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Appeal
EcoNews is a monthly newsletter funded by your donations that dreams of a world blessed by the harmony of nature, the pleasures of community, and the joys of personal fulfillment, guided and protected by our active citizenship.
EcoNews costs $1,100 a month to produce, and for this we reach around 8,000 people, including every MLA in BC, and every CRD municipal politician. If you enjoy reading EcoNews and value the information it provides, you can be proud that it is your donation that makes it possible. Will you help?
Donations can be sent to: EcoNews,
395 Conway Rd, Victoria, BC, V9E 2B9.
EcoNews is not charity tax-deductible, but if you would like a receipt, please send a stamped self-addressed envelope.
Donations can also be sent via PayPal:
The
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May
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Copies printed
1800
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1700
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3050
Print, postage
$918
$850
$650
Editorial
$450
$450
$450
Donations
$290
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Advertising
$0
$25
Balance
-$389
$74
Many thanks to Jan Zwicky, Janet McNeill, Maggie Salmond, Marlene Rice, Marian Kemp, Patrick & Jane Fawkes, Ian Brown, Merv Wilkinson, Gillian Smith, Jean Evans, Duncan & Marilee Goheen, Barbara Scott, Ed & Jean Mackenzie, Andrew Pringle, Tatiana Schneider, Richard Pearson, Christine Morrison, Ellie Roelofsen, Heather Page, Rita Wittman, Vivian Chenard, Alison McLaren, Elisabeth Haythorne, Jocelyn Braithwaite, Vivien Davies, Chris Napper, Betty Taylor, Paul Wise, Josephine Doman, Pam Webster, Frank Martens, Barbara Hourston, Germaine Taylor and AC Anderson.
Every Mon and Sat, 10am -12pm - Brodick/Feltham/Bow Parks (Saanich) Invasive Species removal. Volunteers needed. Training, gloves, and tools provided. No dogs please. For directions to site call Judy 472-0515 or jandd_spearing@shaw.ca
Every Tue, Thur, and Sun morning, 10 to Noon. Mt Douglas Park Garlic Mustard removal. Lots of help needed!! Meet just before 10am at Glendenning Rd entrance to Mt Doug Park, (south park entrance). www.mountdouglaspark.ca. No dogs.
Every Wed and Sun, 9am Bird Walks with naturalists, Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd. Margaret Lidkea 250-479-0211
Every Sat, 10-2. Moss Street Market, Fairfield. Local food, crafts and more.
Every Sat, 1:30pm Tour of Merve Wilkinson’s Wildwood Forest near Ladysmith. Jay: 250-245-5540
Every Sun, 10-4pm O.U.R. Ecovillage weekly Sunday work parties. RSVP: 250-743-3067. www.ourecovillage.org
Every Sat, 6pm: EcoReality Co-op, Salt Spring. Potluck, followed by movie or presentation. http://www.EcoReality.org/Meetings or 250.653.2024
Every Weekday - Help stop the seal slaughter! Join Dave Shishkoff with Friends of Animals if you have a spare hour during the week around lunchtime. Dave @ FriendsofAnimals.org
JULY
WEEK ONE
Thur 2, 6:30pm Dynamic Neural Retraining. Free Information Session in Victoria. MSC Cure - Recovery from Multiple Chemical Sensitivities. Church of Truth, 111 Superior Street (James Bay)
Fri 3, 10am Pedal for the Planet. Come and give two young Canadians a good send-off as they cycle to Ottawa to urge strong action on climate change in Copenhagen this December. Legislature Lawn. Ride departs Legislature for Swartz Bay 11 am, arrives Swartz Bay 1:30 pm. www.sierraclub.bc.ca/events/pedal-for-the-planet/
Sat 4-Sun 5, 10-5pm. 5th Annual Organic Islands Festival and Sustainability Expo. Glendale Gardens. www.organicislands.ca
Sat 4, 8-11am Matheson Lake Canoe Adventure. Come and enjoy the solitude of Matheson Lake. Canoe and instruction provided, no experience necessary. Pre-register $15 + GST/person. 250.478.3344 www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Sun 5, 10-12:30pm. Public Tour of the Eco-Sense Cob-Solar House in the Highlands. $20. 3295 Compton Road. www.eco-sense.ca 250-478-2680
Sun 5, 11-3pm Cougar Ridge Hike (Adults) in Roche Cove Regional Park (East Sooke). Wear sturdy shoes, pack lunch. Meet parking lot off Gillespie Road. 250.478.3344 www.crd.bc.ca/parks
WEEK TWO
Tues 7, 9:30am-12 noon Official Opening of the Dockside Green biomass gasification plant – Canada’s first urban gasification energy facility. The opening launches the partnership between Dockside Green and Clinton Climate Initiative’s Climate Positive Development Program. Dockside Green, 354 Harbour Rd, Victoria.
