The Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society is hosting speaker Lauren Burton on April 19 for a talk titled Behaviour Change for Conservation.
Burton introduces conservation psychology, exploring the ways that people think about nature and their actions that impact the environment. Her talk will highlight ways that conservation groups have used emotional appeals, peer pressure, and creative strategies to promote sustainable behavior, using examples from around the world.
Burton is an environmental social scientist and a PhD student at the University of Victoria, where she studies collaborative marine conservation and Indigenous stewardship. She has experience with community projects focused on a range of topics including tropical agroforestry, wildfire management, and ecotourism development. Her doctoral research focuses on sense of place, particularly the ways that individuals can continue to engage in stewardship of places they care about, even if they are not local residents.
The talk begins at 7:30 p.m. Email cvns@naturecowichan.net for the Zoom link.
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The Cowichan 4-H beef club has a notable event coming up on April 30, as an Island 4-H beef show will be held at the Cowichan Exhibition grounds, the first large show since COVID put a damper on large events in 2020.
And in other news the club is celebrating the success of Brookelyn Buck, who won her club level public speaking competition in the 4-H beef club, moved on to a Cowichan district competition where she beat out public speakers from all of Cowichan’s 4-H clubs, then went on to a regional competition that included winners from each district on Vancouver Island, where she placed second.
“This is the highest level that a young junior member can compete at so it is a huge accomplishment,” said Cowichan 4-H Holstein Club leader Michelle Laszczyk.
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The Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue 34 out of Cowichan Bay are thanking all donors and supporters after their recent online auction was a big success.
“Bidding was hot and heavy until the end, especially during final minutes of the auction. We could have sold several items a second time if we had them,” said the group in a press release.
In total the auction raised $17,000, plus $2,100 in cash donations.
Fundraising is key to the group for equipment and other infrastructure.
They will also be holding an open house at their facility at Fisherman’s Wharf in Cowichan Bay on May 7 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
“This will be your opportunity to meet our volunteers, come view our new facilities, to ask questions and even join us as a volunteer,” said the press release.