PGNC News & Notes, September 7, 2022

• News from the Executive 
• Memberships: New and Renewals
• Greenway/UNBC Access closed September 6 to 10
• Wednesday September 14, 7 to 10 p.m. Prince George Playhouse, Into the Weeds Special Screening
• Wildflowers of the Canadian Rockies

Club News and Events

News from the Executive

Executive meetings resume this month after a summer break. The next meeting is on Wednesday September 14 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Current PGNC members are welcome to attend Executive meetings. If you would like to attend, send an email to the Club President at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com to obtain the Zoom link.

PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals

Thank you to everyone who is joining the PGNC or renewing memberships. Your membership supports the Naturalists Club and BC Nature, our parent organization, in all their good work.

E-Transfer is available by sending to PrinceGeorgeNaturalistsClub@gmail.com and it goes directly into the Club’s bank account. No secret word is needed. Payments by cheque can be mailed to Prince George Naturalists Club, PO Box 1092, Prince George BC V2L 4V2. 

Memberships run from January 1 to December 31. Cost is $25 per calendar year for individuals, $40 for a family, and $15 for students. Benefits of membership: Subscription to BC Nature magazine, liability insurance coverage for Club work parties and field trips, and access to popular events limited to Club members only. 

Other Events and News

Greenway/UNBC Access closed September 6 to 10

The road and parking lot at the Greenway/UNBC access point will be closed between September 6-10. With much appreciation to UNBC, the Cranbrook Hill Greenway Society is undertaking a joint project to rehabilitate the road and parking lot. The original road and parking area was constructed in the summer of 2000 during the Greenway development. After 22 years it is time for some major rehabilitation. There are still other access points if you need to get your Greenway fix during this period (submitted by Robin Draper).

Wednesday September 14, 7 to 10 p.m. Prince George Playhouse, Into the Weeds Special Screening

Into the Weeds screening and live Q & A with acclaimed filmmaker Jennifer Baichwal in attendance, guests from Stop the Spray BC and others. This free event is at the Prince George Playhouse but registration is required at Eventbrite: 

https://tinyurl.com/2p9c7hcx. The Eventbrite link also contains extensive information about the documentary which will be followed by a discussion: “Forestry Without Glyphosate – Is it Possible?”. (Submitted by James Steidle, Stop the Spray BC).

Wildflowers of the Canadian Rockies

Wildflowers of the Canadian Rockies (2 min): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHNMu6Hrk50. Photographed during recent backpacking trips in Jasper, Banff and Yoho National Parks. How many of the flowers and plants can you identify? (submitted by Mike Nash)

PGNC News & Notes, August 21, 2022

• PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
• Saturday August 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. , 1025 Ewert Street. Nature and Travel Sale –  Books, Paraphernalia and Treasures Moving Sale!
• News from the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program

Club News and Events

PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals

Thank you to everyone who is joining the PGNC or renewing memberships. E-Transfer is available by sending to PrinceGeorgeNaturalistsClub@gmail.com and it goes directly into the Club’s bank account. No secret word is needed. Payments by cheque can be mailed to Prince George Naturalists Club, PO Box 1092, Prince George BC V2L 4V2. 

Memberships run from January 1 to December 31. Cost is $25 per calendar year for individuals, $40 for a family, and $15 for students. Benefits of membership: Subscription to BC Nature magazine, liability insurance coverage for Club work parties and field trips, and access to popular events limited to Club members only. 

Other Events and News

Saturday August 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nature and Travel Sale – Books, Paraphernalia and Treasures Moving Sale!

Come out to 1025 Ewert Street on Saturday August 27 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and find nature and travel books, art, equipment and other related items, including free posters. Everything must go!

This sale will be of interest to students and others who wish to fill out their collection of books on nature. Here’s a short list of titles:

Sibley Guide to Birds

Illustrated Encyclopedia of Birds

Nature Watch New Zealand

Field Guide to Animal Tracks

Sharing Nature With Children

20 Provincial Museum Guidebooks

Peterson – Mexican Birds

Sierra Club Guide to National Parks – Desert SW

Birders Guide to Costa Rica

Plants of the Rocky Mtns

To the Arctic

They Dance in the Sky, Native American Star Myths

 Plus other naturalist gear and paraphernalia

News from the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program

The Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) is encouraging grant applications for potential projects to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife impacted by BC Hydro dams in the Peace Region. The projects FWCP funds through its grants must align with FWCP’s Peace Region action plan  priorities for fish and wildlife.

If you’re thinking of applying for a grant, be sure to submit the mandatory Notice of Intent (NOI) by the deadline below. Talk to the FWCP: Contact acting Peace Region manager to talk about our priorities, your ideas for a grant application, and next steps: Jennifer.Walker-Larsen@bchydro.com. 250-814-6645.

Complete information on key dates is available at https://fwcp.ca/region/peace-region/

Key dates:           

Peace Region (NOI) information session                 Wednesday, August 24 

Mandatory Notice of Intent (NOI) due                    Friday, Sept. 9                    

FWCP grants information session                           Wednesday, August 24 

Grant applications due                                          Friday, October 28   

Please share this opportunity for fish and wildlife grants with others. Follow the FWCP on LinkedIn and Instagram to learn more about the work we do and the grants we offer. Subscribe to receive FWCP e-letters, annual reports, and project updates. Here’s the link to a complete list of all 2022-2023 funded projects: https://fwcp.ca/region/peace-region/

Some of the many projects supported by FWCP that are of direct interest to PGNC members:

Caribou: confirming the benefits of supplemental feeding Physiological Effects of Supplemental Feeding in Caribou: This project will provide insights into how supplemental feeding influences caribou pregnancy rates and calf survival, and it may help evaluate whether feeding is most beneficial in spring or fall. This project will examine physiological bioindicators in hair and pellets collected from the Kennedy Siding herd to investigate whether supplemental feeding increases the proportion of females that breed in multiple years and whether feeding increases the viability of calves. UNBC is leading the project. Funding: $52,580.

