and Future, seasoned speakers will

provide a variety of thought-provoking topics. Come listen to some entertaining historic insight. Ponder the future of forestry in BC. Consider the many links between nature and healthy people, and be inspired by creative efforts in conservation and restoration.

The Conference and AGM will be one of the many highlights of Nature Vancouver’s yearlong cente-nary celebrations.

Inexpensive lodging has been arranged in the Orchard Commons student residences, located within a short walking distance of the conference and AGM. This will make it easy to join the early morning bird-

ing at the UBC Botanical Gardens and UBC Farm. Many distinctive opportunities are available on campus, including behind the scenes tours at both the Beaty Biodiversity Museum and in the UBC Forestry Research laboratories. Nature walks are planned in the surrounding beautiful Pacific Spirit Regional Park, UBC Farm, and nearby at Jericho Beach.

Further afield you can explore the coastal marine environment via boat or join an intertidal walk. Other tours include Light-house Park (West Vancouver), Maplewood Flats Conservation Area (North Vancouver), and the Riverview Arboretum (Western Canada's First Botanical Garden), in Coquitlam near Colony Farm. Be sure to leave time for a behind-the-scenes tour of the exhibit we are co-producing with the Museum of Vancouver.

The evening dinners are offered at two unique venues: Friday at the UBC Botanical Gardens and the Musqueam Cultural Pavil-ion on Saturday.

Look for complete details on activities and registration in the winter issue of BCNature, and later this year, online at both bcna-ture.ca and naturevancouver.ca. We look forward to exploring, mingling, and learning together. ◊

2018 BC Nature Conference and AGMMay 10 –13, 2018

“Promoting Health in Nature: Past, Present, and Future”

By Virginia Hayes

Hosted By The Vancouver Natural History Society

From the BC Nature Office

A volunteer is needed to help out with BC Nature social media and website maintenance. No experience necessary, however a knowledge of Facebook and Twitter would be a great help! This volunteer position would be initially

around two–three hours a week for training. Help out from the comfort of your own home wherever you are in the prov-ince!

After training is complete, we believe that the social media and website updating will take approximately an hour of your time per week. For further information, please email manager@bcnature.ca or telephone 604–985–3057. ◊

BCnature Fall 2017 21

Bring Back the Bluebirds Project – 5 Years LaterBy Valentin Schaefer, Chair, GOERT Society and Alina Fisher, Bluebird Coordinator 2016Introduction: Prior to the 1950s, the Western Bluebird was considered common in Garry Oak savannahs and meadows of the Georgia Basin. It was extirpated from the San Juan Islands by the 1960s, the Fraser River Valley by the 1970s, and Vancouver Island/Gulf Islands by the 1990s. The Georgia Depression population is Red-listed in BC, and considered Extirpated since 1995.

The five-year pilot of Bring Back the Bluebirds Project is centred in the Cowichan Valley around Duncan, BC. From 2012-2016 the project was led by the Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team (GOERT). The Cowichan Val-ley Naturalists Society has now taken over the project lead. Other partners on the project are the Ecostudies Institute, Province of BC, North Ameri-can Bluebird Society, Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the Southern Interior Bluebird Trail Society. This transboundary species recovery project is modeled on the successful bluebird reintroduction program on nearby San Juan Island, Washington, spearheaded by the Ecostudies Institute, the American Bird Conservancy, and the San Juan Island Preservation Trust.

The combined success of the San Juan Island and Vancouver Island rein-troduction programs has seen a steady increase in the regional population of the Western Bluebird. Both projects involved a series of translocations of birds from Fort Lewis, Washington, by the Ecostudies Institute to improve short-term success. The birds were released at the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve in Duncan, BC.

Translocations are key to the success of the project because natural dis-persal from the nearest healthy populations in southern Washington and Oregon is unlikely due to the great distances involved and the fragmented habitat that lies in between. Breeding pairs were released in the first year (2012) to establish a founder population, but additional translocations were undertaken (2013-2016) to supplement natural recruitment for several more years. Translocations of breeding pairs (with or without hatchlings) took place strategically throughout breeding seasons in March and April. The goal was to have 90 Western Bluebird adults released between 2012-2016.

Concomitantly with the translocations, the project has involved a vigorous nestbox stewardship program on Salt Spring Island, the Cowichan Valley, and Victoria areas. Building upon earlier efforts by the Victoria Natural History Society, GOERT and its project partners have been replacing missing nesting cavities with nestboxes as far north as Nanoose Bay. These boxes were placed in Garry Oak savannahs in parks and protected areas, in healthy, pesticide-free agricultural areas, and in other open meadow habitats on golf courses and private lands. The nestbox installations focused on the Cowichan Valley, Metchosin, the Saanich Peninsula, and the southern Gulf Islands.

Results: Initial results of the project show increasing successes in breeding territories, nesting attempts and success, and the number of fledglings. At the end of the 2012 season there were two adults and eight juveniles with one breeding territory and one successful nest (Figure 1). In Year 2 neither of the translocated adults returned but four of the island-fledged juveniles returned plus a female adult from the San Juan Island population. In 2013 there were 28 birds released: nine breeding pairs and 10 young. There were five successful nests that fledged 22 Island-hatched young in 2013. For the first time since extirpation, both returned and newly-released bluebirds established successful territories.

At the end of the 2013 season there were 14 adults and 32 juveniles. Over the five years 36 birds were successfully translocated and the population consisted of 95 birds: 28 adults and 67 juveniles. Discussion: Throughout North America, Western Bluebird populations have rebounded with active nestbox programs. They are habitat generalists, where habitat structure is more important than habitat composition. They will use fence posts and other structures, and inhabit hay fields, pastures, orchards, and other areas with remnant large oak trees and scattered perches, whether natural or not, and readily adapt to using nestboxes when they are provided in suitable habitat and are more than 100 m apart.

