Local Walks and Talks For Extra Credit
Thursday March 17th 2016
Title: “Darwin’s elves”. Poisonous mushrooms and mushroom poisonings
Speaker: Paul Kroeger.
A free public talk for the Botany Section of Nature Vancouver
Meeting time & location: 7:30 pm. Unitarian Centre, 949 West 49th Avenue (at Oak Street), Vancouver.
Description of talk: An introduction to poisonous mushrooms and their effects is important for all those who are interested in mushrooms as a hobby. Major toxin types and their effects are described, and a few case studies show how suspect fungi are identified. This presentation presents practical general guidelines for safely handling and preparing edible fungi, and avoiding becoming another poisoning victim. Some surprising common causes of ‘mushroom poisoning’ are also discussed.
About the speaker: Paul Kroeger has studied mushrooms for over thirty-five years and is a founding member of the Vancouver Mycological Society. He’s considered a leading expert in field identification of mushrooms of western Canada and has made a special study of “little brown mushrooms” including magic mushrooms and their relatives. He’s been involved in many projects and studies about diverse aspects of mushrooms; gaining knowledge about fungal biology and ecology, and biochemistry of toxic, hallucinogenic, medicinal and edible mushrooms. Years of experience create unique insights and understanding of fungal life-ways and interactions in temperate ecosystems.
Paul has worked at the University of British Columbia researching the biochemistry of medicinal mushrooms. He is a major contributor to the mycological herbarium collections in the Beaty Biodiversity Museum at UBC and has been a research associate of UBC Department of Botany for many years. He’s also contributed significant collections to DAOM Herbarium in Ottawa and DAVFP Herbarium in Victoria. He is a regular consultant for the British Columbia Drug and Poison Information Centre, and various other agencies concerned with mushroom poisonings and fungi in human and animal health.
Saturday 19th March 2015
Night Quest
A Pacific Spirit Park Society event in partnership with Pacific Spirit Regional Park.
7:00 – 9:30 pm
Stroll along lantern-lit trails; learn about owls, bats, coyotes and more. Bring a flashlight or headlamp and allow 1 hour to complete the quest. Bring a mug to use at the Girl Guides concession. This event is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
I will be operating a question and answer table next to the Nature Vancouver tent near the St. Anselm Church parking lot with numerous hands-on plant and fungi specimens taken from the surrounding forests.
Your journey starts at 4914 West 16th Ave., 400m west of Blanca Street. Information: 604-224-5739.
Saturday April 2nd 2016
International Bear Day celebrations which will include a walk by me to see the natural foods of our black bears.
A North Shore Black Bear Society, Raincoast Conservation Foundation and Capilano University free event.
In two parts:
Sunday April 10th 2016
Native plants as natural healers: First Nations medicinal uses of native plants
A free public walk for Wild Bird Trust
Walk leader: David Cook.
Meeting time and location: 1:30 to 3:30 pm at Wild Bird Trusts Conservation Area office, 2645 Dollarton Highway, North Vancouver 603-903-4471. Rain or shine.
Description of walk: We will walk the wheel chair accessible trails of the Conservation Area at Maplewood Flats and learn to identify native plant species used in traditional First Nations medicine.
Thursday April 21st 2016
Plant adaptations in temperate rainforests
Speaker: Daniel Mosquin.
A free public talk for the Botany Section of Nature Vancouver
Description of the talk: Most popular literature and textbooks on plant adaptations highlight those plants that live in extreme environments such as deserts or alpine-tundra environments. This presentation examines the plant adaptations found in species associated with temperate rainforests, such as adaptations to rain, year-round shade, and generally moderate temperature extremes. Several comparisons are made within a few plant groups to illustrate differences. This presentation has a focus on the species of western North America, particularly British Columbia.
Meeting time & location: 7:30 pm. Unitarian Centre, 949 West 49th Avenue (at Oak Street), Vancouver.
About the speaker: Daniel Mosquin is the Research Manager at UBC Botanical Garden. He frequently travels throughout North America to photograph plants and landscapes, and has a keen interest in botanical history.
Sunday May 8th 2016
Sea to Sky trail (Function Junction to Brandywine Falls) (Difficulty level C6)
A free public event for Nature Vancouver
Meeting time and location: Carpool at Park Royal North (Park & Ride on 3rd floor) at 7:30 am.
Field trip leaders: Bengul Kurtar and David Cook.
Registration: Required.
Description of field trip: We will explore the Sea to Sky Trail between Function Junction and Brandywine Falls while hiking the trail following the Cheakamus River.
