Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Greenways Loop underway!
Trail construction has begun on the Greenways Loop Jubilee Connector! This is a project over 10 years in the making! For more information, please visit www.greenwaystrust.ca!
Interpretive Walks for Summer and Fall!
Greenways Land Trust is offering three interpretive walks in late August and September. All walks cost $5.00 for an individual, $10.00 for a family, and Greenways Members are FREE! Please find details of our walks below.
August 29, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Beaver Lodge Forest Lands
Parking and Meeting place: The first gate encountered driving south on ERT Road from Evergreen Road (please do not block the gate with vehicles, as it is an access point for fire services)
Topic: How wood fits in the ecosystem.
Includes wood creation and decay, value as habitat, value in a stream.
Led by Roy Myers of the Simms Creek Stewardship Society
September 14, 2010 - 6:00 to 7:30pm
Location: Haig-Brown Heritage House / Bed and Breakfast - Gold River Highway at Quinsam River Road
Topic: Best Laid Plans of Beavers and Man
Led by Sandra Milligan, biology instructor at North Island College
September 20, 2010 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Martin Road Entrance to Willow Creek Nature Trust
Topic: Environmental Stewardship
Led by Chuck DeSorcy of the Willow Creek Watershed Society
August 29, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Beaver Lodge Forest Lands
Parking and Meeting place: The first gate encountered driving south on ERT Road from Evergreen Road (please do not block the gate with vehicles, as it is an access point for fire services)
Topic: How wood fits in the ecosystem.
Includes wood creation and decay, value as habitat, value in a stream.
Led by Roy Myers of the Simms Creek Stewardship Society
September 14, 2010 - 6:00 to 7:30pm
Location: Haig-Brown Heritage House / Bed and Breakfast - Gold River Highway at Quinsam River Road
Topic: Best Laid Plans of Beavers and Man
Led by Sandra Milligan, biology instructor at North Island College
September 20, 2010 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Martin Road Entrance to Willow Creek Nature Trust
Topic: Environmental Stewardship
Led by Chuck DeSorcy of the Willow Creek Watershed Society
Monday, August 23, 2010
CR 50k Challenge!
| September 5th, 9:00am - 7:00pm |
Snowden Demonstration Forest
The 50k Challenge is on again! This event is a 54km singletrack race for trail runners and mountain bikers. What a wonderful event to showcase our local recreational amenities and promote active lifestyles!
Greenways will once again be participating in the Campbell River 50K Challenge, and we are looking for four volunteers to help at aid stations. The 50k challenge is held on September 05, 2010 (Saturday) at the Snowden Forest.
There are two shifts (one from 9:15 to 12:00, and one from 11:45 to 4:00). If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please contact Greenways via e-mail, or phone 250-287-3785.
Greenways will once again be participating in the Campbell River 50K Challenge, and we are looking for four volunteers to help at aid stations. The 50k challenge is held on September 05, 2010 (Saturday) at the Snowden Forest.
There are two shifts (one from 9:15 to 12:00, and one from 11:45 to 4:00). If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please contact Greenways via e-mail, or phone 250-287-3785.
For more information about the 50k Challenge, please visit http://www.cr50k.com/
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Beaver Lodge Interpretive Walk
Title: Wood in the Ecosystem
Subject: How wood fits in the ecosystem of BLFL. Includes wood creation and decay, value as habitat, value in a stream.
Date: Sunday August 29, 2010
Time: 1300-1500 (1pm-3pm), between 1.5 to 2.0 hours long.
Parking and Meeting place: The first gate encountered driving south on ERT Road from Evergreen Road. "Please do not block the gate, as it is an access point for fire services."
Led by Roy Myers from the Simms Creek Stewardship Society
Admission: $5. individual, $10. family, and FREE for Greenways Land Trust members!
Contact greenways@greenwaystrust.ca for more information.
Subject: How wood fits in the ecosystem of BLFL. Includes wood creation and decay, value as habitat, value in a stream.
