PGNC News & Notes, May 30, 2023

• PGNC Executive News

• PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
• Report: PGNC April 30 Cleanup at Hudson’s Bay Wetland
• Report: PGNC May 6 Spring Nature Walk at Cottonwood Island Park
• Wednesday May 31, 6 p.m. REAPS Presentation to City Council

Club News and Events

PGNC Executive News

At its May meeting the Executive appointed Madison Oud to fill a vacancy. Madison is pursuing an MSc at UNBC.

There will be no Executive meeting in June. The Executive will meet on Wednesday July 12. If members would like to attend, send an email to the Club at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com to obtain meeting details.

PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals

It’s never too late to renew our memberships in the Prince George Naturalists Club. Thank you to everyone who is joining the PGNC or renewing memberships. Your membership supports the Prince George 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. 

“To be a naturalist is to be joyful, inquisitive, and at home on the world. To be home is to treat every life form as a family member”: Marina Richie.

PGNC Reports

PGNC April 30 Cleanup at Hudson’s Bay Wetland

PGNC participated in the City of Prince George’s Clean-Up Day on April 30. Nine participants picked up garbage in Hudson’s Bay Wetland Park on both sides of the channel, from Norwood Street to the Fraser River. A group had collected a pickup truck load of garbage the weekend before, but we still found about 10 bags of garbage. Last fall, a bear had gotten into the residential garbage along Regent Crescent and dragged it all into the trees. That was discouraging; our group picked up about half of it. Lots of cigarette butts this year. We received much encouragement and many positive words from passers-by. Another group which had registered to clean up several kilometres of the Heritage Trail passed through so we were able to give each other encouragement and laughs. A rewarding time was had by all (report by Sandra Kinsey).

PGNC May 6 Spring Nature Walk at Cottonwood Island Park

On May 6 a few hardy souls braved the weather forecast and went on a nature walk in Cottonwood Island Park. (It was actually, reasonable. It rained less than expected.) We observed 30 bird species including Vaux’s Swift, Pileated Woodpecker, and White-throated Sparrow. A full list of the bird species observed is available here: https://tinyurl.com/5yahdma3

We also noted a number of different species of trees and shrubs. Thanks to those who joined us! (report by Angelina Joiner).

Other Events and News

Wednesday May 31, 6 p.m. REAPS Presentation to City Council

REAPS is a longtime supporter of the PGNC’s work at that Hudson’s Bay Wetland. Now they need our help! Join REAPS on May 31st at 6 pm as they present to Council with a request for support of development of the Growing Knowledge Community Compost Garden at the new David Douglas Botanical Garden site at UNBC.

REAPS was put in an unfortunate situation after 27 years, with little notice, to relocate/rebuild at a cost of $500,000. Taking this opportunity to look forward and the growing need for continued environmental education, REAPS is asking City Council for in-kind and/or monetary support for the connection of electrical and water at the new site and final grading.

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PGNC News & Notes, May 3, 2023

• Saturday May 6, 8:30 a.m. PGNC Spring Nature Walk at Cottonwood Island Park
• PGNC Executive Meeting, Wednesday May 10
• PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
• Kennedy Siding Caribou Report for 2022/2023
• Bird Chatter

Club News and Events

Saturday May 6, 8:30 a.m. Spring Nature Walk at Cottonwood Island Park

See the poster below for details on where to meet and how to get more information about the Spring Nature Walk.

PGNC Executive Meeting, Wednesday May 10

The Executive meets on the second Wednesday of the month except for July and August.The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday May 10.  If you would like to attend, send an email to the Club at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com to obtain meeting details.

PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals

It’s time to renew our memberships in the Prince George Naturalists Club. 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. 

“To be a naturalist is to be joyful, inquisitive, and at home on the world. To be home is to treat every life form as a family member”: Marina Richie.