A five-year translocation and monitoring study of Western Bluebirds was done from 2007-2011 on San Juan Island by the American Bird Conser-vancy, Ecostudies Institute, San Juan Preservation Trust, and many other partners. During that time, 99 adults and 35 juveniles were translocated and released. Slater and Altman concluded that the reintroduced population of Western Bluebirds met simple criteria of success where translocated indi-viduals and their offspring reproduced successfully and the population increased in size. Nevertheless, the population in the San Juan Islands is small and remains at risk, as is the case with the population established in the Cowichan Valley over the last five years.

No new translocations are planned at the moment and the focus will be on environmental steward-ship. The Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society is focused on the Cowichan Valley where the bluebird population is most likely to establish itself. The GOERT Society is focussing on stewardship in the Greater Victoria area in the hope that bluebirds will expand their range here – some have already been seen. Although bluebirds are faced with many challenges, the Bring Back the Bluebirds Project has successfully established a promising founder popu-lation. Acknowledgements: The Bring Back the Bluebirds Project has had many supporters. These include: BC Ministry of Environment, Canada Summer Jobs, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Cowichan Valley Naturalists’ Society, Environment Canada EcoAction, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, James L. Baillie Memorial Fund (Bird Studies Canada), Joint Base Lewis-McChord,

Bluebirds from Fort Lewis, Washington, being released from a temporary aviary in the

Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve.

By Reanna Shilling

By Reanna Shilling

Western Bluebird. Continued p. 22

BCnature Fall 201722

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The McLean Foundation, Mountain Equipment Co-op, North American Bluebird Society, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Parks Canada Agency, Public Conservation Assistance Fund, Science Horizons Youth Internship, Southern Interior Bluebird Trails Society, TD Friends of the Environment, Sitka Foundation, Vancouver Foundation, Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Society, the Victoria Natural History Society, and many private donors. Genevieve Singleton of the Cowichan Valley Naturalists’ Society, Gary Slater of the EcoStudies Institute, and Trudy Chatwin, Vertebrates at Risk Specialist with the BC Ministry of Environment, in particular made significant contributions. Over the years, project coordinators have collected data and written the reports that formed the basis of this article. They were: Kathryn Martell, Reanna Shelling, Julia Daly, Jemma Green, and Alina Fisher. ◊ReferencesFraser, D.F., W.L. Harper, S.G. Cannings, J.M. Cooper. 1999. Rare Birds of British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria.Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team. 2002. Western Bluebird Stewardship Account for the Garry Oak Ecosystems of Southwestern British Columbia. Prepared by Manning, Cooper, and Associates for the GOERT Vertebrates at Risk Recovery Action Group.Purcell, K.L., J. Verner and L.W. Oring. 1997. A comparison of the breeding ecology of birds nesting in boxes and tree cavities. Auk 114:646-656.Slater, G.L. and B. Altman. 2011. Avian restoration in the prairie-oak ecosystem: a reintroduction case study of Western Bluebirds to San Juan Island, Washington. Northwest Science. 85(2):223-232. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3955/046.085.0211

Figure 1. Annual population size of Western Bluebirds (at end of breeding season) from 2012-2016.

At an Executive meeting of the Langley Field Naturalists (LFN), Gareth Pugh showed us a bird identification brochure that the Delta Natural-

ists Society had produced. He suggested that it could be a good project for our club to undertake. The LFN executive agreed and permission was sought from the Delta club to proceed. This publication would be utilized to help people identify local birds but it was also intended to be a public-ity tool that could build awareness of the Langley Field Naturalists in the community.

We received permission from the Delta Naturalists Society and,

because many of the birds in Delta are indigenous to Langley as well, we used many photos from the Delta brochure. We solicited photos of local birds from our membership and received many beautiful submis-sions. Accompanying some of the submissions were detailed descrip-tions of the various birds.

An eagle-eyed member of the Langley Field Naturalists, upon reading the Fall 2016 edition of BC Nature, noted that funding might be avail-able in the form of a club grant from the BC Naturalists Foundation. At the same time, additional grant applications were made to the City of Langley and VanCity Credit Union.

Following a newspaper article in the Langley Times, requests for these brochures have literally poured in and these brochures are proving to be very popular. To date, 3,100 brochures have been distributed and we are contemplating a second printing.

The brochures are available at Langley recreation centres and librar-ies. Some have been requested by local schools and have been deliv-ered by club members. As a result of the inclusion on library shelves, a loose partnership has been developed with the Langley City Library. Thanks to a member and avid birder, John Gordon, a presentation on birds in Langley was made in June 2017. Al Grass did a similar presen-tation on butterflies. We have been invited to have a display series in the Langley Library lobby and do a presentation on mushrooms and lichens.The purpose of this brochure was to increase awareness of the natural environment and the Langley Field Naturalists. It was also designed to encourage membership participation. The Langley Field Naturalists wish to thank BC Nature and the BC Naturalists Founda-tion for giving us a grant that made this publication possible. ◊

Birds of Langley Brochure By Lilliane Fuller

Bring Back the Bluebirds Project – 5 Years Later Continued from p. 21

By Lilliane Fuller

BCnature Fall 2017

NatureKids BC Update By Louise Pedersen, Executive Director - NatureKids BC

23

Our 2016 annual review is finally out and you can read it on our website: www.naturekidsbc.ca. It is only when we start writing

about our adventures across BC over the past year and add up the numbers that we once again realize of how wonderful this organiza-tion is. Thanks to all of you for helping NatureKids BC have another successful and impactful year!

