Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Author at The Discourse.

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?

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● July 23, 2025

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

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● July 17, 2025

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

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● March 26, 2025

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

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

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● March 19, 2025

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

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● March 12, 2025

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

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● March 5, 2025

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

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● February 26, 2025

‘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

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● February 19, 2025

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

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● February 12, 2025

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

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● February 5, 2025

Comox Valley farmers are already feeling the climate change heat.

Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Scotch broom increases wildfire risk. What can we do about it?

Courtenay organization turns to community after losing funding for programs

Small village, big topic: Cumberland dives into its watersheds for World Water Day

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

Air quality in the City of Courtenay is improving thanks to local initiatives, report says

Want to branch out in the community? Check out these tree workshops

Comox Valley Farmers’ market and partners up for 10 awards

Biscuits and marmot-friendly weather contributing to Vancouver Island marmot baby boom

‘Fingers crossed,’ Comox Valley Farmers’ Market awaits renewal of coupon program

Poll: Climate change a top concern for Canadian farmers

Nanaimo’s toxic drug emergency at 10 years

Nanaimo city council votes down proposed drug policy letter

Motion to close Nanaimo’s Overdose Prevention Site withdrawn

‘Like a bomb dropping’: Safer supply changes leave patients struggling for stability

Drop in 2024 Nanaimo overdose deaths still ‘a fraction’ of overall trend upwards

Sudden changes to safer supply program a ‘huge mistake,’ says Nanaimo patient

Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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