Date: Sunday August 29, 2010
Time: 1300-1500 (1pm-3pm), between 1.5 to 2.0 hours long.
Parking and Meeting place: The first gate encountered driving south on ERT Road from Evergreen Road. "Please do not block the gate, as it is an access point for fire services."
Led by Roy Myers from the Simms Creek Stewardship Society
Admission: $5. individual, $10. family, and FREE for Greenways Land Trust members!
Contact greenways@greenwaystrust.ca for more information.
Invasive Plant Removal
Thank you to all of the volunteers who came out on Saturday to remove invasive species! We removed a large English holly tree, some lamium, Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry from a riparian area in the Larwood Creek tributary. A huge thanks to our volunteers, and to Strategic Forest Management for clearing an access path!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Tim Hortons Community Cleanup
Tim Hortons Community Cleanup is this Saturday at 10am! Volunteers are meeting behind Banners Restaurant to pickup litter and bash broom. Tim Hortons is providing free Timbits, coffee, and is giving our travel mugs too! Come on down and show your community pride from 10-2!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thank-You Campbell River Community Foundation
Many thanks to the Campbell River Community Foundation for your tremendous support of the Greenways Loop Jubilee Extension!
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_north/campbellrivermirror/news/95048019.html
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_north/campbellrivermirror/news/95048019.html
Greenways Land Trust AGM
Greenways Land Trust will be holding its annual general meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, June 9th. Attending the AGM is a great way to learn about green initiatives in Campbell River!
Ongoing Projects include:
- Primary stewardship roles in Beaver Lodge Forest Lands, and Haig-Brown Heritage Property
- Development of the “Greenways Loop”, including the current Jubilee extension
- Involvement in the District of Campbell River’s development permits referral process.
- Providing education programs for youth and adults
- Other recreational greenway development: trail building and maintenance
- Habitat protection and enhancement projects such as invasive plant removal (for example, the annual ‘Broom Bash’), re-vegetation work, inventory and mapping.
- Ongoing support for and partnerships with stream stewardship groups: providing technical advice, funding support, training, and organizational capacity development.
AGM Details: Date: Wednesday, June 9th Time: 7-9 pmLocation: Maritime Heritage Centre Boardroom, 621 N. Island Highway (Look for signs for directions from the parking lot to the boardroom)Only members in good standing with Greenways Land Trust for six months is eligible for election to the Board of Directors. However, the public is invited to attend to learn more about Greenways Land Trust.
If you need any additional information, please contact Erin or Patricia at 287-3785 or email: greenways@greenwaystrust.ca
Ongoing Projects include:
- Primary stewardship roles in Beaver Lodge Forest Lands, and Haig-Brown Heritage Property
- Development of the “Greenways Loop”, including the current Jubilee extension
- Involvement in the District of Campbell River’s development permits referral process.
- Providing education programs for youth and adults
- Other recreational greenway development: trail building and maintenance
- Habitat protection and enhancement projects such as invasive plant removal (for example, the annual ‘Broom Bash’), re-vegetation work, inventory and mapping.
- Ongoing support for and partnerships with stream stewardship groups: providing technical advice, funding support, training, and organizational capacity development.
AGM Details: Date: Wednesday, June 9th Time: 7-9 pmLocation: Maritime Heritage Centre Boardroom, 621 N. Island Highway (Look for signs for directions from the parking lot to the boardroom)Only members in good standing with Greenways Land Trust for six months is eligible for election to the Board of Directors. However, the public is invited to attend to learn more about Greenways Land Trust.