Other Events and News

Kennedy Siding Caribou Report for 2022/2023

Doug Heard and Lauren Elviss identified 114 caribou at Kennedy Siding feeding stations in fall 2022.  After they accounted for caribou that did not go to the feeders, it appears that herd numbers are still increasing, as they have been since 2014 when feeding began, and there were only 49.  For more information and a copy of the 2022-23 annual report, email Doug Heard at dougcheard@gmail.com.

Bird Chatter

Gardening for Birds:Birds Canada has numerous resources on its website for creating bird habitat in our yards and gardens: https://www.birdscanada.org/you-can-help/bird-gardens

PGNC News & Notes, April 27, 2023

• Sunday April 30, 9 a.m. to 12 noon PGNC Cleanup at Hudson’s Bay Wetland
• Saturday May 6, 8:30 a.m. PGNC Spring Nature Walk at Cottonwood Island Park
• PGNC Executive Meeting, Wednesday May 10
• Report: April 22 Annual Curlew Field Trip
• PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
• Saturday May 6, BC Nature AGM, Langley
• Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program
• Meteor Lake Wetland-Bog Protection

Sunday April 30, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Spring Cleanup at Hudson’s Bay Wetland

The PGNC spent many years building observation decks and trails at the Hudson’s Bay Wetland. One of our volunteers is very involved in regular maintenance as well as graffiti removal and garbage pickup at the observation decks. The Club helps out by participating in the City’s annual spring cleanup to pick up garbage on the trails and the vacant lots adjacent to the Wetland. Everyone is invited to participate. Details are in the poster below.

Saturday May 6, 8:30 a.m. Spring Nature Walk at Cottonwood Island Park

See the poster below for details on where to meet and how to get more information about the walk.

PGNC Executive Meeting, Wednesday May 10

The Executive meets on the second Wednesday of the month except for July and August.The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday May 10.  If you would like to attend, send an email to the Club at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com to obtain meeting details.

Report: April 22 Annual Curlew Field Trip

On April 22nd, 14 of us ventured to Shelley in search of long-billed curlews, large inland-breeding shorebirds with long, decurved beaks. Although the weather started cold, wet, and windy, we counted 27 curlews and watched as they called, flew, and foraged in the open fields. There was a curlew with a leg flag. Could it have been Graham (CA)? He was seen later that afternoon. As the weather improved, we wandered to the nearby marsh and saw other spring migrants. Species of note were one greater white-fronted goose, some green-winged teals, buffleheads, killdeer, and greater yellowlegs. For a complete species list, follow this link to our eBird list: https://ebird.org/canada/checklist/S134930893. See photos at https://www.facebook.com/PGNaturalists. Thank you to all who came out on our curlew trip! (Report by Cara and Sandra)

PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals

It’s time to renew our memberships in the Prince George Naturalists Club. 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. 

“To be a naturalist is to be joyful, inquisitive, and at home on the world. To be home is to treat every life form as a family member”: Marina Richie.

Saturday May 6, 1:30 p.m. BC Nature Annual General Meeting, Langley BC

The PGNC is a chapter of BC Nature. All our members are welcome to attend the 2023 AGM which will be held in Langley, hosted by the Langley Field Naturalists. Full details about the AGM are available on the BC Nature website at: https://bcnature.org/bc_nature_agm_2023/

Other Events and News

Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program

Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program News: In May, watch our owl webcam and see a breeding pair of endangered northern spotted owls raise their chicks at the Northern Spotted Owl Captive Breeding Program in the Fraser Valley. Stay tuned to see the eggs hatch and the chicks grow: https://fwcp.ca/northernspottedowl/ In 2022, endangered owls hatched at the breeding centre were released into the wild for the first time. 

Meteor Lake Wetland-Bog Protection

Nature Trust of BC has now raised enough funds to buy and protect 375 hectares of wetland bog across from Sinclair Mills. It connects to one of the largest wetlands in the Upper Fraser River Valley. According to the Trust’s website the Meteor Lake Wetland – Bog  contains a plethora of rare wetland associations, including peatland ecosystems consisting of bogs and fens. Peatlands are a type of wetland that occurs when dead organic material doesn’t fully decompose due to excessive moisture which accumulates over thousands of years, trapping huge amounts of carbon in the ground. Approximately 95% of the property remains in a relatively natural state. For more information follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/mr73xxr9

Nature Conservancy of Canada has also conserved a 100-hectare private parcel in the Meteor Lake Wetlands, according to its BC Impact Report sent to supporters in January.

