BC Nature Fall Conference and FGM
The Pender Harbour & District Wildlife Society is proud to be hosting the BC Nature Fall Conference and General Meeting from September 10th to September 13th, 2009. BC Nature is a federation of local natural history groups and represents 50 local nature clubs throughout BC. BC Nature works to protect biodiversity, species at risk, parks and other natural areas throughout the province. The Fall General Meeting and Conference highlights the work of BC Nature as well as its clubs and provides an opportunity for the clubs to share successes with others. As this year’s host, we will be providing lectures featuring local environmental issues, field trips to Pender Harbour’s important natural areas, evening socials and an awards banquet. The entire conference will be held at the beautiful Iris Griffith Field Studies & Interpretive Centre.
Schedule of events
The schedule of events and registration form can be found or downloaded here. Adobe acrobat reader required. Please print out registration form (second page) fill in the details and mail it to: Pender Harbour Wildlife Society
Box 220
Madeira Park, BC
V0N 2H0
Guest speakers
Dr Michael Jackson - "The Iris Griffith Centre: Realizing a vision through positive thinking " Michael has a wealth of experience in conservation, wetland ecology, educational instruction, writing and project management as well as sound business acumen. As the managing director of a book business in central London and as a production manager in theatre and televison, he has the ability to work together with large teams of people to achieve a common aim. He is currently a Research Associate with Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia and runs his own wetlands consultancy that specialises in habitat restoration and natural methods of mosquito control. Michael is the President of the Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society.
Dr John Field - "Caren Range and Spipiyus Provincial Park " John is a Science Instructor at the Capilano College Campus in Sechelt and a well-known local natural history expert. He is experienced in course design and programming, nature guiding and field instruction. He leads many courses and has a strong ability to bring out the most in his students. John is the Vice President of the Ruby Lake Nature Reserve Society.
Dr Michelle Evelyn - "Painted Turtles on the Sunshine Coast " A wildlife ecologist, Michelle's work focuses on balancing the needs of humans and wildlife, and identifying and protecting key resources for wildlife in human-dominated landscapes. Michelle studied Ecology and Zoology at the University of British Columbia and gained her MSc. and Ph.D. from Stanford University. She is a Research Affiliate with the Biodiversity Research Centre at UBC and is the recipient of many awards, grants and academic honours. Michelle will discuss the status of populations of endangered Western Painted Turtles on the Sunshine Coast and her Painted Turtle research, conservation and stewardship project.
Dr Dolph Schluter - "Quest for the Origin of Species"
Briony Penn - "Valuing Nature – Dollars and Sense: Emerging Markets in Nature Conservation"
Field trips
Bear Bay Forest
Bear Bay Forest is a unique and awesome stretch of forest south of Sakinaw Lake in the Garden Bay area. The Sunshine Coast Regional District, along with the Ministry of Environment, has identified Bear Bay Forest as containing the only low elevation Old-Forest ecosystem between Sakinaw Lake and Halfmoon Bay. It has been designated by the Sechelt Indian Band as having cultural and natural value. Bear Bay Forest has a well-maintained interpretive trail system that provides hikers easy access to a century old Steam Donkey Engine, as well as views of Sakinaw Lake. The trail in Bear Bay Forest is the only one in the area to offer level walking terrain through a diverse array of ecosystem types, massive old-growth trees and historical artifacts. Considered by some as the crown jewel of hiking trails in the Pender Harbour area, the Bear Bay Forest Interpretive trail offers a great combination of ecosystem variety and educational landmarks.
Difficulty: This is an easy to moderate hike. It is a 4 km round trip.
