Come count the birds on Jan. 1
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is hosting a Christmas Bird Count group on Jan. 1 in the Cowichan Valley as part of the 119th annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count.
This citizen science event takes place across North America each year between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. Fueled by volunteers, this grass-roots initiative has compiled an incredible resource of census data on bird population trends that informs conservation efforts across the continent.
People of all ages and experience are invited to join NCC bird experts at the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve to help spot and identify birds at the site. This is a great opportunity for people who want to learn more about the birds of the Cowichan Valley. Experienced birders are encouraged to share their knowledge and skills with the group.
Observations collected on the day will be submitted to the Audubon Society and will contribute to more than a century of community science data.
This event is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
The event runs from 1-3 p.m., and participants should meet at the end of Aitken Road, off Maple Bay Road.
For more information and to sign up for this free event, go to https://events.natureconservancy.ca/al-event/cowichan-garry-oak-preserve-christmas-bird-count/.
Get tickets for Experience of Lifetime
The Cowichan Historical Society is holding a ticket raffle for a chance to win an “Experience of a Lifetime”.
First prize is an all day sailboat cruise with lunch, second prize is two nights at the beautiful boutique OPUS Hotel in Vancouver, third prize is two nights in the Arbutus Mist float home in picturesque Maple Bay, fourth prize is a return seaplane flight from Maple Bay to Vancouver, and fifth prize is a the chance to drive a sports car for a weekend.
Tickets are $25 each and there are only 250 tickets available. The draw takes place on Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 1 p.m. at the Cowichan Valley Museum in the Duncan Train Station. Tickets can be purchased at the museum Wednesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The first ticket drawn is for First Prize, the second ticket is for Second Prize, the third ticket is for Third Prize, the fourth ticket is for Fourth Prize and the fifth ticket is for Fifth Prize.
The museum will be open on Jan. 15 from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. Hot coffee and tea and homemade baking will be served. This is a chance for you to see our recently renovated galleries.
Monies from the ticket raffle will support the development and delivery of school and public programming initiatives.
“By purchasing a raffle ticket, you are helping to ensure that we can provide transformational experiences for our visitors to the museum and archives, which contribute to stronger communities,” say organizers.