2023 EVENTS

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN THE MABR

JUNE 7 - JUNE 9, 2023

Interested in learning about how biosphere reserves/regions in Canada are implementing the Sustainable Development Goals? Come hear Courtney Vaugeois from the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute alongside the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association and Fundy Biosphere Reserve on June 9th from 11:00 - 11:45 am PST. We'll share initiatives in the MABR that support the SDGs as well as discuss how biosphere reserves/regions link to the SDGs locally, regionally, and nationally.

This presentation is a side event of the Together | Ensemble 2023 conference, taking place from June 7 - 9. The conference is a great way to learn about Canada's progress toward the SDGs!

Online registration is free, and in-person registration is available at several locations across Canada: https://togetherensemble.ca/

MABR Bioblitz

April 14 - April 16, 2023

The MABR hosted its seventh annual BioBlitz from April 14th through 16th, 2023. During this event community members utilized the iNaturalist mobile app to collect observations within the MABR’s boundaries (Nanoose Bay to Qualicum Bay).

This year’s BioBlitz event encouraged MABR community members to identify as many species as possible within the MABR boundaries, which provided a snapshot of species richness in different locations throughout the region. Over the course of the event there was a total of 341 observations were recorded including over 236 distinct species. Thanks to all who were able to take part!

BRANT WILDLIFE FESTIVAL

March 31 - April 8, 2023

The Brant Wildlife Festival celebrates nature, particularly Brant geese as they rest and feed on the shores of mid-Vancouver Island before continuing their migration to their northern breeding grounds. The 2023 festival was a mix of events, outdoor, indoor, and self-directed. For more details visit the Brant Wildlife Festival website.

2022 Events

Brant Wildlife Festival

March 15 - April 16, 2022

The Brant Wildlife Festival celebrates nature, particularly Brant geese as they rest and feed on the shores of mid-Vancouver Island before continuing their migration to their northern breeding grounds. The 2022 festival was a mix of events, outdoor, indoor, and self-directed. COVID protocols were followed at all events. Visit the Brant Wildlife Festival website for more information.

MABR BIOSPHERE BLITZ

APRIL 8 - 10, 2022

The MABR hosted its sixth annual BioBlitz from April 8th through 10th, 2022. Much like the previous year, the event utilized the iNaturalist app to collect observations within the MABR’s boundaries (Nanoose Bay to Qualicum Bay).

Roughly 35 participants were involved in the event, helping to record baseline data of species abundance and richness in our region. Over 1,100 observations were recorded including over 350 distinct species. Results from the 2022 annual MABR BioBlitz can be viewed on the iNaturalist project page here. Thanks to all who were able to take part!

REGIONAL RESEARCH, STEWARDSHIP, AND CITIZEN SCIENCE OPEN HOUSE

March 16, 2022

The Regional Research, Stewardship, and Citizen Science Open House was a collaborative event between MABRRI and other stewardship and citizen science groups in the Parksville-Qualicum area. The event showcased various research and initiatives taking place throughout the region through presentations and information booths. 

Thank you to our funders, the Canadian Mountain Network, and all of those who participated!

TRADITIONAL PLANT WORKSHOP

MARCH 15, 2022

On March 15th, MABRRI’s third Traditional Plant Workshop was held at the Qualicum Beach Community Hall. The workshop brought together over 50 participants, including community members, Elders, and Vancouver Island University faculty and students.

The afternoon was jam packed, including presentations from four knowledge holders: Geraldine Manson, Dr. Nancy Turner, Kim Recalma, and Les Malbon. Participants learned about traditional plant names, techniques and tools for harvesting, as well as the cultural, nutritional, and medicinal properties of native plants and how they are prepared. All guests were also able to take home a Devil’s club salve, used to treat deep tissue inflammations and skin issues.

Participants also had the opportunity to attend a Garden Café event held during a break at the workshop. The Garden Café was hosted by Chef Sean Wiens to demonstrate how to make simple, healthy recipes – and offer a snack to anyone interested.

Thank you to our event sponsors, NutritionLink Services Society, Mosaic Forest Management, Vancouver Island University, and the Town of Qualicum Beach for making this workshop possible, and to everyone who participated!

