HAT Chat
THE NEWSLETTER OF HABITAT ACQUISITION TRUST
"Of all the things the Cubs have done this year, working with HAT in Rithet's Bog was the best experience." Above: Briony Penn connects with Karen Elgersma of SHAW Daily Photos: T. Carnahan
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Conservation Connection 2007! Inside: Executive Director’s Message………………....2 Announcements…………..2 Wolf Cubs in Broadmead..……......3 Organic Islands Festival Giveaway!…...…..…..3 Rithet’s Bog Water….....4 Garden Tour………………...4 Camas Hill Covenant…...….…... 5 Environmental Education…….…......6 Goldstream……..………....6 Award Gala….……………….7 Pleases and Thank Yous .............7 Our Supporters ...........8
For the past several years, HAT has organized a forum for groups and individuals working on environmental conservation in the Capital Region to get together for a day of sharing and learning. With over 100 environmental groups working in the region, we need to talk, learn and listen about each other’s work. Conservation Connection enables strategic alliances, collaboration, and sharing of resources, skills and knowledge. It is also an opportunity for us to recognize that we are a community and one that is strengthened by showing support for one another.
Left: Our region’s Forces of Good conspire to save life on Earth through grassroots activism.
Other session topics included involvement in Municipal Planning, and how to increase collaboration among the Gulf Islands groups. Dr. Richard Hebda gave a thought provoking presentation on modelled effects of climate change on ecosystems. Local hot-button issues came up throughout the day, and folks shared their experiences, challenges and successes over networking breaks and a delicious lunch provided by Chef Laura Moore of Conscious Kitchen Cooks.
SHAW Cable’s Lorraine Scollan and Karen Elgersma interviewed several participants, Conservation Connection 2007 was held April for a segment of The Daily, labeling us “environmental superheroes”! 20th, a fitting kick-off to Earth Day festivities. Over 90 people representing 45 We would like to thank the Environment organizations convened at Victoria’s City Committee of the Victoria Foundation and Hall. Dr. Briony Penn’s keynote address the City of Victoria for supporting this encouraged us to stay hopeful, to share our important regional event. passion for nature with others and to have -Jennifer Eliason fun doing it. A panel-led discussion then looked more deeply at ways to get our message out through media and outreach techniques to reach diverse audiences.
Will this be your last HAT Chat newsletter? Find out on page 2 HATChat Volume 8, Issue 1
executive director’s message HAT is an organisation of amazing people. Our community of support is not high in numbers, but the level of commitment runs deep. The dedication of the individuals we work with is inspiring – from volunteering to spend Sundays in Rithet’s Bog pulling weeds, to legally protecting the land that they own to save species and habitats, forever. This newsletter highlights many of the fantastic people involved in HAT’s projects this spring. Sharon Hartwell and Diane Mothersill of the Rithet’s Bog Conservation Society have been tremendous help with our Rithet’s Bog Good Neighbours Project, and have been committed to caring for the bog for many years. HAT members Mary and Bob Hooper recently opened their garden to the public so others could learn from their adventures in native plant gardening. A troop of hard working boy scouts have spent many hours with HAT staff marking storm drains, pulling broom and learning about the conservation of Rithet’s Bog. One website has been updated thanks to Phil Rees, and another website has been redesigned thanks to David Delisle. Read on to learn more about these initiatives and more.
HAT Board Andrew Harcombe Dave Kelly Simon Philp Holly Cairns Peter Lewis Umeeda Switlo Tara Dunning Andy MacKinnon Karen Yearsley
President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Director Director Director Director Director
HAT Staff Jennifer Eliason Todd Carnahan Kate Emmings Geoff Huber
Executive Director Land Care Coordinator Land/Finance Officer Outreach Coordinator
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the enduring commitment of the HAT staff. They are a hard working bunch, giving up many weekends and evenings to work with landowners, cub scouts and Directors to further the work of HAT. They are an amazingly talented crew, always eager to learn and to share their knowledge with others. We all have a passion for habitat protection, and I think it shows. Working with HAT’s staff and volunteers is quite honestly the highlight of my job. I encourage you to find a way to become involved with HAT – volunteer, attend an event, become a member. You will meet a great group of people and I guarantee you will be inspired by their dedication to the conservation of the wild spaces and creatures of our region. - Jennifer Eliason
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The Nature of Island Artists Sept 15 – Oct 8, 2007 Event planning at the Goldstream Nature House has begun: Letters of invitation are out and volunteers are soliciting raffle prizes. This tenth anniversary show features a poster piece by local biologist, educator, artist, and HAT supporter David Fraser. His ongoing efforts saw the first exhibit fledged and then matured to the showcase it is today. More than one hundred Island and Gulf Island artists exhibit their talents in a gallery setting second to none. Artwork will be for sale outright and by silent auction. The proceeds fund the Nature House and provide an important educational experience for visitors.
