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Winter



ALL Environment & Nature
CLIMATE HOPE

CLIMATE HOPE

We have the power to make change. Hope helps us act.

Words & illustration by

Tina Willard-Stepan

CLEANING OUR COASTLINES

CLEANING OUR COASTLINES

The life cycle of our marine debris: from flotsam to recycled and beyond

Words by

Dave Flawse

Photos by

Kianna Zivny

RESTORING CRITICAL EELGRASS HABITAT

RESTORING CRITICAL EELGRASS HABITAT

Collaboration and conservation in the Campbell River estuary

Words by

Jeff Groat

Photos by

Nycky-Jay Vanjecek

THE RISK OF FIRE TO THE COMOX LAKE WATERSHED

THE RISK OF FIRE TO THE COMOX LAKE WATERSHED

Fire is the number-one risk to our watershed. We need to talk about it now.

Words by

Meaghan Cursons

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

CREATING A SANCTUARY FOR CORKY THE ORCA

CREATING A SANCTUARY FOR CORKY THE ORCA

Double Bay Sanctuary

Words & photos by

Michael Reppy

WEST COAST EXPEDITIONS ON TLE:HOH

WEST COAST EXPEDITIONS ON TLE:HOH

Building business and community on Spring Island

Words by

Marie Maccagno

Photo by

Erik Marks

KEEP IT GREEN

KEEP IT GREEN

In an era of climate change and housing pressures, how can urban forests survive and thrive?

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Opening photo by

Jen Groundwater

10,000 Volunteer Hours of Urban to Alpine

10,000 Volunteer Hours of Urban to Alpine

Campbell River’s Search and Rescue Society.

Words by

Tim Fairbank

Photo courtesy of

Daniel Gelson

THE SEA IN THEIR BLOOD

THE SEA IN THEIR BLOOD

Meet the diving family who’ve been harvesting geoducks by hand for three generations.

Words by

Serena Kerr

Photos by

Coast Seafoods

WHY WITCHCRAFT?

WHY WITCHCRAFT?

Modern witchcraft and how it may be able to help heal the planet.

Words & Photo by

Catriona Richardson

Discovering Ancient Coastal Migration Patterns

Discovering Ancient Coastal Migration Patterns

The Hakai Institute’s new ancient DNA lab opens on Quadra Island.

Words by

Camilla Sampson

Photos courtesy of

The Hakai Institute

BOW HUNTING: A MULTI-GENERATIONAL LIFETIME OF LESSONS

BOW HUNTING: A MULTI-GENERATIONAL LIFETIME OF LESSONS

Raising daughters to appreciate nature through conservation.

Words by

Alison Bell

Opening photo by

Scott Bell

FALLING IN LOVE WITH FUNGI

FALLING IN LOVE WITH FUNGI

The Cumberland Fungus Fest celebrates the marvellous multitaskers of the natural world.

Words by

Meaghan Cursons

Photos by

Shawn Pigott

LISTENING TO PLANTS

LISTENING TO PLANTS

In tending to the land, we can restore diversity—and restore ourselves.

Words & Gallery Photos by

Juliana Bedoya

Opening photo by

Juan Martinezguerra

MARMOTS IN FOCUS

MARMOTS IN FOCUS

The world’s rarest marmot lives on Vancouver Island. Photographer Catherine Babault wants to share its story with the world.

Words by

Mac Newton

Photos by

Catherine Babault

Respect, Protect, Flourish

Respect, Protect, Flourish

HOW TO LIVE WITH THE LAND, NOT JUST ON IT.

Words & Photo By

Jake Tinkler-Josephi

WILD GARDENING

WILD GARDENING

Being a part of the great chain of life, and nourishing it.

Words & Art by

Sally Podmore

EYES ON THE TREES

EYES ON THE TREES

The nominations are closed, but the voting has just begun in the annual Tree of the Year (TOTY) contest. And everyone, of any age, is eligible to vote for their favourite tree between April 1 and May 31.

Words by

Carol White

Photo by

Jim Whyte

FRASER CAIN’S UNIVERSE

FRASER CAIN’S UNIVERSE

The Valley resident behind one of the galaxy’s most popular websites.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Featured photo by

Sara Kempner

THE ELEVENTH HOUR FOR OLD GROWTH

THE ELEVENTH HOUR FOR OLD GROWTH

After decades of clearcutting, can a fundamental shift protect what’s left of BC’s ancient trees?

