An article in the 2008-2009 publishing of the Green Guide, a resource guide for sustainable living, introduced a local project that helps the community connect to the environment around them. There are 3 separate, local restoration initiatives; Bowker Creek, Gorge Waterway and Esquimalt Lagoon.
Bowker creek meanders through Sannich and Victoria before draining in to the Ocean at Oak Bay. The goal of this remediation is to have a healthy urban stream that can support the native ecosystem. So far volunteers have helped with bank stabilization, interpretive signs, and a celebratory event that brought the community together for education and awareness. See www.bowkercreekinitiative.ca for more information.
The Gorge waterway shoreline restoration initiative was started because invasive species have overtaken the area. A few of the problematic ones are; English ivy, and Himalayan blackberry. Currently volunteers are working hard to remove these species that are competing with native species. For more information see www.gorgewaterway.ca.
The Esquimalt Lagoon which is a federal migratory bird sanctuary, is a tidal water body that is semi-enclosed by a natural sand and gravel pit. The project is to restore dune habitat on the Coburg Peninsula, increase visitor awareness, increase plant native vegetation to increase wildlife habitat, prevent erosion and encourage natural diversity. For more information visit www.elsi.ca.
These projects allow people to work together to protect habitat and restore the shoreline so that the diversity of the species and health of the ecosystem is regained. It also increases the value and beauty of the environment. See www.crd.bc.ca/watersheds for more information about this community initiative.
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