This will be a crossover type hike. We will leave half of the cars at the trail head (Function Junction) and the rest of them at the trail end.
This is moderately strenuous hike of 13-14 km. We will learn about geology of the Sea to Sky corridor, flora and fauna along the way.
"The heritage of the Sea to Sky Trail can be traced back to the historic travel and trade route of the Coast Salish and Interior Salish First Nations. These peoples would use the Sea to Sky corridor as a means of access between the Coast and the Interior. In the late 1700s and early 1800s European settlement expanded both on the Coast and into the Interior, as pioneers ventured in pursuit of gold and the expansion of ranches. It was at this time, the young province of British Columbia undertook their largest capital project to date, a cattle trail for ranchers around Lillooet to transport their cattle to the Vancouver markets. The trail proved too rigorous for the cattle, so the route was abandoned. But the idea of traveling through the Sea to Sky corridor persisted, eventually leading to the development first of gravel roads and railways, and then of highways and airports."
Additional information: Pack lunch, water and wear good hiking boots. Weather conditions can be variable so prepare for both sun and rain. Contact David Cook at 604-924-0147 or Bengül Kurtar for details and to register.
Saturday May 21st 2016
Natural History of our Temperate Rainforests
A Walk of Wonder event conducted jointly for Beaty Biodiversity Museum and Nature Vancouver.
Walk leader: David Cook.
Meeting time: 10:15 am. under the whale.
Description of walk: Walk to locations on campus where native plants can be seen in their natural setting. Learn about the ecological roles played by each species while strolling around UBC campus.
Please register in advance by calling the Admission Desk (604-827-4955) - See more at: http://www.beatymuseum.ubc.ca/walks-wonder#sthash.Lr8dhGEk.dpuf.
Meeting location and time: The Beaty Biodiversity Museum located on the campus of the University of British Columbia. The address is 2212 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4.
Tuesday May 24th 2016
Geology of the Vancouver area as seen along Kitsilano Beach
A free public event for Salmonberry Days.
Trip leader: David Cook.
Meeting time and location: 1:00 pm Jericho Beach parking lot west end of Point Grey Road (which is a cul de sac) near Royal Vancouver Yacht Club all of which are on the east side of Jericho Beach Park.
Duration of event: Approximately 2 hours.
Description of event: The tide will be low and we will walk east from Jericho Beach Park along the beach looking at the rocks and land features. We will see a giant erratic of granite left by the retreating glaciers, coal-bearing sandstones laid down in 50-million year old river deltas, the roots of 32 million year old volcanoes in the form of basalt feeder dykes, plant fossils and giant concretions in the sandstones, and how unceasing wave action is slowly eating away the beach frontage. Looking around Burrard Inlet, we will observe rocks and land forms that were created over the last 100 million years by plate tectonics, sea-level changes and ice movement. The route will be rocky, damp and slippery with many puddles left by the retreating tide so wear appropriate non-slip footwear.
No registration required.
Sunday May 29th 2016
Secrets of a Temperate coniferous forest.
A free public event for Salmonberry Days.
Trip leader: David Cook
Meeting time & location: 10:00 am at the trailhead of Sasamat Trail (Trail No. 22) at the intersection of Camosun Street and 33rd Avenue. For the location of the trailhead see the Metro Parks map of Pacific Spirit Regional Park which can be viewed on the Metro Parks website www.metrovancouver.org.
Duration of field trip: Approximately 2 hours.
Description of event: We will walk a circuit of paths in Pacific Spirit Regional Park to look at items of interest that make up the ecology of this temperate forest.
No registration required.
Wednesday June 29th 2016
The multi-billion trade in endangered species: What is the future for such high-profile species as the Big Cats, the eight species of Bear, the three species of Rhino and the two species of Elephant.
A free public talk for Parkgate Library, North Vancouver.
Speaker: David Cook.
Meeting time & location: 7:00 pm at the Parkgate Library 3675 Banff Court, North Vancouver. The Parkgate library is opposite the Parkgate Community Centre and adjacent to the Parkgate Village Shopping Centre at the corner of the Mt Seymour Parkway and Seymour Road which is also the access road to Mount Seymour Provincial Park.
Duration of talk: Approximately two hours.
Registration required: Call 604-929-3727.
Title: “Darwin’s elves”. Poisonous mushrooms and mushroom poisonings
Speaker: Paul Kroeger.
A free public talk for the Botany Section of Nature Vancouver
Meeting time & location: 7:30 pm. Unitarian Centre, 949 West 49th Avenue (at Oak Street), Vancouver.
