Strathcona Wilderness Institute

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Courtenay, BC
Strathcona Wilderness Institute

Inspiring awareness, appreciation and stewardship of the natural world through research & education.
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SWI operates the two information centres in Strathcona Provincial Park: the Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre at Paradise Meadows near the Comox Valley; and the Buttle Lake Information Hut at Buttle Lake between Campbell River & Gold River. SWI organizes summer programs including nature walks, talks & hikes in the Park; as well as year-round presentations on outdoor activities. We also produce publications on nature & trail info in the Park.

11/02/2024

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15TH - 2024 Backcountry Film Festival

Join us for a collage of human-powered stories, snowsports, and backcountry-inspired experiences. Backcountry Film Festival ignites wild conversations and inspires action to communities that celebrate the present while looking towards the future.

Date: Nov 15th, 2024
Time: 7pm – 9:30pm (Doors Open 6:30pm)
Location: Stan Hagen Theatre, North Island College, Courtenay
Tickets: Adults $25 (Discount if Purchased Online), Youth $10 (16 & Under) - (visit strathconapark.org for ticket info)

Proceeds from our ticket sales will be supporting SWI in it’s mission to inspire awareness, appreciation and stewardship of the natural world through research, education and participation within Strathcona Provincial Park. We are so grateful for your support.

Everyone who attends will have a chance to win DRAW PRIZES donated from the following local sponsors:

– ATLAS CAFE
– BEAUFORT CYCLES
– COMOX BIKE COMPANY
– CUMBERLAND BREWING COMPANY
– DODGE CITY CYCLES
– ISLAND ALPINE GUIDES
– SKI TAK HUT

The photos are from some of the 12 Films that will be shown. A full description of the film line up is available on our website.

09/23/2024

2nd Annual Chris Carter Memorial Hike and Tea

Saturday September 28th
- Croteau Lake Hike: 9:00am - 3:30pm
- Paradise Meadows Walk: 2:00pm - 4:30pm
- Tea & Cookies: 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Location: Paradise Meadows Wilderness Centre

At the end of September, we will hold our annual Chris Carter Memorial Hike and Tea, honouring one of Strathcona Park's great supporters, Chris Carter.

Tim Penney will again lead a day-hike for the more energetic to Croteau Lake and a spot unofficially called “Chris Carter Lookout”. There will also be a more leisurely afternoon walk in Paradise Meadows amid the glorious fall colours so eloquently captured in many of the photographs taken by Chris over the years. The afternoon will culminate in tea and cookies at the Wilderness Centre. More details, including times, will be circulated closer to the 28th, but please make a note in your calendars for this very special event.

For more information or to preregister (not required) please contact [email protected]

09/08/2024

Excellent news for this amazing creature in Strathcona Park.

08/28/2024

Guided Nature Walk - Subalpine Trees of Paradise Meadows
Sunday September 1st
9:30am - 12:00pm
Cost: FREE (Limit of 15 Participants)
Location: Paradise Meadows Wilderness Centre

Naturalist Fred Newhouse will lead this easy walk around the Paradise Meadows and Centennial Loop trail and out to Battleship Lake (7.6km, elevation gain 180m) to illustrate tree growth in a subalpine ecosystem.

Sturdy footwear is essential, be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. Always carry water - No dogs, please.

To preregister or for more information please contact: [email protected]

08/28/2024

TONIGHT - Observations on the Ecology of Buttle Lake with regards to native fish populations (Webinar)
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Situated at the heart of Strathcona Provincial park, Buttle Lake which was once home to large trout populations has never recovered from the twin impacts of the building of the Upper Campbell Dam (1958) and the mining impacts of the Westmin Mine at Myra Falls. The impacts have drawn attention to short studies, notably by Dr. Tom Northcote from 1962 to 2000. SWI Student Paige Stuart has reviewed the literature to date and carried out a series of preliminary observations to determine knowledge gaps and understand the situation limiting recovery.

Link to watch on our website: https://strathconapark.org/swi-events/
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

08/27/2024

TONIGHT - Slime Moulds of Strathcona Provincial Park
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Zeke Gilmour, Strathcona Wilderness Institute research student, will present a review of the biology and taxonomy Myxomycetes (slime moulds) that have been found to date in Strathcona Provincial Park. Slime mould are colorful and important ecological protist predators about which relatively little is known, but for which there is growing interest.