We are particularly grateful to our precious volunteers and nature mentors who give so generously of their time, knowledge, and enthu-siasm, and who provide the special magic that make great things happen for our young members. Thank you also to our supporters, donors, and funders; we also could not do this without you. Here are some of the numbers from last year:• More than 1,250 youth members took part in Explorer Days,

stewardship projects, and other NatureKids BC activities• 100 volunteers gave 8,000 hours of their time, skills, and

experience• 57 nature club leaders organized and led monthly Explorer Days

throughout BC• 200 nature mentors provided expertise in guiding Explorer Days.

So what did we get up to last year? Lots of things! Here are just a few examples:Citizen-science amphibian project: Through hands-on citizen-science, NKBC members gathered data about local amphibians and submitted it to the BC Frogwatch database, where it will be used to inform land use decisions. One of the participating clubs, NatureKids Prince George, enjoyed being outside in the dark, looking for and counting frogs and toads, alive or dead.Bird Aware Cat Care citizen-science project: This year we launched a new youth citizen-science pilot project that seeks to protect wild birds while keeping cats safe. We asked our members to help us test, through experiments, three different tactics that can help decrease bird predation – by having their cats wear bibs or collars or by training their cat to walk on a leash while outdoors.Action Award success: 11 youth from NatureKids Eastern Fraser Valley earned their Bronze Action Awards. Congratulations to Nemo, Sigourney, Tanner, Corbin, Ava, Emma, Paige, Emily, Rowan,

Nature Kids Vancouver - Strathcona outing.

By Leslie Bol

Many of today’s children and families have limited opportunities to connect with nature around them. Richard Louv, author of

The Nature Principle and Last Child in the Woods argues that we’re col-lectively suffering from “nature-deficit disorder,” which hurts us men-tally, physically, and even spiritually. There is a large body of research that shows that daily contact with nature offers one of the most reli-able boosts to the mental and physical well-being of children, and here are five reasons why we should help youth get outdoors.1. Time in nature develops a healthy body. Nature, physical

movement, play, and fresh air are all important for healthy child development. When kids are outside, they move more, sit less, and play longer. Physical activity in nature can help prevent lifestyle diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, and it boosts the child’s mental, social, and environmental health.

2. Time in nature de-stresses and increases learning. Being in nature gives us all an opportunity to use all our senses while resting and restoring those parts of the brain that can give us stress. We experience peace, reflection, and immersion. It is here that children can recharge their mental ‘batteries’, and activity in nature and the attention to what’s around them can have a positive effect on their cognitive abilities, attention span, and intellectual skills.

3. Time in nature is good for the family and developing community. Having collective experiences in nature as a family creates special moments that will be remembered in years to

Five Good Reasons to Get Outdoors By Louise Pedersen, Executive Director NatureKids BC

Isla, and Owen. Also, congratulations to Maya from NatureKids Delta Home Learners on her bronze award and Lena from NatureKids Oceanside on reaching the silver level.Nature Clubs UpdateWelcome to our new volunteer nature club leaders:• Cheri Naslund and Crystal Kean, Oceanside club;

taking over from long-time volunteer of 16 years, Alison Bakker – thank you so much Alison!

• Hayley Datoo, Comox Valley; thanks to departing leader Rene Jorgenson

• Jenni Stol and Jen von Gradulewski, Nelson; thanks to departing leader Kristyn McIntosh

• Katrina Conwright, Cowichan Valley• Krystle Fedak, North Okanagan • Crystal Wallace and Roxanne Wallace have started a

new club in Merritt• Heather Lane, VictoriaWe are currently looking for leaders for: TriCities, Ridge-Meadows, Prince George, Delta Home Learners, and KelownaStay up-to-date with NatureKids BC by subscribing to our monthly e-newsletter, NatureKids Buzz. You can sign up via the homepage of our website: www.naturekidsbc.ca ◊

come. If you ask an adult to think of the best memories from their childhood, they often mention those that took place in nature. It is important that we try to give our children and grandchildren an opportunity to create their own memories.

4. Time in nature is an important part of being a child. Let us never forget that we have always been a part of nature and we are perfectly adapted to the challenges that we meet in nature. Participating in activities in nature is natural and helps kids become more robust, creative, and able to make good choices. We feel good while in nature. Children who are physically active often report higher self-confidence, feeling of self-worth, have more social relations, and feel less lonesome compared to children that are physically inactive. Nature time helps children thrive better mentally, socially, and academically.

5. Time in nature protects nature.When we have positive experiences in nature, we develop a closer relationship to our natural environment and a wish to steward it. We value that nature is the foundation for our existence and provides us with fresh air, clean water, and healthy food. Children who have many experiences in nature will grow up as users and protectors of nature. They will understand that we are part of something that is bigger than us and that we are mutually dependent. If we lose our connection with nature, we lose part of the connection to our self. ◊

BCnature Fall 201724

Lookin’ Out My Backdoor: Nature Photography on Vancouver IslandFriendsBy John Warden

Before I begin my morning walk along the Sidney seawall, I take a mo-ment for a long, slow look. Pondering the artistic and aesthetic aspects

of flow, I look to the clouds to see what the wind is doing and then look to the waves, to see what the water is doing. What photographs do the wind and the waves bring me this morning? Should I walk or should I take pictures?

After I put my cameras away, I walk. Usually, it’s still early by the time I get to the Sidney Fishing Pier. It’s quiet out on the pier and, once I’ve taken the time to appreciate the view, there are few distractions. That’s when I can settle into my physical practice of flow.

I step slowly through a series of martial arts movements. I focus on letting the energy of one technique flow smoothly into the next and the entire form becomes a smooth, uninterrupted synergy of the individual parts. At the same time, nature flows around me. The waves below the pier move with the tide, while above me, clouds, drifting with the wind, stretch out across Haro Strait. As the flowing energy of my practice melds with that of nature, I am caught up in the moment.

