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Coming up in Cowichan: Bullfrogs, mushrooms, and fundraisers

Coming to the Cowichan Valley
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The Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society is hosting a talk on invasive species such as bullfrogs on March 7, 2022. (Elke Wind photo)

The Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society is all about bullfrogs on Monday, March 7.

Starting at 9:30 a.m. the group will present a talk by Elke Wind titled “Fact or Fiction: Learning to live with Bullfrogs”.

“Non-native and invasive species can be problematic for our native flora and fauna,” says a press release for the talk. “How we choose to deal with them is a balance between where the science is in terms of understanding the issue, the media’s portrayal of the issue, and societal values and priorities at the time.”

Wind will discuss the issue of non-native amphibian species such as the American Bullfrog.

Wind is a herpetologist from Nanaimo, and owner of E.Wind Consulting. She has an M.Sc. in Conservation Biology from UBC, and is a Registered Professional Biologist. As a contractor she specializes in the habitat associations and requirements of amphibian populations in relation to impacts of timber harvesting, rural and urban development, linear infrastructure projects, and non-native species.

To see the presentation email cvns@naturecowichan.net for the Zoom link.

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The Cowichan Historical Society is reminding the public to check out the Royal BC Museum’s travelling exhibit on B.C.’s Marvellous Mushrooms at the Cowichan Valley Museum in Duncan before it moves on.

The final days to see the exhibit are Thursday, March 10 and Friday, March 11.

This travelling exhibition explores the science and practical uses of mushrooms today, highlighting some of the most fascinating of the 3,400 known species in the province, says a press release. It introduces a cross-section of different species — some familiar, some bizarre, some delicious and some deadly. Their lives are interwoven with every part of British Columbia ecosystems.

“The display has drawn countless numbers of visitors to the Cowichan Valley Museum since it opened at the museum on Jan. 20, and by all accounts has been well received,” said a message from Carolyn Prellwitz, vice president of the Cowichan Historical Society. “Two school groups have also attended the exhibit.”

The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays only. Admission to the museum is by donation. All visitors must wear masks and provide proof of vaccination.

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The Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue 34 Cowichan begins an online fundraising auction on March 12.

“RCMSAR34-Cowichan contributes to the marine safety of people in our community of Cowichan Bay and surrounding areas by saving lives and property,” says a press release. “As a local charity, we depend on donations to ensure we have the right equipment, rescue boats and on-shore facilities. Your support today will go towards upgrading our existing boathouse.

“Close to 100 items will be auctioned off. There are some fantastic donations and more that will be added as they come in.”

The auction ends on March 19.

For more information and to see auction items, head to https://hibid.ca/events/rcmsar34-cowichan-2022-fundraising-and-auction-2022

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Got a box of stuff to shred? The Rotary Club of Duncan Daybreak and Best Shredding are partnering for a shredding day on Saturday, March 26.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., bring your shredding items to the Vancouver Island University parking lot in Duncan. Shredding is $10 per box.

Funds will go to the Salvation Army, Starfish Backpacks and Nourish Cowichan.

For more information email info.duncandaybreak@gmail.com