Summer 2008
This summer we worked on the Stewardship Support Projectlike bees on their hive. Our team of 3 helped support landstewards by identifying ecologically sensitive sites onprivately owned lands as well as current, imminent andpotential environmental issues or threats. By doing site visitsand providing information about conservation tools weassisted and encouraged locals to conserve/restoreecologically important places in the Cowichan Valley. Wekept as busy as orchard bees – buzzing through the fields andfields of wonderful ways we can improve the health of our community’s waterways and landscapes.
Steward
The
Monika Pakstas Madeline SouthernErin Ward
Our research student helpsmigratory
waterfowl!
Monika Pakstas has completed a report, which has unearthed andcompiled research and documentsrelating to Somenos Marsh,Quamichan Lake, CowichanEstuary and Chemainus Estuary.These are extremely importantplaces for migratory birdoverwintering, feeding and resting.
We are planning to hold a public meeting for anyonewho is interested in protecting waterfowl habitat.Please contact us
!
The three busy bees would like to giveJohn Scull our deepest thanks for all hisgood humor and guidance this summer .
PEOPLE LOVE GARRY OAK WALKS
The SomenosGarry Oak Protected Area has a long, rich history of FirstNation traditional uses and also has many rare andendangered species. This summer we organized walksled by local experts. If you want to learn more aboutthese fascinating landscapes contact us at the office!
COWICHAN LAND TRUST
#6 - 55 Station St, Duncan BC, V9L 1M2; Phone: 250-746-0227Email: cclt@naturecowichan.net; Website: www.naturecowichan.net
The Steward Summer 2008
Underwater Gardening: Cowichan Bay
Rows of eelgrass are spreading the seeds of change…
BIG SALTY THANKS TO VOLUNTEERS!
On June 27
th
and 28
th
a strong team of over 50volunteers, coordinated by the Cowichan LandTrust, helped transplant 2000 eelgrass shoots inCowichan Bay. SeaChange Marine ConservationSociety and Precisions Identification led the biological methods and taught helpers how to attachanchors made out of iron onto the eelgrass shoots atHecate Park boat launch.
Anchors will hold theeelgrass roots in place underground and give them achance to establish and spread by seed and rhizomes.On Saturday, many volunteers stayed longer thanthey had originally signed up for, enjoying thepersonal satisfaction of knowing they arecontributing to bringing back a vital marineecosystem.
WHY IS EELGRASS IMPORTANT?
Among the richest and most productive of allbiotic communities, eelgrass provides a diversityof habitats for marine life:
•
80% of commercially important fishdepend on eelgrass during part of theirlifecycle
•
Pacific herring and smelts deposit theireggs on eelgrass blades
•
Birds, fish, crabs, snails and several otherorganisms depend on eelgrass for foodand shelterEelgrass helps to slow coastline erosionFor more info: www.seachangelife.net/index.html
Funders: BC Conservation Foundation, Pacific Salmon Foundation and CVRDEelgrass planted with 1m spacing
Taken during transplant by: Jamie SmithCoastal Photography Studio
The Steward Summer 2008
In Memory of Charles Poole…A Debt of Gratitude
By John Scull
Charles Poole was a Director of theCowichan Land Trust from 1996 untilhe resigned, for health reasons, in2007. He passed away this March.As I consider the loss of my friend andassociate, my principle emotion isgratitude, for his friendship, humour,integrity, and good will, and for histremendous contribution to ourorganization and to conservation inthe Cowichan region.His deep understanding of businessand accounting resulted in the LandTrust acquiring a reputation forintegrity and financial responsibilitywith our supporters, local government,and other conservancies and landtrusts. He took a lead role as theLand Trust representative on thecommittee to purchase the CowichanGarry Oak Preserve, assisted with thepurchase of the Holland Creek TrailCorridor, and took an active role in allour conservation activities andprojects.Charles is an example to all of us,showing the importance of contributingour skills and our time to thecommunity. Through his work at theLand Trust he has left a lasting legacyin the community and in the hearts ofthose of us who were privileged towork with him.
AGM Notice:
When: SEPTEMBER 17
th
, 7pm
Where
: Cowichan Land TrustOffice: 55 Station St, Duncan
SO YA WANNA BE IN A STEWARDGROUP?
Our community outreach during this summer has unveiledsome of the barriers that locals face when they try to protectnature. The main barriers that we identified are lack of:technical expertise, time, funding, support from organizations/ municipalities and neighborhood coordination. In order tohelp break down these barriers, we are now focusing onstarting, revitalizing and supporting environmentalstewardship groups.In order to supportcommunityenvironmentalstewardship groups, wewill be contactingvarious groups andindividuals who wantto start groups and begin identifying their concerns and visions.We will be providingworkshops to facilitatedialogue, coordination, technical skills, resources, andplanning. We also hope to help create a commonunderstanding of the human and biological community.Workshops will be provided based on the needs of groups. If you already are, or want to be in a stewardship group andwould like support please contact the office at: 250-746-0227.Please stay tuned to www.naturecowichan.net for workshopannouncements.
STREAMKEEPERS COURSE OCT 4 & 5
Come learn the skills required to evaluate, measure andmonitor your local potentialfish-bearing streams! Theworkshop runs from 9am-4pmeach day, with instructor DaveClough. Lunch provided. Moreinfo available at www.pskf.ca.Participants are asked to donate$60 at the time of registrationand they can purchase theStreamkeepers Manual for adiscount price of $20. Sponsor for this program: PCAF
of 00
The Cowichan Land Trust Steward - Summer 2008
286 Reads
Info and Rating
| Category: | Uncategorized. |
| Rating: | |
| Upload Date: | 12/02/2009 |
| Copyright: | Attribution Non-commercial |
| Tags: |
Leave a Comment