In Japanese aesthetics, flow is known as fūryū Kenjutsu master and author Dave Lowry, explains that fūryū relates to an appreciation of the beauty of wind and water. Artist and author H.E. Davey takes the aesthetics of fūryūto a place of poetic imagery:

“Like the wind, fūryū can be sensed, but not seen. It is a quality both tangible and intangible in its suggested elegance. Fūryū points to an ephemeral beauty, which can only be experienced in the now, for in the next instance, it will dissolve like the morning mist.”

Poetic imagery is one of the treasures that we seek on our quest as nature photographers, but how do we capture ephemeral beauty? Physically, flow, like the martial arts of Tai Chi and Aikido, is about soft, smooth, continu-ous movement. Artistically then, we need to convey that same sense of soft movement through the compositional elements of colour, light, and line.

Chesterman Beach near Tofino is a great place to study visual flow and, from the vantage point of the Wickaninnish Inn you can sit and watch,

An intangible whisper.

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By John Warden

Tracing of the tactile.

By John Warden

mesmerized, as line after line of waves wash onto the shore. Out in the water, surfers ride the energy of the waves. You can get a feel for the fluid push and pull of waves by walking along the shoreline where the water flows around (and yes, sometimes over the top of) your rubber boots.

One April morning while walking the beach at Chesterman’s, I felt the touch of flow’s ephemeral beauty. A long white line of surf carried my attention to the softest of subtle cirrus clouds drifting elegantly across the horizon. In the moment, I composed a single photograph. In another moment, in the always moving, always changing way of flow, the scene was transformed. Rivulets etched their way across the sandy beach in the foreground. White breakers still tumbled onto the shore-line but above the waves, the subtle clouds of a moment before, had been drawn, stretched and pulled dramatically, across the sky. I com-posed another photograph. Two very different poetic images of flow, one a whisper of the intangible, the other, tracings of the tactile.

Psychological and neurobiological research tells us that the creative and performance benefits of flow are grounded in science. It’s in the aesthetics of poetry though that I find its most evocative, written expression. Published in the 9th century, the Tosa Nikki Diary records the poem of an un-named Japanese school girl:

“The wind and the waves, Might they be friends? Every morning, my friends and I begin our day together, holding hands with flow.” ◊BibliographyDavey, H. (2012). The Japanese Way of the Artist. Stonebridge Press.Lowry, D. (1995). The Sword and the Brush. Shambhala.Tsurayuki, K. n. (0935). Tosa Nikki. You can view more of John’s images and articles at: www.jwardenphotography.com, or you can follow John on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JWardenphotography

BCnature Fall 201725

BC Naturalists’ Foundation SupportBy Robert Handfield

F O U N DAT I O N

A Strong Foundation is Good for Nature and Supports Club Projects

BC Naturalists’Foundation

For information on donations and bequests: Call 604-985-3057

Since the formation of the Foundation in 1990, BC Nature mem-bers’ contributions have helped the Foundation grow its capital to

nearly three-quarters of a million dollars. With ever-increasing capital, the Foundation is able to annually support more club projects with the investment earnings. We encourage you to donate through the annual appeal described in the centerfold of this magazine and, on behalf of the directors, I would like to thank the many members who have supported the Foundation in the past and continue to do so.

If you have not yet done so, please consider making a bequest to the Foundation in your will, or naming the Foundation as a beneficiary in your RRSP or Life Insurance, or simply making a tax-deductible donation before year end.

The Foundation’s Annual Report is now available on the Foundation’s webpage, within the BC Nature website. This Report includes updates on the nine club projects which the Foundation assisted with grants earlier this year (just shy of $14,500), plus a summary of the Foundation’s year-end Financial Statements. The full Financial Statements are also avail-able on the webpage. If you would like a hard copy of either the Annual Report or the full Financial Statements, please contact the BC Nature office to have a copy mailed to you, or you can contact any of the Foun-dation Directors.

At the Foundation’s Annual General Meeting on May 5th, Kees Visser was re-elected to the Board and, at the subsequent Director’s meeting, the following officers were elected: Bob Handfield (President), Tom Bearss, (Vice-president), David Tsang (Treasurer), and Heather Neville (Secre-tary). The Directors-at-Large are Gerard McKeating, Stephen Partington, Bev Ramey, Kees Visser, and Pat Westheuser. Alan Burger and Reda Akladios are ex-officio members of the Board. ◊

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The Mourning Cloak, One of BC’s Marvelous Butterflies By Bob Scafe

A very interesting feature makes the Mourning Cloak, Nymphalis antiopa, special. It is one of several BC butterfly species that

overwinters as an adult. It finds a loose flap of bark on a tree, or perhaps a woodpile, to provide shelter from the winter elements. By the end of October it is usually tucked away, and won’t emerge until early March. At this point it will seek a mate in order to perpetuate the species. Mating done, the female will then lay her eggs, usually on willow or poplar trees, and the larvae aggregate while they eat the leaves. A few more weeks and there will be fresh adult Mourning Cloak butterflies leaving their pupal cases behind.

The butterfly in this picture has survived the winter, and has mated. She will now lay her eggs, and in a very short while, she will die, and the cycle is completed again. ◊

By

Bob

Sca

fe

Mourning Cloak, Nymphalis antiopa.

BCnature Fall 201726

BCnature Fall 2017 27

I love this bird. It speaks of spring and vitality. They spend their winters in Mexico and Central America, arriving back in BC around mid-April.Found throughout most of Canada in spring and summer, the Wilson's

Warbler provides a cheerfulness in forests with dense undergrowth, par-ticularly in moist habitats. Bright yellow and sprightly, it graces any walk. The male wears an attractive black cap while the female's is less distinc-tive.