Guide: Ryan Logtenberg
Website: www.bearbay.ca
Pender Hill Regional Park
Pender Hill is a quick trek filled with hard hiking work but great scenic benefits. The trail is steep and can be slippery, so keep alert. The hill itself is only 231m high but the trail starts climbing quickly straight up. The summit of the Pender Hill shows off views of the Sechelt Peninsula and Pender Harbour. History tells us the Sechelt First Nation people used Pender Hill as a look out for scouting out any threats that could be coming around the corner into the harbour. The area was said to be the preferred look out point because it gave a better perspective of the "comings and goings" of Pender Harbour. At the peak of Pender Hill, the natural rock gardens are still evident. Explore some more and find the Arbutus Tree cluster shedding their bark . Good opportunity to maybe see a Bald Eagle swoop down from the sky. Difficulty: This is a moderate to difficult hike. This is a 3km round trip.Guide: Kye Goodwin
Francis Point Provincial Park
Francis Point Provincial Park is a relatively undisturbed example of the Very Dry Maritime Subzone of the Coastal Western Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone. It is located on the south-west portion of Francis Peninsula. The first section of the trail brings you to Francis Bay with a gravelly beach. There is a steep but short trail to the right leading up to a lookout with panoramic views of the Malaspina Straight. To the left of the beach, the trail follows the shoreline and meanders through rocky bluffs, scattered shrubs, carpets of mosses, lichen, wildflowers and grasses. Difficulty: This is an easy hike. It is a 2 km round trip.Guide: A representative from Bird Studies Canada will be leading the group and providing information on their programs, Beached Bird surveys and Coastal Waterbird surveys.
Website: www.bsc-eoc.org www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/francis_pt
Totem Sea Farm
Totem Sea Products Ltd. prides itself in being a pioneer in the development of certified organics for Aquaculture in Canada. This independent family farm has been operating since 1977 on BC’s majestic Jervis Inlet on Canada’s west coast. Committed to environmental excellence in marine farming, Totem strives to produce wholesome seafood products adhering to organic operating principals. In this vain only indigenous species are produced using organic feeds, reared at low densities while practicing humane animal husbandry techniques. Billy Griffith will be taking participants by on his 54 foot drum seiner from Egmont across the Jervis Inlet to Totem Sea Farm. If time permitting, Billy will swing by Hotham Falls on the way back. This field trip will be offered on both Friday and Saturday but please note there are only 14 places available for each day. Please call Ted Bentley (604-883-2463) or specify on your registration form that you would like to reserve a place on this trip. It is recommended to bring a bag lunch as this trip may take longer than the time alloted. Guides: Billy Griffith, Gus AngusWebsite: www.totemseafarm.com
Sakinaw Lake Kayak: First Nations Interpretive Paddle
Discover the cultural wonders of the Shíshálh [See-Shalh] First Nation by kayak. The Shíshálh tribe, from which the town of Sechelt took its name, has lived in this area for thousands of years. Your local Shíshálh guide will take you on a kayaking journey through time - learn about our ancestors' way of life and take in the stunning views of the Sakinaw Lake shoreline. Your guide will provide an introduction to kayaking and safety before you start the tour. Paddling through the calm waters you will notice that sounds of the birds while viewing the lush plant life and learning about their traditional uses, medicinal and food properties. The Shíshálh enjoy sharing through history and stories through singing with the Coast Salish drum. This field trip will be offered on both Friday and Saturday but please note we need a minimum of 12 persons each day to offer this outing. Please call Ted Bentley (604-883-2463) or specify on your registration form that you would like to reserve a place on this trip. Rate: $50/person (includes kayak rental, snack and water)Guides: Candace Campo, Deanna Lewis, Nicole Jones
Website: www.talaysaytours.com
Slocat Harbour Tours
