Quinsam Watershed Shows High Arsenic Levels

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Dolores Broten, publisher of the Watershed Sentinel – Western Canada’s only environmental magazine – is here this morning to raise awareness about a recent study released about findings in watersheds that lead into the Campbell River water system. Whether you are keeping track of ongoing concerns over the proposed coal mine [...]

Head Out To Ocean’s Day This Weekend

You can bet, if our daughter has anything to say about it, that we’ll be headed North this weekend to take in a fun family day in Campbell River that is all about our friends who live in the sea. On Saturday June 5, the Maritime Heritage Centre will host its annual Ocean’s Day celebration.

This [...]

Spring Break 2010 – Family Trails for Spring Fun

I have no idea how it’s possible that Spring Break is already here. But, hey, now that the kids have a week off and we have to find ways to keep them in motion without tackling each other, we might as well all get on the bus together. In the next seven days or so, [...]

Sunday Morning Walks – Winter Museum Walking

You have to admit that, some days this time of year, heading outside for an adventure in the perpetual downpour is not on the list of things to do. But, needing to get out of the house is going to be the one thing that keeps everyone from going off of their rockers in the [...]

Fast-Dry Towels for Active Families

We are big on the outdoors thing. I know it’s not a shocking statement if you’ve been following us here at Our Big Earth for a while. But, whether it’s the middle of a glorious Summer or the dead of a gloomy Winter, you’ll more than likely find us in the forest or on the [...]

Sunday Morning Walk – Willow Creek Conservation Area

Good Morning. I have to admit that it feels terribly strange to have no editor’s notes, calendars to keep up with or some place to be. Slow is not my normal pace. I’ll have to get used to it because Ken and I have promised that August – mostly – will be the month of [...]

Sunday Morning Walks – Quinsam River

Good morning. It’s another gorgeous island Sunday, which seems like the perfect time to recommend a walk in the woods.
Beachy sunshine is so fantastic. But, when the temps start pushing the high 20s, I start thinking about heading toward the cool shade of the forest.
That’s exactly what we did yesterday, checking out the Quinsam River [...]

Spring NeighbourWood Walks Registration…x2

I am so excited to say that the Our Big Earth NeighbourWood Walks program is officially one year old. We’ve completed four seasons of walking in the woods, on the trails and at the shoreline, exploring nature kid-style. (By the way, this is double-post Tuesday. I’ll have some crafts for you this afternoon)
And, with that [...]

Mom Review – Woodland Rogue

Editor’s Note: In honor of Earth Day (April 22) and all of the exciting OBE events going on like the CVRD Earth Day celebrations and ribbon cutting on the new Family Community Gardens this Saturday, we’ll be focusing the next couple of weeks on ways that you can think green and live gently on the [...]

Digging Disc Golf

The birds are singing.
The sun is out.
Approaching the start of the first tee, you feel the wind blowing gently on your face. It’s a beautiful day.
As you prepare for your tee shot, you shift your target and aim a little bit more to the left, hoping to get around that tree in a tricky spot [...]

Hit North Vancouver Island Museums

So, the tiny person and I hit the opening day of the Spring Break Hands-On Farm yesterday. It’s most definitely a scaled-down version of the Summer farm. But, it was totally great to see our daughter getting into hanging out with the bunnies and guinea pigs inside, and getting the chance to feed the donkey [...]

Spots to Watch Spring Migration

Today’s comment challenge: Where are some of your favourite wildlife watching spots on Vancouver Island and other places around the world?
Did you check out the great thread about food and your family yesterday? Thanks to everyone who jumped in. And the winner of a cool dino puzzle is…Stacey. Wahoo. Boynton books up for grabs today.

There [...]

On The Rocks climbing gym

Derek Kwan is here today with the scoop on a cool, relatively new climbing gym in Campbell River.
I very much appreciate Derek’s contributions to the site, not only for his plainly Dad perspective, but also for offering up some great scores in the fun locales department.
Without further delay, here’s Derek:

A friend of mine has proclaimed [...]

Celebrate 2008, Family Style

Ringing in the New Year is generally considered an adult-style event. With traditions that focus on alcohol and late-night parties, plugging the kiddos into any celebration is a challenge to say the least.
That’s where the Comox Strathcona Regional District, Tim Hortons and McDonalds have jumped in to save the day with Family New Years celebrations [...]

Pools, Skating Rinks and Climing Gyms in the Comox Valley

The Comox Valley is home to a wide range of public sports facilities including skating rinks, pools and recreation centres that are in the process of expanding as the Valley continues to grow.
The Comox Strathcona Regional District maintains local public pools and ice rinks in Courtenay, Comox and Campbell River other than Glacier Gardens ice [...]

Family-Friendly Trails in the Comox Valley

Finding the safe, accessible and fun family trails on the North Island is no small task.
With plenty of trails to choose from, it’s the details on what works and what doesn’t that are often missing. Check here for a list of family-friendly trails around the Comox Valley and Campbell River regions.
SAFETY NOTE: Bears, cougars [...]

Salmon Viewing on North Vancouver Island

Chances to get outside and check out the amazing creatures living among us, or to find a place that teaches us all about the environment, natural resources and caring for animals on the island are plentiful. Here are a few spots to watch salmon as they make their way to their spawning grounds each year:
* [...]

Nine Fall Comox Valley Family Walks (Rain or Shine)

This may seem like a silly topic on such a GEEEEEEEOOOOOOOORRRRRRGeous day.
But, I’ve had a whack of requests lately to pull together a single list of family-friendly walks that are do-able in all sorts of weather.
So, here it is.
9. The Courtenay Riverwalk including the Courtenay Estuary Loop: This is by far one of the most [...]

Dining Out – Dick’s Fish & Chips

I have an extreme weakness for fish and chips.
Maybe it was all those childhood Fridays during lent when we couldn’t eat meat and ended up at the local fish and chips dive. But, there is something completely homey about a dinner that involves battered fish, fries and coleslaw.
That is not to say that all fish [...]

The First Day of School – Parents Need Classes Too

With a mix of groans and cheers, I’m sure this morning was a bright and early one for you parents of school-aged children today.
Lots of excitement and mixed emotions, I’m sure.
Our youngest nephew launches into his school life today with his first Kindergarten class out at Miracle Beach Elementary and was just about ready to [...]

Summer School – Apparently, Museums Rule

I am, indeed, so incredibly shocked to learn over the last two weeks what a 2-, 5- and 7-year old mutually love.
Not much, let me tell you…except for, believe it or not, museums.
One of the greatest challenges of keeping divergent age groups plugged in is how to manage everybody when the at-home standards like books, [...]

Beaver Lodge Forest Lands

Well, the constant rain sure doesn’t inspire one to trade the family car for public transportation as a part of Commuter Challenge Day today. But, don’t let the weather put the Comox Valley off the map in the nation-wide challenge in which communities see who can get the most people onto public transportation for the [...]

Art Galleries in the Comox Valley

The Comox Valley is packed full of small art galleries – in every medium – that are a uniquely British Columbian experience.
Taking a day out to see the work of the hundreds of local artists who live among us will amaze you at the talent around these parts.
Check out:
The Comox Valley Art Gallery
Denman Arts Centre
Pearl [...]

Weekend Adventures – Salmon for Kids in Campbell River

Big people looking for a little people learning adventure that pulls together everything from environmental awareness and natural resources to learning life skills on easy-going family afternoons can look no farther than a day in Campbell River.
Start off with a trip to the Quinsam River Salmon Hatchery for a self-guided tour that involves checking out [...]