2021 Events

MABR Biosphere Blitz

April 16 - 18, 2021

From April 16th through 18th, the MABR hosted its first ever Biosphere-Wide Blitz. The event was a modification of the Annual MABR BioBlitz, which was restructured to allow for social distancing and to obtain a broader view of the biodiversity in our region. The event utilized the iNaturalist app, with observations collected within the MABR’s boundaries (Nanoose Bay to Qualicum Bay).

Roughly 30 participants were involved in the event, contributing to a growing understanding of the biodiversity of our region. A grand total of 817 observations were recorded, including 382 distinct species. 

Thank you to everyone who participated and made this event a great success! 

GETTING TO KNOW THE SDGS SYMPOSIUM

FEBRUARY 23, 2021

The Getting to Know the SDGs Symposium focused  on raising  awareness and knowledge  of the  United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)  within the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR).   

The symposium took place via Zoom on February 23rd, from 3:00-4:30pm and facilitated conversations about the SDGs, and how we are contributing to them within the MABR. This event included six presentations from local groups and organizations, and a total 48 participants. The event was open to all with no previous knowledge of the SDGs required.  

As a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, the MABR inherently  aligns with various SDGs. Presentations highlighted this connection between the MABR and the Goals. Local groups and organizations presented on their work, which led into facilitated discussions of why the SDGs are important, and how the MABR can further advance the Goals. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in this event! If you would like to view the recording from the symposium, please email the MABR Coordinator, Mandy Hobkirk, at Mandy.Hobkirk@viu.ca

2020 Events

This was a challenging year in many ways. It is with much regret that we had to cancel all in-person events due to COVID-19. We thank you for your understanding, and are looking forward to finding new ways to engage our communities in 2021.

2019 Events

SDG TRAINING SESSION

NOVEMBER 30, 2019

In collaboration with the Foundation for Environmental Stewardship (FES), MABRRI and VIU's Sustainability Advisory Committee hosted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Training Session on Saturday, November 30th. The event educated individuals on the United Nations' 17 SDGs and challenged them to develop an action plan to implement the SDGs locally.

The FES's mission is to create a sustainable future by empowering youth, changing lifestyles, and telling powerful, effective stories through training, education, advocacy, and mentorship. The SDGs Youth Training session is one of two national projects FES has on the go. Since the development of The SDG Youth Training session in 2017, FES has hosted 32 sessions in 77 post-secondary institutions across Canada, reaching over 5,900 students.

There were five main components to the event: a 7-day Knowledge Transfer, History of the SDGs, UN Speaker, Skills Training, and Action Plan. Prior to the event on November 30th, participants engaged in a 7-day Knowledge Transfer. For the seven days leading up to the event, participants received short emails providing context to the SDGs. During the event, participants had an opportunity to work together to develop an action plan that could be implemented locally to make a difference.

Following the SDG Training Session, participants received an electronic certificate verifying their attendance and training on the SDGs.

2019 REGIONAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE

JUNE 12 TO 14, 2019

The 2019 Regional Research Conference brought together individuals conducting research projects or initiatives related to the three pillars of sustainability - Economic, Environmental, and Social and Cultural -- within the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region and surrounding areas.

The first Annual Regional Research Conference was hosted by MABRRI from June 12th to 14th at the Parksville Community Conference Centre. Thank you to all of the attendees, speakers, and sponsors who made it a success!

The event started this year in hopes of bringing together people that strive to influence positive change in both practice and policy in the mid-Vancouver Island area. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with local researchers and professionals, as well as learn about the research occurring in their own backyards.

Over the course of the three days, over 100 people attended the event, including 35 breakout room presenters, 3 keynote speakers, and 54 participants in the Traditional Plant Workshop.

Thank you to everyone involved in making the 2019 Regional Research Conference a great one!

Update: the mid-vancouver island regional projects map has now been completed. This map was produced from information gathered at the conference. view it here!

Plant Phenology Monitoring Training Session

May 25, 2019

The Plant Phenology Monitoring and Research Project is a collaboration between Milner Gardens & Woodland, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute, and Vancouver Island University.