Wed 8, 10-1pm Crazy for Craigflower Creek! (Age 10 years+) Thetis Lake Regional Park. Bring snack, water and wear sturdy shoes. Meet Craigflower Creek trailhead off Highland Road, off Watkiss Way. Free, but pre-register 250.478.3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Thur 9, 10am—2pm Marine Day Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park (Metchosin). Fun-filled celebration: scuba divers, live displays, harbour seals, sand creature creations. Follow the 20-minute forest trail to the CRD Regional Parks tents at the beach. BC Transit #54 or #55. www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Sat 11, 10-12pm Composting Basics Workshop. FREE. Compost Education Centre 1216 North Park Street. To register email office@compost.bc.ca 250-386-WORM (9676)
Sat 11, 2-4pm Green Roof Design. $10 members $15 non-members. Compost Education Centre 1216 North Park Street. To register email office@compost.bc.ca 250-386-WORM (9676)
Sat 11, 1-4pm Zero-Mile Diet: Organic Pest & Disease Control. From slugs to tomato blight, discover non-harmful organic methods to keep your garden healthy and productive throughout the year. $45 +GST. 395 Conway Road (off Interurban). Register thegardenpath@shaw.ca 250-881-1555.
Sat 11-Sun July 12, 9-4pm. Eco-Sense Cob 3 Workshop. $200. 3295 Compton Road. www.eco-sense.ca 250-478-2680
Sun July 12, 10-2pm GVCC Victoria Architectural Bike Tour. Meet south end Selkirk Trestle. Bring lunch. 30 km. GVCC 480-5155. Donation $5.
Sun 12, 8—11am Matheson Lake Canoe Adventure. Come and enjoy the solitude of Matheson Lake. Canoe and instruction provided, no experience necessary. Pre-register $15/$8.50 + GST/person. 250.478.3344 www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Sun 12, 1pm Forests of the Sea - Island View Beach Regional Park (Central Saanich). (6 years+). Join us as we search for seaweeds and the creatures that call them home. Meet picnic shelter off Homathko Road, off Island View Road. www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Tue 14, 12 noon. The Future of Cycling in BC. Free 1-hour webinar with guests John Luton and David Cubberley. From your computer. BC Sustainable Energy Association. To register go to www.bcsea.org/teleworkshops
Tue 14, 6-8pm 3rd Annual Green Drinks Victoria Celebration: Building a Legacy. At Royal Roads. Green market place with local green entrepreneurs, businesses, community and environmental groups. Food, drink, and great company! Travel there as greenly as you can. info@greendrinksvictoria.ca. www.greendrinksvictoria.ca
Tue 14, 7-9pm Sacred Circle Dancing into Summer. 1831 Fern, Victoria. By donation.
250-592-2848
Thur 16, 6 pm: COG-VI Farm Tour ALM Farm with hosts Mary Alice Johnson & Marika Nagasaka, who will talk about Winter Gardening. 3680 Otter Point Road, East Sooke mapwww.almfarms.orgpauline_martens@yahoo.com
Fri 17 – Sun 19 Working Holiday - Wildwood Ecoforest: Lakeside Cabin Restoration, Ladysmith. Participants will help restore a small cabin overlooking the lake, while camping in the forest, learning about Merv Wilkinson’s sustainable forestry practices and picking up some renovating skills. $144/$160. Vancouver Island: Wildwood
Sat 18, 11-3pm Forest Family Fun at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park (Metchosin). Park in the main parking lot off Metchosin Road and follow signs to CRD Regional Parks tents.