Building Knowledge and understanding with support from UNBC 2022–2023 Colloquium Presentation Series: This multi-year project provides education and outreach by building connections and developing relationships through a series of free presentations focused on research that is underway in, or could be applied to, our Peace Region. Funding: $17,911

Gathering important breeding bird data at Mugaha Marsh Bird Banding Station Mugaha Marsh Banding Station 2022–2023: This long-term, multi-year project will add to 20-plus years of bird monitoring data. The 2022 data will provide important information on breeding bird population trends, distribution, and health, which can guide species conservation and habitat enhancement initiatives in the region. Mackenzie Nature Observatory operates the Mugaha Marsh Sensitive Area Bird Banding Station on the Parsnip Reach of the Williston Reservoir. Funding: $23,290.

PGNC News & Notes August 7, 2022

Special Notice

Prince George Naturalists Club, Invasive Plant Cleanup, Carrie Jane Gray Park, Wednesday August 10, 9 a.m. to 12 noon

Everyone is invited to help remove invasive Himalayan Balsam at Carrie Jane Gray Park in Prince George on Wednesday August 10. This pretty pink flower grows so well it crowds out our native species (see photo below). We don’t want the seeds floating down the channel toward the Fraser River. It’s an annual that dies off in the fall, leaving the stream bank open to more erosion. For more information about Himalayan balsam see: http://nwipc.org/invasive-plants

Long pants, long-sleeved shirts and sturdy, water-proof footwear are recommended (no sandals or open-toed shoes) as we may be working in wet areas. If possible, bring your own hand tool for cutting off flowers and seed heads, work gloves and a personal water bottle. Long bladed trimmers are also useful. The Club will provide garbage bags as well as extra work gloves and clippers if someone needs them. The work is suitable for adults and teens. 

We will meet at 9 a.m. in the small gravel parking lot behind the ball diamonds to sign a waiver and review how to remove the plants. There are two access roads from Massey Drive. The first is north of the new firehall. The second is at Laverdure Way, behind the YWCA, past the horseshoe pits, then follow the paved road. You’ll see us in the small gravel parking lot at the far end of Carrie Jane Gray Park. This event is open to members and non-members. For more information, email Sandra at sjkinsey@direct.ca, voice: 250.963.8381 and text: 250.617.8381.

Northwest Invasive Plant Council will be at the site with information on invasive plants in our region. The PGNC will be handing out free copies of Grow Me Instead which profiles BC’s most unwanted invasive garden plants along with many recommended alternatives.

PGNC News & Notes, July 28, 2022

• Prince George Naturalists Club, Invasive Plant Cleanup, Carrie Jane Gray Park, Wednesday August 10, 9 a.m. to 12 noon
• Prince George Naturalists Club Weed Pull, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturday August 20, Hudson’s Bay Wetland
• Sad News
• PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
• Report: Learn to be in Nature, Saturday June 25, West Lake Provincial Park
• Saturday August 27, Nature-Related Book Sale
• Cottonwood Seeds Needed

Club News and Events

The Executive met on June 8 and will meet again in September, either in-person or online. The date will be publicized for any members who wish to attend.

Prince George Naturalists Club, Invasive Plant Cleanup, Carrie Jane Gray Park, Wednesday August 10, 9 a.m. to 12 noon

Come on out on Wednesday August 10 to help remove invasive Himalayan Balsam at Carrie Jane Gray Park in Prince George. This pretty pink flower grows so well it crowds out our native species. We don’t want the seeds floating down the channel toward the Fraser River. It’s an annual that dies off in the fall, leaving the stream bank open to more erosion. For more information about Himalayan balsam and common tansy see: http://nwipc.org/invasive-plants

Long pants, long-sleeved shirts and sturdy, water-proof footwear are recommended (no sandals or open-toed shoes) as we may be working in wet areas. If possible, bring your own hand tool for cutting off flowers and seed heads, work gloves and a personal water bottle. Long bladed trimmers are also useful. The Club will provide garbage bags as well as extra work gloves and clippers if someone needs them. The work is suitable for adults and teens. 

We will meet at 9 a.m. in the small gravel parking lot behind the ball diamonds to sign a waiver and review how to remove the plants. There are two access roads from Massey Drive. The first is north of the new firehall. The second is at Laverdure Way, behind the YWCA, past the horseshoe pits, then follow the paved road. You’ll see us in the small gravel parking lot at the far end of Carrie Jane Gray Park. This event is open to members and non-members. For more information, email Sandra at sjkinsey@direct.ca, voice: 250.963.8381 and text: 250.617.8381.

Prince George Naturalists Club Weed Pull, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturday August 20, Hudson’s Bay Wetland

On Saturday August 20, the Prince George Naturalists Club will hold a weed-pull to remove common tansy and burdock at the Hudson’s Bay Wetland. Club members and supporters are invited to meet at the parking lot at The Exploration Place for waiver signing and a quick introduction to techniques for removing tansy and burdock. Bring your favourite hand tool for cutting off flowers and seed, as well as a shovel, work gloves and a personal water bottle. The Club will provide garbage bags, extra work gloves and clippers if someone needs them. Participants should consider wearing long pants and sturdy footwear. The work is suitable for adults and teens and all levels of ability. For more information email Sandra at sjkinsey@direct.ca, voice: 250.963.8381 and text: 250.617.8381.

PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals

Thank you to everyone who is joining the PGNC or renewing memberships.

 E-Transfer is available by sending to PrinceGeorgeNaturalistsClub@gmail.com and it goes directly into the Club’s bank account. No secret word is needed. Payments by cheque can be mailed to Prince George Naturalists Club, PO Box 1092, Prince George BC V2L 4V2. 

Memberships run from January 1 to December 31. Cost is $25 per calendar year for individuals, $40 for a family, and $15 for students. Benefits of membership: Subscription to BC Nature magazine, liability insurance coverage for Club work parties and field trips, and access to popular events limited to Club members only. 

Sad News

We are very sad to advise that former PGNC director Doug Wilson died on July 20 following a long and debilitating illness. Doug was a volunteer and director with the PGNC from 2012 to 2018 before stepping down due to declining health. Doug retired in 2014 from a long career as a wildlife biologist with the provincial government. He had a wide range of interests in the natural world and was passionate about encouraging the Club to explore all aspects of nature. If you have a favourite story about Doug, please send it to princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com or reply to this email. It will go in a future newsletter. 

Tribute to Doug Wilson, by Clive Keen: A decade or so ago, when a few of us were trying to resurrect the Prince George Naturalist Club, Doug Wilson stepped up not just with heavyweight support, advice and a calm presence, but by solving our most pressing problem: giving us a home.  All meetings of the club were held in the boardroom of his workplace during the early days. I well remember all those times waiting for Doug to drive up and open the gates — nobody could ever accuse him of being too early for meetings. Doug stuck to that policy for every Directors’ meeting over the next six years, but we were always glad when he did finally appear. His interventions at meetings were given quietly, but they carried charm and authority, and his many contacts proved invaluable, allowing us to offer presentations and events (e.g. watching caribou at Kennedy Siding) that would have been impossible without him. He was a great and kindly friend to the club, and we are lucky to have had him.

Club Reports

Report: Learn to be in Nature, Saturday June 25, West Lake Provincial Park

The Learn to be in Nature event at West Lake went very well on Saturday June 25. It was a beautiful day weatherwise, which was a big boon. Dave and Lauren, two members of the PGNC Executive, set up at one of the tables allocated to about 12 partnering organizations. Lauren brought an impressive collection of UNBC teaching taxidermy specimens, which were a big hit. Over the course of the event, most of the immigrant attendees, close to 100 adults and kids, visited the PGNC table. They included immigrants from the Philippines, China, Iran, Tanzania, Argentina, Poland and Ukraine. They were wonderful to meet and welcome to our community and our natural environment. Lauren happily explained the taxidermy items to everyone who came by. Several people asked how to find out about PGNC events and how to become members. They were directed to the Club’s website and Facebook page (Report by Dave Leman, photo by Natasha Ewing).

Other Events and News

Saturday August 27, Nature-Related Book Sale

Save this date! A longtime supporter of the PGNC is holding a big sale of natural history books, art relating to nature, and nature-related travel. This sale will be of interest to students and others who wish to fill out their collection of books on nature. More details to come in future newsletter including location, time, and a list of some titles.

Cottonwood Seeds Needed

Message from Spruce City Wildlife Association: In partnership with the local provincial biologists, SCWA is needing to collect seeds from Cottonwood trees! These seeds will be dried out and then grown in a nursery and planted along select areas of the Nechako to build riparian habitat and increase mature cottonwoods in areas lacking them.

Here’s the kicker, those seeds are small and we’re hoping to get about 500,000 of them! If you’re out on a walk, bring a paper bag and collect some seeds. Email us at info@scwa.bc.ca or message us on Facebook and let us know if you’ve collected some and we can arrange drop off/pick up. Or you can place your bag of cottonwood seeds in the mailbox at the hatchery, 1384 River Road. Thanks for your help folks!

PGNC News & Notes, June 24, 2022

• Learn to be in Nature, Saturday June 25, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., West Lake Provincial Park
• PGNC Volunteer Opportunity: Website/Social Media Committee
• PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
• Report: Urban Wetland Nature Walk, Saturday June 18
• Faces of the Fraser, Tuesday July 5, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom

Club News and Events

The Executive met on June 8 and will meet again in September, either in-person or online. Over the summer the Club will hold work parties and posslbly more nature walks.

Learn to be in Nature, Saturday June 25, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. West Lake Provincial Park

PGNC members and friends are invited to visit West Lake Provincial Park Group Site on Saturday June 25. The PGNC will have a display table at this event which is sponsored by BC Parks. Newcomers to Prince George will be able to explore a local park, meet nature enthusiasts in the community, and gain some important skills in order to enjoy outdoor recreation safely and comfortably in northern BC. Learn to be in Nature is a local BC Parks initiative to connect new Canadians with Prince George organizations devoted to nature and the outdoors. The event will be held at the Group Site at West Lake. 

Over 10% of Prince George’s population are recent immigrants. Coming from diverse places like China, India, the Philippines and Germany, many immigrants are new to exploring British Columbia’s wild places such as Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails. Many immigrants have never come face to face with a bear or know how to use bear spray, do not know the ten essential items that should be carried while enjoying the outdoors, or are aware of local and provincial organizations that can provide guidance and assistance. New Canadians will have the opportunity to learn about canoe and kayak safety, fishing, and how to stay safe in bear country. The PGNC is one of several organizations invited to share local knowledge.

If you would like to volunteer at this community-building event to share information about local flora and fauna, contact Dave Leman at planmap@pgonline.com.

