Island Magic Experiences

25/10/2024

✨🪶 Creature Feature: The Northern Flicker! 🐦 This striking woodpecker stands out with its beautiful spotted plumage, bright red nape, and distinctive white rump visible in flight. Unlike many other woodpeckers, Northern Flickers often forage on the ground, searching for ants and beetles—their favorite snacks! You might hear their loud 'wick-a-wick' call echoing through the woods or see them drumming on trees (or even metal objects!) to communicate. Keep an eye—and ear—out for these unique and colorful birds next time you explore the estuary! 🌳🔊

30/09/2024

For the children that didn’t come home and those who continue to carry the pain that was done. We stand with you and support our shared path to reconciliation. Huy tseep q’u

30/09/2024

Today is the day of truth and reconciliation. We have a lot of truth to uncover and so much to reconcile. I have always believed that such a big part of that can come through education. So much racism and ignorance in the world today can be cured by education. When I hear people make ignorant comments about First Nations it’s because they didn’t learn anything about First Nations history in school. They hear things and repeat them from their parents or other ignorant people and perpetuate these false narratives. I have been so fortunate in my life to learn so much from indigenous friends and family, to be gifted stories and wisdom which have enriched me, helped me brought support and meaning to my life. I am so grateful for the people who are still here, who carry their language, culture and teachings into the future for all to learn and benefit from. Today I’d like to honour the children who didn’t come home and thank the ones that did for carrying on through so much pain and suffering. I’d like to voice my support for the people out there today wearing their orange shirts and doing what they were meant to do. We are one. We are all connected. Huy tseep q’u.

26/09/2024

We're just one little Nature Centre in the middle of a beautiful estuary and community. If you'd like to know more about us, or our friends and neighbors in Estuary Stewardship, check out their websites below!

24/09/2024

There are a lot of reasons why we need to take care of the Cowichan Estuary, including food security for multiple species, including our own. A healthy estuary and salmon cycle means food for the humans and other animals who live here, as well as healthy bird populations that stretch to both poles.

23/09/2024

Despite the incredible biodiversity of the Cowichan Estuary, the estuary is so damaged by industry and pollution that no one has been able to eat shellfish from the estuary since the early 1970's.
A recent study from Pacific Salmon Foundation and Cowichan Tribes found more than 100 years of log boom handling operations in the Cowichan-Koksilah Estuary have littered the sea bed with anoxic zones of cut logs, bark, and sticks, causing widespread damage to salmon-dependent eelgrass beds and forage fish populations. This multi-year study clearly indicates that the booms’ current positioning in crucial salmon migration corridors facilitates seal predation, which is one of the key factors in the correlation between declining Pacific salmon populations and burgeoning harbour seal density.
“Stseelhtun (salmon) are an integral part of our spiritual and cultural identity and they have been hit hard by the loss of marsh habitat, climate change, logging, and log boom operations in our territory,” said Cowichan Tribes Chief Cindy Daniels (Sulsulxumaat). “I commend our Luxumexun (Lands and Self Governance) department, BC Conservation Foundation and Pacific Salmon Foundation for their long-term commitment to this study which has delivered concrete data demonstrating the level of crisis our relatives, the salmon, are experiencing. With these results, we look forward to working with government, industry, and partners to take actions to reverse these impacts before it is too late,” added Daniels.

Results from the study indicate that the presence of log booms has a statistically significant negative impact on adult Chinook terminal survival. The mechanism is altering predator-prey dynamics between harbour seals and salmon by enhancing predation efficiency. Further, this impact is exacerbated by low flows, preventing adult Chinook from migrating into the river and away from predation pressures in the lower river and estuary. As climate impacts become more severe, the negative impacts of log booms in key migration corridors and low river flows will increase.

22/09/2024

Why does the estuary sustain so much life? Its the unique intertidal zone and brackish water!

15/09/2024

As the summer winds down, we're gearing up for something special at the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre!
🎉 This December, we're thrilled to be the Charity of the Month at Island Return-it Duncan! 🥳
Every refundable container you save and drop off in the Charity of the Month bin at their Duncan location will directly support the vital work we do to protect and preserve the Cowichan Estuary. 🌿

Imagine the impact your everyday recycling could have when you choose to donate your empties to us! 🌍 Your bottles, cans, and containers can be turned into funds that help us continue our conservation efforts, educational programs, and community initiatives. By participating, you’re not just recycling—you’re investing in the future of our local environment.

Let’s make this December a month of giving back to the land that sustains us. Hold onto those empties, spread the word, and get ready to drop them off at Island Return-it Duncan. Together, we can make a difference, one bottle at a time! 💚

07/09/2024

Today is the day! Join us in the Nature Centre for an intimate spotlight on 4 local artists who are committed to ecologically responsible business.
🙌Admission by Donation to CENC
☕Coffee and Tea are on!
🦀Nature Centre and Gift shop also open!

Featuring Unceded Creations, Nighthawk Carvings, Cherylanne James Art and Earth to earth Ceramics!

Saturday, September 7, 10-3. 1845 Cowichan Bay Road, in Hecate Park!

04/09/2024

Englishman river falls

03/09/2024

03/09/2024

03/09/2024

Junior Cohort is now full and taking a waiting list (possible second class), and there is still space in the senior cohort.

Visit the link in our bio, or www.cowichanestuary.ca to register today!

For waiting list, please email [email protected]

Estuary Immersion kicks of September 12 & 13!

Meet and Greet on September 5 & 6, book your appointment today!

We also accept bookings for school programs from homeschoolers and homeschool groups! Reach out today to plan your estuary visit!

02/09/2024

🌿✨ Join Our Eco Team and Make a Difference! 🌟🌍

Are you passionate about the environment and eager to contribute to our local natural wonders? The Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre is calling on all nature lovers to join our vibrant team of volunteers! 🌱🐦

Whether you have a few hours or a full day to spare, we've got exciting roles that fit your schedule. From guiding visitors through our stunning center and supporting educational programs, to participating in vital conservation projects, your efforts will directly enhance the health and beauty of our cherished watershed. 🌺💧

🐙 We’re especially seeking: 🦀

Marine Scientists, Science Communicators, Biologists, Teachers, Librarians
Social media mavens and grant writers (help us remotely!)
Someone with a truck for two local deliveries in Duncan
New members for our Board of Directors
Volunteering with us isn’t just about giving back; it’s about connecting with like-minded individuals, deepening your knowledge of local wildlife, and gaining hands-on experience in environmental stewardship. We offer all the training and support you need to shine in your role. 🌿🦉

Ready to make a positive change? 🌟 Sign up now and be part of something truly special! Visit our website or call 250-597-2288 for more info. Let’s make every day Earth Day together! 🌎❤️

23/08/2024

THIS WEEKEND! Hope to see you there!

Cowichan Tribes Cowichan Watershed Board
Hilary Abbott, Director, Area D - Cowichan Bay

23/08/2024

We've just added registrations to our website for Fall 2024 SD79 Pro-D Day Camps.

On our website, under programs, click Pro-D Day Camps.

We look forward to seeing you there!

21/08/2024

🌞 Last Call for Summer Fun! 🌞

It's the final week of our summer camps at the Cowichan Estuary Nature Center, and we still have a few spaces left! Don’t miss out on a week packed with outdoor adventures, hands-on nature exploration, and unforgettable memories. Whether your child is a budding scientist or just loves the great outdoors, this is the perfect way to wrap up summer!

🌿 Limited spots available – Sign up now to secure your child's place in the last week of our summer camp series!