Words & Featured Photo by

Andrew Findlay

Gallery photo by

Chris Istace

BUSINESS IS BLOOMING

BUSINESS IS BLOOMING

Farm-to-table flowers are a growing movement in the Comox Valley.

Words & photos by

Lydia Jackson

MAGIC IN THE DYE POT

MAGIC IN THE DYE POT

Fibre and fungi are key ingredients in Amy Crook’s creative process.

Words by

Marie Maccagno

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

ALTERED LANDSCAPE

ALTERED LANDSCAPE

Restoring and reconnecting land and water includes understanding our history.

Words by

Meaghan Cursons

Photos by

Scott Bell

WHALE BREATH AND ANGEL WINGS

WHALE BREATH AND ANGEL WINGS

The forces behind the tides aren’t as simple as you think.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photos by

Luke Phillips

THE SCIENCE OF SASQUATCH

THE SCIENCE OF SASQUATCH

Dr. John Bindernagel spent decades researching BC’s most elusive creature.

Words by

Terrance James

Featured Photo by

Jo-Anne Johnson

VIVA LA TRASH PANDA

VIVA LA TRASH PANDA

It’s been around for 19 million years. So can the raccoon get a little grudging respect?

Words by

Neil Borecky

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

ALL IN THE SAME BOAT

ALL IN THE SAME BOAT

Connected by water—reflections after an afternoon on Comox Lake.

Words by

Jim Whyte

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

Foraging for Food

Foraging for Food

Going on a treasure hunt and building memories.

Words & Photos by

Jade Berg

Photos by

Jesse Bone

Cold Water Diving

Cold Water Diving

A visual feast in green local waters may include iconic Wolf Eel.

Words & Photo by

Eiko Jones

THE RISE OF MODERN GLEANING

THE RISE OF MODERN GLEANING

This ancient practice may be getting a rebrand, but it’s still about using our food resources wisely.

Words by

James McKerricher

Photos by

Meredith Rose

SAVING PLACE

SAVING PLACE

Managing gentrification to protect the communities we love.

Words by

Cleo Corbett

Photos by

Luc Antaya

TRUE FACTS ABOUT FAKE BIRDS

TRUE FACTS ABOUT FAKE BIRDS

They’re among our most plentiful bird species, but seagulls don’t actually exist.

Words by

Neil Borecky

Photo by

Nick Thornton

A COMMUNITY’S HEART IS IN ITS FORESTS

A COMMUNITY’S HEART IS IN ITS FORESTS

The importance of knowing what you’ve got—before it’s gone.

Words & Photo by

Jennifer Jellett

SHARING THE LAND

SHARING THE LAND

We can’t fix the past for our forests and watersheds, but we have to get the future right.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photos by

Luke Phillips

THE POWER OF GROWING THINGS

THE POWER OF GROWING THINGS

Ode to a Comox yarden (yes, that’s yard + garden).

Words by

Tyler Johns

Photos by

Meredith Rose

THE SEA IS RISING

THE SEA IS RISING

It's hard to get excited about something measured in millimetres. But ignoring climate resilience is no longer an option.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photo by

Luke Phillips

A GARDEN FOR EVERYONE

A GARDEN FOR EVERYONE

For 25 years, the Gardens on Anderton have offered peace and beauty to all who enter.

Words by

Loraine Hartley

Photo by

Cherry Ong

FELLOWSHIP OF THE FOREST

FELLOWSHIP OF THE FOREST

Along the Cumberland Trail Network, you’re sure to be in good company.

Words by

Dawn Copeman

Photos by

Sara Kempner

WANTED: DEATH COMPANIONS

WANTED: DEATH COMPANIONS

We’re all going to die, but most of us don’t want to talk about it. Let’s reframe the conversation.

Words by

Madeline Christie

Photos by

Jennifer Jellett

SALMON AND STEWARDSHIP

SALMON AND STEWARDSHIP

the K’ómoks First Nation Guardian Watchmen use the bounty of the sea to help protect the forest.

Words by

Lisa Levesque

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

WHERE THERE’S WATER, THERE’S HOPE

WHERE THERE’S WATER, THERE’S HOPE

Clearflo Solutions was already working on the global clean water crisis. Then their technology was needed much closer to home.

Words by

Bevin Clempson

&

Jenny Deters

WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS

WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS

Winters in the Valley aren’t what they used to be. What does this mean for our water supply?

Words by

Tim Ennis

Photos by

Brett Kroeker

LET THE RIVERS RUN

LET THE RIVERS RUN

Streamkeepers keep a watchful eye on the Valley’s precious waterways.

