This August 21st we are having an Open House BBQ for past, present and potential Volunteers.
Ever considered helping guide students as they explore the shorelines, hand out binoculars to community members so they can watch Osprey nesting, participate in watershed restoration projects? Well, this August might be your chance to learn more about how to get started.
Invite is by RSVP, if you are interested in joining us for a Volunteer BBQ and learning about volunteering at the Nature Centre, email info@cowichanestuary.ca for details.
“A new UN report says that unless we change, humans are driving close to 1 million species to extinction.
Canada has close to a quarter of the world’s wild forests and wetlands so has a critical role to play. Scientists say we have the potential to be a conservation superpower. But our track record is abysmal.
Currently, 89% of Canada’s nature is unprotected and half our monitored wildlife species are suffering severe population declines. Animals in trouble include the Polar Bear, the Piping Plover, the Southern Resident Orca, the Woodland Caribou and the Swift Fox.
Canadians care deeply for the health and well-being of wildlife and are passionate about protecting nature for the benefit of all life and future generations. We also support Indigenous-led conservation in these efforts.
It is time for the federal government to fulfill Canada’s commitment to double the amount of protected areas across Canada. Please join others in adding your name to the petition below asking for more protections for nature. Time is short.”
Salvaging salmon fry in the Koksilah River. (photo Genevieve Singleton)
On July 17th, the Nature Centre is partnering with the Cowichan Watershed Board to host an evening on Water Conservation in the increasingly drought challenged Koksilah Watershed. Join us for a solutions-focused community conversation from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Hub in Cowichan Station.
Sierra Robinson, Permaculture Teacher
Speakers Tom Rutherford, fish biologist and Watershed Board Executive Director, and David Slade, Watershed Board member and former President of the BC Groundwater Association, will be joined by 17-year old Sierra Robinson, permaculture teacher, farmer, film-maker and crew-lead for the Cowichan Valley Earth Guardians. Together they will talk about the severe drought conditions in the watershed, the ongoing challenge of climate change and real, on-the-ground water conservation solutions.
“Water conservation is everybody’s responsibility,” says Rutherford, “While it’s easy to point fingers at the big agricultural users, we all have to step up. We can all be better water stewards.”
A world-café style community conversation will follow the presentations to give residents a chance to share what water conservation efforts are working, what is worth trying and what kind of support is needed to better address the growing water challenges in the Koksilah.
During the evening local gardeners and hobby farmers in the Koksilah Watershed will also have a chance to apply to win one of six free permaculture water conservation garden audits on their property. These will be conducted by local permaculturists Jason Greenwood and Sierra Robinson in August. Those householders participating in garden audits will receive a report with specific water conservation recommendations for their property.
Permaculture is an ecological approach to gardening and food production and one of its most exciting aspects is its approach to water. Permaculture designers use landscape design to conserve and store water while building topsoil. Some permaculture projects have been so successful that they even recharge groundwater supplies.
One of the gardens selected for an audit will also be chosen for a Permaculture Blitz implementing water conservation solutions. This includes both design support from our permaculture experts and a day of hands-on help from a team of young volunteers to work on a water conservation garden transformation this fall. The team will bring tools and willing hands. The property owner will cover the hard costs, such as the purchase of trees or shrubs.
Permaculture Water Conservation Garden Audit on your property (Open to Gardeners and Hobby Farmers in the Koksilah Watershed)
Six lucky home owners will receive a water conservation audit of their property this August, 2019. From this group of 6, one homeowner will have the chance to transform their property this summer through a one day Water Conservation Permaculture Blitz.
These water conservation audits will be conducted by local permaculturists Jason Greenwood and Sierra Robinson in August. Those householders participating in garden audits will receive a report with specific water conservation recommendations for their property.
One of the gardens selected for an audit will also be chosen for a Permaculture Blitz implementing water conservation solutions. This includes both design support from our permaculture experts and a day of hands-on help from a team of young volunteers to work on a water conservation garden transformation this fall. The team will bring tools and willing hands. The property owner will cover the hard costs, such as the purchase of trees or shrubs or drip irrigation materials.
Permaculture is an ecological approach to gardening and food production and one of its most exciting aspects is its approach to water. Permaculture designers use landscape design to conserve and store water while building topsoil. Some permaculture projects have been so successful that they even recharge groundwater supplies.
To complete the application please fill out the form below and submit to info@cowichanestuary.ca Deadline for applications: Midnight July 31st!