PGNC Volunteer Opportunity: Website/Social Media Committee

The Executive has established a new Website/Social Media Committee for the club. We will be meeting via Zoom for the foreseeable future. We will be discussing what we would like to see and ideas to better the website and our social media pages (Facebook and Instagram). We already have a few members, but we want to see if anyone else from our membership is interested in joining. The more voices and ideas, the better it will be.

Requirements:

1. You must be a current paid-up member of the PGNC. If you are interested in getting involved but aren’t a member yet, you can check out our membership page on the website: https://pgnc.wordpress.com/membership/.

2. You must have a keen interest in the future of the club and it helps if you are familiar with computers, BUT that is not required. We just need your ideas, you don’t need to be the one to implement them.

3. You must commit to attending our regular committee meetings or at least commit to sending an email to President Angelina Joiner at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com, if you can’t attend. Communication is important!

If this sounds like something you are interested in, please let us know. If you need more info please contact Angelina.

PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals

Thank you to everyone who is joining the PGNC or renewing memberships. E-Transfer is available by sending to PrinceGeorgeNaturalistsClub@gmail.com and it goes directly into the Club’s bank account. No secret word is needed. Payments by cheque can be mailed to Prince George Naturalists Club, PO Box 1092, Prince George BC V2L 4V2. 

Memberships run from January 1 to December 31. Cost is $25 per calendar year for individuals, $40 for a family, and $15 for students. Benefits of membership: Subscription to BC Nature magazine, liability insurance coverage for Club work parties and field trips, and access to popular events limited to Club members only. Unfortunately, Spruce Capital Feeds has had to discontinue the 10% discount it gave to Prince George clubs.

Club Reports

Urban Wetland Nature Walk, Saturday June 18, 10 a.m. to 12 noon

We had a wonderful walk on June 18 at Hudson’s Bay Wetland, with the rain holding off for most of our walk! Six of us gathered together to talk plants, birds, mammals and history as we ventured along the paths and beneath the trees. Species of note were common mergansers,wood ducks, Barrow’s goldeneyes and Northern Flickers all with nestlings/fledglings! Along with yellow warblers, hairy woodpeckers and many other birds. See our eBird link for a detailed list:https://ebird.org/checklist/S113215114. 

We picked the perfect time of year for this walk, as the wild roses seem to be at their peak blooming period! We also saw chokecherry, mountain ash, and red osier dogwood in bloom, and flowers like meadow rue and meadow buttercup, Canada violets and the elusive mountain ladyslipper orchid. Our group also took advantage of the many hands and picked some invasive yellow salsify (Tragopogon dubius) as we stumbled upon them. Looking forward to our next outing! (report by Cara Snell).

Other Events and News

Faces of the Fraser, Tuesday July 5, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom

This event is sponsored by the Fraser River Discovery Centre. Marine Biologist Ruby Banwait will present on some of the infamous aquatic invasive species that impact waterways such as the Fraser River, including both estuary and marine species, while providing examples of successful management work and actions we can all take to help protect our native wildlife. For more information and registration go to https://fraserriverdiscovery.org/facesofthefraser/

PGNC News & Notes, June 14, 2022

• Urban Wetland Nature Walk, Saturday June 18, 10 a.m. to 12 noon
• Learn to be in Nature, Saturday June 25, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., West Lake Provincial Park
• PGNC Volunteer Opportunity: Website/Social Media Committee
• PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
• Faces of the Fraser, Tuesday July 5, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom

Club News and Events

Urban Wetland Nature Walk, Saturday June 18, 10 a.m. to 12 noon

The PGNC is holding a nature walk at the Hudson’s Bay Wetland, on Saturday June 18.  It’s the perfect opportunity to learn about the birds, fish, animals and plant life that inhabit this urban wetland in the heart of Prince George. Meet at the small parking lot at The Exploration Place at 10 a.m. for sign-up and waivers. Plan to wear sturdy footwear in case the trails are wet. 

For more information contact Sandra Kinsey at sjkinsey@direct.ca, or phone 250-963-8381.

Learn to be in Nature, Saturday June 25, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. West Lake Provincial Park

The PGNC will have a display table at West Lake Provincial Park on Saturday June 25, to provide newcomers to Prince George with an opportunity  to explore a local park, meet nature enthusiasts in the community, and gain some important skills in order to enjoy outdoor recreation safely and comfortably in northern BC. 

Learn to be in Nature is a local BC Parks initiative to connect new Canadians with Prince George organizations devoted to nature and the outdoors. The event will be held at the Group Site at West Lake. 

Over 10% of Prince George’s population are recent immigrants. Coming from diverse places like China, India, the Philippines and Germany, many immigrants are new to exploring British Columbia’s wild places such as Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails. Many immigrants have never come face to face with a bear or know how to use bear spray, do not know the ten essential items that should be carried while enjoying the outdoors, or are aware of local and provincial organizations that can provide guidance and assistance. New Canadians will have the opportunity to learn about canoe and kayak safety, fishing, and how to stay safe in bear country. The PGNC is one of several organizations invited to share local knowledge.

If you would like to volunteer at this community-building event to share information about local flora and fauna, please contact Dave Leman at planmap@pgonline.com.

PGNC Volunteer Opportunity: Website/Social Media Committee

The Executive has established a new Website/Social Media Committee for the club. We will be meeting via Zoom for the foreseeable future. We will be discussing what we would like to see and ideas to better the website and our social media pages (Facebook and Instagram). We already have a few members, but we want to see if anyone else from our membership is interested in joining. The more voices and ideas, the better it will be.

Requirements:

1. You must be a current paid-up member of the PGNC. If you are interested in getting involved but aren’t a member yet, you can check out our membership page on the website: https://pgnc.wordpress.com/membership/.

