BC Forest Discovery Centre

Announcing our 2011 Photo Contest Winners!

2011-09-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

After judging this morning by staff, we are excited to announce our photo contest winners! There was a shortage of Teen entries, so extra prizes have been awarded in both the Child and Adult categories.

Child:

1^st – Rachel Gill - “Log Hook”

2^nd – Isaac Adams - “Samson”

3^rd – Isaac Adams - “Logging Truck”

4^th – Alex Meikle - “At the Throttles”

5^th – Alex Meikle - “Miniature Wheels”

6^th – Rachel Gill - “Maple Trees”

Teen:

1^st – Joanna Adams - “Somenos Trestle”

Adult:

1^st – John Fairfield - “The Trestle”

2^nd – Kelly Bannister - “Wow, Marsh Monsters!”

3^rd – Christine Roome - “Cousins Watching for the Train”

4^th – Felipe Baloran Jr. - Eccentricity of Woods”

5^th – John Farifield - “Filing Shop”

Prizes will be awarded as follows in each category:

First Place - $50.00

Second Place - $35.00

Third Place - $20.00

Fourth Place - $10.00

Winners will also receive an individual membership for the 2012 season.

Congratulations to everyone!

Coopers Hawks Spotted

2011-08-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

Photo from: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/coopers_hawk/id

Two Coopers Hawks (Accipiter cooperii) have been spotted at the Centre over the past few weeks. Early in the morning they can be heard quite loudly as they cry while flying over the forest. Coopers Hawks are a forest bird. They are very acrobatic as they swerve between tree trunks and through the underbrush.

Their feather patterns are a distinctive speckling and striping. Dark markings on a light base colour on their underside. We are hoping our two are a breeding pair and they might be setting up our grounds as a future nesting site. They might have some territorial competition from the Eagles though... so we will see how that plays out!

The End is Near...

2011-08-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

Summer is nearly over and the children head back to school in just a few days! One more week for you parents to fill with activities. Why not bring them by the Centre for a final hurrah on Samson, before he goes into hibernation for the fall?

The apples are ripening and ready to be picked, so bring a bag or a basket and fill up on some fresh fruit. Walk the forest trails and try to spot some new birds. Come take a look at our reconstructed logging camp - The new exhibit is almost ready!

The concession is still fully stocked with ice cream and other goodies. So come splurge on a sugar fix, and lick up your ice cream cone while cruising around the site. There is nothing better than Udder Guys Ice Cream!

We hope to see you in our final weeks of summer, and into the fall as well! Don't forget about our spooktacular sensation on the halloween weekend, and our annual Christmas Express event as well!

Day Two of the 2011 Antique Truck Show

2011-08-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

Day Two of the truck show was pretty awesome. Not only was the temperature -slightly- lower, but we had a blast and visitors had a great time checking out the big rigs and smaller trucks.

Here are some photos, an artistic take, on the second day of the truck show.

Front end detail from the Diamond T Logging Truck. - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Fargo Pickup Truck - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Samson coming up the track towards Alderlea Station - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

We hope to see you next year for the next Antique Truck Show. Please feel free to register pre 1980's vehicles of your own! We love seeing new pieces of machinery in our show, and the visitors love it as well!

Day One of the 2011 Antique Truck Show

2011-08-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

Day one of our truck show was a relative success with sunny skies, shiny trucks and a good crowd of folks out for the show!
More parades, hay rides and summer fun will be happening today with our second - and last - day of the Antique Vehicle Show! Steam rides on Samson, our 101 year old steam locomotive will be taking place every half hour starting at 11am with a lunch break at 1pm.

Truck on display at the Truck Show! - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Trucks rolled in all morning in a large variety of shapes and sizes - as well as colours! There are a number of large vintage logging trucks - some of the earliest ones on the road too! These early logging trucks would have carried no more than one or three logs at a time! Not only were the logs just that big, but the trucks were too small to carry much more!

One of the earliest logging trucks - Only able to carry one to three logs at a time! Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Some of these trucks come from the Centre's collection of antique vehicles and many others have been brought to the show from businesses and private owners.

Detailing on a very large logging truck! - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Duncan's first fire truck is on display in the field. It's minute size compared to some of the other nearby fire trucks is quite surprising! Hoses are piled in the back and a glowing red paint shimmers in the sun!

Hoses coiled in the back of Duncan's first fire truck - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Honeymoon Bay Fire Truck - Photo By Marcie Callewaert

Steam vehicles are on display and being driven around our site by some wonderfully dedicated volunteers. The Mann Steam Wagon and Steam Roller are best buddies and they greet their big friend Samson at every opportunity.

The Mann Steam Wagon and Steam Roller steam up early in the morning. - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

New Activity at the BCFDC!

2011-08-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

I think these two are needing some faces! Come out and fill them in for us! We would love to see your hilarious expressions - Post them on our facebook wall!

http://www.facebook.com/BCFDC

Antique Truck Show - Today!

2011-08-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

See history in action at the BC Forest Discovery Centre's Antique Truck show in August. Many rare trucks will be parading around the museum's 100-acre grounds during the antique truck show in August, giving visitors an opportunity to see the trucks operate. Spend the day at the museum enjoying the truck parades (at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm both days) and riding Samson, the 1910 steam locomotive. Have a picnic lunch from the concession, enjoy the indoor and outdoor exihbits, and take a walk on the forest and marsh trails. A fun weekend for families and classic truck enthusiasts alike!

BCFDC Collection - Logging crummy. Used to take men to work in the forest and home at night to the camp - like a school bus! Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Honeymoon Bay Fire Truck - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

White Logging Truck - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

The new crossing guard beside the school house - Entrance to the Truck Show field! - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Fawning over our Fawn

2011-08-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

What a lame title... But this photo isn't!


This years seemingly only fawn walking the tracks towards the sawmill. - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

On a grosser note: The bullfrogs seem to love this late blooming summer as they are growing rapidly in Somenos lake. Some are still in the tadpole stage but others, such as the ones below, are looking more frog than tadpole!

Three bullfrogs under the trestle - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Truck Show Preparations

2011-08-19T09:02:00.000-07:00

The field where the truck show will take place. Parades and more happening this weekend! - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

This years truck show is almost here and preparations are under way! Trucks are being cleaned and taken down to the field today. New truck will be brought in to be shown off. There will be a whole range of trucks to see from fire trucks to logging trucks and even some pick up trucks. Its not too late to bring in an entry form and fee and show off your shiny truck. We would love to see it!

Even if you don't have a truck to show off, we would love to see you! Come out for some delicious ice cream, a hot day, and some shiny metal on our middle field behind the school house!

The Antique Truck show runs this Saturday and Sunday. Regular admission rate apply - and Samson is running every half hour from 11-4!

Washout - August 25th

2011-08-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

Samson being sanded out at the beginning of the day. Thick clouds of black smoke show just how much soot builds up from one day's work! - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Every month Samson needs a bath, a very thorough bath! Washout is the day that a steam train is taken out of service in order to be cleaned out and any required maintenance is done. Samson is due for his washout on August 25th. Therefore, the Green Hornet (Our vintage 1940's gas locomotive) will be out for a day.

Every day Samson is sanded out as he is brought back up the hill by the shop. This cleans any goop or residue out of the smoke stack. It doesn't clean out the fire box though and this is what washout will deal with.

So if you stop by on August 25th, You will get to ride the Green Hornet, because Samson will be boiler deep in sudsy water!