PGNC News & Notes, April 18, 2023

• PGNC Executive News
• Saturday April 22, 9 a.m. PGNC Annual Curlew Field Trip
• Sunday April 30, PGNC Cleanup at Hudson’s Bay Wetland
• Saturday May 6, 8:30 a.m. PGNC Spring Nature Walk
• PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
• Saturday May 6, BC Nature AGM, Langley
• Saturday April 22, 7 p.m. The Walker: Threatened Jewel of the Upper Fraser
• Call for Volunteers for Long-Billed Curlew Survey
• Bird Chatter

PGNC Executive News

The Executive met on April 12 and elected the following officers: BC Nature Director – Dave Leman,  Treasurer – Sandra Kinsey, Secretary – Caitlin Zvanovec, Vice-President – Diana Corona Castro, and President – Angelina Joiner. Cara Snell is the sixth director. The AGM approved an additional vacant position which can be filled in 2022 at the pleasure of the Executive.

The Executive meets on the second Wednesday of the month except for July and August.The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday May 10.  If you would like to attend, send an email to the Club at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com to obtain meeting details.

Saturday April 22, 9 a.m. PGNC Annual Curlew Field Trip

Details are in the attached poster.

Sunday April 30, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Spring Cleanup at Hudson’s Bay Wetland

The PGNC spent many years building observation decks and trails at the Hudson’s Bay Wetland. One of our volunteers does regular maintenance as well as graffiti removal and garbage pickup at the observation decks. The Club helps out by participating in the City’s annual spring cleanup to pick up garbage on the trails and the vacant lots adjacent to the Wetland. Everyone is invited to participate. Details are in the poster below.

Saturday May 6, 8:30 a.m. Spring Nature Walk at Cottonwood Island Park

See the poster below for details on where to meet and how to get more information about the walk.

PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals

It’s time to renew our memberships in the Prince George Naturalists Club. 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. 

“To be a naturalist is to be joyful, inquisitive, and at home on the world. To be home is to treat every life form as a family member”: Marina Richie.

Saturday May 6, 1:30 p.m. BC Nature Annual General Meeting, Langley BC

The PGNC is a chapter of BC Nature. All our members are welcome to attend the 2023 AGM which will be held in Langley, hosted by the Langley Field Naturalists. Agenda details will be included in the next PGNC Newsletter.

Other Events and News

Saturday April 22, 7 p.m. The Walker: Threatened Jewel of the Upper Fraser

Message from Conservation North: On April 22nd, we will be highlighting an extremely important watershed in the Inland Temperate Rainforest.This watershed is critical for bull trout and chinook salmon. It is identified as excellent grizzly bear and ungulate habitat, including caribou and elk. This intact watershed is threatened by industrial logging. Conservation North will be showcasing this special place with a beautiful slide show. Free admission. Snacks.

Call for Volunteers for Long-billed Curlew Survey

My name is Kelsey Freitag and I am a Master of Science student at Thompson Rivers University. I am looking for volunteers to conduct Long-billed Curlew surveys in the Prince George or Vanderhoof regions. These are roadside surveys along pre-established routes. 

The time commitment for one survey route is 2-3 mornings in the month of May.

Attached is a poster with more information on my research and the surveys. It is really great experience with minimal time commitment (can be longer if any volunteers want to conduct multiple routes).

I will be holding a virtual meeting to talk about survey protocols on Monday April 24th at 7 pm PST. 

