Coming up are two exceptional presentations to learn more about our treasured paradise.
This Sunday, Sept. 7, 2 p.m. at Sarah Wray Hall, a special presentation by Dana Halay, UBC PhD student with introduction from Prof. Evengy Pakhomov, “Freshwater Jellyfish in Hotel Lake: Two years of Observation.” The peach blossom jellyfish (craspedacusta sowerbii) is one of the most global freshwater invasive species. In B.C., it has been documented in freshwater bodies on Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and the Sunshine Coast. Since 2023, a team from UBC have collaborated with local citizen science volunteers providing year-round lake sampling and data capture to support Pakhomov’s project to uncover how freshwater jellyfish may affect the Hotel Lake ecosystem. Everyone is welcome. Seating is limited.
“From Bedrock to Biodiversity - How Geology Shapes Ecosystem Health and Wildlife Habitat in Pender Harbour”: The Pender Harbour and District Wildlife Society welcomes Ray Kostaschuk, geoscientist and adjunct professor in the School of Environmental Science at Simon Fraser University, for a fascinating look at how geology shapes our landscapes, waterways, and wildlife. Pender Harbour lies within the Coast Plutonic Complex; a massive granitic formation created over 140 million years through tectonic collisions and terrane accretion. Glaciation later carved fjords, valleys, and wetlands, leaving soils and landforms that underpin today’s ecosystems. Bedrock chemistry and glacial deposits determine soil fertility, influencing plant communities and the animals they sustain — from dense conifer forests to elk-grazed valley meadows. Fractured rock channels salmon streams, feeding bears, eagles and even forests with marine nutrients. Landslides and floods open berry-rich clearings, while wetlands shelter amphibians and waterfowl. Geology is not just the stage — it is the foundation of life in Pender Harbour. This event is 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16 at Pender Harbour Secondary School. Coffee, treats, and raffle to follow.
Harbour Gallery’s summer season is now over but it will continue to open Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., until the end of September. Then, of course, the Art Crawl will be here before you know it. A big thank you from the gallery artists to all of their loyal patrons for making this another great year at the gallery!
Harbourside Friendships: Thursday drop-in program 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the PH Community Hall. Sept.11 will be an open discussion on a topic of any choosing. Here are your chance folks to have your say! Lunch will be served at noon for $10 per person.
The Pender Harbour Choir has a call out to anyone who likes to sing. Come make beautiful music together with a wonderful group of local folks. No audition, but some musical background is helpful. Start up date is Tuesday, Sept. 9 with regular rehearsals Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Interested? Email choir director Kenneth Johnson at knjmusicyahoo.ca or call 778-227-8430.
On another musical note, the Pender Harbour Music Society’s School of Music Coffee House Friday, Sept. 12 welcomes the duo Rebecca and Jeremy and the duo Brenda Bennet and Jay Knutson. Jay is a singer songwriter and co-founder of Spirit of The West. Doors open at 7 p.m. Music at 7:30 p.m. Suggested donation, $10 at the door.
Adi Braun –– Cole Porter & Friends: Sunday, Sept. 21: acclaimed Jazz vocalist, Adi Braun, coming from a background of opera and classical roots, has found her own style which she calls “cabarrazz,” drawing on aspects of cabaret and jazz. In this show, she salutes the genius of Cole Porter in music from her new CD “Night and Day – the Cole Porter Songbook” along with a nod to what might be considered “and friends” contingent: Noel Coward and Kurt Weill. Tickets online at penderharbourmusic.ca $30. Concert 2 p.m. at the School of Music.
Contact me with your news, events, and information at [email protected].