Canada Darner

2011-08-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

Canada Darner at rest - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

The BCFDC is well known for its trains and trucks, but it also has a great deal of wildlife on site. The Canada Darner is a dragonfly species that many of you will be familiar with appearance wise. It has a brilliant blue colouring and the most amazing eyes you have ever seen! This one was spotted yesterday resting in the hot sun on the road past the Logging Camp, heading towards the Ranger Station.

"A Canada Darner (male) showing the hunting equipment of a darner--powerful thorax and wings (for fast and agile flight); large compound eyes (for tracking moving prey); and spiny legs (for capturing prey in flight). The colour and shape of the lateral thoracic stripes are important clues for species identification.

Even the smallest of our darners is over five centimetres long, and all are striped on the thorax and spotted on the abdomen with blue, green or yellow. Males almost always have blue abdominal spots. Females vary considerably, and in most species there are two or even three colour forms, one like the male, and others more green or yellow. For species identification, the colour of the face is useful, especially in males, and so is the colour of the horizontal line across the face. The shape and colour of the stripes on the sides of the thorax (lateral thoracic stripes) are critical. The shape of the terminal abdominal appendages in both the male and female, and the structure of the ovipositor (egg-laying organ) in the female are also important." (http://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Natural_History/Insects-and-Relatives.aspx?id=258)

Old folklore behind the interesting name, Darner, can be found in this explanation:
"Darners probably got their name from the old superstition that they sew up the lips of naughty boys with their long slender abdomens -- the devil's darning needles. The origin of the name Aeshna, coined by the famous Danish entomologist Fabricius in the 18th century, is also lost in history. One intriguing explanation is that it's a printer's error for the Greek Aechma, a spear" (Cannings & Stuart 1977).

They are brilliant creatures and if you want a good place to spot one on your own, come and check out the Somenos Marsh trail one morning. Don't forget about our photo contest too! If you get an awesome photo on site, pick up an entry form in admissions. We want to see what you have seen on our amazingly multi-faceted site!

Site Updates

2011-08-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

Well lots of work is getting done, as usual at the BC Forest Discovery Centre.

The boys are working hard on our new power saw exhibit and the regular Monday volunteer work party has been getting tons done! Here's a shot of the beginnings of the new boardwalk on the side of the post office to the post mistresses house / power saw exhibit.

Work being done on a new exhibit in the post mistresses house - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Work is also being done on the skids for "Old Faithful". One of the oldest, if not the oldest donkey engine in BC logging history. The old wood was beginning to rot out, so new skids are being put in place under the metal structure.

There are lots of critter updates - The fawn was spotted this morning. I got some photos, but haven't had a chance to get them up yet - tomorrow I will share them with you. There was a kingfisher on the trestle, fishing in the early morning light. And bullfrog tadpoles aplenty in Somenos Lake. This year looks like it agreed with them because there are more than ever in the murky waters. Here is a link to some of the work that is being done on Vancouver Island in regards to bullfrog removal: http://www.georgiabasin.ca/bullfrog.htm

We hope to see you soon when you come by to visit!

New Green Initiative!

2011-08-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

Ride Samson and contribute to the environment by drinking out of a reusable travel mug at our concession! - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Does a nice hot cup of coffee and a train ride sound appealing to you? How about some hot chocolate or tea? If you bring your own travel mug and fill up on one of these three delicious hot drinks you will receive 10% off your drink!

We are trying to reduce our waste in concession and with your help we could make a huge improvement!

Most people have a travel mug kicking around in their car or backpack, so bring it in and save at the BC Forest Discovery Centre!

Micheal Machek Illusionist Review

2011-08-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

Micheal was awesome yesterday - His show was full of tantalizing tricks and subtle humour that appealed to the adults in the crowd. It was truly a show of entertainment for all ages. Micheal drew the kids in and brought them on stage, as is customary in most magic shows, to participate in hilarious tricks much to the crowds amusement. If you weren't here - you missed out!

Here are some photos from yesterdays performance!

"Here, hold these balloons!" *hands them to child without tying them* - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

"Pick a card, any card!" - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

"You mean it wasn't that card? How about this one?!" *Changes card without switching cards!* - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

The bottle disappeared! - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

"Do you know what is written on the back of this envelope?" "NO!" *gasp* You're right! - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Micheal Machek Illusionist

2011-08-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

Samson coming down the cut at our last Children's Performance! - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

I probably sound like I am repeating myself here... One of my recent blog posts was about this same topic. But hey, its a cool thing going on! Micheal is performing a magical illusion show at 1:30 TODAY at the BC Forest Discovery Centre.

As our website states:

"Micheal is a one man, entertainment dynasty, both magician and illusionist. His ability to connect and relate to his audience will amaze you, but you don’t just get amazed, you get spellbound, stricken with the art of magic and entertainment, and left with moments that will last a lifetime!"

Bring a lawn chair, blanket, or even a blow-up mattress and enjoy the show on your very own patch of grass. Bring an umbrella if the weather turns ugly because the show will go on!

Our candy concession is up and running again at the lower grounds with a child's fantasy world of goodies, and our usual treats (including ice cream!) are available at Train Station Treats at Alderlea Station.

Samson will be running every half hour with a break at 1:30. The last train to the performance stage is at 1:00 so don't be late!

~By Marcie Callewaert

Saturday Camp Life Tours

2011-08-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

A look at the logging camp on a hot August day - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

With only a meager handful of Saturdays left this summer you don't have much time to take advantage of this great opportunity! Every Saturday at 1pm, a staff member will be giving an in depth look at the history of our reconstructed logging camp. The original buildings each have a story of their own, as well as the history of the displays inside them. Explore the cook house and find out just how much a logger ate each day and test out their beds in the bunkhouse!

Tours meet Saturdays at 12:50 in front of the schoolhouse. There is no additional charge - it is just one of the many great experiences offered at the BC Forest Discovery Centre! Tours are limited to approximately 12 participants. The buildings get pretty crowded with a larger group than that!

Kids Performance Series - Micheal Machek Illusionist

2011-08-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

Come one, Come all for the third performance in our Children's Performance Series! Micheal Machek will astound you with a magical one hour family show packed full of fantastic tricks, hilariously outrageous comedy and breathtaking miracles.

If this sounds like your kind of thing... come out and bring the kids for a steam train ride or ten and a picnic at the park. Enjoy the performance on a bench or at a picnic table, or bring a soft blanket and sit on the grass!

Don't miss this great opportunity to see a great show at the lower grounds with our newly decorated stage.

General Site Updates

2011-08-10T16:39:00.000-07:00

The cogs are moving on new projects at the BCFDC! - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

The crew at the BCFDC are a busy bunch, always with new projects on the go. Recently the Forest Fire Lookout Tower was repainted, with some help from a great bunch of guys - The Thunderbird Firefighting Crew from Port Alberni. They also assisted on the repainting of the Ranger Station - which had a new roof installed last summer. The maintenance guys at the centre have done a great job finishing off the trim work on the station. Hopefully the exhibits in the Ranger Station will soon be open to the public again.

Fire Crew repainting the Ranger Station - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

A unique view of the work that was done on the Forest Fire Lookout Tower - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

The concession received a facelift this season, with an expansion on the kitchen area and the introduction of some new products, such as candy bags, chocolate bars and UDDER GUYS ICE CREAM! The best of the best is here with the locally made Udder Guys Ice Cream, based out of Cowichan Bay. Concession has also been given a well deserved coat of paint ( it seems like were dealing with an awful lot of that liquid) by the guys and summer staff.

