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Coming up in Cowichan: Owls focus of Naturalists presentation; Clements Centre hosts Block Party, candidates meeting

Fun and learning
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The Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society are hosting a presentation from biologist Tania Tripp on owls.

On Sept. 20, starting at 7:30 p.m., Tripp, who works for Madrone Environmental Services Ltd., will present “Western Screech-Owl Inventory and Monitoring using Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs) in Coastal B.C.”

Tripp is a registered professional biologist that has conducted research on the western screech owl for more than 20 years. She completed her M.Sc. thesis on the bioacoustics of this species of owl in 2003 and continues to study their vocal behaviours, says a press release for the event.

Tripp has worked with many Naturalist and other not-for-profit groups to initiate screech-owl monitoring programs. Her focus in recent years has been on habitat restoration and enhancement of habitat for the western screech owl through nest box programs, and use of ARUs for inventory and monitoring of owls in coastal B.C.

Her presentation will highlight findings from recent ARU research as well as other aspects of her work on western screech owls in coastal B.C.

The presentation will take place over Zoom and is open to all. Email cvns@naturecowichan.net for the link to the meeting.

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Clements Centre is kicking off Community Inclusion Month with the Community Inclusion Block Party happening Sept. 23, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 5856 Clements St.

This event brings local agencies and community members together to celebrate and recognize the valuable contributions of people of all abilities and highlights the importance of communities where everyone is included.

Admission is free and festivities include live entertainment, a bouncy castle, arts and crafts, face painting, plus free hamburgers or hot dogs cooked by the local Shriner’s club, and much more.

Dianne Hinton, chief executive officer of Clements Centre shares why this event is particularly meaningful this year.

“Clements Centre is celebrating its 65th year in service to families in the Cowichan Valley, and it’s the perfect excuse to gather the community together in celebration of how inclusive we have become.”

Everyone is welcome to attend. Parking is available in the Cowichan Community Centre overflow lot adjacent to Vancouver Island University on University Way.

Integra Support Services will be hosting their very own ‘Integra Idol’ talent competition on site, with sign ups happening from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This event is sponsored by Duncan’s own Real Canadian Superstore, Juice FM, and Island Savings’ Simple Generosity Neighbourhood Grant.

For more information, visit www.clementscentre.org or call 250-746-4135.

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The Shawnigan Basin Society and the British Columbia Coalition Institute want to give residents in South Cowichan the chance to hear from their candidates for the Cowichan Valley Regional District board.

On Sunday, Oct. 2 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cobble Hill Community Centre (3550 Watson Ave.), the two groups are hosting a candidates meeting for those running for area director in areas A (Mill Bay/Malahat), B (Shawnigan Lake), C (Cobble Hill) and D (Cowichan Bay).

South Cowichan residents can email their questions for candidates to info@shawniganbasinsociety.org prior to Sept. 19.

The most popular questions will be presented to the candidates for comment and discussion during the public question period. People will also have the chance to ask candidates their questions directly.



Andrea Rondeau

About the Author: Andrea Rondeau

I returned to B.C. and found myself at the Cowichan Valley Citizen.
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