It will be an evening of views, food and the fun of a silent auction at the Burke Mountain Naturalists' annual general meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Browse and bid on items and gift certificates donated by local businesses, plus items and services donated by BMN members. Among the services offered are teaching sessions in your home with a computer software tutor, a guided two-day kayak tour of Indian Arm, and three hours of handyman services. There will also be a bake table with donated items for sale, and volunteers from the Riverview Horticultural Centre Society will sell fresh holly and other seasonal decorations.

Funds raised will be donated to the Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. Wildlife Rescue specializes in the care and rehabilitation of injured, orphaned or pollution-damaged urban wildlife. Each year, the association admits an average of 3,000 animals, ranging from abandoned chickadee nestlings to poisoned bald eagles to injured beavers, deer and raccoons.

The Dec. 11 meeting will include a brief AGM and seasonal refreshments, after which BMN member Ian McArthur will present a slide show featuring the past year's hikes, invasive plant removal parties, nest box cleaning, public nature walks and other BMN activities. BMN enters its 24th year in the community this year and always welcomes new members.

This meeting also provides an opportunity to sign up for the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count, to be held this year on Saturday, Dec. 15. Participation is free, and anyone interested in joining a team of birders can contact BMN at BurkeMtnNats@gmail.com or call Hilary Maguire at 604-469-5805.

Tuesday's meeting will be held in the hall of Como Lake United Church, at the corner of Marmont Street and King Albert Avenue in Coquitlam. Doors open at 7 p.m., and silent auction bidding will close at 9 p.m. For more information, contact 604-936-4108 or 604-4613864, or see www.bmn.bc.ca.