Words by

Tanis Gower

Photos by

Meredith Rose

THE DUBIOUS PLEASURES OF WINTER BIRDING

THE DUBIOUS PLEASURES OF WINTER BIRDING

Join the hardy, determined, somewhat anti-social ranks of winter birders.

Words by

Jason Straka

Photo by

James Mackenzie

THE COHOUSING CONCEPT

THE COHOUSING CONCEPT

Courtenay’s sustainable, social cohousing community creates a village of neighbours.

Words by

John Gower

Photos by

Meredith Rose

THE NORTHEAST WOODS

THE NORTHEAST WOODS

Comox’s favourite forest playground has many stories to tell.

Words by

Kerry Hale

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

ON A HUMBLE SCALE

ON A HUMBLE SCALE

An ordinary stormwater retention pond turns out to be remarkable, indeed.

Words by

Mac Newton

Photos by

Lorenz Jimenez

COMOX VALLEY STARGAZING

COMOX VALLEY STARGAZING

How to explore space from your own backyard.

Words & photo by

Sara Kempner

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO GREEN BURIAL

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO GREEN BURIAL

It’s better to burn out than to fade away? Not always. New alternatives to cremation allow bodies to return to the earth naturally.

Words by

Madeline Christie

Featured photo by

Sita Then

THE MCLOUGHLIN GARDENS

THE MCLOUGHLIN GARDENS

A summer cottage becomes a place to dream and create.

Words by

Kerry Hale

Featured photo by

Susan Healy

Guardian, Steward, and Watchkeeper

Guardian, Steward, and Watchkeeper

Restoring the Balance of Physical and Cultural Sustenance for Future Generations

Words by

Vicki Simmons

Photos By

Tom Parker

REIMAGINING REGIONAL RECREATION

REIMAGINING REGIONAL RECREATION

Four local governments working together for better parks and recreation management? It could be a reality very soon.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photos by

Sara Kempner

GETTING HIGH ON VANCOUVER ISLAND

GETTING HIGH ON VANCOUVER ISLAND

Singing the praises of our unique alpine environment.

Words & Photo by

Shane Johnson

CUMBERLAND, A TINY-TOAD SUPERHIGHWAY

CUMBERLAND, A TINY-TOAD SUPERHIGHWAY

Small but mighty western toads have places to go, and we need to help them get there.

Words by

Annabelle Sproule

Photos by

Maxwel Hohn

THE POOP ON CUMBERLAND’S AMBITIOUS NEW WETLANDS PROJECT

THE POOP ON CUMBERLAND’S AMBITIOUS NEW WETLANDS PROJECT

…And three other fantastic sewage lagoons to see before you die.

Words by

Jason Straka

Photo by

Jenn Pentland

SECOND CHANCES

SECOND CHANCES

Hunting nearly emptied the Salish Sea of whales. Many species are returning—but they’re still at risk.

Words by

Trish Weatherall

Photo courtesy of

Eagle Eye Adventures

The Moods of Myra

The Moods of Myra

Exploring the falls in all her seasons

Words & Photos by

Michael Hack

SPEAKING FOR THE TREES

SPEAKING FOR THE TREES

The lush forest along the Puntledge River feels like a protected sanctuary, but some areas are slated for logging. A new local group aims to change that.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

COASTAL COLLABORATION

COASTAL COLLABORATION

In a pandemic season, tourism operators partner with First Nations to protect the shoreline.

Words & Photos by

Oriana Smy

GLOBAL BUSINESS, LOCAL IMPACTS

GLOBAL BUSINESS, LOCAL IMPACTS

When is it better to do something by half? Allow AquaQuest to demonstrate.

Words by

Meaghan Cursons

Featured photo by

Sarah Barrie

BEAVERS, WIDE OPEN!

BEAVERS, WIDE OPEN!

As RuPaul might say, getting to know more about our beavers may improve our quality of life.

Words by

Kristof Trout

Photos by

Bruce Moffat

GREY TURNED GREEN

GREY TURNED GREEN

Comox, British Columbia, tops the list of Best Communities to Live in Canada 2040.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photo by

Luke Phillips

MORE THAN KUS-KUS-SUM

MORE THAN KUS-KUS-SUM

Project Watershed is using a federal grant to restore the salmon highway: the Salish Sea's nearshore habitat.