If you have not already noticed on one of your recent visits, Concession has also been opened up to the parking lot so that visitors may come and watch the train without coming paying admission to the site. They can also purchase ice cream and other products from concession from this area as well! The new picket fence was constructed out of recycled timber and painted by the summer students (mostly).

That wonderful "P" word is about to come up again... The Glynne Jones building is getting a fresh coat of paint on its windowsills and doors to match the crisp new paint on the nearby concession. This is still in progress, so don't look for miracles by tomorrow!

So lots of painting is going on... as well as construction on a new exhibit behind the post office. The guys are busy dry-walling and restructuring the building in preparation for the power saw exhibit soon to come!

This morning, right beside the aforementioned new exhibit, the fawn was spotted. The lil' guy was chomping down on some grass in the shade of one of our old apple trees. He is about 2 feet tall already at the shoulder and still has his gorgeous spots on a velvety soft looking coat! A flock of quail were also seen on the Somenos Marsh trail - two adults and about 8 youngsters cheeped away as they scurried into the brush.

There is always work to be done and critters to spot at the BC Forest Discovery Centre. We hope to see you out soon to see our sharp new look and to visit our wonderful and diverse plethora of creatures!

~By Marcie Callewaert

BCFDC Photo Contest!

2011-08-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce the BCFDC’s 2011 photo contest! This contest will feature YOUR photos from our site and the winning entries will be published in a 2012 calendar! People of all ages and abilities are invited to enter as there are three categories: Child (0-12 years), youth (13-19) and adults (20+). There are a wide range of subjects available at the museum; from landscapes and nature, to historic artifacts and machinery and we are hoping for a large variety of entries.

Red Eared Slider Turtle at the Somenos Marsh - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

The top four photos from each category will be selected and published in a 2012 calendar. Participants may enter one or two photos, but may only enter in one age category. Entry fees are $5.00 for one photo and $7.00 for 2 photos.

Staff members will judge the photos, which must be submitted by August 31^st at 4pm and the top 12 photos will be included in a 2012 calendar. The calendar will be sold in the Centre’s Gift Shop during the Halloween and Christmas events.

There will be cash prizes for first, second third and fourth place in each category.

More information is available at the admissions desk, where you can pick up your entry form and get more information on the contest rules.

We hope to see your entries soon!

Spotlight on No. 27 "Handy Andy"

2011-08-10T15:55:00.000-07:00

Crown Zellerbach Canada Crew Speeder (CVR No.27)

No.27, or "Handy Andy" as we like to call him, is operational and supplements the passenger train on busy days during the open season and transports special groups during the off season. The enclosed car is a replica speeder and would have been used in a logging camp to transfer loggers between the camp and the logging show (where the work was taking place).

Technical Data:

Description: 8-wheel, model “Handy Andy” crew speeder.
Built: 1940
Gauge: narrow (36 inches).
Current engine: Ford 360 cu in V-8.

History:

CVR No.27 was speeder No.6 on the BCER Jordan River railway. Records show it was a Westminster Iron Works “Handy Andy” design built to BCER specifications.
Following closure of the railway, it came to be owned by Crown Zellerbach, likely acquired specifically for donation to the (then) Cowichan Valley Forest Museum. After a re-work at the BC Forest Service Maintenance Depot, at which time it was converted from 4 to 8 wheels, it was donated in July of 1974.
This speeder is typical of those used in the later years of railway logging to transport workers and materials to and from job sites. In the case of the more remote camps, they also transported workers and their families between camp and town. Capable of speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, they were much faster and more comfortable than hitching a ride with the usually slow moving log trains.
Many logging speeders were built to Department of Railway standards at the company repair shop, by the camp master mechanic. While most service was as a railway bus (crummy) and ambulance, some also worked as light locomotives.

Neat Photos from around the BCFDC

2011-08-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

Marsh grasses illuminated by the morning sun - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

In spirit with the BCFDC's 2011 photo contest, I have compiled some neat shots of the flora and fauna at the Centre, to give just one idea of what type of subject matter you could capture! There is an abundance of critters big and small on site, and any one of them could be the subject of YOUR winning entry!

Photo contest rules and entry forms can be picked up at the Admissions desk during open hours. Cash prizes for first through fourth place will be awarded in each category. Categories include Youth (0-12 years), Teen (13-19 years) and Adult (20+). The submission deadline for photos is Wednesday, August 31st 2011. We look forward to your entries!

Enjoy the following photos and get inspired!

Butterfly on the gravel path of the Somenos Marsh Walk - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

A unique photo showing a "staff only" view of the trestle. One of the benefits of being a staff or volunteer at the Centre is the ability to go places visitors cannot - due to extra training and knowledge about operation protocols. - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Foxgloves, one of many species of wildflowers on site, beside the Blacksmith Shop - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Snowing cottonwood! - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Marsh plants at the edge of the Somenos Marsh - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Antique Truck Show 2011

2011-08-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

Logging Crummy at the 2010 Antique Truck Show! - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

The huge success of last year's Antique Truck Show has led to another event this summer! On Saturday and Sunday, August 20th and 21st the 2nd Annual Antique Truck Show will be held at the BC Forest Discovery Centre. Seventy vintage vehicles were on site last year and many were featured in live parades around the site.

This event highlights the involvement of lumbering and logging vehicles in the development of the forest industry in the Cowichan region and coastal British Columbia. Visitors can get close up and personal with the machinery!

The Centre has added a cool new piece of equipment to it's collection this year with the donation of a 1952 Chevy by Ken McKinnon. This truck is the original Pacific Builder's delivery truck and has been restored to pristine condition. You will be able to see it at the truck show representing the lumber industry in British Columbia.

Other activities happening at the truck show include hay rides for the kids and steam train rides leaving Alderlea Station every half hour from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Antique truck owners wishing to participate in this event may find more information on the website at http://discoveryforest.com/ or by calling 250.715.1113

~By Marcie Callewaert

BC Day Fun in the Sun!

2011-08-08T08:53:00.000-07:00

The sun was out for BC Day, and so were the clowns! Sparkle and Sweezie entertained young and old with their creative lyrics and fantastic costumes!

The next performance from the Children's performance series will be on Sunday, August, 14th with Micheal Machek Illusionist!

Here are some photos from their energetic performance!

Sparkle and Sweezie performing on our wonderfully decorated stage at the lower grounds! - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Osprey Sightings!

2011-08-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

An osprey has been regularly spotted at the Centre over the past week. It has been seen perched on a tree at the south end of the trestle, flying overhead and enjoying a meal on a dead tree over the duck pond. The BCFDC is a great site for wildlife watching. Our proximity to the Somenos Marsh provides a great location for sightings of all types. There are reports of a momma deer with a fawn hanging around as well!

Here are some photos taken of this magnificent bird from last week.

The osprey staring straight at me while enjoying his meal! - photo by Marcie Callewaert

Overlooking the surrounding marsh - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

A california quail was also spotted along the tracks just opposite the Somenos Marsh Interpretive Sign.

A male california quail rests in the sun - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Happy BC Day!

2011-08-01T08:32:00.000-07:00

Morning fog over Mt Tzhouhalem- Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Happy BC Day everyone! We are celebrating in full party-mode with Sparkles and Sweezy the clowns, a bouncy castle, face painting and a kids craft! Come by for a fun day and a ride or five on Samson, our 101-year old steam locomotive!

