It will be an evening of photos, food and the fun of a silent auction at the Burke Mountain Naturalists' annual general meeting next Tuesday.
Attendees can browse and bid on items and gift certificates donated by local businesses, plus items and services donated by BMN members.
The services offered this year include a canoe trip on Port Moody inlet, a lesson in Japanese cooking in your own kitchen, computer lessons, lessons in photography for two at Colony Farm Regional Park, handyman services and more. There will also be a bake table with delectable items for sale, and volunteers from the Riverview Horticultural Centre Society will sell fresh holly and other seasonal decorations.
Funds raised will be donated to help the rebuilding of the Mossom Creek Hatchery and Education Centre. This hatchery began as a project of Centennial secondary school's salmon enhancement club in 1976, and went on to become a productive hatchery and school teaching facility. It was destroyed by fire in December 2013.
The Dec. 9 meeting will include a brief AGM, seasonal refreshments and live music, after which BMN president Ian McArthur will present a slideshow featuring highlights of the past year's hikes, invasive plant removal parties, nest box cleaning, public nature walks and other BMN activities. BMN enters its 26th year in the community this year and always welcomes new members.
This meeting also provides an opportunity to sign up for the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count held this Christmas season on Saturday, Jan. 3. Participation is free, and anyone interested in joining a team of birders can contact BMN at [email protected] or call Victoria at 604-937-5379.
Tuesday's meeting will be held in the hall of Como Lake United Church, located on the corner of Marmont Street and King Albert Avenue in Coquitlam; doors open at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and there is no charge.
For more information, call 604-936-4108 or 604-461-3864, or visit www.bmn.bc.ca.