Words by

Jennifer Sutherst

&

Dan Bowen

PUTTING THE SUN TO WORK

PUTTING THE SUN TO WORK

Vancouver Island’s first Passive House Plus is healthful, comfortable, beautiful—and costs nothing to heat.

Words by

John Gower

Photos by

Luke Phillips

Exploring West

Exploring West

Thirty-five kilometer of trail, six friends, six backpacks, four days, three nights, and one impromptu adventure.

Words & Photo By

Laurel Sliskovic

COVID DISCOVERIES

COVID DISCOVERIES

EASY, BREEZY E-BIKES

EASY, BREEZY E-BIKES

Rad new rides give biking a boost.

Words & photo by

Dave Prothero

AIMING FOR ZERO

AIMING FOR ZERO

From circular to linear and back again: the human economy on a finite planet.

Words by

Tanis Gower

Photos by

Femke Overmaat

THIS PLACE IS FOR THE BIRDS

THIS PLACE IS FOR THE BIRDS

From fresh waters to the salty sea—the K’ómoks Important Bird Area.

Words & photo by

Sophie Vigneau

Salmon, Fundraising, and Volunteering

Salmon, Fundraising, and Volunteering

How one night of celebration supports a community vision.

Words By

Naomi Tabata

Photo by

Eiko Jones

THE BIG ONE

THE BIG ONE

In 1946, Forbidden Plateau was the epicentre of the Island’s last big earthquake. The Comox Valley experiences minuscule tremors all the time—are we due for another big one soon?

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photo by

Ron Pogue

A BACKCOUNTRY, MODULAR ROOM OF ONE’S OWN

A BACKCOUNTRY, MODULAR ROOM OF ONE’S OWN

How one award-winning company is reinventing a classic design for modern adventurers.

Words by

Dave Nowak

WITCHES OF THE WOODS

WITCHES OF THE WOODS

Folklore tells of female forms that dwell in the forest, personifying the power of this dark, natural world to frighten and mystify.

Words by

Meaghan Cursons

Photo by

Karley Bracey

CHANNELING THE STORM

CHANNELING THE STORM

In the face of climate change, the City of Courtenay is working on an integrated system to handle a resource that knows no boundaries.

Words by

Aly Bird

Photo by

Jenn Pentland

DARK SCIENCE

DARK SCIENCE

Biologists and “citizen scientists” in the Comox Valley have banned together to gather data on an elusive creature that has long been a metaphor for the fears of mankind.

Words by

Tim Ennis

Photos by

Neil Borecky

PERSONAL STYLE

PERSONAL STYLE

By rethinking what we wear, the slow fashion movement provides support for local artistry and a path to sustainability.

Words by

Nicole Bertram

Photos by

Meredith Rose

DEEP BLUE

DEEP BLUE

One of our community’s most crucial water sources is right under our feet.

Words by

Tim Ennis

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

CURIOUS CREATURES

CURIOUS CREATURES

Catch-and-release aquariums provide a unique learning experience, sparking deep appreciation for the natural world.

Words by

Christa Petch

Photos by

Justine Adams

PROTECTING THE BALANCE

PROTECTING THE BALANCE

Roughly one-sixth of Denman Island residents are a member of the Association for Denman Island Marine Stewards, an organization doing work on the ground for the sake of surrounding waters.

Words by

Mac Newton

Photo by

Keith Clark

THE RETURN OF GIANTS

THE RETURN OF GIANTS

Following a decline due to the West Coast’s whaling history, the humpback population around Vancouver Island is making a massive comeback.

Words by

Sarah Hauser

Photo by

Brandon Hamilton

CRUMBLING CANNERIES

CRUMBLING CANNERIES

The profits from a thriving fishing industry dried up, and businesses moved on. Some of the sites left behind are in hazardous decay, polluting our oceans and tarnishing BC’s coast.

Words & Photos by

Oriana Smy

CURRENT DEMAND

CURRENT DEMAND

The nutrient-rich waters of Baynes Sound provide the ideal conditions for oyster harvesting, drawing workers to the Valley’s steady industry.

Words by

Dave Flawse

Photo by

Mike LeBlanc

ABANDON SHIP

ABANDON SHIP

Orphaned by their owners, a number of derelict boats litter the shores of Comox harbour. Due to murky jurisdiction and a lack of accountability, they’ll remain indefinitely.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photo by

Sara Kempner

BEARING WITNESS

BEARING WITNESS

Just across the Salish Sea, only 70 kilometres from Campbell River as the crow flies, the Xwémalkwu (Homalco) people share the land with dozens of grizzly bears—and awe-struck visitors.