Anticipating their spring arrival in a favorite nearby riparian area here on the coast, I finally saw a pair frolicking together in the underbrush. By mid-May the female had chosen a nest site in a Sword Fern a foot off the ground.

Towards the end of May I found a bird incubating. It held tight, refusing to budge, allowing me to take this picture. Then it bolted from the nest, hiding in the brush nearby. Left behind were three of its own eggs and one of a Brown-headed Cowbird. Cowbirds are social parasites, too lazy or too smart to build a nest and raise their own young. I had witnessed this same pattern last spring in a Wilson's nest -- three warbler eggs and one cowbird. Knowing the cowbird chick would hatch first, getting most of the food and likely starving the warbler chicks, I removed the cowbird egg, but only after much soul-searching.

During this incubation period, the male would occasionally show up, and the female would leave the nest to feed a few minutes with him in the immediate area before returning to her eggs. About 10-12 days after egg laying, the warbler chicks hatched, tiny wriggling masses. I spotted a raccoon about 75 meters from the nest and prayed it would not eat the chicks.

I visited the nest a few days later to find the nest torn apart. There had not been enough time for the chicks to have fledged. A very sad moment for me. The likely suspects: a raccoon, rat, or cat.

Cat bylaws are needed since most cat owners I know do not take respon-sibility by keeping their cats on their property, or better, indoors. Rac-coons and rats arrived on my island only a few years ago.In my riparian area in recent years I have rarely discovered a nest that succeeds that is on or low to the ground. Mainly due to the three mentioned mammals above. Many low nesting birds have even disappeared from this location, which happens to be a park. It can be very rough out there in the natural world, especially with non-native and domestic animals hunting in the area. Hopefully, low nesters are finding success in other places.

Nevertheless, that Wilson's Warbler pair made the long flight south in late summer. They'll return next spring, probably to the same spot. And I'll be rooting for them once again. ◊

Wilson's WarblerBy Dave Manning

By Dave Manning

Wilson's Warbler peeking out of its nest

Club Tip #3: Member Survey

By Virginia Rasch - Rocky Mountain Naturalists

Our club's Executive Committee sur-veyed our members with two goals:

to determine if we were meeting their needs and to increase involvement in club activities. We used www.surveymonkey.com, an online survey development website that provides customizable surveys as well as tips, survey templates, and survey analysis.

The program is free for 10 days and $35 for one month, so we had our survey available for members for just shy of one month. We had a random draw for a prize if members were willing to include their names; otherwise the survey responses were anonymous. We had a response rate of 45% and learned about members' prefer-ences for presentations, field trips, and conservation activities, as well as our clubs' strengths and weaknesses. The survey was well worth the effort and small fee.◊

BCnature Fall 201728

Grasses - Designed For Grazing

Although few of us tend to think of it, there is one family of flowering plants that stands out beyond all the rest. In fact

we often do not think of it as containing flowering plants at all, as its flowers are not made for insect pollination, instead they are small, wind-pollinated structures. These plants are the grasses.

The grasses are the foundation upon which civilization rests. Without them there would be no cereal crops nor the grazing animals that supply milk and meat.

But like humanity that depends on them, grasses are relative newcomers. Grasses did not become ecologically important until geologically recently.

The first grasses known from the fossil record are around 60 million years old, but there were no grasslands then, or large herds of grazing animals. They were minor understory plants in African and South American forests. It was only later, in the rain-shadows of upthrusting mountain ranges, with the onset of xeric habitats, that grasslands appeared. That was about 20 million years ago. And it was only about five million years ago that grasslands really became extensive.

With the spread of grasslands came the arrival of herds of grazing animals. It was the grazers that made grasses pre-adapted for mowing, long before lawn mowers came along. Our cities are dominated by lawns because of grazing animals!

Compared to other plants, grass leaves have a very unusual way of growing. So how do grass blades differ from other plant’s leaves? When a non-grass leaf begins to form it grows from the apex, and the margin. When it is fully developed it stops growing. When the dandelions in your lawn are mowed the leaves do not grow longer. The dandelion has to survive with what is left of the cut leaves, or else grow new ones. Grass blades keep growing, but not from the top, but from the bottom. This is why you need to cut the grass again two weeks after you mow it.

Grasses developed this strategy to survive grazing, and mowing is intense grazing.There is an ongoing competition between grasses and trees. Over the centuries, rainfall patterns have gone through cycles of

drought and high rainfall. When there is sufficient moisture the forest advances. During drought trees die and the land reverts to grassland. You can see evidence of this along some forest margins in the interior. Recent dry summers have killed some of the trees, and the grasses are replacing them.

Grassland has another ally in its competition with forests: fire. After fire, fast growing herbaceous plants claim the land first, with young trees shading them out later. If the fire interval becomes shorter, fires destroy the young trees before they can replace the

grasses. Another feature of grasslands is wildflowers. The biodiversity of

these areas is not made up of just wind-pollinated plants, there are also those that depend on, and maintain bee populations. A visit to the short-grass prairies of southern Alberta and Saskatchewan in the late spring is a delight for lovers of flowers. This co-dependence of flowers and bees presents a good economic reason for not convert-ing all our prairies to wheat fields.