If you are interested or want more information, please contact me at freitagkelsey@gmail.com

Bird Chatter

• Birding packpacks: Did you know that the Prince George Public Library has birding packpack kits that anyone can borrow? The kits include a field guide to North American birds, a set of binoculars and a laminated local birdwatching checklist. Go to the PGPL website and search for Birdwatching Backpack.
• Checklist of local birds: In 2011 the PGNC produced a Checklist of North-Central BC Birds. It is still widely used and free copies are available at the Tourism Prince George Visitor Centre at 1300 1st Avenue.

PGNC News & Notes March 22, 2023

• Saturday March 25, 9:30 a.m. PGNC Tracks and Signs Walk, Ferguson Lake
• Wednesday April 12, PGNC Executive Meeting
• PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
• Report: PGNC Annual General Meeting, March 16
• Friday March 24 NRESi Colloquium – Indigenous sysems of management for culturally and ecological resilient Pacific salmon fisheries, UBC Room 7-212 and online
• Tuesday March 28, International Fly Fishing Film Festival, 7 p.m. Canfor Theatre UNBC
• Bird Chatter

Club News and Events

Saturday March 25, 9:30 a.m. Tracks & Signs Walk, Ferguson Lake

The Tracks & Signs walk at Ferguson Lake Nature Reserve is scheduled for Saturday, March 25. Meet under the big sign at Spruceland parking lot near the bus stop at 9:30 a.m. for waiver signing and carpooling. This will NOT be a full day walk, just a few hours. IMPORTANT: It’s March and it may still be icy, so please bring ice cleats and/or walking poles. No falling, please! Contact us at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com for more info.

Wednesday April 12, PGNC Executive Meeting

The Executive meets on the second Wednesday of the month. The next in-person meeting is on Wednesday April 12. The following positions will be filled at this first meeting of the new Executive: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and BC Nature Director. Current PGNC members are welcome to attend Executive meetings. If you would like to attend, just send an email to the Club at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com to obtain meeting details.

PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals

It’s time to renew our memberships in the Prince George Naturalists Club. 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. 

“To be a naturalist is to be joyful, inquisitive, and at home on the world. To be home is to treat every life form as a family member”: Marina Richie.

Report: PGNC Annual General Meeting, March 16

The PGNC Annual General Meeting was held at UNBC on March 16. Fourteen members were in attendance. The following individuals were elected by acclamation: Dave Leman, Angelina Joiner, Caitlin Zvanovec, Diana Corona Castro, Sandra Kinsey and Cara Snell. The meeting set the number of directors at seven, which allows for one additional director to be appointed in 2023.

Other Events and News

Friday March 24 NRESi Colloquium – Indigenous sysems of management for culturally and ecological resilient Pacific salmon fisheries, UBC Room 7-212 and online

“Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) are at the centre of social–ecological systems that have supported Indigenous peoples around the North Pacific Rim since time immemorial”. Here’s the link to a full description of this presentation: https://www2.unbc.ca/events/73916/nresi-colloquium-indigenous-systems-management-culturally-and-ecologically-resilient-pacific-salmon-fisheries-dr-andrea-reid. The page includes the online link to view the presentation remotely.

Tuesday March 28, International Fly Fishing Film Festival, 7 p.m. Canfor Theatre UNBC

This poster provides all the detail needed for people wishing to attend the Festival.

Bird Chatter

By popular demand, here are some useful links to obtain bird-related information. Newsletter readers may also have other recommendations which will be included in future newsletters.

• An essential bird book: The Sibley Guide to Birds, second edition. Here’s the link to the Sibley Guides website: https://www.sibleyguides.com. Books & Company in Prince George currently has two copies of Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America in stock.
• Birds Canada: https://www.birdscanada.org The goal of this non-profit is to “drive action to increase the understanding, appreciation and conservation of birds in Canada”. One of their major citizen science initiatives in British Columbia is Project Feeder Watch.
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/search# This is a treasure trove of bird information.
• E-bird: https://ebird.org/explore Go to “Explore Hotspots” and find all the places around Prince George with lists of species observed and checklists. Hotspots include Cottonwood Island Park, Hudson’s Bay Wetland Nature Park, and many other locations in or near Prince George.
• iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations Type “Birds” in the species box and “Prince George” in the Location box and see 132 species on display.
• ncenbird listserv: a free email listserv. It shares subscriber emails about birds and sometimes other nature related topics. Emails from subscribers go to everyone on the list which is run by Sandra Kinsey, one of many local birding experts. There are some very knowledgeable and helpful local people and others in the field who answer questions with no put-downs for beginner questions. Send an email to ncenbird-subscribe@list.bcgroup.net with Subscribe in the subject line and only Subscribe in the body of the email.