If you need any additional information, please contact Erin or Patricia at 287-3785 or email: greenways@greenwaystrust.ca
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Campbell River Oceans Day
Date: Saturday, June 5, 2010
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Location: Maritime Heritage Centre (621 N Island Highway)
Oceans Day is a free family event with tours of Coast Guard vessels, ocean creatures, and arts and crafts. There will be information booths about ocean health, conservation, and lots of other interesting ocean-realted topics. This year there is also a free shuttle to the Campbell River museum! Oceans Day is held at the picturesque Maritime Heritage Centre, next to the famous Discovery Pier. Come on over and enjoy a fun-filled day dedicated to our oceans!
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Location: Maritime Heritage Centre (621 N Island Highway)
Oceans Day is a free family event with tours of Coast Guard vessels, ocean creatures, and arts and crafts. There will be information booths about ocean health, conservation, and lots of other interesting ocean-realted topics. This year there is also a free shuttle to the Campbell River museum! Oceans Day is held at the picturesque Maritime Heritage Centre, next to the famous Discovery Pier. Come on over and enjoy a fun-filled day dedicated to our oceans!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Local High School Students and their Environmental Projects
City of Campbell River Earth Week Film - Addicted to Plastics, has generated a lot of positive results especially for local high school students:
The Earth Week film night at the Tidemark Theatre on April 21 made environmental waves with 150 attendees, 93 green pledges to reduce environmental footprints and $606 donated to the environmental initiatives of Timberline and Carihi schools.
Student representatives from Carihi and Timberline Secondary School participated in the community dialogue portion of the event following, Addicted to Plastic, an award-winning documentary portraying the affects of plastic on the environment.
Carihi students introduced their award-winning short film highlighting their school’s Green Team initiatives, and students from the Timberline Energy Ambassadors program discussed the role of personal responsibility, sharing a slideshow of their school’s ambitious environmental efforts.
“We were very pleased with the turnout,” said Drew Williams, the School District 71 Ecoschools coordinator.
“It’s great to see the community so supportive of our students’ environmental efforts.”
Williams says the money raised will go towards improving the compost program and installing water bottle friendly water fountains at Carihi and to installing a solar hot water system at Timberline.
“The city is very pleased to partner with local students to raise environmental awareness,” says Mayor Charlie Cornfield.
“Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, and we appreciate their enthusiasm for stepping forward and participating in efforts to take care of the planet.”
“The student presentations added immensely to the Earth Week film night,” says Coun. Roy Grant, Council liaison to the City’s Environmental Advisory Commission. “Understanding how they’re turning concern into action is an important part of our collective community effort – and it’s good to reinforce that we’re all working together to make a difference.”
Click here to see photos and article.
The Earth Week film night at the Tidemark Theatre on April 21 made environmental waves with 150 attendees, 93 green pledges to reduce environmental footprints and $606 donated to the environmental initiatives of Timberline and Carihi schools.
Student representatives from Carihi and Timberline Secondary School participated in the community dialogue portion of the event following, Addicted to Plastic, an award-winning documentary portraying the affects of plastic on the environment.
Carihi students introduced their award-winning short film highlighting their school’s Green Team initiatives, and students from the Timberline Energy Ambassadors program discussed the role of personal responsibility, sharing a slideshow of their school’s ambitious environmental efforts.
“We were very pleased with the turnout,” said Drew Williams, the School District 71 Ecoschools coordinator.
“It’s great to see the community so supportive of our students’ environmental efforts.”
Williams says the money raised will go towards improving the compost program and installing water bottle friendly water fountains at Carihi and to installing a solar hot water system at Timberline.
“The city is very pleased to partner with local students to raise environmental awareness,” says Mayor Charlie Cornfield.
“Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, and we appreciate their enthusiasm for stepping forward and participating in efforts to take care of the planet.”
“The student presentations added immensely to the Earth Week film night,” says Coun. Roy Grant, Council liaison to the City’s Environmental Advisory Commission. “Understanding how they’re turning concern into action is an important part of our collective community effort – and it’s good to reinforce that we’re all working together to make a difference.”
Click here to see photos and article.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Broom Bash Success!