land care activities
Wolf cubs spotted in Broadmead Broadmead residents found yellow fish painted by local storm drains thanks to the 5th Tsartlip Cub Pack. In partnership with HAT, the boys have completed over 150 hours of community service through our Good Neighbours Project at Rithet’s Bog. The cubs donated fifteen swallow boxes they built for installation at the bog and on properties of Bog Buddies that signed Land Care Agreements with HAT. The cubs also removed invasive plants from meadows that provide habitat for rare and endangered Vancouver Island Ringlet butterfly larvae and the Red-listed Purple Sanicle plant. In addition, their bottle drive to reduce landfilling and support scouting activities was a real success. The boy scouts learned about wetland values, functions, and human impacts. Now they know some simple ways to reduce harmful human impacts: only rain down storm drains, control pets in the bog, and clean up their poop to preserve water quality. The Bog experience helped them earn Conservation, Naturalist, and Observer badges. Parents joining the fun were also thrilled to get their feet wet in conservation. "Of all the things the Cubs have done this year, working with HAT in Rithet's Bog was the best experience." said Deborah Clark, cub mother. "I'm really excited about the swallow boxes that the Cubs built to put up in the Bog. I went out and bought more wood to build two more for the Bog and then 3 to put up in our backyard, near the Bog. Within a week, I had swallows nesting in our backyard!" marvelled Trevor Bonderud, father of two cubs. "My wife and I were really energized and inspired after Todd's tour of Rithet's Bog. He was a most excellent communicator for young children, and kept youth and adults alike interested for the full 3 hours. We really liked how he tied everything in to environmental stewardship," said Ivan Ranson, Cub Leader and grandfather of two boys. Ford Smith and Konrad Suesser paint a yellow salmon to remind residents of sensitive fish habitat downstream. Photo: T. Carnahan
In recognition for their achievements, HAT nominated the 5th Tsartlip group for a District of Saanich Youth Group Environmental Award for outstanding community service. P.S. They won the award! - Geoff Huber
contest Win a Family pass to the Organic Islands Festival We want to know about your organic gardens! Send in your story of how organic landscaping benefits your family and/or wildlife. Tell us what you have done to encourage biodiversity in your back yard. Write a story (150 words or less), or a poem, and take photos. All entries will be put in a draw for one of five Family passes to the Organic Islands Festival, July 7-8 at Glendale Gardens (Visit the HAT booth!) Our favourite entry will be printed in our next newsletter. Send in your entry by mail or email by July 3rd. HATChat Volume 8, Issue 1
ecosystem health
Student finds Fertilizers in Bog Water Travis Nagy is a Camosun College student who sampled water and sediments in Rithet’s Bog Conservation Area from February to April. He hoped to discover possible contaminants from storm drains and surface flows that drain the highly-paved watershed. By following water sampling protocols established by the Rithet’s Bog Conservation Society in 2003, the data can be compared to flag possible trends in contamination. Mr. Nagy’s investigation is part of HAT’s award-winnning Good Neighbours Project in the Rithet’s Bog watershed. We have already started sharing Travis’ results with residents around the bog, adding ideas on how to improve water quality for salmon. While Travis found overall good results, he made several recommendations to residents. Ammonia and Phosphorus
(nutrient) levels were found to be above normal . The nutrients found in samples may be from petrochemical fertilizers used by Broadmead residents on lawns. Nagy also found Aluminum and Mercury in sediments at very low levels near storm drain outfalls. Possible sources may be motor traffic on roads draining to the Bog. Top dressing turf in the spring with an inch of compost is better for your lawn and salmon than pesticide-laden fertilizer sprays Is your lawn addicted to drugs? because it creates healthy soil from Kick the habitat to help salmon and save money too! Photo: USGS a resource in your own backyard (clippings and leaves). Responsible garden for salmon, please call the dog walkers always “scoop for HATline (995-2428) or send us an salmon” to prevent nutrients from email hatmail@hat.bc.ca. entering the waterways. – Geoff Huber and Todd Carnahan If you live in the Broadmead area and would like to know how you can