The children's performance begins at 1:30 on the stage at the lower grounds, but other festivities are beginning earlier in the day! Come early and bring a blanket or some lawn chairs and set up on the grass for a great performance. A candy concession will be open at the lower grounds as well.

Hope to see you soon!

~By Marcie Callewaert

Introducing Joey the Crow!

2011-07-31T16:51:00.000-07:00

Joey resting in the shade in his favourite spot - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Joey is a fledgling crow that apparently fell out of his nest last week. Recently he has been hanging out on the tracks behind the bunkhouses. His parents feed him frequently and he does not seem to be in distress so we have left him undisturbed. Every time the locomotive comes around though, he hops off the tracks at the very last second - giving the engineer quite a scare sometimes when he cuts it a little too close!

Peter has nicknamed him Joey - and so he has been dubbed by the other staff members! Above is a photo of Joey, yesterday morning, resting on the tracks in the shade.

********* UPDATE*********

August 8, 2011

Joey is no longer hanging out on the tracks - which was a rather dangerous place for him to be! Though we don't know for sure that he has learned to fly.... I have lately seen an extra bird in the sky....

~By Marcie Callewaert

Eagle Update!

2011-07-30T16:08:00.000-07:00

Juvenile Eagle in a tree overlooking the Somenos Marsh - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Juvenile Eagle atop a tree at the lower grounds- Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Adult Eagle parent of the three eaglets - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

This year the BC Forest Discovery Centre played host to three eaglets, successfully hatched on the lower grounds. These parent eagles have been building their nest here for many years. This is not their first successful batch - but it is still exciting! Two eaglets are definitely out of the nest and flying, and we believe one is still in the nest. They can be several weeks apart in their development. The two that are flying are mostly past their awkward flying stage, but can still be a bit wobbly at times!

Eaglets are larger than their parents for a while as they rapidly shoot up. They are like humans though, and shrink a little as they age! They will not reach maturity, and grow in their signature white heads and tails, until 5 or 6 years of age.

Stop by the BCFDC for a steam train ride and trip back in history in our reconstructed logging camp, and maybe you will glimpse one of nature's most majestic creatures soaring through the sky!

Samson's Second Day Out - With Peter at the Helm!

2011-07-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of shots I took yesterday while Peter was running #25 on her second day out. There were a few exciting moments - One in particular occurred every trip around! Two fledgling crows reportedly fell out of their nest last week behind the bunkhouses, and yesterday one of them was sitting on the tracks every trip - only leaping to safety at the last second! It can't fly yet and would crash into the bushes in its attempt to escape. The parents are keeping a watchful eye over it and it seems to be getting enough food, but this is just an example of the many things that keep us on our toes here! Now enough talking, here are those photos I promised!

Peter driving Samson up the hill past the bunkhouses! Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Samson making her way over the Somenos Lake Trestle - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

Peter taking in the action at the lower grounds as we stopped for our 10 min break. -Photo by Marcie Callewaert

~By Marcie Callewaert

Samson is Out and Ready to Go!

2011-07-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

Samson approaching the logging camp - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

The long wait is over! Samson - our 101 year old steam locomotive is back in action after a longer than expected break. Trains are running daily from 11:00-4:00, every half hour. The train crew has their lunch break at 1:00 on a typical day.

Now that we're under steam power again, we hope to see many of you out for another visit to say "hello" to Samson! Number 25 will be happy to see you and take you for a steam driven ride around the site!

~By Marcie Callewaert

BC Day is Kids Day!

2011-07-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

Carolyn playing an old fashioned children's game with some kids at the BCFDC - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

BC Day is Kids Day, this year - more than ever, at the BC Forest Discovery Centre! Along with our normal event activites we are also hosting the Children's Performance Series which will be featured on BC Day. Sparkle and Sweezie the clowns will be performing on the newly decorated stage on the lower grounds.

The BC Day itinerary is as follows:

10:00 - Site opens and Bouncy Castle is available

11:00 - Activities begin (Face painting, fish pond, bubble wands, bubble head craft)

11:30 - First Train leaves Alderlea Station

1:30 - Train crew breaks for lunch (No 1:30 train)
- Sparkle and Sweezie perform at the stage on the lower grounds

3:00 - Activites end

4:00 - Last Train leaves Alderlea Station

4:30 - Site Closes

There will be a small concession at the lower grounds with candy, chocolate bars, cotton candy, popcorn, pop, juice boxes, gatorade, and water! Train Station Treats at Alderlea station will be featuring its usual assortment of goodies including hot dogs, smokies and udder guys ice cream!

We hope to see you for a fun time on August 1st!

Lily of the Valley Cabin

2011-07-29T10:57:00.000-07:00

Lily of the Valley Trappers Cabin on the lower grounds. ~Photo by Marcie Callewaert

This trappers cabin was brought to the BC Forest Discovery Centre from Wild Deer Lake, about 40 kms southwest of Duncan. It is a simple, one-room home, with a bed frame and meager kitchen area. The small porch would have allowed a lazy evening for the weary trapper after a long days hike on the trap lines. Although the cabin was built for trappers, it was primarily used by timber cruisers. These men traveled into the forests and measured the amount of timber available for logging operations. At the original site where this cabin was located there were also two other cabins, though they were destroyed. The name apparently has no significance, but evokes a nostalgic feeling of the simple days past.

The Lily of the Valley Cabin, is located on the Centre's lower grounds, next to the waterwheel display! It offers a view of the train on the trestle over Somenos Lake as well. You can reach it by the trail behind the playground area, or the road access from the Drinkwater Station area.

~By Marcie Callewaert

Elusive Brown Creeper - Spotted!

2011-07-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

Brown Creeper - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

The brown creeper is a well-camouflaged and difficult to spot bird who lives in the woodlands. One was spotted at the museum near the end of May. It was spiraling its way up our 400-year old douglas fir, searching for food in the bark.

Brown creeper nests have two entrances - one serving as an exit and the other as an entrance.The entrances face downwards and exits face upwards. The nests are almost always placed behind a loose flap of bark and are constructed of cocoons and spider egg cases, as well as other pieces of debris. They lay one to eight eggs at a time which are coloured white with reddish or pink spots.

Look carefully as you walk through our old growth forest for the brown creeper or its nest, carefully hidden in the gnarled bark of the trees.

~By Marcie Callewaert

Forest Fire Lookout Tower

2011-07-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

Morning light shines on the Forest Fire Lookout Tower - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

"To the left of the train is the forest fire lookout tower. Towers like these were used atop mountains and high elevations. Forest service employees would live in these towers during fire season. You are welcome to climb to the top and enjoy the view."

You have likely heard this speech many times while riding the train at the BCFDC. Forest fire lookout towers were valuable in protecting the trees that were to be logged from the raging fires that were sparked by lighting storms, and more frequently, human caused fires. In the 1900's towers gained popularity and were widely used across Canada, but most frequently in British Columbia.

Last years fawn with its mother having a rest in front of the Forest Fire Lookout Tower - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

With today's advances in technology we now use satellite imagery, planes and high tech cameras to spot forest fires far earlier than the human eye can detect. This has led to the disuse of fores fire lookout towers. The tower at the BCFDC is a reconstruction of the original and follows the same design. Rangers would live in the tower with their camp cot and small kitchen. An outhouse would be located nearby on the ground. Rangers would live alone for many weeks before the next ranger came to take the next shift.