2. You must have a keen interest in the future of the club and it helps if you are familiar with computers, BUT that is not required. We just need your ideas, you don’t need to be the one to implement them.

3. You must commit to attending our regular committee meetings or at least commit to sending an email to President Angelina Joiner at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com, if you can’t attend. Communication is important!

If this sounds like something you are interested in, please let us know. If you need more info please contact Angelina.

PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
Thank you to everyone who is renewing memberships or joining the PGNC. E-Transfer is available by sending to PrinceGeorgeNaturalistsClub@gmail.com and it goes directly into the Club’s bank account. No secret word is needed. Payments by cheque can be mailed to Prince George Naturalists Club, PO Box 1092, Prince George BC V2L 4V2. 
Memberships run from January 1 to December 31. Cost is $25 per calendar year for individuals, $40 for a family, and $15 for students. Benefits of membership: Subscription to BC Nature magazine, liability insurance coverage for Club work parties and field trips, and access to popular events limited to Club members only. Unfortunately, Spruce Capital Feeds has had to discontinue the 10% discount it gave to Prince George clubs.

Other Events and News

Faces of the Fraser, Tuesday July 5, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom

This event is sponsored by the Fraser River Discovery Centre. Marine Biologist Ruby Banwait will present on some of the infamous aquatic invasive species that impact waterways such as the Fraser River, including both estuary and marine species, while providing examples of successful management work and actions we can all take to help protect our native wildlife. For more information and registration go to https://fraserriverdiscovery.org/facesofthefraser/

PGNC News & Notes, May 21, 2022

• Wednesday May 25, Wilson Park Field Trip, 9 a.m. to 12 noon
• PGNC Volunteer Opportunity: Website/Social Media Committee
• PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
• Report: PGNC Spring Nature Walk in Cottonwood Island Park, Saturday May 7
• Backyard Birdwatching, May 9, CKPG Today
• May 24, 2022: Deadline for Public Comment on Application for Commercial Recreation – Guided Nature Viewing – Gleason Creek (Prince George)
• June 4, 2022: Deadline for Public Comment on Application for commercial recreation application -Small Creek near Tete Jaune

Club News and Events

Wednesday May 25, Wilson Park Field Trip, 9 a.m. to 12 noon

PGNC members and friends are invited to enjoy a field trip in Wilson Park on the Nechako River on Wednesday May 25. The Park has a 2.5 km trail system, offers excellent views of the Nechako all year round, and is popular with photographers. Meet at 9 a.m. under the big Save-On sign at Spruceland Mall to sign waivers. For more information contact Sandra Kinsey at sjkinsey@direct.ca, or phone 250-963-8381.

PGNC Volunteer Opportunity: Website/Social Media Committee

The Executive has established a new Website/Social Media Committee for the club. We will be meeting via Zoom for the foreseeable future. We will be discussing what we would like to see and ideas to better the website and our social media pages (Facebook and Instagram). We already have a few members, but we want to see if anyone else from our membership is interested in joining. The more voices and ideas, the better it will be.

Requirements:

1. You must be a current paid-up member of the PGNC. If you are interested in getting involved but aren’t a member yet, you can check out our membership page on the website: https://pgnc.wordpress.com/membership/.

2. You must have a keen interest in the future of the club and it helps if you are familiar with computers, BUT that is not required. We just need your ideas, you don’t need to be the one to implement them.

3. You must commit to attending our regular committee meetings or at least commit to sending an email to President Angelina Joiner at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com, if you can’t attend. Communication is important!

If this sounds like something you are interested in, please let us know. If you need more info please contact Angelina.

PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
Thank you to everyone who is renewing memberships or joining the PGNC. E-Transfer is available by sending to PrinceGeorgeNaturalistsClub@gmail.com and it goes directly into the Club’s bank account. No secret word is needed. Payments by cheque can be mailed to Prince George Naturalists Club, PO Box 1092, Prince George BC V2L 4V2. 
Memberships run from January 1 to December 31. Cost is $25 per calendar year for individuals, $40 for a family, and $15 for students. Benefits of membership: Subscription to BC Nature magazine, liability insurance coverage for Club work parties and field trips, and access to popular events limited to Club members only. Unfortunately, Spruce Capital Feeds has had to discontinue the 10% discount it gave to Prince George clubs.

Club Reports

PGNC Spring Nature Walk in Cottonwood Island Park, Saturday May 7

Our Spring Nature Walk in Cottonwood Island Park was great fun. Due to the forecasted bad weather, (May showers bring June flowers…we hope? Fingers are crossed) we had fewer participants than expected, but we had a great time anyway. Six of us made the journey around the park and we were rewarded. The rain held off, we had a few glimpses of wildlife, and we made quite a good bird list. In addition to a friendly Golden-crowned Sparrow (not often seen in these parts), we saw a pair of Beaver patrolling the channel, a Short-tailed Weasel by the footbridge over the channel, and a Snowshoe Hare playing…or being chased by…a bunch of Red Squirrels. Along our walk, we often stopped to observe or discuss what we were seeing. It was great to learn new things about nature! Here are a few highlights from our morning. The photo of the Golden-Crowned Sparrow was shared by Bill Bailey. The photo of the beaver is from Jack Bowling.A complete list of all the bird species we observed can be found here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S109237814. (Report by Angelina).

Backyard Birdwatching, May 9, CKPG Today

Clive Keen was a guest on CKPG Today to talk about watching birds in our backyards. Here’s the link to the video: https://tinyurl.com/y44r9r5k. Clive is a longtime member of the Prince George Naturalists Club and a local birding expert. The Club appreciates his recommendation to viewers to contact the PGNC and learn more about local birds.

