It will be an evening of info, food and fun at the Burke Mountain Naturalists' annual general meeting on Tuesday.
Attendees can browse and bid on items and gift certificates donated by local businesses, plus items and services donated by BMN members for the silent auction. Among the services offered this year are a guided two-day tour of Indian Arm in a kayak, a lesson in Japanese cookery in your own kitchen, training in how to get the most out of your iPad and several hours of handyman services.
There will also be a bake table with donated 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 the Oiled Wildlife Society of BC, a non-profit organization works with B.C.'s Wildlife Rehabilitators Network, the BC SPCA and others.
The Dec. 10 meeting will include a brief annual general meeting and seasonal refreshments, after which BMN member Ian McArthur will present a slideshow featuring the past year's hikes, invasive plant removal parties, nest box cleaning, public nature walks and other BMN activities. BMN is entering its 25th year in the community and always welcomes new members.
This meeting also provides an opportunity to sign up for the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count, to be held this year on Saturday, Dec. 14. Every year for the past 21 years, the Naturalists have collected data on the numbers and species of wintering birds in the Tri-Cities area as part of the larger Audubon North American census, which is the world's longest running wildlife census, now in its 114th year, and involves more than 60,000 birders. Participation is free and anyone interested in joining a team of birders can contact BMN at [email protected] or call Victoria Otton at 604-937-5379.
Tuesday's meeting will be held in the church hall of Como Lake United Church, located on the corner of Marmont Street and King Albert in Coquitlam. Doors open at 7 pm and silent auction bidding will close at 9 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and there is no charge. For further information, call 604-936-4108 or 604-461-3864, or visit www.bmn.bc.ca.