Words by

Jen Groundwater

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

GROUND RULES

GROUND RULES

In a rapidly growing community, development sprawl and the preservation of common space is a tense subject. Despite new demands and changing ownership, our old habits are hard to break.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photo by

Dave Ingram

WHAT MOVES US

WHAT MOVES US

The rivers of the Comox Valley have the power to carry us home.

Words by

Mike B.

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

AN ELEGANT STRUGGLE

AN ELEGANT STRUGGLE

The tranquil experience of our riverbanks betrays the life-and-death cycle that is central to the health of our forests and watersheds.

Words by

Kristen Walters

Photos by

April Bencze

VOTING FOR VITALITY

VOTING FOR VITALITY

While the political process can be disenchanting to voters, the accessibility of local politics allows us to get closer to the roots of democracy and play a direct role in shaping the future of the Valley.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Illustration by

Ian Adams

FAMILY FRAMEWORK

FAMILY FRAMEWORK

Through strong vision and tireless effort, an easily dismissed property in Union Bay becomes a unique and envious west coast gem.

Words by

Jamie McCue

Photos by

Sara Kempner

THE PLACES WE MAKE

THE PLACES WE MAKE

The Cumberland Community Forest Society reflects deep-rooted passions to map out a flourishing future.

Words by

Meaghan Cursons

Photos by

RJ Herron

THE PEACOCK BEAN PARADOX 

THE PEACOCK BEAN PARADOX 

How a drive to be independent and self-sufficient unexpectedly led to community connection.

Words by

Joyce Lindemulder

Photos by

Re Bastien

THE TROUBLE WITH WOLVES

THE TROUBLE WITH WOLVES

In an attempt to protect ungulate species, BC is faced with a difficult dilemma. Is culling their predators an ethical response—and a scientifically sound solution?

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photos by

April Bencze

FIELD OF DREAMS

FIELD OF DREAMS

Turning the tides to de-industrialize the estuary in the heart of our community.

Words by

Tim Ennis

Featured photo by

Robert Lundquist

PADDLE TO THE SEA

PADDLE TO THE SEA

Exploring the Puntledge Hatchery.

Words & photos by

Tim Ennis

FULL OF LIFE

FULL OF LIFE

Clam Gardens in the Salish Sea.

Words by

Kelly Forbes

NATURALLY AWARE

NATURALLY AWARE

An interview with April Bencze.

Interview & photo by

Ross Bodenmann

FOREST TO FAUCET: LIFE IN THE ERA OF HUMANS

FOREST TO FAUCET: LIFE IN THE ERA OF HUMANS

Life in the era of humans.

Words & photos by

Tim Ennis

BURN HOT, BURN CLEAN

BURN HOT, BURN CLEAN

Consider wood burning and air quality in the Comox Valley.

Words by

Evan Gough

IN LAND WE TRUST

IN LAND WE TRUST

The importance of Environmental Non-Government Organizations (ENGOs) in British Columbia.

Words & Photo by

Tim Ennis

VANCOUVER ISLAND MUSEUM OF NATURE

VANCOUVER ISLAND MUSEUM OF NATURE

Trucking around the forest with filmmaker Marek Zaleski.

Words by

Max Oudendag

Photos by

Marek Zaleski

LOST IN THE WILDERNESS

LOST IN THE WILDERNESS

A close encounter with the Cumberland Lake Wilderness Society.

Words & Photos by

Sara Kempner

HENS 101

HENS 101

A beginner’s guide to keeping chickens.

Words & Photos by

Rebekah Kenway

FOREST FLOW

FOREST FLOW

The esoteric feeling at the heart of forest conservation.

Words by

Evan Gough

Photo by

Nik Dunn

COMPLEX TERRAIN

COMPLEX TERRAIN

Navigating art and nature in the heart of Vancouver Island.

Words & Paintings by

Clive Powsey

LOVE IS A BURNING THING

LOVE IS A BURNING THING

Words by

Mike B

WHEN HERRING SPAWN

WHEN HERRING SPAWN

An ecological highlight of the Comox Valley winter arrives alongside these fascinating fish.

Heather & Keith Nicol

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

The Puntledge Paddling Festival celebrates a world class river.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photos by

Dave Prothero

LAST STAND IN THE LAND OF PLENTY

LAST STAND IN THE LAND OF PLENTY

Words by

Tim Ennis