There are, however, some problems with grasses. Introduced reed canary grass grows well in many marshes, and wetlands that were previously dominated by various sedges have now become monocul-tures of reed canary grass. Gardeners are also very familiar with the success of invasive species like quackgrass in their vegetable patches. ◊

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September 21–24 FGM – Vernon (NONC)

September 24 World Rivers Day

February 28, 2017 - Award Nominations

February 28, 2017 - Resolutions for AGM

May 10 - 13, 2018 - AGM - Nature Vancouver

June 1, 2018 - Rene Savenye Scholarship

Dates to Remember – 2017

BCnature Fall 2017 29

BC NATURE CONFERENCE & FALL GENERAL MEETING REGISTRATION FORM September 21 to 24, 2017 - “Lakes, Grasslands, and Forests”

Hosted by the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club (NONC) Village Green Hotel, 4801 27 Street, Vernon, BC http://www.villagegreenhotel.com/

For changes/updates visit our website: http://www.nonc.ca

Name Club Director Executive Address City Postal Code Tel Email

** Non-members must join BC Nature ($20 annual membership) or a Member Club to attend events **

Options (GST & gratuities included where applicable) By July 21 After July 21 Amount Full Registration – all presentations, field trips, birding Note: does not include Saturday Banquet $125.00 $150.00 $

or Thursday Evening: speaker, coffee, tea, cookies $20.00 $20.00 $ or Friday: early morning birding, speakers, field trips $60.00 $70.00 $ or Saturday: early morning birding, field trips, buffet lunch, FGM $80.00 $90.00 $ Saturday Banquet - Guest Speaker, silent auction, awards $45.00 $45.00 $ Amount Due - Please enter the total here $

Will You Attend? Directors’ / Executive Meeting on Thursday afternoon: Yes No Early Morning Birding: Friday am - Swan Lk or Kalamalka Lk Saturday am - Swan Lk or Okanagan Lk

Field Trips Please rank trip choices each day (1, 2 or 3) – will be assigned by order of registration & preference.

Waitlists will be maintained to accommodate participants, but spots cannot be guaranteed once trips are fully booked. Field Trip Locations

(offered on Friday & Saturday, unless otherwise specified) Rated Rank Choices Fri Sat Sun

1) Allan Brooks Nature Centre (Admission Fee – paid by entrant) easy n/a 2) Bishop Wild Bird Sanctuary easy n/a 3) Grey Canal - Silver Star Road to Rugg Road easy n/a 4) Kalamalka Provincial Park difficult n/a 5) Middleton Mountain Park moderate n/a 6) Predator Ridge & Sparkling Hills Resort Trails moderate n/a 7) Swan Lake Bird Sanctuary easy n/a 8) Friday only: Kalamalka Forestry Centre easy n/a n/a 9) Saturday only: Aberdeen Wetlands easy n/a n/a 10) Sunday only: Rimrocks Trail moderate n/a n/a 11) Sunday only: Okanagan Rail Trail - Kekuli Bay easy n/a n/a We recommend good walking shoes/boots, bring water, snacks, & hiking poles (moderate-difficult levels). Plan to carpool. Are you able to share rides in your vehicle? Yes No

How to Register 1) Registration and Waiver Forms - available for download on NONC website: http://www.nonc.ca

Registration Form – complete one form per person. Waiver Form (read carefully & sign) – complete one form per person.

2) Payment - make cheques payable to North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club Note: NSF Cheques will be charged $45.00 3) E-transfer Payment – this option is also available. To enquire contact Ruth Drennan at vernon2017fgm@shaw.ca

If using E-transfer scan registration, signed waiver and email PDF documents to Ruth Drennan. 4) Mail registration, signed waiver and payment to North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club, PO Box 473, Vernon, BC V1T 6M4 5) Registration will become effective on the date the payment and all completed forms are received. 6) Registration confirmations and receipts will be sent by email when possible. 7) Cutoff date for registration – August 22 or when maximum capacity is reached. 8) NO refunds after August 15. Note that refunds are subject to a $10 administration fee.

Program, Bird Watching, Field Trips, Hotels, General Information – available on NONC website http://www.nonc.ca Accommodations – block booking room rate of $89 plus tax at Village Green Hotel http://www.villagegreenhotel.com/

BCnature Fall 201730

BC Nature Conference and Fall General Meeting

September 21 - 24, 2017 “Lakes, Grasslands, and Forests”

Hosted by North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club (NONC), Vernon

Thursday, September 21

1:30 – 3:30 pm BC Nature Executive Meeting ………………………………………..…………….. Monashee Room 4:00 – 6:00 pm Club Directors’ Meeting – light dinner provided …………………………………... Monashee Room 4:00 – 7:30 pm Registration – Hotel Lobby with coffee, tea, and mini-muffins

Dinner on your own 7:30 – 9:00 pm “The Impact of Ranching on Our Grasslands” by Ken Mather ………………………..Sierra Room Coffee, tea, and cookies served following speaker Friday, September 22

6:00 – 8:00 am Early Morning Birding (pre-registration required) ……………….. Meet leaders in hotel parking lot 7:30 – 9:00 am Registration - Hotel Lobby with coffee, tea, and mini-muffins

Breakfast on your own 9:00 – 9:15 am Welcome by NONC President, Harold Sellers & Okanagan Indian Band Elder, Mollie Bono 9:15 – 10:00 am “Pining for Home: Is Assisted Migration ‘Playing God’?” by Dr. Greg O’Neill …..….. Sierra Room 10:00 – 10:30 am Coffee, tea and baked goods will be served … ………………………………………... Sierra Room 10:30 – 11:15 am “Watershed Protection in a Dry Climate” by Jennifer Miles & Renee Clarke .........………. Sierra I “Crossing Home Ground: A Grassland Odyssey” by David Pitt-Brooke …………………... Sierra II 11:15 – noon “How Wetlands Will Secure the Quality of our Future” by Carrie Nadeau ...……………… Sierra I "Shrimp Fishing and other Related Issues in our Lakes" by Jason Webster ……...……… Sierra II

Lunch on your own 1:30 – 4:30 pm Field Trips (pre-registration required) …………………………….. Meet leaders in hotel parking lot

