As the regional representative for BC Nature, Comox Valley Nature (Comox Valley Naturalists Society) is offering a free public nature walk along the Quinsam and Campbell Rivers. The public is invited to join biologists Loys Maingon (RPBio), President of Comox Valley Nature, and Luisa Richardson. This is an opportunity to explore the importance of one of our local watersheds and the effects our growing urban environment is having on them.
The Campbell River Watershed consists of 1,822 square kilometres. It is the source of Campbell River’s water supply. However, it lies mainly outside City boundaries and the City has very limited enforcement abilities within the watershed. The best protection for this and any other green space is in fact a well-informed citizenry familiar with the values inherent in its watershed, the problems that it faces and the ecological services that it provides for the city’s economic well-being.
As Campbell River states on its website: “ The entire community is responsible for keeping our watershed clean.” (http://www.campbellriver.ca/Residents/Water/FAQ/Pages/WatershedProtection.aspx).
This free Public Walk will take place, August 25 at 9:00 am. Meet at the Tyee Plaza Parking Lot. The group will then follow Luisa to the logging bridge on the Campbell River on highway 28, 1.17 km after the last traffic lights on the Gold River Highway (Highway 28). (Contact Loys: 250 331 0143, or Luisa: 250 202 3266) .
Luisa Richardson is a long-time resident of Campbell River, Certified Heritage Interpreter and environmental educator. She has created educational programs and guided tours highlighting waste reduction, water conservation, watershed protection, natural and cultural history on behalf of Greenways Land Trust, the Comox Strathcona Regional District, City of Campbell River, Strathcona Wilderness Institute, Run of the River Excursions and Wild B.C. Luisa has guided historical boat trips for the CR Museum since 2008.
Among his various responsibilities, Loys Maingon (RPBio) is a limnologist specializing in riparian and wetland ecology, and a member of the IAIA (International Association for Impact Assessments.) He is currently chair of the ISO Canadian Advisory Committee for Methods of Water Quality Sampling and member of various provincial and international working groups.
Anyone interested in taking part in this walk or participating in CVNS activities can contact us ( Loys Maingon at 250-331-0143 or Luisa Richardson: 250-202-3266.)