We are studying the relationship between microclimate and plant phenology (or the timing of seasonally reoccurring events, such as bud break and fruit development), and we asked for volunteers to help us do in-person observations on our plant species. We had 11 participants come out to volunteer at this training session, which gave plant enthusiasts an opportunity to learn and share knowledge of native plants with other citizen scientists, students, and researchers.

Essentially, this project aims to understand how shifts in climate may impact plant productivity over time. We have been monitoring 3 sites at Milner Gardens & Woodland since 2017, but we also monitor a site on Mount Arrowsmith and at Thetis Lake Regional Park (Victoria) remotely via field cameras. Collecting in-person data is vital to this project as it allows us to ground-truth what we see on camera. It is also a great way to involve local citizens in hands-on real-life research!

MABR BIOBLITZ

APRIL 13, 2019

On April 13th we conducted the fourth annual MABR BioBlitz! The event was held at Milner Gardens & Woodland in Qualicum Beach.

This event was intended for beginner BioBlitzers that wished to learn how to identify plant and animal species alongside Vancouver Island University students and local knowledge holders with expertise in various fields of natural science. 

Roughly 30 participants and volunteers were involved in capturing this snapshot of flora and fauna, contributing to a growing understanding of the biodiversity of our region.

The MABR BioBlitz 2019 summary report is now available here!

BRANT WILDLIFE FESTIVAL

MARCH-APRIL 2019

The Brant Wildlife Festival was a spring celebration as they welcomed thousands of migratory birds, fish and marine mammals to the shores of Parksville and Qualicum Beach.

The festival was jam-packed with fun activities. From birding tours to presentations to carving & art shows- this festival had it all!

For more information, check out their website!

2018 Events

CBRA Fall Gathering

NOVEMBER 20 TO 23, 2018

The 2018 Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association (CBRA) Fall Gathering was hosted within the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region. The gathering was an invitation-only event hosted from November 20th to 23rd, and included representatives from each of the 18 Canadian biosphere reserves, members of CBRA's Indigenous circle, members of the MAB committee, CCUNESCO staff, and one representative from each of Canada’s three prospective biosphere reserves.

The event was kicked off with a wonderful opening ceremony by Lawrence Mitchell of Snaw-naw-as First Nation, and workshops for the following three days took place within Qualicum First Nation territory. The focus of the event was to develop a collective and strategic vision for the national UNESCO network of biosphere reserves.

We would like to send a big thank you to CBRA for allowing us to show off our beautiful Biosphere Region! And on behalf of CBRA, we would like to thank the Gold Tier Sponsors that have donated funds or in-kind support in excess of $1,500.00 which help make the event happen: Qualicum First Nation, Snaw-naw-as First Nation, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Vancouver Island University, our staff at Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, as well as staff of Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute. We would also like to thank our Silver Tier Sponsors who donated funds of in-kind support between $500 and $1,500: The Beach Club Resort, Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region, Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve and Valerie Pankratz, as well as our Bronze Tier Sponsors who donated funds of in-kind support up to $500: Pacific Brimm Café & Catering, Mont Saint-Hilaire Biosphere Reserve, Greg Mason, Christian Bouchard, Ruth Simons and Anthony Johnston.

2018 MABR bioblitz

On April 21, 2018 we hosted the third annual Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) BioBlitz! Here we conducted a rapid biological survey of plant and animal species at both Milner Gardens & Woodland, and the Englishman River Regional Park/Top Bridge Park Trail Head. To see the MABR BioBlitz 2018 summary report, click here!

Canadian biospheres meeting on Oecms, RECONCILIATION &the pathway to canada target 1

february 20 to 22, 2018

Ottawa, Ontario

On February 20th Chief Michael Recalma (Qualicum First Nation), Councillor Lawrence Mitchell and his daughter Kyrrah (Snaw-Naw-As First Nation) joined our interim coordinator, Ashley Van Acken in Ottawa to review OECMs, Reconciliation and the Pathway to Canada Target 1.

The event was hosted in Ottawa, and involved biosphere reserve representatives, academics, and Indigenous partners from across the country in a series of workshops and knowledge sharing activities to better understand how BR's can contribute to conservation and reconciliation in Canada.
 