Description of talk: An introduction to poisonous mushrooms and their effects is important for all those who are interested in mushrooms as a hobby. Major toxin types and their effects are described, and a few case studies show how suspect fungi are identified. This presentation presents practical general guidelines for safely handling and preparing edible fungi, and avoiding becoming another poisoning victim. Some surprising common causes of ‘mushroom poisoning’ are also discussed.
About the speaker: Paul Kroeger has studied mushrooms for over thirty-five years and is a founding member of the Vancouver Mycological Society. He’s considered a leading expert in field identification of mushrooms of western Canada and has made a special study of “little brown mushrooms” including magic mushrooms and their relatives. He’s been involved in many projects and studies about diverse aspects of mushrooms; gaining knowledge about fungal biology and ecology, and biochemistry of toxic, hallucinogenic, medicinal and edible mushrooms. Years of experience create unique insights and understanding of fungal life-ways and interactions in temperate ecosystems.
Paul has worked at the University of British Columbia researching the biochemistry of medicinal mushrooms. He is a major contributor to the mycological herbarium collections in the Beaty Biodiversity Museum at UBC and has been a research associate of UBC Department of Botany for many years. He’s also contributed significant collections to DAOM Herbarium in Ottawa and DAVFP Herbarium in Victoria. He is a regular consultant for the British Columbia Drug and Poison Information Centre, and various other agencies concerned with mushroom poisonings and fungi in human and animal health.
Saturday 19th March 2015
Night Quest
A Pacific Spirit Park Society event in partnership with Pacific Spirit Regional Park.
7:00 – 9:30 pm
Stroll along lantern-lit trails; learn about owls, bats, coyotes and more. Bring a flashlight or headlamp and allow 1 hour to complete the quest. Bring a mug to use at the Girl Guides concession. This event is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
I will be operating a question and answer table next to the Nature Vancouver tent near the St. Anselm Church parking lot with numerous hands-on plant and fungi specimens taken from the surrounding forests.
Your journey starts at 4914 West 16th Ave., 400m west of Blanca Street. Information: 604-224-5739.
Saturday April 2nd 2016
International Bear Day celebrations which will include a walk by me to see the natural foods of our black bears.
A North Shore Black Bear Society, Raincoast Conservation Foundation and Capilano University free event.
In two parts:
- A family fun day program 1-4 pm, Cedar Building & library courtyard, Capilano University, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver. Bring the family for displays, face painting, storytelling, photography, art, bear safety workshop, music by the Grizzly Waves and a guided walk with me to look at the plants and bugs foraged by bears. My walk is scheduled for 3:00 pm. Meet those working on bear research and conservation.
- The evening program 7-9 pm in the Bosa Centre for Film and Animation on campus will be a viewing of the film Great Bear and a presentation by Christina Service, Raincoast Scientist and Executive Director of the Spirit Bear Research Foundation. Registration recommended for the evening programme at http://tinyurl.com/oarkcoy.
Sunday April 10th 2016
Native plants as natural healers: First Nations medicinal uses of native plants
A free public walk for Wild Bird Trust
Walk leader: David Cook.
Meeting time and location: 1:30 to 3:30 pm at Wild Bird Trusts Conservation Area office, 2645 Dollarton Highway, North Vancouver 603-903-4471. Rain or shine.
Description of walk: We will walk the wheel chair accessible trails of the Conservation Area at Maplewood Flats and learn to identify native plant species used in traditional First Nations medicine.
Thursday April 21st 2016
Plant adaptations in temperate rainforests
Speaker: Daniel Mosquin.
A free public talk for the Botany Section of Nature Vancouver
Description of the talk: Most popular literature and textbooks on plant adaptations highlight those plants that live in extreme environments such as deserts or alpine-tundra environments. This presentation examines the plant adaptations found in species associated with temperate rainforests, such as adaptations to rain, year-round shade, and generally moderate temperature extremes. Several comparisons are made within a few plant groups to illustrate differences. This presentation has a focus on the species of western North America, particularly British Columbia.
Meeting time & location: 7:30 pm. Unitarian Centre, 949 West 49th Avenue (at Oak Street), Vancouver.
About the speaker: Daniel Mosquin is the Research Manager at UBC Botanical Garden. He frequently travels throughout North America to photograph plants and landscapes, and has a keen interest in botanical history.
Sunday May 8th 2016
Sea to Sky trail (Function Junction to Brandywine Falls) (Difficulty level C6)
A free public event for Nature Vancouver
Meeting time and location: Carpool at Park Royal North (Park & Ride on 3rd floor) at 7:30 am.
