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Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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Madeline Dunnett,'s Latest Articles

A woman with a green hat that reads "Broombusters," bends over next to a shrub with yellow flowers, cutting the plant. She is wearing a white shirt and it is sunny outside.
Scotch broom increases wildfire risk. What can we do about it?

Invasive species such as Scotch broom can exacerbate wildfires, but communities are working hard to remove these invaders from local ecosystems.

From above, a group of hands of people from various ages dig in the dirt and garden.
Courtenay organization turns to community after losing funding for programs

Lake Trail Community Education Society hopes the Courtenay community can help raise $50k to support its programming for all ages.

A rocky outcrop with dry plants and arbutus trees at Comox Lake Bluffs Ecological Reserve. The lake and hills can be seen in the background.
Small village, big topic: Cumberland dives into its watersheds for World Water Day

This year’s United Nations theme was preserving glaciers, and dozens of locals marked the occasion with the Cumberland Community Forest Society at Cumberland’s Weird Church

A Vanouver Island marmot
Before colonization, ‘Vancouver Island’ residents were wandering the mountains. So were the marmots

Now at risk of extinction, the Vancouver Island marmot has an ancient archeological history here.

View from parking lot looking down onto The City of Courtenay
Air quality in the City of Courtenay is improving thanks to local initiatives, report says

Smoke pollution is decreasing in the City of Courtenay, but there is still work to be done.

View from the bottom looking up of an old-growth Garry oak. It has its leaves and it is bright out.
Want to branch out in the community? Check out these tree workshops

Comox Valley Nature is offering guided workshops on mother trees, tree structure, and root systems.

A sign outside the Cumberland Farmers' Market that says 'market today,' and people walk around booths set up in the background.
Comox Valley Farmers’ market and partners up for 10 awards

'Our market here is strong,’ says Comox Valley Farmers’ Market general manager.

A young Vancouver Island Marmot sits in a field of flowers.
Biscuits and marmot-friendly weather contributing to Vancouver Island marmot baby boom

Population is still far from pre-colonial levels but this critically endangered species is making a comeback.

A table with three women sitting outside under a tent at the Comox Valley farmers' market
‘Fingers crossed,’ Comox Valley Farmers’ Market awaits renewal of coupon program

Manager of Comox Valley Farmers’ Market says more funds needed to support those who need access to fresh, local food.

A woman holds up a bright pink vegetable.
Poll: Climate change a top concern for Canadian farmers

Comox Valley farmers are already feeling the climate change heat.