2017 Events

Canadian biospheres agm and Co-Building Reconciliation Conference

June 18 to 22, 2017

Manicouagan-Uapiska Biosphere Reserve - Baie-Comeau, Quebec

CBRA Day on the Hill

Monday, May 29

Ottawa, Ontario

Island Tour:

ICCA Tribal Parks & UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

SUNDAY, MAy 6 to Monday, May 8

Vancouver Island, BC

MABR BioBlitz 2017

APRIL 22, 2017

Brant Wildlife Festival: A Spring Celebration of Nature

March 18 to April 17, 2017

Events that celebrate nature take place throughout the region in various locations

EUROMAB 2017

APRIL 4 TO 7, 2017

EuroMAB is an extensive network of 302 biosphere reserves in 36 countries. The network gathers every two years to share knowledge and experience and the MABR attended the 2017 gathering in the Dordogne Basin Biosphere Reserve in Sarlat, France.

At EuroMAB 2017, participants worked to define how and with what means the biosphere reserves can contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), to multilateral agreements on the environmental agreements (MEA) and to the Paris agreement on climate change. 

The MABR presented on our development and launch of the International Journal of Biosphere Reserves and on our collaboration with Indigenous communities to meet our Reconciliation mandate.

AMAZING PLACES COMMUNITY LAUNCH

THURSDAY, MARCH 30 AT 6:30PM in Parksville

At this event, attended by over 100 community members and project partners, we celebrated the end of Year 1 of the Amazing Places project and announced plans for Year 2. Promotional and educational materials, as well as great prizes were shared, and the evening refreshments were provided by Pacific Brimm Cafe & Catering. The Amazing Places launch event was hosted by the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region in collaboration with Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism.

To learn more about the MABR's Amazing Places, visit mabr.ca/amazingplaces.

WATER DAY IN PARKSVILLE

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

On March 12, 2017, the MABR celebrated Water Day in Parksville, a free, all-day community event at the Parksville Community and Conference Centre.

There were workshops, demos, interactive community displays, children’s activities, food vendors, and live music all honouring our precious resource – water.

The MABR hosted an interactive booth with information about the water-related projects coordinated by MABRRI, our research institute at VIU.

Free Public Lecture: Student Research in the MABR

Wednesday, March 1 at 7pm at VIU's Nanaimo Campus

VIU student research assistants from the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute (MABRRI) presented on the work they are pursuing in the region, and how their work aims to increase economic, environmental, and social and cultural sustainability. Student presentations included an overview of the following projects: Wetland Mapping and Monitoring in the RDN, Coastal Forest Plant Phenology Research, Bull Kelp Sample Collection in the Salish Sea, and the 2017 MABR BioBlitz.

Presented by Pamela Shaw, PhD, MABRRI Research Director, and VIU Students Graham Sakaki, Ashley Van Acken, Kayla Harris, Ryan Frederickson, and Kidston Short.

2016 Events

MABR PRESENTS AT WATERSHEDS 2016

OCTOBER 1, 2016 at SFU's Wosk Centre for Dialogue, Vancouver, BC

Building capacity for collaboration and watershed governance in British Columbia - this was the theme of Watersheds 2016, a two-day event (September 30th & October 1st) on freshwater decision-making in the province of BC. 

On Saturday, October the 1st, MABR Coordinator Monica Shore co-facilitated a session entitled Canadian ICCAs & Biosphere Reserves: Indigenous governance applications for watershed governance innovation. This session explored the application of traditional governance values and principles ‎in a modern context of Watershed governance by looking at emerging trends in collaboration between ICCAs (Indigenous Peoples and Community Conserved Territories and Areas) and UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. These initiatives were be considered through a discussion about reconciliation between diverse communities within Canadian society, and reconciliation between society and the environment. 

Leads: Eli Enns, Regional Coordinator, North America ICCA Consortium and Monica Shore, Coordinator, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region

4-WEEK COURSE: EXPLORING THE MOUNT ARROWSMITH BIOSPHERE REGION

SEPTEMBER 16 to OCTOBER 7, 2016 at VIU Eldercollege

This 4-week course covered a broad introductory curriculum about the UNESCO-designated Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region. Students discovered what it means to be a UNESCO biosphere reserve and what makes this particular region so unique. Interactive workshops included mini-lectures, lively discussions, and hands-on activities that explored the diverse relationships between people and nature.

