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Comox Valley Nature presents talk on Vancouver Island marmots

In support of the Marmot Recovery Foundation’s work on Mount Washington, Comox Valley Nature is hosting a lecture of public interest on the status of Vancouver Island’s iconic endangered species. These marmots one of many native species that have been adversely impacted by development over the past 50 years. Vancouver Island marmots are safest in the alpine ski environments, which predators avoid.
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This photo of Mount Washington yearlings was taken by Hannah Sungaila. (submitted)

In support of the Marmot Recovery Foundation’s work on Mount Washington, Comox Valley Nature is hosting a lecture of public interest on the status of Vancouver Island’s iconic endangered species. These marmots one of many native species that have been adversely impacted by development over the past 50 years. Vancouver Island marmots are safest in the alpine ski environments, which predators avoid.

Their recovery is a win-win for Mt. Washington’s tourism economy and for the conservation of the valley’s natural history.

The Vancouver Island Recovery Foundation needs public support to raise about $100,000 to re-open a captive breeding program on Mt. Washington. Although recovery efforts over the past decade have increased the numbers of Vancouver Island Marmots to about 250 individuals, numbers over the past couple of years have declined dramatically, to about 150.

Adam Taylor, executive director of The Marmot Recovery Foundation will illustrated talk, entitled: Groundhog Days: Vancouver Island Marmot Decline and Recovery.

The lecture is on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. in the Rotary Room of the Filberg Seniors Centre 411 Anderton, Courtenay.

Anyone interested in this lecture or participating in CVNS activities can also contact us at the website comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca/

Meetings and lectures of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society are held on the third Sunday of most months at the Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton, Courtenay. Meetings and guided walks are open to the public, including children and youth. New memberships are always welcomed.