Link to watch on our website: https://strathconapark.org/swi-events/
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

08/23/2024

Observations on the Ecology of Buttle Lake with regards to native fish populations - Webinar

Date: Tuesday August 27th
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Cost: FREE (Online Webinar)

Situated at the heart of Strathcona Provincial park, Buttle Lake which was once home to large trout populations has never recovered from the twin impacts of the building of the Upper Campbell Dam (1958) and the mining impacts of the Westmin Mine at Myra Falls. The impacts have drawn attention to short studies, notably by Dr. Tom Northcote from 1962 to 2000. SWI Student Paige Stuart has reviewed the literature to date and carried out a series of preliminary observations to determine knowledge gaps and understand the situation limiting recovery.

How to Watch: Link on our events page https://strathconapark.org/swi-events/
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

08/22/2024

Guided Hike - Mt. Becher
Saturday August 24th
8:00am - 4:00pm
Cost: FREE (Limit of 15 Participants)
Location: Top of Forbidden Plateau Road

Expert naturalist and avid hiker Dave Weaver will lead this intermediate hike (22km round trip, 700m elevation gain with some steep sections) up Mt. Becher, featuring great views of the Comox Valley and the mountains of Strathcona Provincial Park.

Sturdy footwear is essential, be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. Always carry water - No dogs, please.

To preregister or for more information please contact: [email protected]

08/21/2024

Slime Moulds of Strathcona Provincial Park - Webinar

Date: Monday August 26th
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Cost: FREE (Online Webinar)

Zeke Gilmour, Strathcona Wilderness Institute research student, will present a review of the biology and taxonomy Myxomycetes (slime moulds) that have been found to date in Strathcona Provincial Park. Slime mould are colorful and important ecological protist predators about which relatively little is known, but for which there is growing interest.

How to Watch: Link on our events page https://strathconapark.org/swi-events/
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

08/15/2024

One or two spots still open for the 6th annual Mycology Workshop!

Day 1: Annual Subalpine Mycology Workshop
September 21st, 8:30am - 4:30pm

Day 2: Mycology Workshop Hike to Divers Lake
September 22nd, Time (TBD)

Cost: $70 Adults, $25 Students (Limit of 15 Participants Total)
Location: Paradise Meadows Wilderness Centre

Event Details: This year our team of talented experts includes Andy MacKinnon, Thom O’Dell, Erin Feldman and Bryce Kendrick, all eminent mycologists with extensive experience in both instruction and guiding field forays.

On Saturday we will have in-class slide presentations and ID sessions, combined with forays out into the Meadows, in both morning and afternoon, separated by a lunch featuring wild mushroom soup.

On the Sunday SWI Director Loys Maingon will lead a hike through the fungus-rich forested slopes on the trail to Divers Lake, which lies in the valley below and to the west of Paradise Meadows.

For more information and how to register please visit: strathconapark.org/swi-events/

08/15/2024

Guided Hike - Cruikshank Canyon
Sunday August 18th
Time: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Cost: FREE (Limit of 15 Participants)
Location: Paradise Meadows Wilderness Centre

Event Details: SWI Environmental coordinator Mateo Jaeckel will lead this intermediate hike (21km round trip, elevation gain 270m) out to Cruikshank Canyon lookout, featuring spectacular views. Pack a lunch and plenty of water.

Sturdy footwear is essential, be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. Always carry water - No dogs, please.

To preregister or for more information please contact: [email protected]

08/13/2024

2 Events this Saturday! Guided Nature Walk in Paradise Meadows and Jerrys Ranges Scavenger Hunt & Word Game at the Buttle Lake Campground.

“Nature’s Wonders in Paradise Meadows” - Guided Nature Walk
Saturday August 17th
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Cost: FREE (Limit of 15 Participants)
Location: Paradise Meadows Wilderness Centre

SWI research students Paige and Zeke will lead this family-oriented easy walk around the Paradise Meadows and Centennial Loop Trail (3.5km) identifying the various flora and fauna of the park

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Jerry’s Rangers Kids Program - Scavenger Hunt & Word Game
Saturday August 17th
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Cost: FREE
Location: Buttle Lake Campground

Event Details: Scavenger Hunt & Word Game. Families Welcome! Free Interpretive Program for Park Visitors ages 5-12. Meet at the playground at Buttle Lake Campground.

