Cumberland BC: The Cumberlander Articles Section
Local · 15th September 2010
joanne
Interested in learning more about wetlands and wetland protection? Then consider signing up for a BC Wildlife Federation Wetlandkeeper course this October. This weekend workshop offers individuals an opportunity for hands-on practice of wetland conservation skills.
The Wetlandkeeper course will be taught by Michele Jones and Julie Micksch. Michele is a registered professional biologist and has had extensive educational experience working with groups from 10 to 80 years of age. Julie is an experienced wildlife biologist and has taught outdoor programs for over 10 years. “There are not many regulations that protect wetlands, so community education is needed to teach people about the importance of protecting them,” says biologist and Wetlandkeeper instructor, Michele Jones. “That includes recognizing the different types of wetlands, mapping where they are and documenting information about them.” Jones notes that the Comox Valley is home to all of the types of wetlands and that conservation of them is needed.
Historically people have viewed wetlands as mucky, mosquito-infested wastelands, areas of no value. We now know that wetlands are vital to the ecological balance of the planet and that they serve many functions. Swamps, marshes, bogs, and fens act as crucial water filtration systems and habitat for wildlife and along shorelines we have tidal marshes that provide essential cover and food for salmon. Wetlands are often the sources of water that feed our streams during the summer dry months.
Sponsored by Project Watershed, the 2 ˝ day Wetlandkeeper course will cover all types of wetlands, including estuaries. Participants will visit local wetlands, learn how to identify and map wetlands, and conduct plant and bird inventories. The course will be held on October 22nd, 23rd & 24th at the Courtenay Fish & Game Club from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm on Friday, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $90.00 + $35.00 for the course handbook. $70.00 for Project Watershed members. (+$35.00 for handbook). Participants can download and print the Wetlandkeeper’s Handbook themselves as an alternative to purchasing. For more information or course registration contact: Joanne 250-703-2871 or j.ellefsonshaw.ca.
Project Watershed is an enterprising non-profit society that was established in 1993 by a small group of citizens concerned by declining fish stocks, water quality, and rapid urban development in Comox Valley watersheds. Often working in partnership with local stewardship organizations, industry and all levels of government, we promote community stewardship through education, information and action projects. We offer professional conservation mapping and related technical services, host regular Streamkeeper & Wetlandkeeper courses, maintain a stewardship information library, and currently manage research, restoration, assessment, protection and awareness raising projects in the Courtenay River Estuary and Puntledge River Watershed.
Partnering with like-minded organizations we maintain offices at the "Comox Valley Conservation Center" at 2356A Rosewall Crescent in Courtenay. For further information about Comox Valley Project Watershed Society and our volunteer and membership opportunities, visit our website: www.projectwatershed.bc.ca.
The Wetlandkeeper course will be taught by Michele Jones and Julie Micksch. Michele is a registered professional biologist and has had extensive educational experience working with groups from 10 to 80 years of age. Julie is an experienced wildlife biologist and has taught outdoor programs for over 10 years. “There are not many regulations that protect wetlands, so community education is needed to teach people about the importance of protecting them,” says biologist and Wetlandkeeper instructor, Michele Jones. “That includes recognizing the different types of wetlands, mapping where they are and documenting information about them.” Jones notes that the Comox Valley is home to all of the types of wetlands and that conservation of them is needed.
Historically people have viewed wetlands as mucky, mosquito-infested wastelands, areas of no value. We now know that wetlands are vital to the ecological balance of the planet and that they serve many functions. Swamps, marshes, bogs, and fens act as crucial water filtration systems and habitat for wildlife and along shorelines we have tidal marshes that provide essential cover and food for salmon. Wetlands are often the sources of water that feed our streams during the summer dry months.
Sponsored by Project Watershed, the 2 ˝ day Wetlandkeeper course will cover all types of wetlands, including estuaries. Participants will visit local wetlands, learn how to identify and map wetlands, and conduct plant and bird inventories. The course will be held on October 22nd, 23rd & 24th at the Courtenay Fish & Game Club from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm on Friday, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $90.00 + $35.00 for the course handbook. $70.00 for Project Watershed members. (+$35.00 for handbook). Participants can download and print the Wetlandkeeper’s Handbook themselves as an alternative to purchasing. For more information or course registration contact: Joanne 250-703-2871 or j.ellefsonshaw.ca.
Project Watershed is an enterprising non-profit society that was established in 1993 by a small group of citizens concerned by declining fish stocks, water quality, and rapid urban development in Comox Valley watersheds. Often working in partnership with local stewardship organizations, industry and all levels of government, we promote community stewardship through education, information and action projects. We offer professional conservation mapping and related technical services, host regular Streamkeeper & Wetlandkeeper courses, maintain a stewardship information library, and currently manage research, restoration, assessment, protection and awareness raising projects in the Courtenay River Estuary and Puntledge River Watershed.
Partnering with like-minded organizations we maintain offices at the "Comox Valley Conservation Center" at 2356A Rosewall Crescent in Courtenay. For further information about Comox Valley Project Watershed Society and our volunteer and membership opportunities, visit our website: www.projectwatershed.bc.ca.