Dinner on your own 7:00 – 7:30 pm “Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas (IBA) Program” by Krista Kaptein...…….……... Sierra Room 7:30 – 8:30 pm “Snakes in the Valley” by Mike Dunn ……………………………………………………. Sierra Room Coffee, tea, & cookies will be served following speakers Saturday, September 23 6:00 – 8:00 am Early Morning Birding (pre-registration required) ……………….. Meet leaders in hotel parking lot 7:30 - 8:30 am Registration - Hotel Lobby with coffee, tea, and mini-muffins

Breakfast on your own 9:00 - noon Field Trips (pre-registration required) ………………………........ Meet leaders in hotel parking lot Noon Soup & Sandwich Buffet Lunch will be provided 1:30 – 4:00 pm BC Nature Fall General Meeting, Chair Alan Burger…………………….…………….. Sierra Room “BC Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation” by Brian Springinotic

Coffee, tea, & cookies will be served Free Time

6:00 – 10:00 pm Banquet (pre-registration required) - “The Impact of Climate Change in the Okanagan” by Scott Smith, Guest Speaker; Silent Auction Winners, Awards, Closing Remarks

No Host Bar throughout evening, Silent Auction (cash or cheques only) Sunday, September 24 – Travel Home Safely For delegates who would like to stay a bit longer and enjoy the area, two field trips have been arranged 9:00 am - noon Field Trips (pre-registration required) ……………………………. Meet leaders in hotel parking lot

For Your Information Venue - Village Green Hotel, 4801 27 Street. Vernon http://www.villagegreenhotel.com/ Meeting rooms: Sierra Room (Sierra I / II combined) Sierra I or Sierra II for smaller venue Accommodation – block booking rate of $89 plus taxes at Village Green Hotel; for more hotels check www.nonc.ca Early Morning Birding – Friday: Swan Lake Bird Sanctuary Saturday: Commonage Meet leaders in hotel parking lot Field Trips - meet leaders in hotel parking lot Friday & Saturday: Allan Brooks Nature Centre, Bishop Wild Bird Sanctuary, Grey Canal, Kalamalka Provincial Park, Middleton Mountain Park, Predator Ridge Resort Trails, Swan Lake Bird Sanctuary Friday only: Kalamalka Forestry Centre Saturday only: Aberdeen Wetlands Sunday only: Rimrocks & Rail Trail

Please check NONC website for field trip descriptions www.nonc.ca

BCnature Fall 2017 31

We are going to take a trip along Highway 97 from the US border. This road creates a route north through the center of British Columbia. We

will enjoy the dry Okanagan Valley in the rain-shadow of the coastal moun-tains. We are in search of nature. "Nature in the common sense refers to essences unchanged by man: space, the air, the river, the leaf." Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1836.

Spring, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, is the season of the year fol-lowing winter and preceding summer, but it is much more. There is a definite change happening with the celestial bodies above us, which is felt by nature. It’s all due to the 23.5° tilt of the earth in relationship to the sun. Yet it is much more: migrating birds arrive to nest, plants produce leaves, flowers, and fruit, and farmers have high expectations for their crops. The warming of the earth brings bears out of their dens and the increasing light stimulates people to do spring cleaning.

We treated the junction of Highway 3 with 97 as kilometre zero, like the Okanagan Valley Birding Trail sponsored by BC Nature, and the BC bird-finding books by Richard and Russell Cannings and Keith Taylor. Our first stop was the campground at Haynes Point Provincial Park, a little more than two kilometres south. The small park occupies a glacial sand spit reaching into the middle of Osoyoos Lake. It was mid-May and the wind was creating waves next to our site. The Tree Swallows were busy in the Cotton-woods, using old woodpecker holes. On other occasions Great Horned Owls have visited our site and a single Coyote called from across the lake. There is a marsh at the beginning of the spit where Red-winged Blackbirds were calling. Once, in March, I recorded the whispering sounds of an eagle’s wings as it flew over me and descended into the cattails. It took a Ring-necked Pheasant after a deadly struggle. The lake is only 283 metres above sea level. However, today it is higher, covering the beach up to the Poison Ivy. Osprey, Red-necked Grebe, and California Quail all added to our memories of the Point.

We headed west from the junction on Highway 3. The guide books directed us to a gravel road, on the right at 11.2 km, to Mount Kobau. The turning is next to Spotted Lake. As the road ascended amongst the sagebrush we were able to listen to the music of meadowlarks. The Violet-green Swallows were hawking overhead and a Red-tailed Hawk was soaring in the sunshine. In contrast to the light green sagebrush there were scattered bunches of blooming yellow Arrow-leaved Balsamroot. Further up the mountain, past cliffs and sagebrush, the views of Osoyoos Lake became more dramatic. Juncos, flickers, and Vesper's Sparrow were added to the growing number of birds we passed.

David Pitt-Brooke in Crossing Home Ground, uses his discerning eye to observe: "All that open ground should be covered in bunch-grass. It isn't. Instead it mostly supports a close-packed mass of Big Sagebrush, a sure indication of intense, chronic, overgrazing''. At about 10 km we passed through a recent burn of Douglas-firs. At 14 km we reached the snow line and decided to turn around. At the bottom we stopped for the Spotted Lake sign which read, in part: "From time immemorial its healing waters and mud were used by First Nations to cure aches and illness, and for spiritual healing. High concentrations of epsom salts, calcium, sodium sulphates, and trace minerals such as silver and titanium are found in this unusual lake."