Ideas Bloom at Broadmead Garden Tour
Broadmead residents Mary Hooper and Glenn Church hosted a Garden Tour on May 24th as part of HAT’s Good Neighbours Project around Rithet’s Bog. The event showcased over 75 beautiful plant species that are adapted to our dry summer climate. “Wonderfully organized and presented meeting. Very impressed!” said resident Bruce Stewart. Over 50 people enjoyed guided tours of these two neighbouring gardens. Not only do hardy native perennials reduce maintenance time and money, they attract birds and butterflies too. Native plants do just fine without pesticides and synthetic fertilizers that can wash down storm drains that lead to salmon in Colquitz Creek. Some residents have already benefited from HAT’s confidential land care visits. HAT’s field staff meet with landholders to create planting prescriptions specific to the property. Qualified residents get free native plants and some receive swallow nest boxes built by the 5th Tsartlip Cub Scouts. Broadmead resident David Gellately appreciated a recent land care visit. “HAT’s knowledgeable staff gave me a folder of useful landscaping information and some solid recommendations on protecting my Garry oaks. This is exactly what I needed - my interest in native plants has skyrocketed”. What are the Top Ten native plants for your garden? Call the HATline: 995-2428. - Todd Carnahan
Residents delight over Habitat Steward Mary Hooper’s lush and colourful native garden. It’s easy to maintain and drought tolerant.
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habitat protection
Beyond Land Care: Camas Hill Residents Leave a Legacy It was early morning and pockets of mist shrouded the landscape the first time I saw Camas Hill. Rocky outcrops and Douglas-fir framed grassy meadows that held the promise of carpets of spring flowers. It was as if the landscape chuckled at me and my fellow humans as we whizzed by in our vehicles thinking of everything but the splendour that lay just a stone’s throw from the asphalt. When I visit the properties of people who want to covenant their land, I am humbled by their care for the life that exists around them. Similarly, I am in awe of the work that they willingly undertake to protect their land. My visits with Moralea Milne and John Webb, the owners of a large portion of Camas Hill in Metchosin, have had this effect on me. John and Moralea both felt strongly about protecting their land. They wanted to leave a legacy to their community and future generations while still being able to protect their children’s inheritance. Sadly, John passed away in March of this year. His legacy will live on in the diversity of life that thrives on Camas Hill. The Camas Hill covenant is 6.78 hectares (Approximately 16.75 acres) and ranges in elevation from approximately 100 m to 260 m above sea level. The entire area is classified as “sensitive” under the Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory and it contains the uncommon arbutus-shore pine-manzanita plant association interspersed with Douglas-fir/rock outcrop ecosystems. Most notable about the area is its list of rare species including the provincially blue-listed branded skipper (Hesperia colorado oregonia) and the red-listed Sharp-tailed snake (Contia tenuis). John Robert Webb (1946-2007) John Webb died peacefully at his home on Camas Hill, surrounded by his family, on March 17, 2007 after living for a year with lung cancer. John led a full and varied life: he was a master cabinet maker, a road manager for various bands in the 60’s and 70’s, an executive director with Network BC-working to Bridge the Digital Divide across all BC communities, and a Metchosin Councillor who ran and won his position even while declaring himself an environmentalist. John was passionate about his family, his work, his community and the environment, and he is missed.
Moralea Milne captured this portrait of her fellow resident: an Endangered Sharp-tailed snake with good reason to celebrate.