Field trip leaders: Bengul Kurtar and David Cook.
Registration: Required.
Description of field trip: We will explore the Sea to Sky Trail between Function Junction and Brandywine Falls while hiking the trail following the Cheakamus River.
This will be a crossover type hike. We will leave half of the cars at the trail head (Function Junction) and the rest of them at the trail end.
This is moderately strenuous hike of 13-14 km. We will learn about geology of the Sea to Sky corridor, flora and fauna along the way.
"The heritage of the Sea to Sky Trail can be traced back to the historic travel and trade route of the Coast Salish and Interior Salish First Nations. These peoples would use the Sea to Sky corridor as a means of access between the Coast and the Interior. In the late 1700s and early 1800s European settlement expanded both on the Coast and into the Interior, as pioneers ventured in pursuit of gold and the expansion of ranches. It was at this time, the young province of British Columbia undertook their largest capital project to date, a cattle trail for ranchers around Lillooet to transport their cattle to the Vancouver markets. The trail proved too rigorous for the cattle, so the route was abandoned. But the idea of traveling through the Sea to Sky corridor persisted, eventually leading to the development first of gravel roads and railways, and then of highways and airports."
Additional information: Pack lunch, water and wear good hiking boots. Weather conditions can be variable so prepare for both sun and rain. Contact David Cook at 604-924-0147 or Bengül Kurtar for details and to register.
Saturday May 21st 2016
Natural History of our Temperate Rainforests
A Walk of Wonder event conducted jointly for Beaty Biodiversity Museum and Nature Vancouver.
Walk leader: David Cook.
Meeting time: 10:15 am. under the whale.
Description of walk: Walk to locations on campus where native plants can be seen in their natural setting. Learn about the ecological roles played by each species while strolling around UBC campus.
Please register in advance by calling the Admission Desk (604-827-4955) - See more at: http://www.beatymuseum.ubc.ca/walks-wonder#sthash.Lr8dhGEk.dpuf.
Meeting location and time: The Beaty Biodiversity Museum located on the campus of the University of British Columbia. The address is 2212 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4.
Tuesday May 24th 2016
Geology of the Vancouver area as seen along Kitsilano Beach
A free public event for Salmonberry Days.
Trip leader: David Cook.
Meeting time and location: 1:00 pm Jericho Beach parking lot west end of Point Grey Road (which is a cul de sac) near Royal Vancouver Yacht Club all of which are on the east side of Jericho Beach Park.
Duration of event: Approximately 2 hours.
Description of event: The tide will be low and we will walk east from Jericho Beach Park along the beach looking at the rocks and land features. We will see a giant erratic of granite left by the retreating glaciers, coal-bearing sandstones laid down in 50-million year old river deltas, the roots of 32 million year old volcanoes in the form of basalt feeder dykes, plant fossils and giant concretions in the sandstones, and how unceasing wave action is slowly eating away the beach frontage. Looking around Burrard Inlet, we will observe rocks and land forms that were created over the last 100 million years by plate tectonics, sea-level changes and ice movement. The route will be rocky, damp and slippery with many puddles left by the retreating tide so wear appropriate non-slip footwear.
No registration required.
Sunday May 29th 2016
Secrets of a Temperate coniferous forest.
A free public event for Salmonberry Days.
Trip leader: David Cook
Meeting time & location: 10:00 am at the trailhead of Sasamat Trail (Trail No. 22) at the intersection of Camosun Street and 33rd Avenue. For the location of the trailhead see the Metro Parks map of Pacific Spirit Regional Park which can be viewed on the Metro Parks website www.metrovancouver.org.
Duration of field trip: Approximately 2 hours.
Description of event: We will walk a circuit of paths in Pacific Spirit Regional Park to look at items of interest that make up the ecology of this temperate forest.
No registration required.
Wednesday June 29th 2016
The multi-billion trade in endangered species: What is the future for such high-profile species as the Big Cats, the eight species of Bear, the three species of Rhino and the two species of Elephant.
A free public talk for Parkgate Library, North Vancouver.
Speaker: David Cook.
Meeting time & location: 7:00 pm at the Parkgate Library 3675 Banff Court, North Vancouver. The Parkgate library is opposite the Parkgate Community Centre and adjacent to the Parkgate Village Shopping Centre at the corner of the Mt Seymour Parkway and Seymour Road which is also the access road to Mount Seymour Provincial Park.
Duration of talk: Approximately two hours.
Registration required: Call 604-929-3727.