When confronted with slow-moving, large-scale problems, humans generally have a track record of failing to take reasonable and timely action. This is partly an issue of perception, a failure to recognize the negative changes that have happened or are happening around us. The slower these changes happen, the harder it Read more…
Tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), also known as stinking willie, is a toxic invasive biennial or short-lived perennial plant introduced to Canada from Europe in the 1850s via the ballast water of ships. It is currently found in the Fraser Valley, southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, and in parts Read more…
Two small groups of masked Mayne Islanders explored lower Mount Parke in search of fungi specimens on our October mushroom walks. There were many pairs of smiling eyes taking in the variety and beauty of these living organisms, all feeling very fortunate to be guided by Rene Zich, a mushroom Read more…
Hornets in the news In September 2019, a nest of Asian giant hornets was destroyed near Nanaimo. This spring, with pandemic-induced anxieties running high, the New York Times published an article dubbing this invader the “Murder Hornet” after a honeybee hive was decimated in Washington. Unfortunately, this sensationalistic media reporting Read more…
To quote Dr. Bonnie Henry, “Please, go outside.” And while you’re out there, why don’t you bring along your camera and take some photos to enter into the 2020 Nature Photo Contest? Winners will be announced in September 2020 and will receive a 2021 Nature Photo Calendar. Categories This year Read more…
“Out in the field”—a term originally used by farmers, and shamelessly stolen by biologists. When I’m having a lucky day free from grant writing or reporting, I’m often ‘in the field’, which could involve anything from invasive plant removal and monitoring past restoration projects to landowner consultations and leading school Read more…
I moved to Mayne Island a short four years ago, and in my daily walks I quickly got into the habit of looking for some of the beautiful wildflowers and shubs that I had gotten to know in the Douglas fir forests of Vancouver Island. One of my favourites is Read more…
There are many more deer on Mayne Island now than in previous centuries. The evidence for that statement is available for anyone to see: most native plants on Mayne Island are decreasing in abundance as a result of deer browse. Have you seen sword fern with its tips chewed off? Read more…