BC Transit #54 or #55. www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Sat 18, 2-4pm Chickens in the City. $10 members $15 non-members Compost Education Centre 1216 North Park Street. To register email office@compost.bc.ca 250-386-WORM (9676)
Sat 18. VNHS Bird-watchers Kayak Tour to Discovery Island & Chain Islands Ecological Reserve. Five-hour guided tour. $90. To register: 361-9365
Sat 18, Sun 19. Victoria Butterfly Count. We are always looking for keen-eyed volunteers – call James Miskelly 477-0490.
Sun 19, 5:30pm VIVA-Raw Potluck. Demo by Elyse Nuff, Certified Raw Chef, Archie Browning Sport Centre, 1511 Esquimalt Rd. Bring raw vegan dish of 6 or more servings with ingredients list, serving utensils plus your own plate and cutlery. $5/$3 per adult. http://viva-raw.seedwiki.com or Linda: 250-380-6383.
WEEK FOUR
Thur 23-Sun 26 Building as if People Mattered. A conference for builders, contractors, designers, & home-owners with a focus on sustainable solutions. Presenters include Mark Lakeman, Meror Krayenhoff, & Elke Cole. Field trips (July 27-29) to Mayne Island, Salt Spring and Victoria. O.U.R.Ecovillage, Shawnigan Lake baipm@nbnetwork.org 250-743-3067
Fri 24, 7am VNHS Mount Washington Botanical Day Trip. Preregister, email Agnes thelynns@shaw.ca
Sun 19, 10-1pm Seals! Seals! Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park (Metchosin). Drop by anytime to see Tower Point’s most avid sun worshippers and swimming enthusiasts—the harbour seals! Binoculars and spotting scopes provided. Enter at Tower Point parking lot off Olympic View Drive. BC Transit #54 or #55 www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Sat 25-Sun July 26, 9-4pm. Eco-Sense Cob 4 Workshop. $150. 3295 Compton Road. www.eco-sense.ca 250-478-2680
Sat 25. SOUL Organic Garden Tour, various urban gardens in Oak Bay and Fernwood. $20/$10. Tickets from Dig this Oak Bay & Market Square, and the Compost Education Centre. 250-381-3773.
Sat 25, 5pm Greenpeace co-founder Rex Weyler presents "Overshoot and Relocalization”
Salt Spring EcoReality Farm Tour, Potluck. 250-653-2024 EcoReality yellow house, 2152 Fulford-Ganges Road, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 1Z7
Sun 26, 6:40am VNHS bird-watching trip to Mandarte Island Seabird Colony and Sidney Spit. To reserve, call Rick 250-885-2454.
Sun 26, 8-11am Matheson Lake Canoe Adventure. Come and enjoy the solitude of Matheson Lake. Canoe and instruction provided, no experience necessary. Pre-register $15/$8.50 + GST/person. 250.478.3344 www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Tue 28, 7-9pm Sacred Circle Dancing into Summer. 1831 Fern, Victoria. By donation.
250-592-2848
AUGUST
WEEK ONE
Sat 1, 8-11am Dip, Dip and Swing—A Thetis Lake Canoe Adventure, Upper Thetis Lake (Adults). Water lilies slip by the side of our canoe, bald eagles soar over head and damselflies dart over our paddles. Canoe equipment and instruction provided, no experience is necessary. Pre-register: $15/$8.50 + GST 250.478.3344. Transit #50 or #53 www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Sat 1, 1-4pm Zero-Mile Diet: The Winter Food Garden. In this region we can grow 50 varieties of cold hardy vegetables without protection to harvest throughout winter. Learn which varieties these are, and how to plan and plant a productive winter food garden. $45 +GST. 395 Conway Road (off Interurban). Register thegardenpath@shaw.ca 250-881-1555. www.earthfuture.com/gardenpath
Sun 2, 5:45am VNHS Botanical trip to Hurricane Ridge Alpine Flowers. To reserve, call Rick 250-885-2454. VNHS members get a priority.