Class 1 - Friday, September 16 - “Biosphere Basics”

• UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme and the World Network of Biosphere Reserves

• History of the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR)

• Introduction to MABRRI, the research institute at VIU

Class 2 - Friday, September 23 - “Amazing Places in the MABR”

• Canada’s 18 biosphere reserves

• National initiatives with regional significance

• Amazings Place in the MABR

Class 3 - Friday, September 30 - “All about Research at MABRRI”

• Projects and partnerships

• Community-based research

• How to get involved

Class 4 - Friday, October 7 - “A Collective Vision of the Region”

• Envisioning 2030 in the MABR

• Review through a game of Jeopardy

This course was facilitated by faculty, staff and student researchers from VIU’s Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute, including Dr. Pam Shaw, Monica Shore, and Graham Sakaki.

Amazing Places Nomination Period

September 10-30, 2016

Visit mabr.ca/amazingplaces to find out which locations were selected as Amazing Places!

BIOSPHERE COMMUNITY BBQ

Friday, July 29 - Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

On a beautiful sunny day in the biosphere, we celebrated the 2nd anniversary of MABRRI, VIU's research institute affiliated with the MABR. Staff, student researchers, partners and community members gathered at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park and shared wild biosphere salmon, burgers, cake, and stories. It was a great chance to connect with the community--hopefully an annual affair!

Guest lecture for the nanoose naturalists

Thursday, May 12 - Nanoose Library Hall

MABR staff spoke to members and friends of the Nanoose Naturalists about research being pursued at MABRRI, VIU's research institute dedicated to increasing collective knowledge about the biosphere region. "Nanoose Naturalists is a Vancouver Island naturalist club dedicated to the study, enjoyment, and preservation of our local bio-diverse ecosystems. The Club was founded in 2002 and is one of 53 nature clubs in BC with a total of over 5,000 members. These nature clubs are all affiliated to the Federation of BC Naturalists" (www.nanoosenaturalists.org).

GUEST LECTURE for the friends of french creek

Thursday, April 21 - St. Columbia Presbytarian Church, Parksville

The Friends of French Creek Conservation Society welcomed Monica Shore and Dr. Pam Shaw for a guest lecture on the background of UNESCO biosphere reserves and on the significance of this designation for the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR). We shared highlights from the MABR's history, key changes since the designation in 2000, and information about current projects at MABRRI--our affiliated research institute at Vancouver Island University. 

Fore more about the Friends French Creek Conservation Society, click here.

MABR 2016 Bioblitz

Sunday, April 17 - Milner Gardens & Woodland, Qualicum Beach

Over 80 people participated in the MABR's 2016 inaugural BioBlitz. Citizens of all ages and scientists come together to count species and contribute to research on biodiversity in the region. The BioBlitz was the final event of the 2016 Brant Wildlife Festival and received sponsorship and in-kind support from the Brant Wildlife Festival, Vancouver Island University, and Milner Gardens and Woodland. View the MABR BioBlitz 2016 Summary Report here.

RDN Water day

Sunday, April 3 - Qualicum Commons, Qualicum Beach

The MABR took part in the region's first Water Day celebrations as part of Canada Water Week. The Regional District of Nanaimo, the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, First Nations, the City of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island University, and other participating organizations worked together to organize two all-day events in the region that focused on the importance of water. Speakers, workshops, interactive displays, family-friendly activities, and live music were part of the fun.

On April the 3rd at 11:45am in Qualicum Beach, Dr. Pamela Shaw and Monica Shore gave a lecture about the "Interconnectedness of Water and Life in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region."

4TH WORLD CONGRESS OF BIOSPHERE RESERVES

March 14-17 - Lima, Peru

The goal of the 4th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves was to discuss common issues of sustainable development, economic viability of nature conservation systems, biodiversity, protection and sustainable use of natural resources. Participants explored the challenges faced by the World Network of Biosphere Reserves and endorsed a new (Lima) Action Plan for 2016-2025.

The MABR gave three presentations on the following topics: (1) climate research in high alpine areas; (2) biosphere reserve-related curriculum in post-secondary institutions, and; (3) strengths and gaps on existing research about UNESCO biosphere reserves.