Feel free to climb the NEWLY PAINTED(!) lookout tower on your next visit and have a look around our site from your new-found perch!

We would like to extend many thanks to the Thunderbird Forest Fire Fighting Crew from Port Alberni who came down and helped us out for three days. They painted the lookout tower and ranger station and even removed a problem stump for us!

~By Marcie Callewaert

Canada Day!

2011-06-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

The top field will be alive with action on Canada Day! - Photo by Marcie Callewaert

July 1st is Canada's 144th birthday and we will be celebrating it once again at the BC Forest Discovery Centre!

Admission is $2.00 (children 4 years and under are free) and will include fun activities such as a bouncy castle, flag ceremony at 11:50 am, birthday cake, blacksmith demonstrations and live entertainment. The museum opens at 10:00 am and closes at 4:30 pm. Unlimited train rides are included with your admission, and the train will be running all day! The Green Hornet (gas locomotive) will be running as the steam locomotive is undergoing maintenance.

The concession will be serving hot dogs, smokies, popcorn and cold drinks. Try Udder Guys Premium hard scoop ice cream in your choice of waffle or regular cone.

We hope to see you showing your Canadian spirit with us on Friday, July 1st!

What Do the Whistles Mean?

2010-09-15T17:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what the train's whistle means? It is heard by museum visitors and echoes throughout the Cowichan region, depending on which direction the wind is travelling.

When the engineer is given the signal to move forward by the conductor he gives two short toots. This is an acknowledgment that they he has received the hand signal that it is safe to move forward.

If the conductor requires the engineer to move backward, the hand signal is acknowledged with three short toots.

When the train starts to move or slows down to stop, it is required to ring its bell until fully stopped or well underway in its movement.

The most common whistle is two long, one short and one long whistle which is a warning that the train is about to enter a crossing. Engineers know when to perform this signal because of the prominent white whistle signs along the engineer's side of the track. This whistle is also accompanied by the ringing of the train's bell.

Engineers also make judgment calls on whether to sound a warning whistle if someone or something is too close to the tracks. A series of short loud bursts is a warning for people or animals to move away from the tracks.

The Bald Eagle's Nest

2010-09-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

Haliaeetus leucocephalus (Bald Eagle)

Bald Eagle's nest in a Black Cottonwood tree

Have you ever seen an eagle's nest? One of the most popular stops on the BCFDC's nature tours is the Bald Eagle's nest. The eagles have built a nest in a Black Cottonwood tree near North Cowichan Station (on the lower grounds). We believe there are two other nests at the museum including one in a tall Douglas-fir on the South Foresters Walk and the other in a Douglas-fir near the rail shop. Both nests are nearly impossible to see, but the eagles are regularly seen and heard in these areas.

Bald eagles build some of the biggest nests in the world. One nest in Florida was 6.1 meters deep, 2.9 meters wide, and weighed 2,722 kg (almost 3 tons)! So where do Bald eagles get the sticks for these massive nests? They pick them up off the ground and sometimes they even break some off the trees themselves.

Bald eagles often build their nests near bodies of water so they can remain near their food source. The BCFDC nest overlooks Somenos Lake and the eagles are often spotted with fish or ducks in their talons. Bald eagles incubate their eggs for 35 days and share the responsibility between both the male and female. Eagles mate for life and a pair will repair and reuse the same nest year after year.

The best viewing spot for Bald Eagles at the BCFDC is from the base of the flag pole located on the lower grounds (beside the distinctive log Wellburn Building). If you look South towards the railway tracks, you will spot the large mass of branches and sticks among the Cottonwood trees.

The best viewing time is during spring when the trees have few leaves. Most years, eaglets hatch in late June or early July. They often learn how to fly by going from tree top to tree top in the lower grounds. Even if you don't see the eagles, their distinctive calls can be heard all over the site.

The Bald Eagle's nest is a must-see on your next trip to the museum!

Spotlight on Dolbeer Spool Donkey

2010-09-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

The Dolbeer spool donkey was was built in 1894 and owned by Chemainus Lumber Co. It was purchased from National Iron Works in San Francisco, California. Chemainus Lumber Co.used the steam donkey to replace bull teams in its Vancouver Island logging operations. Steam donkeys yarded logs through the forest using a steam-powered winch and wire ropes, a system known as ground-lead logging. Nicknamed "Old Log Getter," this machine is believed to be the first steam donkey in British Columbia that was designed for logging.

The .Dolbeer spool donkey was built in 1894 and owned by Chemainus Lumber Co.
The photo was taken in 1903 when the donkey was working approximately 12 miles away from Chemainus, BC

Dolbeer spool donkeys were designed by John Dolbeer in 1882 to haul the large weight of Redwood trees in California. Dolbeer was an engineer and machinist before he became a lumberman and part owner of Dolbeer and Carson Lumber Co. in Eureka, California.

Gerry Wellburn with the Donkey Engine c. 1962.

Gerry Wellburn, founder of the BC forest Discovery Centre, collected the Dolbeer steam donkey that was owned by Chemainus Lumber Co. and oversaw its restoration in 1961. Robert Sanderson, machinist and founder of Duncan Iron Works, was involved in the restoration project. Some of the replacement parts were manufactured by Fred L. Botsford in San Francisco and others were made locally.

The Dolbeer spool donkey's whistle was manufactured by Steam Gauge and Valve Mfg. Co. in Boston, MA
This photo was taken in July 1983 when the donkey was on display
at the Chemainus Festival of Murals.

Whistles were used by the steam donkey crew to communicate with loggers that were off in the distance. The appropriate sequence of whistles let the loggers know when the steam donkey was ready to start moving logs. The whistle was operated by a whistle punk, usually the youngest or least experienced logger.

The "Old Log Getter" spool donkey (right) on display at
the BC Forest Discovery Centre in 2010.
The engine is not operational but its wooden sled was restored in 2004.

Spotlight on “Green Hornet” No. 26

2010-09-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Green Hornet, No. 26, is the gas locomotive that runs during the shoulder seasons. The Green Hornet was purchased new by the British Columbia Electric Railway Company (now BC Hydro) and was used at the Jordan River hydroelectric power plant starting in the 1940s. The power plant had 6 miles of narrow gauge railway used to construct, access and service the dam site and transmission lines from 1909-1970.

In November of 1970, the museum purchased the locomotive from the Nelson Machinery Company of North Vancouver, with funds donated by Timothy Eaton of Eatons Canada. No. 26 was acquired by the museum to be a good and reliable backup to the steam locomotives. The Green Hornet serves as the railway’s work engine and alternate passenger train engine.

Technical Data:

    * Designation: 4-wheel, Model Tl2
    * Weight: 10 tons
    * Built: 1928, as c/n 2856
    * The original gasoline engine was replaced by a 4-cylinder Hercules diesel engine, which has in turn been   replaced by a Buick 340 cu in, V-8 gasoline engine

Gauge: narrow (36 inches)

Labour Day Event

2010-09-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that autumn is almost here! The leaves are starting to change color in the BCFDC forest and the fawns are losing their white spots. The Labor Day Family Picnic is our last event of the summer and is a great way to relax with your family before the kids go back to school. Enjoy the last steam train rides of the season, have a BBQ picnic, visit the exhibits, and walk the forest and marsh trails to see the seasonal changes that are happening.

