Youth Education
Family Nature Explorations
What’s under that rock? Who lives in that tree? Why does that caterpillar have hair on it? The world is full of important questions, and children ask the best ones. They remind us we all Read more…
Mayne Wildlife
Unmasking the Basking Shark
What might cause a biologist to spend three hopeful days on a paddleboard in the Saanich Inlet in the middle of winter? I’d heard rumour of a basking shark sighted in the area, and the Read more…
Caring for the Land
Why does Groundwater Matter, and What can we do to Protect It?
Groundwater is a critical element that supports the health of our ecosystems and the hydrological function of watersheds. The concern today is that changes in seasonal precipitation, evapotranspiration, recharge, and saltwater intrusion are threatening this Read more…
Book Reviews
Book Review: A Year on the Wild Side
A Year on the Wild Side: A West Coast Naturalist’s Almanac by Briony Penn Book Review by Lori Nick Salt Spring Island resident Briony Penn wears many hats—she is an author, artist, broadcaster, educator, and Read more…
News and Updates
Simplifying Our Memberships
At the upcoming Annual General Meeting on August 15, we will propose a change in our bylaws to allow us to simplify our membership structure. Based on feedback from our members and our volunteers, we Read more…
Mayne Wildlife
Pinnipeds and Pups
If you can find a rocky place beside the sea, you might spy one of our fin-footed neighbours soaking up the sun. Known collectively as pinnipeds, seals and sea lions are important players in maintaining Read more…
Caring for the Land
Mycelium: The Highway Under the Soil
Have you ever lifted a stump and found a white, furry, web-like structure clinging to the underside of the wood? I know I have, and I always wondered what this funny looking substance was. Well, Read more…
Caring for the Land
TREAD LIGHTLY: Managing our Waste
In this article series, we have been exploring ways we can learn to live lightly on Mayne Island, and one important consideration when trying to lessen our impact on fragile ecosystems is how we manage Read more…
Caring for the Land
Stop Wasting So Much Energy
Big Challenge, Tiny Island – Part III In BC we have some of the world’s cleanest electricity – and cheapest, despite what you may think of your bimonthly BC Hydro bill. Our other home fuels Read more…