Three kilometre north on Highway 97, brings you to a left-hand turn to the Desert Center. It's a great place to learn about the Antelope Brush Ecosystem. An excellent 1.5 km boardwalk takes you to many plants and information signs. The twig-like branches of the Antelope-bush have light colored leaves to reflect sunlight and hairs to capture moisture. Bunchgrass stems grow in clusters, or tube-shapes to funnel any rain straight down to the roots. The biotic crust keeps the vegetation alive in the desert by retaining moisture for the plants, transferring nutrients into the sandy soil and holding seeds for germination. Only 4% of Canada's pocket desert is currently preserved and the remainder is quickly being used up by agriculture and urbanization.

A few days into our trip, Bob Handfield (South Okanagan Naturalists Club) picked us up in his four-wheel drive truck. He was taking us to the proposed national park land around Kilpoola Lake. This time we travelled 6.8 km west on Highway 3, then turned left (or south) and left again on Old Richter Pass Road. Unfortunately, it was raining. This had been going on for several weeks, resulting in extensive flooding around the Okanagan. Turtle Pond, Blue, and Kilpoola Lakes were all bursting their banks. The extensive grasslands, aspen and Douglas-fir woods, and riparian vegetation were many bright shades of green. On the lower slopes the Antelope Brush was showing small yellow flowers, while some of the yellow balsamroot flowers were past their best. The Saskatoon bushes were in full white bloom. The Chokecherry were starting to bloom and the lupins were close to opening. Bob mentioned there had been more than 40 wild flowers found in the area. Most of the land is currently protected to some extent by the Nature Conservancy, BC Parks, The Nature Trust, and parcels of crown land. The lack of real protection was brought home to us when we came across a couple, shoveling the biotic crust into their truck for topsoil for their garden. Standing on a ridge, looking south into the Similkameen River valley, even in the rain, the unspoiled bunchgrass, the songs from Western Meadowlarks and Brewer's Sparrow were unforgettable.

Now we are really starting to travel north on 97! At 7.8 km we turned right (east) onto Road 22, directly north of Osoyoos Lake. There have been some very welcome changes, or should I say reversals in the river recently. Breaching the old dykes to allow the oxbows to form again is a wonderful improvement. Walking along the new dyke we appreciated three kinds of blackbirds plus Sora, American Goldfinch, and Song Sparrows. Two Turkey Vultures were perched at the top of a tree, wings outstretched, enjoying the morning sun, just like ourselves. There was an interesting low rubber fence along Highway 97, which directs wildlife towards the culverts under the road. I think that's a real plus for BC highways.◊ Part II will be published in the Winter BCnature magazine.

By John Neville

North in the Spring - The South Okanagan - Part One

Catherine Hill holding a Rubber Boa.

Osoyoos Lake as seen from Mt. Kobau.

By Heather Neville

By Heather Neville

Publications Mail No. 41804027

BCnature is published four times a year by the FBCN,1620 Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver, BC V7G 2R9

Spotlight On Distinguished Naturalist MentorsA mentor is a nature enthusiast who helps to make our motto “Know Nature and Keep It Worth Knowing” with emphasis on youth. A mentor devotes time to educate our budding naturalists and scientists by providing services such as tours, lessons, slide shows, camps, Science Fair guidance, Scouting, Guiding, and nature appreciation.

Yvonne Dawydiak, Naturalist Mentor

Yvonne Dawydiak’s passion for, and dedication to, nature and environmental education influences all she does and all who know her. As an elementary

teacher, her implementation of nature education was ground-breaking, as was her involvement with the Wilderness Committee, conducting public education about Boundary Bay and Birdathons.

Yvonne has been the volunteer Education Coordinator with Friends of Semi-ahmoo Bay Society (FoSBS) since 2003, when she led the development of their environmental school programs. These consist of a month for each class (starting with a class presentation), the use of a teacher resource kit, then a class field trip. Yvonne was also one of the naturalist presenters and field trip leaders.

Yvonne assisted with the development of the Beach Hero Marine Interpretive Program in 2004, in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Although DFO involvement is now limited, Yvonne continues to support this annual program by mentoring volunteers and summer students.

Yvonne participated with the “Shorekeepers” program from its inception and continues with the annual volunteer training and surveys in Boundary Bay.

In 2009, Yvonne led the FoSBS Seaquarium project: provided to the local museum, along with weekly interpretation, for the duration of their three-month exhibit. She then arranged for the Seaquarium donation to an elementary school, where hundreds of students and teachers benefit from marine nature as a theme for classroom activities.

Though now teaching the teach-ers as an adjunct professor at UBC, Yvonne will rarely miss a mentoring opportunity and is very generous with her time and knowledge. Her volunteer contributions, as a Naturalist Mentor to all ages for more than twenty-five years, are well-known and appreciated by her naturalist peers and in the local community. ◊

Eva Nagy deserves to be acknowledged as a committed and hardworking Naturalist Mentor. Well-known for her contributions to Nature Vancouver,

Eva has been leading field trips for many years, where she imparts her vast bo-tanical knowledge and passion for nature. Another way her club benefits: she has enthusiastically organized the Botany section for many years as well.

Eva became the volunteer leader for Nature Kids (Young Naturalists' Club) Vancouver in 2002 and, in the nine years she was leader, she organized ten trips annually, conveying her enthusiasm for local wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation to more than 2500 children and their families. The club was so popular that two more were formed to serve all those that wanted to join.

Eva continued to participate by mentoring new NatureKids leaders, organiz-ing nest-box building, pond-dipping, 'critter hunting', and even a plant study at UBC labs. She also attends numerous events and mentors summer students. For her wonderful work in leading a truly multi-cultural, multi-ethnic group

of children and parents to discover nature around them, and inspiring new generations of naturalists, Eva Nagy deserves this acknowledgement. ◊

Eva Nagy, Naturalist Mentor

Yvonne showing the children all the wonderful creatures in the Seaquarium.

Kristine Webber (L) and Eva Nagy (R) staffing the NatureKids display at a

community event.