And there’s more to come in future newsletters: curlew-mania, birding backpacks, local checklists, BCFO, Merlin.

PGNC News & Notes, March 11, 2023

• Thursday March 16, PGNC Annual General Meeting, 7 p.m. UNBC Room 5-178
• Special Invitation to UNBC students
• Saturday March 25, 9:30 a.m. PGNC Tracks and Signs Walk, Ferguson Lake
• PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
• BC Nature Photo Contest 2023
• Caribou Conservation Breeding Program in Jasper National Park

Club News and Events

Thursday March 16, PGNC Annual General Meeting, 7 p.m. UNBC Room 5-178

The Prince George Naturalists Club will hold its Annual General Meeting on March 16, at 7 p.m. in Room 5-178 at UNBC. All members, friends and supporters are invited to attend. Memberships will be available at the meeting. New directors are welcome and all are encouraged to participate on the Executive.

Special Invitation to UNBC students

In 2023 the Prince George Naturalists Club is again encouraging university students to join the Executive to continue the process of renewing and reinvigorating the Club. Several students joined the Executive in 2022, which generated new energy in Club activities.

Directors apply their skills and knowledge to support a variety of Club endeavours. This may include managing the Club’s social media and website; distributing newsletters; organizing social events, presentations, and field trips; and designing Club brochures.

 Requirements:

•   Volunteer for a one-year term starting March 2023.
•   Once a month attend a 1-2 hour meeting (typically a Wednesday or Thursday evening). Meetings are about Club business, but they are fairly informal and are a great way to have some fun with like-minded people!
•  Recent Executive meetings have been in-person events held at UNBC.
•  A summer break in meetings accommodates out-of-town work or research.

For more information or if you are interested in volunteering, email princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com or send us a message on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PGNaturalists.

Saturday March 25, 9:30 a.m. Tracks & Signs Walk, Ferguson Lake

The Tracks & Signs walk at Ferguson Lake Nature Reserve is scheduled for Saturday, March 25. Meet under the big sign at Spruceland parking lot near the bus stop at 9:30 a.m. for waiver signing and carpooling. This will NOT be a full day walk, just a few hours. IMPORTANT: It’s March and it may still be icy, so please bring ice cleats and/or walking poles. No falling, please! Contact us at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com for more info.

PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals

It’s time to renew our memberships in the Prince George Naturalists Club. 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. 

“To be a naturalist is to be joyful, inquisitive, and at home on the world. To be home is to treat every life form as a family member”: Marina Richie.

Other Events and News

BC Nature Photo Contest 2023

The 2023 BC Nature Photo Contest is a celebration of the plants and animals, landscapes, and nature moments that show how naturalists of all ages spend their time outdoors. Whether you like to hike, bird watch, master your photography skills on all things nature, we encourage you to share. Deadline for submissions: Midnight March 15, 2023.

Here’s the link to the 2023 BC Nature Photo Contest information:

https://bcnature.org/photo-contest-2021/. Don’t worry – the link says 2021 but it really is for 2023!