The event also includes Member Appreciation Day for season's pass holders at the BCFDC. Pass holders will receive a free hot dog and a pop upon presentation of their membership card. We appreciate our membership support and look forward to saying thank you.

The museum will still be open on select days in September and October. Please visit our website for the most up-to-date info on our shoulder season hours.

Enjoy the sunny weather!

Spotlight on Mayo Shay No. 3

2010-08-31T11:09:00.000-07:00

Mayo Shay No. 3 next to the much smaller No. 9. Photo by Marcie Callewaert.

The Mayo Shay is one of the most famous trains at the museum and has a long history on Vancouver Island and in the Cowichan region. It was donated to the museum in 1967 by Rajindi Mayo in memory of his father, lumberman Mayo Singh.

No. 3 was built in 1924 and originally purchased for $16,000. It is a type “B” Class 50-2 (50 ton 2-truck) locomotive. Its weight in working order is 121,000 pounds. No. 3 is in operating condition but is a a standard gauge locomotive, meaning it cannot run on our narrow gauge tracks. The locomotive used superheated steam and featured an enclosed steel cab.

In 1995, museum staff restored the locomotive to working order in preparation for its loan to the (then) Kettle Valley Railway Historical Society. At that point the locomotive was converted to burn oil instead of wood. In September of 2009, the Mayo Shay returned to the BCFDC and was met by a happy crowd of staff, volunteers and visitors.

The Mayo Shay presented quite an impressive sight as it was brought in on a low-bed trailer, imagine driving in traffic beside it!

Parked on Drinkwater Road in front of the BCFDC

Crane Force donated their time, equipment and expertise to unload No. 3 at the museum
Photos by Aimee Greenaway.

A Day in the Life of Blacktail Deer at the BCFDC

2010-08-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

5 AM - In the cool morning they awake from their peaceful slumber among the old apple trees in the orchard by the ranger station. The young twin fawns are lively in the dewy morning grass and frolic as mom eats a few choice blades of grass.

7 AM - The deer munch on the fallen apples in the orchard while the pesky wasps are still drowsy from the cool morning air. No one wants to get stung so they are careful about when they snack on the fallen fruit.

9 AM - While the shade is still covering the grass in front of the forest fire lookout tower, momma deer meets up with her sister twin from last year and they lay together in the cool shade while her fawns try out some solid food.

9:50 AM - Samson whistles as he backs around the track towards Alderlea Station. The deer head for the protection of the woods as people begin to arrive on site.

12 PM - The train has to slow down near the Ducks Unlimited Pond for one of the fawns who is running on the tracks ahead of the locomotive.

1 PM - Up near the maintenance area another doe and her fawn can be found sleeping in the cool shade of an 18-wheeler trailer. To escape the sun's heat they move deep into the woods or in secret holes where few people venture.

4:10 PM - As the conductor and engineer wait at the lower grounds a doe rockets down the trail and into the field near the vintage logging trucks. She pauses to bite at her back leg before sprinting back into the bush. It looks like she managed to step in a bee's nest.

4:45 PM - Two does run down the grade by the maintenance area and leap up the embankment into the forest. Both seem to have been stung while they were in the forest earlier.

7:00 - The twin fawns, mom and their aunt snack on grass near the Somenos Marsh. They shake their skin to scare off the mosquitos biting at their backs.

9 PM - As the darkness falls they begin to search for a quiet protected place to sleep for the night. Bedding down in the soft grass they go to sleep, full and rested for the next day.

By Marcie Callewaert

Antique Truck Show 2010

2010-08-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

BCFDC volunteer Les Stewart driving the 1918 Maxwell logging truck in the parade

The Antique Truck Show was a hit last weekend! There were nearly 900 visitors and over 30 trucks on display. The Cowichan Valley Fire & Safety Fair was also successful with antique and modern fire trucks on-site for visitors to check out. Many visitors took advantage of the opportunity to chat with the firefighters and learn about fire safety. The antique vehicle parades were the highlights of both days.

About 30% of the event's visitors traveled from Victoria to take in the truck show and we hope to see them back here for future special events. Thank you to all the volunteers and exhibitors who worked behind the scenes to make the event enjoyable for the community! Please take a look at the event photos below, taken by BCFDC summer student, Marcie, Callewaert.

1923 Model T Ford Crummy (BCFDC Collection)

New Ranger Station Roofs

2010-08-25T10:05:00.000-07:00

New cedar shake roof on the Ranger Station

Last Friday, the roofs on the Ranger Station buildings were finished! The buildings are now protected from the weather until about 2035, so we can focus on preserving some of the museum's other heritage buildings.

Front of the Ranger Station during roofing

Of course, things looked a lot worse before they got better last week. The roofers put in long hours stripping the old shakes, replacing rotting fascia, and installing the roof. Fortunately, there were no nasty surprises when the old roof came off. The strapping and trusses were still in good condition, keeping our materials costs down.


New roof on the four-car garage

New roof, old paint

The Ranger Station restoration project still has one major phase to complete before the winter. Both buildings need to be scraped and repainted in order to preserve the wood siding. The cracked and peeling white paint looks even worse now that it is contrasted against a brand new roof. A $300 donation for paint was made last week by Mike Apsey. If you are interested in volunteering on the painting crew, please contact Aimee at education.bcfdc@shawlink.ca

Upcoming Antique Truck and C.V. Fire and Safety Fair

2010-08-18T08:17:00.000-07:00

The BC Forest Discovery Centre is hosting two great events this weekend! See historical trucks in motion at the museum's own Antique Truck Show. All of our logging and fire trucks will be on display and the operational trucks will parade around the site at 11:00 and 2:00 both days.

The Cowichan Valley Fire and Safety Fair also takes place at the BCFDC this weekend. 6 vintage fire trucks from various fire halls in the region will be on display as well as modern fire, pumper and rescue trucks. Children will have fun in the fire safety house and chatting with the fire fighters.

Both events take place from 10-4 on August 21-22. Unlimited steam train rides, museum access, and both events are included in regular admission prices.

Museum Trucks Featured in the Antique Truck Show


1949 Diamond T Logging Truck

J.H. Braten used this Diamond T logging truck to haul logs from Mount Prevost to Cowichan Bay in the 1950s. This 10-ton truck was purchased new for $8,500 and spent its working life in the Cowichan region. The bright red colour was a signature of the Diamond T Motor Car Company.

Many loggers in the 1950s used Hayes Anderson reach trailers, just like this 1938 model. Two-person Disston chainsaws are mounted on the rear of the truck. The Diamond T was donated to the museum in 2007 by Bill Simpson.

1948 Dodge LaFrance Fire Pumper Truck

The 1948 Dodge LaFrance Fire Pumper Truck was purchased by BC Forest Products Ltd. The truck was used for fire suppression purposed at both the Youbou Sawmill and the Town of Youbou (located on Cowichan Lake, BC).

The truck has a 6 cylinder Chrysler industrial engine. The pumper was manufactured by American LaFrance, a company that specializes in fire and rescue vehicles.
The truck weighs 15,000 pounds and pumps 550 US gallons per minute. The Dodge Pumper Truck was donated to the museum in 1998 by TimberWest Forest Corp.

Both of these trucks will be on display during the truck show this weekend and will be in the parades. For more event info visit www.discoveryforest.com

Spotlight on Pole Railway Car

2010-08-16T09:00:00.000-07:00


Pole railway car c. 1895 (on exhibit on the lower grounds)

Pole railways were used at the turn of the 20th century by a few logging companies on Vancouver Island, including three in the Cowichan region. The rail cars had concave or cupped wheels that ran along wooden poles instead of steel rails. Pole railways were designed to be temporary and were a cheaper alternative to steel railways, costing $500 per mile to build compared with $2500 per mile for a conventional one.