Sun 2, 1pm Seed Safari (6 years+) Francis/King Regional Park (Saanich)
At the end of summer Mother Nature is planting her garden for next year. Join us as we check out the different ways plants scatter their seeds. Meet Nature Centre off Munn Road. www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Wed 5, 10am-Noon Beach Snoop at Low Tide (6 years+), Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park (Metchosin) Be prepared to wade up to your knees in the pools. Meet end of Witty Beach Road by new park map kiosk. BC Transit #54 or #55 www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Thur 6, 11-3pm Snake Day at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. CRD Regional Parks has teamed up with Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary and UVic for this slithery event. Drop in. CRD tents, Beaver Beach. BC Transit #70 or #75. www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Thur 6, 7:30pm. Hiroshima-Nagasaki Remembered. The annual lantern ceremony marking the 64th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Japan. Craigflower Park / Kosapsom at Admiral’s Road and Gorge Road West, Saanich. Lantern making starts at 7:30pm; words and songs of peace at 8pm; floating the lanterns in the Gorge. Victoria Raging Grannies and the Physicians for Global Survival. 665-7788
Fri 7, 6-9pm Early Evening Canoeing at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park (Saanich)
Join us for a magical early evening paddle on the still waters of Beaver Lake. Canoe provided, no experience is necessary. Pre-register: $15/$8.50 + GST 250.478.3344. Transit #50 or #53 www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Sat 8, 10-2pm Park 2 Park: A Hiking Adventure (Adults). From Francis/King to Thetis Lake. Bring lunch, water, raingear, sturdy hiking shoes. Meet Nature Centre off Munn Road. Free, pre-register 250.478.3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Sat 8, 10-2pm Composting Basics' Workshop. FREE Compost Education Centre 1216 North Park Street. To register email office@compost.bc.ca 250-386-WORM (9676)
Sat 8, 2-4pm Organic Soil Health Management $10 members $15 non-members Compost Education Centre 1216 North Park Street. To register email office@compost.bc.ca 250-386-WORM (9676)
Sat 8, 9:30–5pm. Dr. Brian Swimme - The Heart of the Cosmos: Humanity and the New Story. The story of “new heavens and a new earth” entails a new human consciousness and a new way of being in the cosmos. $95. UVic MacLaurin David Lam Auditorium. Register: earthliteracies@gmail.comwww.livinglanguageinstitute.org
Sat 8, 7:30pm – Mon 10. Belonging To the Cosmos: Celebrating Our Origins, with Alexandra Kovats, CSJP, PhD. This retreat will explore and celebrate the implication of some cosmological insights for living a holistic, earth-conscious spirituality, with reflections, poetry, music, movement, sacred silence and sharing. $125 UVic Conference Centre. earthliteracies@gmail.comwww.livinglanguageinstitute.org
Sat 8, 1-5pm. Eco-Sense Resource Recovery Workshop (Pee, Poo and Perfect Compost). $150. 3295 Compton Road. www.eco-sense.ca 250-478-2680
Sat 8, 1pm The Land Conservancy (TLC) Extraordinary General Meeting to hold elections for a new Board of Directors. UVic Wright Centre, Science Building 150. All members are encouraged to attend, and vote. For details see www.conservancy.bc.ca
Sat 8. VNHS Bird-watchers Kayak Tour of Discovery Island & Chain Islands Ecological Reserve. $90. five-hour guided tour. To register: 361-9365
Sun 9, 8-11am Morning Mist Canoe Adventure at Elk/Beaver Lake. Paddle through early morning mist searching for eagles, herons, frogs and other lake life. Canoe provided, experience is necessary. Pre-register: $15/$8.50 + GST 250.478.3344. Transit #50 or #53 www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Sun 9, 10-12:30pm. Public Tour of the Eco-Sense Cob-Solar House in the Highlands. $20. 3295 Compton Road. www.eco-sense.ca 250-478-2680
WEEK TWO
Tue 11, 5-7pm Green Drinks at The Belfry Theatre, Fernwood Village.
Tue 11, 7pm Sacred Circle Dancing into Summer. 1831 Fern, Victoria. By donation.
250-592-2848
Wed 12, 6-9pm Early Evening Canoeing at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park (Saanich)
Join us for a magical early evening paddle on the still waters of Beaver Lake. Canoe provided, no experience is necessary. Pre-register: $15/$8.50 + GST 250.478.3344. Transit #50 or #53 www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Fri 14-Sun 16 Aladdin's Cave - circle dance weekend with June Watts. Cowichan Valley. $250. 250-746-4859
Sat 15, 8-11am Morning Mist Canoe Adventure at Elk/Beaver Lake. Paddle through early morning mist searching for eagles, herons, frogs and other lake life. Canoe provided, experience is necessary. Pre-register: $15/$8.50 + GST 250.478.3344. Transit #50 or #53 www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Sat 15, 11-3pm Walk on the Wild Side in East Sooke Regional Park (adults). Spectacular Coast Trail from Aylard Farm to Beechey Head. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring lunch and water. Meet kiosk in Aylard Farm parking lot off Becher Bay Road. www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Sat 15, 1-4pm Zero-Mile Diet: Preserving The Harvest. Drying, bottling, canning and preserving extend the harvest into winter and beyond. Bring your apron and favourite chopping knife and board for this one! $45 +GST. Register thegardenpath@shaw.ca 250-881-1555.