Other Events and News

May 24, 2022: Deadline for Public Comment on Application for Commercial Recreation – Guided Nature Viewing – Gleason Creek (Prince George)

Sylvatica Forestry Services, DBA Dezaiko Alpine Adventures, has applied for a five-year Licence of Occupation at Gleason Creek. For information on Dezaiko Alpine Adventures, see this link: https://www.dezaikoalpine.com/about

Intended Land Use/Background Context: Adventure Tourism\Commercial Recreation – Guided Nature Viewing. For full information see  Crown Land File: 7410226.

Send comments directly to Tricia Klein, Authorizations Specialist, FrontCounter BC, 1-877-855-3222, Tricia.Klein@gov.bc.ca no later than May 24, 2022. Please mention that this is related to Crown Land File: 7410226.

June 4, 2022: Deadline for Public Comment on Application for commercial recreation application -Small Creek near Tete Jaune

The applicant is Jody Cinnamon. The Cinnamon family for many years has owned and operated Mount Robson Lodge, Robson Shadows Campground and a related white-water rafting business, all near Mount Robson: https://mountrobsonlodge.com/about-us/

Intended Land Use/Background Context: Adventure Tourism\Commercial Recreation; To develop and operate a multi-use backcountry lodge and supporting infrastructure available for rent year-round to both guided and self-guided groups. This application will include an extensive use area, an intensive use site, and a road to cover the requested trails within the area (Roads/trails = 7,867m long). Proposed term is 30 years. For additional information, review the application file maps and documents under each file number: 7409938, 7409939, 7410230

Send comments directly to Tricia Klein, Authorizations Specialist, FrontCounter BC, 1-877-855-3222, Tricia.Klein@gov.bc.ca no later than June 4, 2022. Please mention that this is related to Crown Land Files: 7409938, 7409939, 7410230.

PGNC News & Notes, May 4, 2022

• PGNC Spring Nature Walk, Cottonwood Island Park, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday May 7, 2022
• PGNC Volunteer Opportunity: Website/Social Media Committee
• PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
• Thursday May 12, Faces of the Fraser: Aquatic Invaders, online presentation 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• River Dreams, PBS documentary film

Club News and Events

PGNC Spring Nature Walk, Cottonwood Island Park, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday May 7, 2022

Join us for a spring nature walk at Cottonwood Island Park! Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the south parking lot by the canoe shelter.  For more information please contact us by email at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com, or on Facebook or Instagram @PGnaturalists.

PGNC Volunteer Opportunity: Website/Social Media Committee

The Executive has established a new Website/Social Media Committee for the club. We will be meeting via Zoom for the foreseeable future. We will be discussing what we would like to see and ideas to better the website and our social media pages (Facebook and Instagram). We already have a few members, but we want to see if anyone else from our membership is interested in joining. The more voices and ideas, the better it will be.

Requirements:

1. You must be a current paid-up member of the PGNC. If you are interested in getting involved but aren’t a member yet, you can check out our membership page on the website: https://pgnc.wordpress.com/membership/.

2. You must have a keen interest in the future of the club and it helps if you are familiar with computers, BUT that is not required. We just need your ideas, you don’t need to be the one to implement them.

3. You must commit to attending our regular committee meetings or at least commit to sending an email to President Angelina Joiner at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com, if you can’t attend. Communication is important!

If this sounds like something you are interested in, please let us know. If you need more info please contact Angelina.

Other Events and News

Thursday May 12, Faces of the Fraser: Aquatic Invaders, online presentation, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Join the Fraser River Discovery Centre to welcome Ruby Banwait, Senior Lead of Community Partnerships with the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia (ISCBC). Ruby has worked as a marine biologist across Canada for fourteen years, and has numerous conservation credentials to her name. She is a member of the board of directors for the Canadian Network of Ocean Education (CaNOE) and Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society. Prior to her work with the Invasive Species Council, she helped to plan and launch the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium in Newfoundland, a seasonal catch-and-release public aquarium that provides a fantastic template for eco-friendly wildlife education and tourism for organizations across Canada.

As Senior Lead of Community Partnerships with the ISCBC, Ruby works to develop the organization’s Community Science Network, which aims to help people across the province prevent the spread of invasive species by providing opportunities to learn, report, and act in protecting BC’s biodiversity.

Ruby will present on some of the infamous aquatic invasive species that impact waterways such as the Fraser River, including both estuary and marine species, while providing examples of successful management work and actions we can all take to help protect our native wildlife. This presentation will conclude with a Q&A session. We hope you will join us! Registration is by donation and includes a link to the Zoom meeting. Here’s the link to the registration information: https://fraserriverdiscovery.org/facesofthefraser/

River Dreams, PBS documentary film

Club members might enjoy this 2014 PBS documentary film, ‘River Dreams’ (71 min). A mix of conservation and wildlife photography and 44-day canoeing adventure in the U.S. south, You can stream it free on Tubi at: https://link.tubi.tv/xuNHOIjnwpb.  (submitted by Mike Nash)

PGNC News & Notes, April 26, 2022

• PGNC Spring Nature Walk, Cottonwood Island Park, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday May 7, 2022
• PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
• Report: PGNC Spring Cleanup at Hudson’s Bay Wetland, April 24
• Tuesday April 26, 7 p.m. The Amazing Diversity of Pink Mountain, on Zoom
• Wednesday April 27, 6:30 p.m. MDT, Jasper National Park Annual Public Forum
• NatureKidsBC 2022 Toolkit, Powerful Plants: seeking a contractor, application deadline April 30, 2022

Club News and Events

PGNC Spring Nature Walk, Cottonwood Island Park, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday May 7, 2022

Join us for a spring nature walk at Cottonwood Island Park! Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the south parking lot by the canoe shelter.  For more information please contact us by email at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com, or on Facebook or Instagram @PGnaturalists.

PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
Thank you to everyone who is renewing memberships or joining the PGNC. Information on payment options is available any time at: https://pgnc.wordpress.com/membership/. E-Transfer is available by sending to PrinceGeorgeNaturalistsClub@gmail.com and it goes directly into the Club’s bank account. No secret word is needed. Payments by cheque can be mailed to Prince George Naturalists Club, PO Box 1092, Prince George BC V2L 4V2. 
Memberships run from January 1 to December 31. Cost is $25 per calendar year for individuals, $40 for a family, and $15 for students. Benefits of membership: Subscription to BC Nature magazine, liability insurance coverage for Club work parties and field trips, and access to popular events limited to Club members only. Unfortunately, Spruce Capital Feeds has had to discontinue the 10% discount it gave to Prince George clubs.Club Reports

PGNC Spring Cleanup at Hudson’s Bay Wetland, Sunday April 24

The Cleanup on Sunday was great! Thanks to all those who came out to help clean the Hudson’s Bay Wetland park. We had 15 people come out and at least 40 bags of garbage were cleaned up, along with tires, tent poles, carpet tiles, clothes and more! Although the weather was a bit cold and windy, as the morning went on, the sun came out. I made a list of all the birds that we observed near the pond and it can be found here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S107937193. (report by Angelina Joiner).

Other Events and News

Tuesday April 26, 7 p.m. The Amazing Diversity of Pink Mountain, on Zoom

Pink Mountain appears to have one of and possibly the highest concentration of rare species in British Columbia. A number of the plants are red and blue listed (rare) in the province and almost all are rarely seen because of their normally difficult to access high elevation habit. Added to that are the complex adaptations that allow these plants to thrive in a seemingly impossibly harsh environment. For the plant enthusiast, there is no more interesting location than Pink Mountain.

Bio: Ron Long had a thirty six year career as the sciences photographer at Simon Fraser University. In the early 1970s Ron developed a serious interest in the native plants of British Columbia – an interest that has grown and expanded in the decades since. Ron has served as president of the Native Plant Society of BC and has been active with the Vancouver Natural History Society, VanDusen Botanical Garden and the UBC Botanical Garden. Since retiring Ron has travelled to plant hotspots around the world and keeps busy during his time at home preparing and giving talks to natural history societies and garden clubs throughout BC. Since 2010 he has coordinated research aimed at protecting and preserving Pink Mountain.

Wednesday April 27, 6:30 p.m. MDT, Jasper National Park Virtual Annual Public Forum

You are invited to take part in Jasper National Park’s Annual Public Forum, taking place virtually on April 27, 2022. This event will provide the opportunity for Parks Canada to report on highlights of the past year and coming priorities for Jasper National Park.

Agenda:
6:30 pm Year-in-review address with Jasper Field Unit Superintendent Alan Fehr
7:00 pm Presentations regarding caribou recovery, wildfire risk reduction, and Indigenous relations in Jasper National Park
7:30 pm Questions from the public

To attend:
The virtual meeting will take place via Microsoft Teams. You do not need to pre-register, download an app or create an account to use Teams. To join the meeting on April 27 at 6:30 pm, use the following link: click here to join the meeting.

The Jasper National Park 2021 Annual Report is available for review.

NatureKidsBC 2022 Toolkit, Powerful Plants: seeking a contractor, application deadline April 30, 2022

Nature Kids BC is looking for a contractor to work with them to design their 2022 toolkit/resource kit. In 2021 the focus was on salmon. In 2022 it’s all about the power of plants in fighting climate change and empowering BC families to be part of the solution by improving their backyards, balconies and local green spaces. The focus is on native plants and stewardship through education, games and activities. The detailed job description is available by contacting Christina Chowaniec, Program Directors, NatureKidsBC at christina@naturekidsbc.ca. For more information on NatureKids BC see the website at https://naturekidsbc.ca. Deadline to apply is April 30, 2022. 

PGNC News & Notes, April 20, 2022

• PGNC Spring Cleanup at Hudson’s Bay Wetland, Sunday April 24, 9 a.m. to 12 noon 
• PGNC Spring Nature Walk, Cottonwood Island Park, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday May 7, 2022
• PGNC Volunteer Opportunity: Website/Social Media Committee
• PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
• Report on Curlew Field Trip, April 16
• Monday April 25, 6:30 p.m. Rivers in the Sky: Unravelling the Atmospheric River Phenomenon
• Tuesday April 26, 7 p.m. The Amazing Diversity of Pink Mountain, on Zoom
• Wednesday April 27, 6:30 p.m. MDT, Jasper National Park Annual Public Forum
• NatureKidsBC 2022 Toolkit, Powerful Plants: seeking a contractor, application deadline April 30, 2022

Club News and Events

PGNC Spring Cleanup at Hudson’s Bay Wetland, Sunday April 24, 9 a.m. to 12 noon 

The PGNC will host a cleanup at Hudson’s Bay Wetland from 9 a.m. to 12 noon as part of the City Prince George Spring Cleanup Day. We will meet at the small Hudson’s Bay Wetland parking lot on Queensway Street. Gloves and garbage bags will be provided. Bring water and a snack.

 For more information contact Sandra Kinsey at sjkinsey@direct.ca, or phone 250-963-8381.

For information about the City’s annual spring cleanup, including Safety Guidelines, see the City’s website at: https://tinyurl.com/2p8p3hh7

PGNC Spring Nature Walk, Cottonwood Island Park, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday May 7, 2022

Join us for a spring nature walk at Cottonwood Island Park! Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the south parking lot by the canoe shelter.  For more information please contact us by email at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com, or on Facebook or Instagram @PGnaturalists.