Check out the courier Islander news article celebrating the 11th Annual Broom Bash
http://www2.canada.com/courierislander/news/story.html?id=3719b6cb-4d86-41a2-8fa8-f29fe51f9dee
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Greenways Gallop
The Greenways Gallop is Saturday May 8th at 10am.
5 KM FUN RUN / WALK
Beaver Lodge Forest Lands*
10:00 am start
$12 early registration (by May7th @ Shorerunners)
$15 day of race registration, $5 kids under 13
Beaver Lodge Forest Lands*
10:00 am start
$12 early registration (by May7th @ Shorerunners)
$15 day of race registration, $5 kids under 13
Sponsored by Shore Runners Campbell River
to support Greenways Land Trust
See you out there!
An Environmental Investigation of the Quinsam Watershed
Tuesday's Quinsam Watershed meeting at the Maritime Heritage Centre was well attended by members of the local and regional community. Greenways Land Trust, the Tyee Club, the Haig-Brown Institute, the Campbell River Environmental Committee, and Campbell River Estuary Protection Group sponsored the meeting to inform the public of the current and evolving environmental state of the Campbell River watershed and the proposed expansion of the Quinsam coal mine.
Dr. Cullen of the Canadian Water Network, was the the focus of the night, his study found concerning levels of anthropogenic arsenic in sediments collected from Long Lake due to acid rock drainage. He cautions corrective action may be required pending further studies. Here is the executive summary by Dr. Cullen:
An environmental investigation of the Quinsam watershed
This study was initiated to investigate whether the mine was introducing arsenic into the watershed and if so, what the effects of arsenic input were on biota in the watershed. To determine natural and anthropogenic elemental loadings in sediments in the area, sediments were collected from a number of background lakes and lakes on the mine property, including the lake of highest concern, Long Lake. These results were compared with waste material from the mine site. The uptake of arsenic was investigated by using mussels in both short and long-term monitoring studies. A short-term caged mussel experiment was designed to investigate the potential for arsenic uptake, while long-term monitoring of mussels downriver of the mine was used to investigate current and historical arsenic loading in mussels.
Anthropogenic inputs of elements, including arsenic, to the watershed were identified after collected lake sediments were analyzed. In particular, Long Lake sediments were found to be elevated in arsenic. Further speciation analysis and bioaccessibility, or solubility, testing indicated that the introduced arsenic contamination can be easily solubilized and is more soluble than arsenic in the waste rock from the mine site. These speciation and bioaccessibility tests indicate that Long Lake sediments have forms and solubilities of arsenic similar to those from surrounding lakes. Further study is required to identify which of many potential sources around Long Lake is responsible for the elevated arsenic concentrations. The lake that flows into Long Lake, No Name Lake, was previously identified as also having elevated arsenic concentrations (Nordin, 2006) and the current study obtained similar results.
Elevated arsenic concentrations in sediments were found to correlate with elevated arsenic concentrations in biota. During the short-term caged mussels experiment higher arsenic loadings were found in mussels in Long Lake than in surrounding Quinsam watershed lakes. Higher loadings were seen in mussels collected from the Quinsam River in relation to the same species of mussel monitored in a nearby watershed, Simms Creek.
Arsenic concentrations are elevated in Long Lake as a result of acid rock drainage and other chemical process associated with mine waste. The high arsenic levels are associated with high concentrations of sulphate. The arsenic is available to bivalves, and presumably other biota. Further studies to identify the points of arsenic input should be undertaken to allow for corrective action. In particular sediment cores would provide evidence of the extent of anthropogenic arsenic inputs since the mine opening.
The full study can be viewed here.
There is not as of yet any conclusive evidence that condemns the expansion of the mine due to the vague nature of the available proposal. Greenways will thus continue to monitor the project's progress and provide information both here and on our website.
Listen to the CBC On The Island interview with our President pertaining to the proposed project here.
Read the CBC article here.
