Comox Valley Nature (also known as the Comox Valley Naturalists Society) brings together people interested in learning about and protecting the local environment. Their motto is “to know nature and keep it worth knowing,” which captures both the educational and conservation sides of what they do. If you’re curious about the natural world around the Valley—birds, plants, shorelines, forests—this is the group for it.

They run multiple interest groups: birding, botany, shoreline and marine life, Garry oak restoration, wetland restoration, and photography. Monthly general meetings happen on Sundays at 3pm at Comox United Church, with hybrid in-person and virtual options. Meetings typically feature guest speakers on nature-related topics, and recordings are available if you miss them. Throughout the year they organize field trips, weekend walks, conferences, and workshops like their Tree of the Year contests. Active conservation projects include the Vanier Forest Garry Oaks Project.

One particularly useful resource: they’ve created a comprehensive nature viewing guide covering over 20 local sites, mapped and described for anyone wanting to explore. The organization welcomes both members and the general public to events, and they’re looking for volunteers including NatureKidsBC club leaders. Memberships and donations support their programming, and they partner with scientific institutions like the Hakai Institute and Fisheries and Oceans Canada for research and education.