Sat 15, Sun 16 Victoria Butterfly Count. Keen-eyed volunteers wanted – call James Miskelly 477-0490.
Sun 16, 5:45am VNHS trip to the Olympic Peninsula, Cape Flattery and the First Nations Cultural Center. Tufted Puffins, Sea Otters and Archaeological Museum on Cape Flattery To register, call Rick Shortinghuis 250-885-2454. VNHS members will be given priority.
Sun 16, 5:30pm VIVA-Raw Potluck, Archie Browning Sport Centre, 1511 Esquimalt Rd. Bring raw vegan dish of 6 or more servings with ingredients list, serving utensils plus your own plate and cutlery. $5/$3. http://viva-raw.seedwiki.com or Linda: (250) 380-6383.
WEEK THREE
Mon 17 – Fri Sept. 4 9-4pm. Sustainable FUN Camps for youth ages 6-12. Oak Bay Rec Windsor Pavilion. $195/week Maia Green 778-231-5921 maia@funcamps.cawww.funsociety.ca
Fri 21, 5:45am VNH birdwatching trip to the Dungeness Spit and the National Wildlife Refuge, USA. To register, call Rick Shortinghuis 250-885-2454. VNHS members will be given priority.
Sat 22, 1pm Bountiful Berries (8 years+) at Elk/Beaver Lake. We’ll explore for Blackberries, Oregon grape berries, Salal berries and more, and taste jams. Meet Nature Centre at Beaver Beach. BC Transit #70 or #75. www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Sun 23, 8-11am Morning Mist Canoe Adventure at Elk/Beaver Lake. Paddle through early morning mist searching for eagles, herons, frogs and other lake life. Canoe provided, experience is necessary. Pre-register: $15/$8.50 + GST 250.478.3344. Transit #50 or #53. www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Sun 23, 10-4pm GVCC Sidney Picnic. Meet Lochside Trail at Darwin Avenue. Bring lunch. 50 km. GVCC 480-5155. Donation $5.
WEEK FOUR
Tue 25, 7pm Sacred Circle Dancing into Summer. 1831 Fern, Victoria. By donation.
250-592-2848
Sat 29, 8-11am Dip, Dip and Swing—A Thetis Lake Canoe Adventure, Upper Thetis Lake (Adults). Water lilies slip by the side of our canoe, bald eagles soar over head and damselflies dart over our paddles. Canoe equipment and instruction provided, no experience is necessary. Pre-register: $15/$8.50 + GST 250.478.3344. Transit #50 or #53 www.crd.bc.ca/parks
Sat 29 – Sun Sept 6, 10-5:30pm. Winter Vegetable Bedding Plants Sale at The Garden Path Centre, 395 Conway Road (off Interurban). A fantastic selection of certified organic winter vegetable starts. Carolyn, 250-881-1304.
Sun 30, 7:30am VNHS Exploring the Victoria Shoreline for Shorebirds. Meet Cattle Point. Rick, 250-885-2454
Submissions to EcoNews
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The deadline for the September issue is August 24th.
Notice
EcoNews provides this electronic version of the
newsletter without charge even though it costs around $1,100 CDN
to produce each month. Please feel free to repost.
If you can help by making a donation, whether
$5 or $100, that would be most welcome. Please send it to: EcoNews,
395 Conway Rd, Victoria, B.C. V9E 2B9, Canada. Thanks ! (Not tax-deductible;
if you want a receipt, please send a stamped addressed envelope).
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EcoNews costs $1,100 a month to produce, and for this we reach around 8,000 people, including every MLA in BC, and every CRD municipal politician. If you enjoy reading EcoNews and value the information it provides, you can be proud that it is your donation that makes it possible. Will you help?
EcoNews provides this electronic version of the
newsletter without charge even though it costs around $1,100 CDN
to produce each month. Please feel free to repost.