"Old Betsy", Shawnigan Lake Lumber Co. No. 1, a 12-ton Climax locomotive

The Shawnigan Lumber Co. used a pole railway to transport logs around Shawnigan Lake (on Southern Vancouver Island) starting in 1900. The cars were originally pulled by a team of horses, but eventually the company used a steam locomotive named "Old Betsy" to pull the cars.

Pole railways were not widely used in the forest industry on the coast. They were built to be temporary and were only well suited for gently sloping and swampy terrain.

New Ranger Station Roof

2010-08-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

A blue tarp has been protecting the Ranger Station from the elements since November 2009. Next week, the tarp comes off and new cedar shake roofs will be installed on both the Ranger Station and its four-car garage.

History and Significance of the Ranger Station Buildings

The Ranger Station includes a 1.5 storey office and stores building and a one storey four-car garage, both constructed in the Dutch Colonial Revival style of architecture. The structures were built in Duncan, BC during 1954 and were moved to the BC Forest Discovery Centre in 1987 after being decommissioned by the BC Forest Service (BCFS).

The buildings are significant because of their historical association with the BC Forest Service and the forest industry in British Columbia. They were originally constructed as an office and supply storage facility for the region’s forest ranger who was responsible for fighting wild fires, timber cruising, and providing an essential link between the BCFS and the people who utilized provincial forests and lands.

Aesthetically, the Duncan Ranger Station buildings are excellent examples of the Dutch Colonial Revival public buildings designed by the BCFS and constructed in various locations throughout British Columbia between 1945 and 1955. The buildings were intended to evoke an immediate recognition of the Forest Service’s presence and authority in regional forests.

The ranger station buildings are significant to the region as illustrations of Cowichan’s strong historic ties to the forest industry, the long-term position of prominence that forestry held in the local economy, and the role of forestry in shaping local culture.

A Fresh Coat of Paint for the Bunkhouses

2010-08-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

These five bunkhouses that were originally located in logging camps at Copper Canyon (near Chemainus) and Nanaimo. Each building has a different exhibit including the cookhouse, dining hall, surveyor's office, filer's shop, time keeper's office, first aid room, and bunkhouse. These exhibits allow visitors to get a glimpse of life in Vancouver Island's logging camps between the 1930s and 1950s.

The cookhouse includes kitchen and dining hall exhibits. Artifacts such as large potato mashers, pots and rolling pins show the challenges of scratch cooking for large numbers of loggers. Many of these artifacts were used in the Cowichan region, and some of the supplies such Quakers Oats and Frys Cocoa are still familiar sights in kitchens today.

The second bunkhouse contains the surveyor’s office and filer’s shop. The filer maintained and sharpened axes and saws. Properly set and sharpened saws allowed loggers to fall more timber in a shorter amount of time. The surveyor's duties included mapping land, marking boundaries for logging operations, and planning roads.

The timekeeper’s office and first aid room. The time keeper maintained financial records and employee payroll. The first aid room did not have a full-time attendant and an employee who was in the camp during the day (often the timekeeper!) usually attended emergencies.

The bunkhouse was considered luxurious compared to living conditions in the early 1900s. It housed eight men, had windows, and there were no bunk beds. The room was heated with a wood stove and there are small holes all over the floor that serve as a reminder of the thousands of caulk boots that walked through its rooms.

The summer 2010 painting project involves scraping off all the old exterior paint and applying a fresh coat. The project has been undertaken by both volunteers and staff. Special thanks to the Telus volunteer work party that kicked the painting project off!

Your Child Can Become a Junior Conductor

2010-08-07T13:50:00.000-07:00

View from the Engineer's seat inside Samson the steam locomotive

The next Junior Conductor workshop for children ages 5-12 years is on Thursday, August 12. Our first workshop in July was very popular with children and their families. The kids enjoyed a tour of the BCFDC's collection of steam locomotives, explored how steam technology works, learned the conductor's hand signals for communicating with the engineer, and the engineer took them on an insider's tour of Samson's cab!

The workshop provides a great opportunity for kids to learn about trains while having fun as part of a family day at the museum. Caregivers must remain with their child throughout the program. The workshop runs from 10:30-12:00 and is included in regular admission (or membership). Advanced registration is not required!

The Wheels Are A'Turnin'

2010-08-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

The flume carries water to the top of the waterwheel to start and keep the wheel in motion.

The newest exhibit at the BC Forest Discovery Centre is a wooden waterwheel, located on the lower grounds near the museum's train trestle over Somenos Lake. The new flume and waterwheel replace the previous ones that fell victim to old age and rot.

Flumes and waterwheels were used in the logging industry in British Columbia, primarily during the 1800s. Large flumes were constructed and used to transport logs down mountainsides to the lake or ocean below for sorting and milling in the interior of BC. The flume built to run the BCFDC’s waterwheel is significantly smaller, but built using the same design as these larger flumes.

The construction of the waterwheel exhibit adds a new facet to the museum's existing sawmill exhibit, as many sawmills were powered by waterwheels including the original sawmill at the town of Chemainus, located about 16 km north of the museum.

The wheel itself was donated by the Cowichan Valley Vintage Machinery Society, while the flume was constructed by volunteers Les Stewart and Ron Poets out of donated yellow cedar. Half the wood for the flume was cut on-site using the museum's 1920s portable sawmill, which has been operational on the site since the mid 1980s.

The waterwheel is already running and and being enjoyed by visitors, but is not quite finished. Further plans call for the building of a pump to increase the flow of water traveling over the wheel, and sealing the sides and bottom of the flume to minimize water leaks.

Many thanks to Les Stewart and Ron Poets and the other BCFDC volunteers for the dedication and skill they brought to this project!

Have Your Own Seat in Our New Train Car

2010-08-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

Last month we launched a fundraiser to help with the construction of a brand new train car. The museum has been expanding the operating season, first with the Christmas Express and now with the upcoming first Halloween Train. More cars are needed to keep up with demand on busy days and allow us to accommodate more people which will raise additional funds.

The new covered car will cost approximately $30,000 including volunteers and donations. It will be outfitted with 20 seats adding an additional 40 passengers per ride. People wishing to contribute $250 to the project as a family supporter, a memorial, or a corporate donation will have their name engraved on a brass plaque mounted on one of the seats where it would be visible to thousands of visitors each year. Charitable tax receipts are available for donations.

Additionally the right to name the new car can be negotiated by discussing the opportunity with the Manager, Vicki Holman at (250) 715-1113 ext 24

Take a Walk through the Forest

2010-08-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

A 300 year old tree does not sound impressive compared to the 1,300 year old tree cookie in the main admissions building! But after a walk through the museum's forest and you will see that a 300 year old tree is still quite an impressive sight. There are two trails that meander through mature second growth forest and provide a great quick walk for all ages. The North and South Forester's Trails have a gentle slope, are wheelchair accessible, and connect the upper grounds to the playground and exhibit areas on the lower grounds. Black tailed deer and many species of birds and of course, ever-present insects, are commonly seen in the forest.

