Coming Events

Happy B’Earth Day at the Nature Centre!

Jennifer Erickson Fundraiser 0 Comment

Did you know that this Earth Day (April 22) the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre will be turning 6 years old?! To mark this occasion, we are having a Spring benefit concert, “Sounds of Springtime” by the Camerata String Orchestra at 7pm at Sylvan United Church. Tickets are $15 in advance, or $20 at the door. Kids under 12 are FREE! Tickets available online here or at the Nature Centre during open hours (or contact me directly). Poster attached.

Earlier that day, from 12pm-3pm, we’re hosting a “6th B’Earth Day Party” at the Nature Centre, complete with FREE cake, nature activities for kids, and music from the Muddy Buddies! Schedule for the music etc to be posted on our website shortly.

I sincerely hope that you are able to join us in some way on April 22nd to mark 6 years of nature education, stewardship, and community through the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre. Although I’ve only been a part of this community since the Fall, I’ve seen how hard everybody works together for nature, and I think celebrating that hard work is important! With cake!

Barry Hetschko

Jennifer Erickson Fundraiser 0 Comment
If you’re interested in birds and wildlife in the Cowichan Valley, you’ve probably seen some of Barry Hetschko‘s fantastic photos. He is a talented photographer, dedicated conservationist, and all-around awesome guy.
 
And this month, Barry kindly donated some of his photos to use on our website! Have you spotted them? We think it really spruces things up. ? We are thrilled and so thankful for his contribution to the Nature Centre! Thank you Barry!!
Barry can be spotted birding around the Cowichan Valley.

Barry was born and raised in Vancouver British Columbia. He moved to the Cowichan Valley in 1986. Drawn by early memorable life experiences on his uncle’s dairy farm.

Barry purchased his first camera in early 2011 and photography became a passion, which in turn kindled a keen interest in birds and nature. He is an active member of the community, serving on the Board of the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society and working with the Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society.

The Work that Reconnects – Renew, Re-engage & Reconnect to Life – A Transformative Process for Difficult Times – Feb 10th-11th

Jane Kilthei Fundraiser 0 Comment
The Work that Reconnects – Renew, Re-engage & Reconnect to Life – A Transformative Process for Difficult Times – Feb 10th-11th

A “Work that Reconnects” Retreat – Feb 10th -11th, 2018 at Providence Farm

Weekend Workshop/Retreat Feb 10-11th, 9–5 pm, Providence Farm (on the traditional and unceded territory of the Quw’utsun People), St. Anne’s Building.

The Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre and Transition Cowichan and are pleased to bring Jackie Larkin and Maggie Ziegler back to the Cowichan Valley to lead a two-day “Work That Reconnects – Reconnecting to Life” Retreat February 10th – 11th.  Maggie and Jackie – educators, activists and facilitators who trained with eco-Buddhist philosopher Joanna Macy — have co-facilitated this experiential process for over sixteen years.

Rooted in a pioneering form of group work developed by Joanna Macy, this workshop/retreat will integrate a wide range of ideas and experiential processes, as well as time in nature. Participants will be supported to engage heart, mind and spirit in the task of renewing our connection to ourselves, our community and all life on earth.  “The Work that Reconnects” emerges from the historical movements for social justice and for environmental sustainability as well as from spiritual traditions that honour the earth as sacred. It draws on the ideas and processes of deep ecology, systems theory and modern science.

If you’ve been overwhelmed by the unraveling of our world over the past year (..or years) – the climate crisis, environmental destruction, species extinction, violent conflict, increasing inequality  – this is a time for connection and renewal. Through experiencing our full range of feelings about our planetary crisis and deepening our understanding about our connection to all life, we can find courage and resilience to support ourselves and each other through these challenging times – and find meaningful and nourishing ways to continue to engage in the work that is needed.

We hope you will join us.

This two-day non-residential retreat on Feb 10th-11th is $140 per person. Some partial bursaries (up to 50%) are available.  Space is limited so registration is required. We ask that participants bring their lunches. Coffee, tea and healthy snacks will be provided. For information and registration contact: info@transitioncowichan.org.

If you need a place to stay in the Cowichan Valley, billeting can be arranged.

For more information about Jackie and Maggie and their work see: www.reconnectingtolife.org

True Grain Bread

Jennifer Erickson Fundraiser 0 Comment

We are pleased to recognize True Grain Bread’s recent donation of $200 to support marine education and outreach at the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre!

True Grain Bread is located in Cowichan Bay Village.

True Grain is truly a community landmark in Cowichan Bay. On any day of the week you can find residents sipping coffees and relaxing, local leaders and entrepreneurs holding meetings, and visitors taking in the beauty of the Bay while delighting in the loaves and pastries made from local BC grains. Stop by and see for yourself!

We are so grateful to operate in a community full of support for one another.

Many thanks True Grain Bread!

“The Wisdom to Survive” – Film & Discussion – Thurs, Jan 18th, 7pm

Jane Kilthei Fundraiser 0 Comment

Join us on Thursday January 18th at 7pm at the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre in Cowichan Bay to watch and discuss this film on climate change and adaptation.
It asks the thought provoking question “Will we have the wisdom to survive?”

The film features breath-taking photography and inspiring activists and thought leaders from science, economics and spirituality, including eco-philosopher Joanna Macy who developed “The Work that Reconnects” – a pioneering form of group work that engages heart, mind and spirit in such questions.

This moving film sets the stage to discuss how we can take action, locally and globally in the face of climate disruption, while also opening ourselves to connecting with each other and the beauty that surrounds us.

Admission by donation to support the work of both the Nature Centre & Transition Cowichan.

Movie Night: “Christmas in Yellowstone” – Dec 28th, 4:30 – 5:30 pm

Jane Kilthei Fundraiser 0 Comment
Movie Night: “Christmas in Yellowstone” – Dec 28th, 4:30 – 5:30 pm

On Thursday December 28th, join us for a festive late afternoon/ early evening at the Nature Centre for the documentary ‘Christmas at Yellowstone’, which follows in the snowy footprints of Yellowstone’s red foxes, spies on the predatory warfare of wolves and elk, and climbs into the den of a grizzly bear that gives birth to two cubs while deep in hibernation.
This event is family-friendly and BYOP: Bring Your Own Popcorn!

Admission by donation. Children free! All donations support our ongoing environmental education and stewardship work!

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/christmas-in-yellowstone-introduction/4292/

Sea Level Rise & the Shoreline – Still space to register for FREE Workshop – Sat, Dec 2nd, 9-5pm

Jane Kilthei Fundraiser 0 Comment
There are still a few spots left in this Saturday’s Free Sea Level Rise and the Shoreline workshop led by local environmental restoration ecologist David Polster – 9-5 at the Nature Centre. A great opportunity to learn more about building local resilience. Opportunity for hands-on follow-up on Sunday. To register email info@cowichanestuary.ca or call 250.597.2288