Dr. Cullen of the Canadian Water Network, was the the focus of the night, his study found concerning levels of anthropogenic arsenic in sediments collected from Long Lake due to acid rock drainage. He cautions corrective action may be required pending further studies. Here is the executive summary by Dr. Cullen:
An environmental investigation of the Quinsam watershed
This study was initiated to investigate whether the mine was introducing arsenic into the watershed and if so, what the effects of arsenic input were on biota in the watershed. To determine natural and anthropogenic elemental loadings in sediments in the area, sediments were collected from a number of background lakes and lakes on the mine property, including the lake of highest concern, Long Lake. These results were compared with waste material from the mine site. The uptake of arsenic was investigated by using mussels in both short and long-term monitoring studies. A short-term caged mussel experiment was designed to investigate the potential for arsenic uptake, while long-term monitoring of mussels downriver of the mine was used to investigate current and historical arsenic loading in mussels.
Anthropogenic inputs of elements, including arsenic, to the watershed were identified after collected lake sediments were analyzed. In particular, Long Lake sediments were found to be elevated in arsenic. Further speciation analysis and bioaccessibility, or solubility, testing indicated that the introduced arsenic contamination can be easily solubilized and is more soluble than arsenic in the waste rock from the mine site. These speciation and bioaccessibility tests indicate that Long Lake sediments have forms and solubilities of arsenic similar to those from surrounding lakes. Further study is required to identify which of many potential sources around Long Lake is responsible for the elevated arsenic concentrations. The lake that flows into Long Lake, No Name Lake, was previously identified as also having elevated arsenic concentrations (Nordin, 2006) and the current study obtained similar results.
Elevated arsenic concentrations in sediments were found to correlate with elevated arsenic concentrations in biota. During the short-term caged mussels experiment higher arsenic loadings were found in mussels in Long Lake than in surrounding Quinsam watershed lakes. Higher loadings were seen in mussels collected from the Quinsam River in relation to the same species of mussel monitored in a nearby watershed, Simms Creek.
Arsenic concentrations are elevated in Long Lake as a result of acid rock drainage and other chemical process associated with mine waste. The high arsenic levels are associated with high concentrations of sulphate. The arsenic is available to bivalves, and presumably other biota. Further studies to identify the points of arsenic input should be undertaken to allow for corrective action. In particular sediment cores would provide evidence of the extent of anthropogenic arsenic inputs since the mine opening.
The full study can be viewed here.
There is not as of yet any conclusive evidence that condemns the expansion of the mine due to the vague nature of the available proposal. Greenways will thus continue to monitor the project's progress and provide information both here and on our website.
Listen to the CBC On The Island interview with our President pertaining to the proposed project here.
Read the CBC article here.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Broom Bash Countdown
The annual Greenways Broom Bash is this Sunday, April 25th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the BMX Track on Homewood Road.
The location is especially important to preserving Nunns Creek Park's ecosystem and reclaiming a recreational resource for the community. This is a chance for residents to reduce anthropogenic impacts to our local environment through removing foreign invasive plant species in this volunteer effort for Earth Week. Scotch Broom was introduced to Vancouver Island during the 19th Century and continues to flourish due to increasing land development and other human activities. Greenways Land Trust and Tim Hortons will be hosting this event for the 11th year in a row, offering volunteers tools, T-shirts, Timbits and fresh coffee in return for their hard work. See you Sunday.
Thanks to the Courier Islander for the article.
Greenways Volunteer Honoured
Mike Pickford, who volunteers with Greenways Land Trust, was honoured with Youth Volunteer of the year at the Campbell River Volunteer of the Year Awards this year.
“Mike is enthusiastic, dedicated and a fine example of how youth can be involved as volunteers,” said Sievwright.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
HAPPY EARTH DAY
Celebrate Earth Day by walking to work and enjoying the outdoors. Plant a tree or go to an organic farmer's market. Commit to as many acts of green as possible and let us know about your achievements!
Get some ideas and record your act here.
More ideas.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
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