A conservation covenant will protect Camas Hill while allowing Moralea to live on the property, pass it on to her children, or sell it. The covenant is a voluntary legal contract signed by the landowner and the covenant holders (usually two organizations). It prevents current and future landowners from destroying native vegetation, removing soil, disturbing watercourses, and using harmful substances on the land. The agreement is attached to the title of the land; it protects the land’s natural features forever. Covenants are a unique conservation tool because habitat can be protected while maintaining the residential rights of landowners. In most instances they are the most reasonable legal mechanism for habitat protection, especially in areas like the Capital Regional District where property values are high. However, they do have upfront costs for legal fees, surveys, covenant negotiation and baseline reports. Like land acquisition, they also require ongoing funds for compliance monitoring (i.e. endowments or annual donations). Habitat Acquisition Trust would like to sincerely thank the Kaatza Foundation, the Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team (GOERT), Michael McIlvaney (BC Land Surveyor), and the generous donors who have contributed to the protection of this beautiful property. If you would like to support the protection of properties like Camas Hill, or if you would like to learn more about protecting your land, please call me at 995.2428 or email kate@hat.bc.ca . - Kate Emmings
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environmental education
No roof on this science class HAT believes that science is best learned in the great outdoors. With the rates of childhood obesity and associated health problems on the rise, we think that fostering a life long curiosity for nature is a great way to get kids outside and loving it! Who needs video games when you have bogs, Garry oak woodlands and ancient forests in your neighbourhood? HAT continues our elementary school programs this fall thanks to funding from the PromoScience program of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). The NSERC grant will enable our delivery of free, fun activities for elementary schools near environmentally significant areas. The grant also subsidizes school programs at the Goldstream Nature House. HAT’s programs include classroom sessions, trips to local parks, and naturescaping projects. These activities introduce students to natural areas, local ecosystems, urban conservation issues, and Species-at-Risk. Our project’s regional focus encourages children to connect with nature to better recognize the impacts of their daily decisions. Schoolyard naturescapes provide young people with experiential learning opportunities on otherwise sterile school grounds. Students learn about native plants, biology and soil science by planting and caring for native shrubs in an “outdoor classroom”. By planning and installing a drought tolerant, low-maintenance garden, the students may develop a love of gardening, which can be part of an active healthy lifestyle. School gardening creates a
sense of community and connection – they bring nature back into children’s daily lives and build excitement for protection of wild spaces. We look forward to working with the children of the elementary schools around Rithet’s Bog and Knockan Hill to nurture a love for the wild science of the great outdoors. -Jennifer Eliason
Todd Carnahan plants camas bulbs with Sundance students in their naturescaped garden. Their new garden is going strong!
goldstream nature house Things are action-packed as usual at Goldstream Provincial Park. Here is an update on a few things that have happened since the fall. The salmon run school programs were fully booked this past fall: 5000+ school children witnessed the annual spectacle of the salmon run free of charge thanks to the support of local businesses through the Goldstream Chums corporate support program. Fundraising was so successful that Eagle Extravaganza programs were also free. Wildlife viewing opportunities at Goldstream went global this past winter – we now have a direct video feed to the internet so that everyone can see what the visitors to the centre see, from anywhere in the world! This world premiere began with the underwater salmon cam, while the most positive feedback we had was from the estuary camera which allowed incredible views of 100 plus feeding Bald Eagles. Bats in our attic will be the next “feature presentation” – the maternal colony of Yuma Myotis bats like the warmth of the attic for raising their young. Video cameras are set to catch all of the action, starting now. To view them visit our
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website: www.naturehouse.ca for a link. These video cameras have been made possible through the generous donation of time and knowledge from Robert Chappell, a long-time HAT member, and David Hancock of the Hancock Wildlife Foundation. Spring school programs are going well – thanks to a grant from the Natural Sciences Engineering and Research Council of Canada (NSERC). This grant has allowed us to offer two months of Spring programs free of charge. Local children are once again touching slugs, dragonflies, mud, salmon fry, and learning to appreciate the value of protected areas like Goldstream Provincial Park. The outdoor teaching shelter honouring the memories of Doug Andrew and Carol Berryman is also progressing. Both naturalists are always in our thoughts, and we would like all generations of children passing through Goldstream to know their names as well. Funds raised to date are in excess of $10,000. The shelter will showcase green-building techniques like cob construction and a living roof to reflect the environmental and cultural legacy that Doug and Carol passed on to our future citizens. — Darren Copley
lifetime achievement Conservation Legacy Award Presented at Gala Dinner HAT presented our first ever Conservation Legacy Award to co-founding director and former Executive Director Bruce Whittington at our annual Gala Dinner on Mar 1st. McMorran’s Beach House provided a wonderful setting for the award and HAT’s 10th anniversary celebration. Bruce graciously noted the many others who contributed to HAT’s foundation as he reflected on the early days of both HAT and the land trust movement. Bruce received a framed Todd Carnahan photograph and a weekend getaway to the Tofino Botanical Gardens guest accommodations. The other highlight of the evening was a presentation by renowned ethnobotanist, teacher and author, Dr. Nancy J. Turner. Nancy’s presentation spoke to the importance of kinship in aboriginal cultures, and described how many cultures relate to their most important plants and animals as kinfolk. This awareness of natural relationships creates a strong land care ethic—not unlike the one we strive to encourage in the landowners and children we meet through our projects.