Evidence of the forest's history, such as large stumps with springboard notches (springboards were used by loggers to stand on while they cut down trees), can be seen from the trail. Flora such as stinging nettle, salal, and large evergreen and deciduous trees are abundant and they provide a cool, refreshing shade in the heat of the summer.

The North Forester's Trail also provides areas to view the locomotive shed, the Hillcrest No. 1 Shay locomotive, and the BCFDC train as it travels down the steep hill towards the lower grounds.

Forests are an important part of the ecosystem, providing sanctuary for animals and cleaning the air we breathe everyday. They are also a relaxing place to walk through and change every week during the growing season.

Spotlight on Somenos Marsh

2010-08-04T15:32:00.000-07:00

Wetlands are key to a healthy local environment. Somenos Marsh is important to the Cowichan Valley because it filters toxins and other debris out of the water, provides a valuable habitat for many types of plants and animals, and reduces flooding. Rare species rely on Somenos Marsh for survival, such as the Vancouver Island Ringlet, Prairie Lupine, Yellow Montane Violet, and the Garry Oak trees that grow in the thick firm soil near the marsh. 40 acres of the BC Forest Discovery Centre's grounds are part of the marsh, providing great educational opportunities for museum visitors.

The Somenos Marsh trail on the BCFDC's property is full of birds and other animals that are exciting to watch. Great Blue Herons gracefully hunt for their next meal among the tall marsh grasses, while California Quail chitter in the Hawthorn trees. The museum works in partnership with Ducks Unlimited to conserve the marsh.

The Somenos Marsh covers approximately 200 hectares of land, including open water, grassland, marsh and Garry Oak forest. 219 species of bird have been spotted in this preserve in total, including rare migratory species. Trumpeter Swans, once hunted and harrassed to the point where in 1933 there were only 77 breeding in canada and 50 breeding in the United States, have made a strong comeback and are now a common sight in the marsh in the winter months.

The BCFDC has a special attachment to the critters seen in our marsh. Animals such as Red Eared Slider Turtles and Black Tail Deer fawns are regular favourites with the museum staff.

Two Great Events, One Location

2010-08-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

There is a new event this month! The BCFDC’s Antique Truck Show and the Cowichan Valley Fire and Safety Fair will take place together on Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22.

1949 Diamond T Logging Truck (BCFDC collection)

The event features displays of antique trucks from all over Vancouver Island including logging, industrial and fire trucks. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to see the trucks in action as they parade around the museum’s 100-acre grounds. Unlimited steam train rides are included in admission and are popular with people of all ages.

The Fire and Safety Fair will include displays of modern and antique fire trucks from 18 fire departments from the Malahat to North Oyster. There will be children’s activities, the fire safety house, and an opportunity to talk to the firemen in person in Ladysmith. The Cowichan Valley Fire Prevention Association organizes the Fire and Safety Fair to raise awareness about fire prevention and safety.

Hosting the events together will allow visitors to participate in two great events at the museum. The Antique Truck Show and C.V. Fire and Safety Fair take place from 10 am to 4 pm both days. Admission includes the truck show, fire and safety fair, full museum access, and unlimited train rides.

Discovery Kids Summer Workshops

2010-08-04T08:05:00.000-07:00

The BCFDC is offering a new program this year, the Discovery Kids Summer Workshops. There are four fun and interactive 90-minute workshops for children ages 5 to 12 years.

The “Forest Survivor” workshop shows children how to use compasses and maps to search for scavenger hunt clues throughout the 100-acre site. “Junior Conductor” teaches children what it takes to be a conductor and how steam technology works. The “Whirligigs and Pick Up Sticks” workshop allows children to step back in time and play with toys, just like those used by children in logging camps 100 years ago. The “Marsh Monsters” workshop takes children on a pond safari where they search for creatures that live in Somenos Marsh and learn about the wetland ecosystem.

The workshops take place from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm on Thursdays. They are included in regular museum admission and memberships. The workshops are available on a drop-in basis and caregivers must remain with their children for the duration of the program.

The workshops are so much fun that the kids forget they are learning. See the schedule below to find out when your family can check out these new summer favorites!

Schedule
August 5    Marsh Monsters
August 12    Junior Conductor
August 19    Forest Survivor
August 26    Whirligigs & Pick Up Sticks

Spotlight on Samson (No. 25)

2010-08-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

Samson's Story

Samson is the BC Forest Discovery Centre's most famous locomotive. Samson No. 25 was built in 1910 and purchased by Grant Small & Company, a construction contractor based in Washington. In 1920, S.S. Magoffin Construction purchased the locomotive from the Vancouver Machinery Depot for use in the construct of the Great Northern Railway (now CNR) grade through the Fraser Canyon. Later on, Samson was used to transport fill for the construction of the North Vancouver harbour facilities

The locomotive saw little service after the 1920s and was facing the scrapper’s torch when purchased by Gerry Wellburn, BCFDC founder in 1955. The tender which is used to carry a fuel tank, also holds a water tank and duplex-pump for fire fighting purposes. It can also “water track”, which utilizes nozzles on the back of the tender to prevent fires that could be sparked by the train in hot and dry conditions

Samson is the same class of locomotive as Percy from Thomas the Tank Engine!

Technical Data

Designation: Class C-6, 0-4-0, Saddle Tank Engine

Weight: 18 tons.

Cylinder dimensions: 10x16

Boiler pressure: originally 140 pounds per square inch – now 150 psi).

Gauge: Narrow (36 inches).

Fuel: Originally coal – now #2 Furnace oil. It burns about 62 Gallons a day.

Steam locomotives require constant maintenance. Samson requires a boiler washout once a month to keep her in working condition. This year, the BCFDC have replaced two stay bolts in the boiler, calibrated the steam pressure gauge, and replaced a journal bearing on the tender.

BC Day is Kids Day

2010-08-03T10:42:00.001-07:00

Over 1,200 people enjoyed the BC Day is Kids Day event yesterday. There were many happy children riding the steam train with painted faces and big smiles! Children's entertainment was provided by Sparkle and Sweezie the clowns and the Kathy White Highland Dancers. The bouncy castle and carnival-style games were hits with the younger kids, but the most popular activity of the day was building wooden boats and other projects with Rona's Little Hammers program.

Visitors came from all over Southern Vancouver Island to visit the museum, ride the train and spend a fun day with their families and friends. Thanks to our visitors, volunteers and staff for a great day!

Full Steam Ahead!

2010-07-29T16:09:00.000-07:00

The BC Forest Discovery Centre is a 100-acre, open-air museum in Duncan, British Columbia, Canada. Visitors ride the train around the grounds and over the Somenos Lake trestle. Indoor and outdoor exhibits show the history of the forestry and logging industries in coastal British Columbia. Many of our 12 heritage buildings including the 1930s logging camp bunkhouses have exhibits inside.

The BCFDC is a great place for nature enthusiasts to enjoy a walk. There are tranquil forest trails that wind through 300 year-old Douglas fir trees and a trail through Somenos Marsh that provides stunning bird watching opportunities. Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, and Northern Flickers are regularly spotted in the wetland areas.

Special events are held throughout the year. The year kicks off in February with the Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival, an event that highlights BC maple syrup. The spring features an Easter Egg Hunt and Marsh Fest. The summer calendar is full of events including Canada Day, BC Day is Kids Day, and a Vintage Truck Show. The fall line up starts with Harvest Fest and the Halloween Train is new for 2010. Our most popular event of the year is the Christmas Express; an unforgettable steam train ride through festive light displays.

There is something here for everyone!