PGNC Volunteer Opportunity: Website/Social Media Committee

The Executive has established a new Website/Social Media Committee for the club. We will be meeting via Zoom for the foreseeable future. We will be discussing what we would like to see and ideas to better the website and our social media pages (Facebook and Instagram). We already have a few members, but we want to see if anyone else from our membership is interested in joining. The more voices and ideas, the better it will be.

Requirements:

1. You must be a current paid-up member of the PGNC. If you are interested in getting involved but aren’t a member yet, you can check out our membership page on the website. https://pgnc.wordpress.com/membership/.

2. You must have a keen interest in the future of the club and it helps if you are familiar with computers, BUT that is not required. We just need your ideas, you don’t need to be the one to implement them.

3. You must commit to attending our regular committee meetings or at least commit to sending an email to President Angelina Joiner at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com, if you can’t attend. Communication is important!

If this sounds like something you are interested in, please let us know. If you need more info please contact Angelina.

PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals

Thank you to everyone who is renewing memberships or joining the PGNC. Information on payment options is available any time at: https://pgnc.wordpress.com/membership/. E-Transfer is available by sending to PrinceGeorgeNaturalistsClub@gmail.com and it goes directly into the Club’s bank account. No secret word is needed. Payments by cheque can be mailed to Prince George Naturalists Club, PO Box 1092, Prince George BC V2L 4V2. 
Memberships run from January 1 to December 31. Cost is $25 per calendar year for individuals, $40 for a family, and $15 for students. Benefits of membership: Subscription to BC Nature magazine, liability insurance coverage for Club work parties and field trips, and access to popular events limited to Club members only. Unfortunately, Spruce Capital Feeds has had to discontinue the 10% discount it gave to Prince George clubs.

Club Reports

Curlew Field Trip, April 16, 2022

Our first field trip of the year was a little walk to see the Long-billed Curlews at Shelley, east of Prince George. It was a nice warm and sunny morning, despite my phone telling me it was -9 when I left my house. We had 15 participants and we saw 16 Curlews in total. It’s really hard to count curlews when they are walking and flying all over the place. Other highlights of our walk were several Bald Eagles circling and many people had great looks at an American Tree Sparrow. It was nice to stand on the road beside Walrath Marsh and watch all the Geese and Ducks and listen to all the birds singing while soaking in the sun. Thanks to those who were able to come out with us. It was great to meet some new people and put some faces to names I had known for a while. For a detailed species list of birds observed click here, https://ebird.org/checklist/S107210868. (Report and photos by Angelina Joiner, with thanks to Christina Cutbill for the Long-billed Curlew photo).

Other Events and News

Monday April 25, 6:30 p.m. Rivers in the Sky: Unravelling the Atmospheric River Phenomenon

The Exploration Place Virtual Adult Speaker Series presentation is by Dr. Stephen Dery, Professor, Environmental Science Program at UNBC: https://www2.unbc.ca/people/dery-dr-stephen. The presentation will introduce the phenomenon of atmospheric rivers and discuss their impacts on BC. 

Registration is required. For more information and registration see: https://theexplorationplace.com/2022/03/08/program-template/

Tuesday April 26, 7 p.m. The Amazing Diversity of Pink Mountain, on Zoom

Pink Mountain appears to have one of and possibly the highest concentration of rare species in British Columbia. A number of the plants are red and blue listed (rare) in the province and almost all are rarely seen because of their normally difficult to access high elevation habit. Added to that are the complex adaptations that allow these plants to thrive in a seemingly impossibly harsh environment. For the plant enthusiast, there is no more interesting location than Pink Mountain.

Bio: Ron Long had a thirty six year career as the sciences photographer at Simon Fraser University. In the early 1970s Ron developed a serious interest in the native plants of British Columbia – an interest that has grown and expanded in the decades since. Ron has served as president of the Native Plant Society of BC and has been active with the Vancouver Natural History Society, VanDusen Botanical Garden and the UBC Botanical Garden. Since retiring Ron has travelled to plant hotspots around the world and keeps busy during his time at home preparing and giving talks to natural history societies and garden clubs throughout BC. Since 2010 he has coordinated research aimed at protecting and preserving Pink Mountain.

Wednesday April 27, 6:30 p.m. MDT, Jasper National Park Virtual Annual Public Forum

Parks Canada is pleased to invite you to Jasper National Park’s virtual Annual Public Forum. This event provides the opportunity for Parks Canada to report on highlights of the past year and coming priorities for Jasper National Park. Please join us for presentations, a question-and-answer session, and the chance to connect with Parks Canada staff.

The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. MDT with Jasper Field Unit Superintendent Alan Fehr’s year-in-review address, followed by presentations focused on the caribou recovery program, wildfire risk reduction, and an update from the Indigenous Relations team. The question-and-answer session will start at 7:30 p.m.

More information, including the meeting link, the 2021 Annual Report and a detailed agenda will be available soon.

NatureKidsBC 2022 Toolkit, Powerful Plants: seeking a contractor, application deadline April 30, 2022

Nature Kids BC is looking for a contractor to work with them to design their 2022 toolkit/resource kit. In 2021 the focus was on salmon. In 2022 it’s all about the power of plants in fighting climate change and empowering BC families to be part of the solution by improving their backyards, balconies and local green spaces. The focus is on native plants and stewardship through education, games and activities. The detailed job description is available by contacting Christina Chowaniec, Program Directors, NatureKidsBC at christina@naturekidsbc.ca. For more information on NatureKids BC see the website at https://naturekidsbc.ca. Deadline to apply is April 30, 2022.