Caribou Conservation Breeding Program in Jasper National Park

Parks Canada has established a caribou breeding program in Jasper National Park, “with the potential restore caribou populations and support Canada’s biodiversity goals”. Here’s the link to the story: https://www.canada.ca/en/parks-canada/news/2023/02/government-of-canada-invests-in-reversing-biodiversity-loss-through-conservation-breeding-program-for-caribou-in-jasper-national-park0.html (contributed by Mike Nash)

PGNC News & Notes, March 2, 2023

• Wednesday March 8, PGNC Executive Meeting
• Thursday March 16, PGNC Annual General Meeting, 7 p.m. UNBC Room 5-178
• PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
• Special Invitation to UNBC students
• BC Nature Photo Contest 2023

Club News and Events

Wednesday March 8, PGNC Executive Meeting

The Executive meets on the second Wednesday of the month. The next in-person meeting is on March 8. Current PGNC members are welcome to attend Executive meetings. If you would like to attend, just send an email to the Club at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com to obtain meeting details.

Thursday March 16, PGNC Annual General Meeting, 7 p.m. UNBC Room 5-178

The Prince George Naturalists Club will hold its Annual General Meeting on March 16, at 7 p.m. in Room 5-178 at UNBC. All members, friends and supporters are invited to attend. Memberships will be available at the meeting. New directors are welcome and all are encouraged to participate as members of the Executive.

Special Invitation to UNBC students

In 2023 the Prince George Naturalists Club is again encouraging university students to join the Executive to continue the process of renewing and reinvigorating the Club. Several students joined the Executive in 2022, which generated new energy in Club activities.

Directors apply their skills and knowledge to support a variety of Club endeavours. This may include managing the Club’s social media and website; distributing newsletters; organizing social events, presentations, and field trips; and designing Club brochures.

 Requirements:

•   Volunteer for a one-year term starting March 2023.
•   Once a month attend a 1-2 hour meeting (typically a Wednesday or Thursday evening). Meetings are about Club business, but they are fairly informal and are a great way to have some fun with like-minded people!
•  Recent Executive meetings have been in-person events held at UNBC.
•  A summer break in meetings accommodates out-of-town work or research.

For more information or if you are interested in volunteering, email princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com or send us a message on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PGNaturalists (copy and paste this link).

PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals

It’s time to renew our memberships in the Prince George Naturalists Club. 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. 

“To be a naturalist is to be joyful, inquisitive, and at home on the world. To be home is to treat every life form as a family member”: Marina Richie.

Other Events and News

BC Nature Photo Contest 2023

The 2023 BC Nature Photo Contest is a celebration of the plants and animals, landscapes, and nature moments that show how naturalists of all ages spend their time outdoors. Whether you like to hike, bird watch, master your photography skills on all things nature, we encourage you to share. Deadline for submissions: Midnight March 15, 2023.

Here’s the link to the 2023 BC Nature Photo Contest information:

https://bcnature.org/photo-contest-2021/. Don’t worry – the link says 2021 but it really is for 2023!

PGNC News & Notes, February 24, 2023

• SATURDAY FEBRUARY 25, 9:30 A.M., TRACKS AND SIGNS WALK AT FERGUSON LAKE IS CANCELLED
• Tuesday February 28, 6:30 p.m., The Future of Forestry in BC. UNBC Canfor Theatre, in person or on Zoom

Club News and Events

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 25, 9:30 A.M., TRACKS AND SIGNS WALK AT FERGUSON LAKE IS CANCELLED

The PGNC’S Tracks & Signs walk at Ferguson Lake Nature Reserve on Saturday, February 25 is cancelled due to a winter storm warning with 20 to 30 cm of snow expected on Saturday. We hope to reschedule this event soon.

Tuesday February 28, 6:30 p.m., The Future of Forestry in BC. UNBC Canfor Theatre, in person or on Zoom

Everyone is invited to join a community conversation about the future of forestry in our region on Tuesday, February 28, at 6:30 pm in the UNBC Canfor Theatre. 

Featuring:
Mike Morris – MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie,
Ben Parfitt – Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives,
Chuck LeBlanc – Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC),
Liam Parfitt – Freya Logging,
Prince George Mayor Simon Yu,
and more!

Attend in-person at the UNBC Canfor Theatre or online via Zoom.

Online registration is available by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bYTxueBQTHCY51nBT0DT8g?