Starting at Madeira Park, the business and population centre of Pender Harbour, your one and a half hour tour takes you through Whiskey Slough, where many famous boats by Reid, Gooldrup and Farrell were built. Through Gerran's Bay, over to Dusenbury Island, and it's historic sealing operation, and out to the Indian Islands, at the mouth of Pender Harbour. From Irving's Landing, we motor to Hospital Bay and stop at John Henry's Store, for a view of the remnants of the first use of tide power on the West Coast. After a cruise through Garden Bay, we pass Gunboat Bay and head for home. These are just some of the many interesting sites and facts that will be pointed out on your tour. Along the way, you might also see eagles, seals, and jumping salmon. This field trip will be offered on both Friday and Saturday but please note there are only 24 places available for each day. Please call Ted Bentley (604-883-2463) or specify on your registration form that you would like to reserve a place on this trip. Rate: $25/personGuide: Captain Paul McKimm
Website: www.slocat.ca
Skookumchuck Provincial Park
This park was established in 1957. Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park provides trails and viewing areas for visitors who wish to experience the awesome power of incredibly turbulent tidal rapids. On a 3 metre tide, 200 billion gallons of water flow through the narrows connecting Sechelt and Jervis Inlet. The difference in water levels between one side of the rapids and the other sometimes exceeds 2 metres in height. Current speeds can exceed 30km/hr. The rapids are famous for their spectacular whirlpools and whitewater. There are opportunities to view tidal rapids, waterfowl and abundant marine life at various tidal levels. Brown Lake provides further waterfowl viewing opportunities. Difficulty: This is an easy to moderate hike. It is an 8 km round trip. In order to see the rapids at their best, the hike will take longer than the 3 hours allotted for the field trip. It is recommend to bring a bag lunch to eat while enjoying the views of the rapids.Guide: Jim Rossi
Websites: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/skook_narrows http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skookumchuck_Narrows
Middle Point Bight
Middle Point Bight is a perfect area to spot the endangered Marbled Murrelet. This small seabird only nests in high elevation old-growth forests but it feeds at sea. After many months of watching, listening and searching in the Caren Range, our very own Paul Jones and John Field were the first to discover a MAMU nesting site in Canada. The group will be taken to two locations in Middle Point Bight to look for Marbled Murrelet molt feathers as the birds will be in molt. This outing will also features a fine Douglas Fir/ Arbutus forest, mossy glades and spectacular photo opportunities in the forest. Difficulty: This is an easy hike. Hike distance TBA.Guide: Paul Jones
Caren Range
The oldest closed-canopy forest in Canada and perhaps in the world is located on the Sunshine Coast along the ridge of the Caren Range. At an elevation ranging from 2500 to 4000 feet, the Caren Range is blessed with 2000 year old Yellow Cedar giants, pristine wetlands and numerous fish bearing lakes. The old growth forest found there is a unique landscape of tall, ancient trees separated by moss-covered stumps that have been decaying for hundreds of years. Yellow cedars share this landscape with Mountain Hemlocks and Silver Firs. Mushrooms, berries and slime molds also flourish in this landscape. Clear streams, lakes and bogs not only provide a rich ecosystem for many fish species but also attracts elk, bear, ravens, eagles, salamanders and the threatened Marbled Murrelet. This outing requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle but carpooling will be organized upon arrival. Please note there is a 45min drive from the HWY to the hiking location. There is a suggested donation of $10/person to each driver and $10/person for the guides. We expect this outing to begin at 10:00am and last until 2:00pm. Please pack a lunch or snacks as you will be at the top of the Caren Range during lunch time. Difficulty: This is an easy to moderate hike at an elevation of 3500 feet.Guide: John Dafoe
Website: www.carenrange.com
Morning Birding at the Kleindale Beaver Marshes
Meet Joe Harrison and other Coast birders for a walk on an old logging road in the Kleindale Beaver Marshes and to a site suitable for spotting scopes overlooking Anderson Creek estuary. We will meet at the Petro Canada Station on Hwy 101 at 6:45am on Friday Sep 11th followed by coffee and goodies on the deck at the Harrison's at 13226 Oyster Bay Rd. Guide: Joe HarrisonMorning Birding at the Ruby Lake Nature Reserve
The Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve is a 10 hectare (25 acre) reserve featuring a freshwater lagoon and forested acreage located along a scenic section of Highway 101 between Pender Harbour and Egmont. The site is extremely diverse both in terms of the large variety of habitats and the abundance of different animals and plants. The Lagoon is already well known by bird lovers and has been identified by the Wild Bird Trust as one of the most important bird habitats on the Coast. Please meet at the Iris Griffith Centre at 6:45am on Sat Sep 12th. Coffee and Goodies to follow. Guide: Joe HarrisonWebsite: www.lagoonsociety.com/nature-reserve
Sunday birding: Sunshine Coast Tour
Driving to the Langdale Ferry, we will stop at several birding spots including Sargent's Bay, Porpoise Bay, and Davis Bay. Please meet in Madeira Park at the shopping centre parking lot at 9:00am. From there we will proceed south reaching our last stop at Mission Point in Davis Bay, south of Sechelt, at 11:00am (30 minute drive from the ferry). Guide: Joe Harrison, Rand Rudland, Russ TkatchuckWebsite: www.sargbay.ca
Accommodations
Please note: Accommodations that offer discounts will do so when you mention the Pender Harbour Wildlife Society and the BC Nature Fall Conference. Approximate driving distances to the Iris Griffith Field Studies and Interpretive Centre:
Ruby Lake - 5 minutes
Kleindale - 15 minutes
Egmont - 15 minutes
Garden Bay - 20 minutes
Madeira Park - 20 minutes
Francis Peninsula - 30 minutes
Motels and Resorts
Ruby Lake Resort
Location: Ruby Lake
Price: $99-140/night
Amenities: restaurant, tent sites, safari tents
604-883-2269
www.rubylakeresort.com
Stonewater Motel
Location: Madeira Park
Price: please call for rates
Offers discount
Amenities: kitchenette
604-883-0046
www.thestonewater.ca
Pender Harbour Resort and Marina
Location: Garden Bay
Price: varied, please call for rates
Amenities: tent sites, RV sites, cabins, yurts, chalet, pet friendly, heated pool
604-883-2424
www.penderharbourresort.com
Fisherman's Resort and Marina
Location: Garden Bay
Price: varied, please call for rates
Amenities: cabins, kitchenette, marina, boat rentals, RV sites
604-883-2336
www.fishermansresortmarina.com
Pender Harbour Hotel
Location: Madeira Park
Price: $90/night
604-883-9013
Bathgate Resort
Location: Egmont
Price: $115-$265/night
Amenities: kichenette available
604-883-2222
www.bathgate.com
Sunshine Coast Resort
Location: Madeira Park
Price: varied, please call for rates
604-883-9177
www.sunshinecoastresort.com
B&Bs, Cottages, Lodges
Cabin at Janet and Will Tyers
Location: Garden Bay
Price: $85/night
Offers discount
Amenities: kitchenette
604-883-9848
Bluff Hollow
Location: Garden Bay
Price: $165/night includes gourmet breakfast
Offers discount
Amenities: dog friendly
604-883-3678
www.bluffhollow.ca
Mt. Daniel Resort
Location: Madeira Park
Price: $159/night includes breakfast
Offers discount
Amenities: pet friendly
877-887-0688
www.mtdanielwaterfrontresort.com
Casa Amaral
Location: Francis Peninsula
Price: $129-189/night
Offers discount
Amenities: kitchen
604-883-9139
www.casaamaral.ca
A Lakeside Retreat
Location: Egmont
Price: $139 and up/night
Offers discount
Amenities: kitchen available, breakfast available
604-883-9234
www.alakesideretreat.com
Wendy's on Secret Bay
Location: Egmont
Price: $100/night includes breakfast
604-883-0012
Enchanter B&B
Location: Madeira Park
Price: $119/night includes breakfast
604-883-9879
www.enchanterbb.com
Lodge at Gunboat Bay
Location: Madeira Park
Price: $105-155/night
Amenities: pet friendly, Fibre Works Studio and Gallery on site
604-883-2380
www.gunboatbaylodge.com
Francis Point B&B
Location: Francis Peninsula
Price: $99-139/night includes breakfast
Amenities: pet friendly, private entrance
877-883-9469
www.francispointbb.com
Campsites
Katherine Lake
Location: Garden Bay
Amenities: tents sites, RV sites with hook-ups (no flushing), washrooms and showers
Reservation recommended
604-883-9557
Crossroads RV Park
Location: Kleindale
Amenities: tent sites, RV sites with hook-ups, washrooms and showers
Reservation Recommended
604-883-0684
Klein Lake Campsite
Location: Egmont
Amenities: tent sites, rustic out-houses
First come, first serve
Billeting
For information on billeting please call Joe Harrison 604-883-9958
Maps and directions
For step by step driving directions to the Iris Griffith Field Study Centre from the Horseshoe Ferry terminal in West Vancouver, click here.
Our sponsors
A special thank you to all our sponsors who helped in making this weekend such a success! View our sponsors here.