To preregister for either event or for more information please contact: [email protected]

08/07/2024

GUIDED HIKE - HAIRRTRIGGER LAKE
Date: Sunday August 11th
Time: 9:00pm - 4:00pm
Cost: FREE (Limit of 15 Participants)
Location: Paradise Meadows Wilderness Centre
Leader: Janet Beggs

Event Details: CDMC Vice President and passionate hiker Janet Beggs will lead this moderate hike to Hairtrigger Lake, out by Helen MacKenzie Lake and back by Battleship Lake (17km round trip; elevation gain approx. 350 m). Pack a lunch and plenty of water.

Sturdy footwear is essential - be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. Always carry water - No dogs, please.

To preregister or for more information please contact: [email protected]

08/06/2024

NATURE WALK - "KILL OR CURE" - MEDICINAL PLANTS
Date: Saturday August 10th
Time: 9:30pm - 12:00pm
Cost: FREE (Limit of 15 Participants)
Location: Paradise Meadows Wilderness Centre

Event Details: SWI director Glenn Gustafson will lead this easy walk around the Paradise Meadows and Centennial Loop Trail (3.5km) identifying medicinal properties of plants growing in the meadows.

Sturdy footwear is essential - be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. Always carry water - No dogs, please.

To preregister or for more information please contact: [email protected]

07/30/2024

Nature Walk - "Nature's Wonders in Paradise Meadows"

Date: Sunday August 4th
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Cost: FREE (Limit of 15 Participants)
Location: Paradise Meadows Wilderness Centre

Event Details: SWI research students Paige and Zeke will lead this family-oriented easy walk around the Paradise Meadows and Centennial Loop Trail (3.5km) identifying the various flora and fauna of the park.

To preregister or for more information please contact: [email protected]

07/23/2024

GUIDED HIKE - MOUNT ELMA
Date: Sunday July 28th
Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Cost: FREE (Limit of 15 Participants)
Location: Paradise Meadows Wilderness Centre
Leader: Loys Maingon

Event Details: SWI Research Director Loys Maingon will lead this moderate hike up to Mt. Elma (approx. 6hrs, 12km, 350m elevation gain), with steep sections to access the ridge.

To preregister or for more information please contact: [email protected]

07/23/2024

Workshop - Lichen Identification

Date: Saturday, July 27th
Time: 10am - 3pm
Cost: $65 and Preregistration Required, includes a copy of SWI Field Guide to Basic Lichens of Strathcona Provincial Park
Location: Paradise Meadows Wilderness Centre
Leader: Loys Maingon

Event Details:

Led by lichen expert Loys Maingon (RPBio) - An introduction to field identification of lichens found in Strathcona Park through an in-class slide presentation and on-site observation of lichens in the Paradise Meadows area.

To Preregister or for more information please contact: [email protected] or visit strathconapark.org

07/17/2024

Nature Walk - “Terrific Trees”

Date: Sunday July 21st
Time: 9:30am - 12:00pm
Cost: FREE (Limit of 15 Participants)
Location: Paradise Meadows Wilderness Centre
Leader: Margaret Symon

Event Details: Long-time SWI volunteer and retired forester Margaret Symon will lead this guided walk around the Paradise Meadows and Centennial Loop Trail (3.5km) identifying trees of the subalpine

Sturdy footwear is essential - be prepared for sudden changes in the weather Always carry water - No dogs, please.

To preregister or for more information please contact: [email protected] or visit strathconapark.org

07/10/2024

2 Upcoming Events This weekend in Strathcona Provincial Park

GUIDED HIKE - ARNICA LAKE
Saturday July 13th
8am - 4pm
Cost: FREE (Limit of 15 Participants)
Location: Arnica Lake Trailhead at end of Westmin Road (Past the Mine)
Leader: Mandy Vaughn & Kathryn Landry

Event Details: Naturalists Mandy Vaughn and Kathryn Landry will lead this intermediate hike (13.6km round trip, 800m of steep elevation gain) to Arnica Lake featuring spectacular subalpine meadows. Pack a lunch and plenty of water.