PGNC News & Notes, February 18, 2023

• Saturday February 25, 9:30 a.m. Tracks and Signs Walk at Ferguson Lake
• Wednesday March 8, PGNC Executive Meeting
• Thursday March 16, PGNC Annual General Meeting, 7 p.m. UNBC Room 5-178
• PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
• PGNC Photos Now Online
• The Grace of Interior Forests: A Conversation with Suzanne Simard

Club News and Events

Saturday February 25, 9:30 a.m. Tracks and Signs Walk at Ferguson Lake

The PGNC has an upcoming event! It’s a Tracks & Signs walk at Ferguson Lake Nature Reserve, on Saturday, February 25. Meet under the big sign at Spruceland parking lot near the bus stop at 9:30 a.m. for waiver signing and carpooling. This will NOT be a full day walk, just a few hours. IMPORTANT: It’s February and it will potentially be icy, so please bring ice cleats and/or walking poles. No falling, please! Contact us at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com for more info. ~Angelina

Wednesday March 8, PGNC Executive Meeting

The Executive meets on the second Wednesday of the month. The next in-person meeting is on March 8. Current PGNC members are welcome to attend Executive meetings. If you would like to attend, just send an email to the Club at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com to obtain meeting details.

Thursday March 16, PGNC Annual General Meeting, 7 p.m. UNBC Room 5-178

Save the date! The PGNC will hold its Annual General Meeting on March 16, at 7 p.m. in Room 5-178 at UNBC. All members, friends and supporters are invited to attend. Memberships will be available at the meeting. More details to come soon.

PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals

It’s time to renew our memberships in the Prince George Naturalists Club. 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. 

“To be a naturalist is to be joyful, inquisitive, and at home on the world. To be home is to treat every life form as a family member”: Marina Richie.

PGNC Photos Now Online

Check out the selection of nature photos on the PGNC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PGNaturalists. We will be setting up a Link to Monthly Photo Submissions on the PGNC blog at https://pgnc.wordpress.com.

Other Events and News

The Grace of Interior Forests: A Conversation with Suzanne Simard

The Sierra Club of BC has made the recent webinar with Suzanne Simard available online. Just follow this link: https://sierraclub.bc.ca/the-grace-of-interior-forests-a-conversation-with-suzanne-simard/ to access the recording.

PGNC News & Notes, February 11, 2023

• Wednesday March 8, PGNC Executive Meeting
• Thursday March 16, PGNC Annual General Meeting, 7 p.m. UNBC Room 5-178
• PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals
• PGNC Photos Now Online
• Monday February 13, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Webinar. The Grace of Interior Forests: A Conversation with Suzanne Simard
• Friday February 17 to Monday February 20: Great Backyard Bird Count
• Il Buco
• Birdsong boosts mental wellbeing for 90% of people, UK poll finds

Club News and Events

Wednesday March 8, PGNC Executive Meeting

The Executive meets on the second Wednesday of the month. The next in-person meeting is on March 8. Current PGNC members are welcome to attend Executive meetings. If you would like to attend, just send an email to the Club at princegeorgenaturalistsclub@gmail.com to obtain meeting details.

Thursday March 16, PGNC Annual General Meeting, 7 p.m. UNBC Room 5-178

Save the date! The PGNC will hold its Annual General Meeting on March 16, at 7 p.m. in Room 5-178 at UNBC. All members, friends and supporters are invited to attend. Memberships will be available at the meeting. More details to come in the next newsletter.

PGNC Memberships: New and Renewals

It’s time to renew our memberships in the Prince George Naturalists Club. 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. 

“To be a naturalist is to be joyful, inquisitive, and at home on the world. To be home is to treat every life form as a family member”: Marina Richie.

PGNC Photos Now Online

Check out the selection of nature photos on the PGNC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PGNaturalists. We will be setting up a Link to Monthly Photo Submissions on the PGNC blog at https://pgnc.wordpress.com.