For questions, email info@cowichanestuary.ca or call 250.597.2288
It takes a village to maintain the Nature Centre, and all it’s programs, interpretive displays, fundraising and and and…
Which is why it was so wonderful to have the incredibly focused, dedicated energy of the Rotary Club of Duncan to come stain our building in a morning.
We send out a HUGE Thank you to all the volunteers who assisted in the eelgrass restoration project this week
We had an amazing 4 days of participating in the restoration of eel grass beds. BIG thanks Cheri Ayers and Cowichan Tribes, Sea Change and to all the volunteers including Alistair MacGregor MP and Chief Seymour for their participation and love of the estuary.
Over 5000 eelgrass rhizomes were transplanted
Cowichan Tribes, with support from the Federal Coastal Restoration Fund, teamed up with the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre to re-plant over 5000 eelgrass plants in the Cowichan Estuary. Eelgrass restoration was being overseen by biologist Cheri Ayers and a team of experts from SeaChange Marine Conservation Society who worked with divers and many volunteers to restore eelgrass meadows in the estuary.
“For many years the northern side of the estuary has been lacking eelgrass while the southern side near Hecate Park has continued to thrive” said Chief Seymour of Cowichan Tribes. “In historic times the elders tell of fields of eelgrass across the whole estuary where they raked crabs and harvested seafood. When the tide was out the table was set”. The team re-planted two pilot areas – one on the extreme northern edge of the estuary and one with the Western Stevedoring lease area along the WesCan Terminal Causeway. The pilot areas will be monitored in 6 months and if successful additional planting will take place over the next two years.
Email alicia@cowichanestuary.ca to add your name to the restoration list for future projects
Join us for an evening on Water Conservation in the Koksilah Watershed – Responding to our Changing Climate: A Community Conversation at the HUB in Cowichan Station
With speakers David Slade & Tom Rutherford from the Cowichan Watershed Board, and 16 year-old Sierra Robinson, permaculture teacher
AND a chance for Gardeners and Hobby Farmers in the Koksilah Watershed to apply to have a permaculture water conservation garden auditon their property and win a one-day permaculture water conservation garden Perma-Blitz transformation.
The Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre is a charitable non-profit. Our purposes are: To advance education by providing programs and classes to children, youth, and the public on the subjects of the Cowichan Estuary, its marine and bird life, its natural and cultural history, the Cowichan and Koksilah Watersheds, and other natural ecosystems, and to protect, restore and enhance the quality of the natural environment in the Cowichan Estuary and its adjacent watersheds.
The Nature Centre, located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Quw’utsun’ People, engages people of all ages in hands-on learning and watershed restoration opportunities in the Cowichan estuary, and the Cowichan and Koksilah watersheds, creating opportunities for children and adults alike to fall in love with this special ecosystem and feel interconnected with the natural world. We believe these experiences motivate people to share their love and knowledge of nature, and act to care for and protect natural ecosystems here and throughout the Cowichan Valley.
The Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre is looking for an Administrative Coordinator (Coordinator) with strong communication and administrative skills and a passion for supporting nature education, conservation and restoration.
The Coordinator is accountable to and works under the direction of the Centre’s Executive Director and with the support of the Board and our team of volunteers.
This position is 25 – 30 hours a week. Salary range is $25 to $30 per hour, based on skills and experience. This could be a full-time position at 37.5 hrs/week for a candidate who also has experience as an educator in developing and leading nature-based education programs.
Please submit applications by August 12th at midnight to admin@cowichanestuary.ca. Anticipated start date: August 29, 2022.
We are delighted to recognize long-time Nature Centre Volunteer Eric Marshall who was selected as an Outstanding Volunteer to receive the Island Savings #SimpleGenerosity Award.
“Eric’s contributions to the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre and the community in general are significant.” says Nature Centre Coordinator Haley Guest. “He generously gives his time as a volunteer nature interpreter, works with our school programs, and also works on the Operations Committee. I’ve learned so much from Eric and am grateful for his wisdom and commitment to our little Nature Centre!”
Eric received $1500 to give to a charity of his choice – and we are grateful that he kindly donated the funds to the Nature Centre.
Eric Marshall and Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre Coordinator Haley Guest. Eric kindly donated the $1500 to the Nature Centre.
#SimpleGenerosity was a year-long campaign of Island Savings and other divisions of First West Credit Union as part of an effort to celebrate the Canadians who make communities great by recognizing local volunteers, non-profit organizations and charities that are making meaningful contributions in our communities.
In 2017, they recognized 52 outstanding volunteers or volunteer teams – one individual or group every week from communities throughout British Columbia. They believe that every act of kindness and every volunteer hour make our communities strong and vibrant.