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PAINTING WORKSHOP - "INSPIRED BY WILDERNESS"
Sunday, July 14th
10am - 3pm
Cost: $15 and Preregistration Required
Location: Paradise Meadows Wilderness Centre
Leader: Claire Gordon

Event Details:
Avid mountaineer and poet Claire Gordon will lead this workshop on gaining an appreciation of wilderness though sketching or painting in a scenic spot between Lake Helen MacKenzie and Battleship Lake.

To Preregister or for more information please contact: [email protected] or visit strathconapark.org

07/03/2024

Hike to sceneic Croteau Lake on July 7th with CDMC vice President Janet Beggs. FOR more information and details of the hike please email us at [email protected]

07/03/2024

SWI EVENTS July 6th & 7th - A WORKSHOP & A HIKE

Come learn about the Canada Jay Project in Paradise Meadows, with Dan Strickland, on July 6th . For more information, and workshop details, email us at [email protected]

06/25/2024

UPCOMING EVENTS - THE START OF THE 2024 SEASON.

THE WILDERNESS CENTRE AT PARADISE MEADOWS OPENS FOR THE SEASON ON THURSDAY JUNE 27th.

SWI will hold its first WEEKEND WALK and HIKE ON SATURDAY 29th and SUNDAY 30th. Meet at the Wilderness Centre, Paradise Meadows, at 10:30 on the Saturday or 10:00 on the Sunday to join these events. Come up to the PARK and enjoy the beginnings of a fine summer season on the Plateau guided by our expert naturalists.

FMI and to preregister email us at [email protected] .

06/11/2024

FIRST SWI HIKE OF THE SEASON :

SAT JUNE 22 - ELK RIVER TRAIL - 10:00 am

Experienced naturalists Mandy Vaughan and Kathryn Landry will lead this easy-moderate hike 5.5 k along the Elk River valley as far as Volcano Creek, following the river through a magnificent lower elevation old growth forest, with lush spring/early summer vegetation.
Meet at 10am at the Trailhead on Highway 28 which lies approx. 25 k west of the junction at Buttle Narrows Bridge. Pack water and lunch, have sturdy footwear and be prepared for changeable weather.

For more information & to pre-register email us:
[email protected].

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ERT HAS NOW REOPENED, WITH CAUTIONARY NOTICES THAT THERE IS STILL A COUGAR IN THE AREA. Check the Strathcona Provincial Park Website for any updates to their Advisories.

05/26/2024

Danielle Lacasse (Dan Strickland's assistant in the Canada Jay Project in Paradise Meadows) got this great little video at the Battleship CAJA nest of some Canada Jays using a little "sewer pipe" camera on an extendable pole lent to them by Eric Demers at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo.

If you would like to learn more about the Canada Jay Project we the latest reports on our website at https://strathconapark.org/adventure-science/

05/21/2024

Strathcona Park Bird Search - June 2nd, 2024

The annual Strathcona Park Bird Search will take place on Sunday June 2nd, organized this year by Mandy Vaughan and Jocie Brooks. The meeting point will be the Buttle Lake Campground at 8:30am and the areas to be covered will be:

– Southwest area (Thelwood Narrows bridge to Myra Falls)
– Southeast area (Augerpoint to Ralph River campsite)
– Northeast area (Strathcona Park Lodge to Lupin Falls)
– Northwest area (Buttle Narrows to Crest Creek)

It should also be noted that if anyone were interested in covering the Paradise Meadows area of Forbidden Plateau, a count record from that area would be most welcome. By June 2nd the Meadows will most likely be clear.

For more information and to sign up as a participant please contact Mandy Vaughan at: [email protected]

Address

1895 Nordic Drive
Courtenay, BC

Website

http://www.strathconapark.org/

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Videos

Danielle Lacasse (Dan Strickland's assistant in the Canada Jay Project in Paradise Meadows) got this great little video at the Battleship CAJA nest of some Canada Jays using a little "sewer pipe" camera on an extendable pole lent to them by Eric Demers at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo. If you would like to learn more about the Canada Jay Project we the latest reports on our website at https://strathconapark.org/adventure-science/