Other Events and News

Monday February 13, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Webinar. The Grace of Interior Forests: A Conversation with Suzanne Simard

While coastal forests are often in the spotlight, their Interior neighbours are just as spectacular. From Douglas Firs to Ponderosa Pines to ancient cedars, Interior old and primary forests in B.C., like the inland temperate rainforest, contain some of the rarest ecosystems in the world. There is much these vibrant forests have to teach us if we only take the time to listen.

Join Sierra Club of BC Director of Campaigns and Programs, Shelley Luce, for a conversation with UBC Professor and author of ‘Finding the Mother Tree‘, Suzanne Simard, on the wonders of Interior forests. We’ll be chatting about everything from the beings that call them home, their resiliency, the economic opportunities forest restoration holds and our collective responsibility to better care for these vital ecosystems.

Happening on Monday, February 13 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. And don’t worry if you can’t make it for the live session, all registrants will be sent the recording.

To register for this session, go to https://sierraclub.bc.ca/the-grace-of-interior-forests-a-conversation-with-suzanne-simard/

Editor’s note: Suzanne Simard’s book, Finding the Mother Tree, is available at the Prince George Public Library. It’s well worth reading.

Friday February 17 to Monday February 20: Great Backyard Bird Count

Join bird enthusiasts worldwide next Friday through Monday, February 17 through 20, for the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC).

Similar to Project FeederWatch, the GBBC helps scientists learn about the distribution and abundance of birds. But the GBBC works a little differently. For the GBBC, you report the number of individuals of each species you see during a single counting session (not a two-day tally like you do for FeederWatch), and you submit your counts using eBird Mobile or ebird.org. You can also share the bird species you see using the Merlin Bird ID app. Visit GBBC’s how to participate page to learn more. You can count in more than one location—just submit a separate checklist for each location each time you count. You can report the same birds to GBBC that you are reporting to Project FeederWatch as well as any other birds you see, even those birds flying overhead that don’t count for FeederWatch.

Bird and nature lovers everywhere unite in the effort to tally as many of the world’s bird species as possible over these four days. An estimated 385,000 people participated during the 2022 GBBC. They reported more than 7,000 species from 192 countries. Combined with other bird counts, GBBC results help create a clearer picture of how birds are faring—whether individual species are declining, increasing, or holding steady in the face of habitat loss, climate change, and other threats. Learn more about the Great Backyard Bird Count at birdcount.org. 

Webinar and Podcast
You are invited to tune in to a special webinar about how to participate in the GBBC being held Wednesday, February 15 at 1:00 p.m Eastern Time. Register to attend this free, live-streamed event. 

And in a special episode of The Warblers podcast, hear from experts from Birds Canada, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and the National Audubon Society about the impact of the Great Backyard Bird Count and how you can participate. Listen to the podcast anytime on the Warblers website.

Il Buco

From Mike Nash: For those who enjoy period, outdoor, artistic adventure films there’s a DVD copy of the 2021 award-winning Italian movie, ‘Il Buco’ in the Prince George Public Library. Despite almost no dialogue, it has interesting period (1961) realism and cinematography both above and below ground. It very much took me back to our early explorations of Fang and other Prince George area caves in the early 1980s. Did you know that a newspaper magazine was an essential piece of early 1960s era caving kit? They tore off and crumpled a few pages at a time, lit them with their carbide lamps and dropped them into the abyss to light the way, an act that would surely not pass cave ethics muster today. The underground photography was realistic, appearing to be lit only by their electric and carbide headlamps. That’s possible today with high end digital, although the 100 per cent humidity apparently made filming challenging. The surface scenes were interesting too, with some of the gear reminding me of my late 1960’s to early 1980’s kit. Reviews: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/il_buco. Recommended!

Birdsong boosts mental wellbeing for 90% of people, UK poll finds

Heather Sapergia forwarded this article in the Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jan/27/birdsong-boosts-mental-wellbeing-for-90-of-people-uk-poll-finds?CMP=share_btn_link. The article notes the importance of spending time in natural spaces and how this improves mental health and wellbeing – something naturalists have already figured out!