Above - President Harcombe presents Bruce Whittington with a basket of goodies to take to Tofino Botanical Gardens Right - HAT Staff Jen and Geoff in their fancy duds. Below— Bruce with former HAT director Marilyn Lambert and HAT member Bob Chappell
If you missed this magical evening of seafood and celebration, watch for the 2008 Gala announcement!
pleases and thank yous HAT is People Like You A big thanks goes out to David Delisle of Webbloom Design, who has redesigned the Conservation Connection website. The new site will launch in July, but the current site is still useful: www.conservationconnection.bc.ca. Thank you to Camosun Environmental Tech student Travis Nagy for all of the time and effort he put into the water quality monitoring project at Rithet’s Bog this spring. HAT welcomes new website volunteer Phil Rees to Canada! Phil will update the website and add new features. HAT also welcomes volunteer Wendy Tyrrell to the HAT team. Wendy is bringing a wealth of land care and community involvement experience to our work in Oak Haven Park. A special thanks and good luck to volunteer Eileen Jones (left) who spent two months with HAT (and our friends at Nature Conservancy of Canada) helping us with several projects before beginning her Masters Degree. We miss you already!
Eco Star!
Big thanks to the volunteers who have pitched in the last few months to help with projects and events: Devon Carter, Virginia Espinoza, Mark van Bakel, and Nathan Reiter. And of course, we want to show our heartfelt appreciation to our regular volunteers, who help us out on a weekly basis: Charlie, Lyndis and Thora. We are forever grateful!
And finally, our requests: Can you spare a robust but light-weight folding table for HAT outreach events? How about a serviceable paper cutter? Any late model laptops out there? HATChat Volume 8, Issue 1
Thank you to the following organizations & businesses for supporting HAT ! General and Project Support Alula Biological Consulting British Columbia Gaming Camosun College - Work on Campus Program District of Saanich Environment Canada – Habitat Stewardship Program Enviropod Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team JW McConnell Family Foundation/ Victoria Foundation Environment Fund Kaatza Foundation Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Provincial Employees Community Services Fund Service Canada’s Summer Job Program Shell Environmental Fund TD Friends of the Environment Terasen Gas Vancity Savings Credit Union Vancouver Foundation Victoria High School – Victoria Foundation’s Students Who Care— Youth in Philanthropy Program Victoria Foundation Victoria Foundation—Outdoor Club of Victoria Worksource Wage Subsidy Program
Urban Forest Stewardship Initiative
Donations of Goods & Services
BC Hydro Township of Esquimalt City of Colwood
Goldstream Chums Archipelago Marine Research Ltd. BC Hydro Back to Back Chiropractic Brown Bros. Agencies Ltd. Canadian Home Builders Association Capital City Paving Ltd. Coast Capital Savings Coast (V.I.) Environmental Ltd. Colwood Dental Group Copley Brothers Construction Don Mann Excavating Ltd. Garnett Capital Corp. Great Pacific Mortgage & Investments Griffiths & Jones Trucking Investors Group Island Equipment Owners Association Nixon Brothers Peninsula Bulldozing Ltd. Peninsula Co-op Unity Rebekah Lodge #145 Victoria Natural History Society
Butchart Gardens Cannor Nursery ‘Chosin Pottery City of Victoria Denman Island Chocolate Co. Fibre Options Gardenworks—Colwood Goldstream Nature House Gye and Associates Ltd. Hemp and Co. Home Depot Honestly Tea and Gifts Jim Jenkins Photography Judith Cullington and Associates Lighthouse Brewing Co. Mar Farms McMorran’s Beach House Michael J. McIlvaney Land Surveying Mitchell Farms Mountain Equipment Co-op PSC Natural Foods Pure Vanilla Bakery Quill’s Tees Rocky Mountain Muffin Co. Sea Soil Serious Coffee Silk Road Tea Co. The Good Planet Co. Thrifty Foods Tofino Botanical Gardens Foundation Webbloom Design Western Canada Wilderness Committee Victoria Clipper YM/YWCA
Habitat Acquisition Trust PO Box 8552, Victoria, BC V8W 3S2 Phone: (250) 995-2428 Fax: (250) 920-7975 email: hatmail@hat.bc.ca www.hat.bc.ca HAT’s office is located in Suite 316 at 620 View Street Habitat Acquisition Trust is incorporated under the Society Act of BC and is a Registered Charity BN 88962 6545 RR0001
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