Volunteers lending a hand to protect the Quamichan wetlands

Water sampling at Quamichan wetlands

Water sampling at Quamichan wetlands

February 3, 2014 | by Katy Fulton

Wetlands are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth and it takes teamwork to care for them. The Quamichan wetlands on BC's Vancouver Islands are a great example of what can happen when we join forces to protect these special plaes.

In 2012, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and the Quamichan Watershed Stewardship Society created the Quamichan wetlands to help protect Quamichan Lake and protect its declining health. The new wetlands help remove nutrients and sediments from runoff entering the lake, break down suspended solids, absorb chemicals and neutralize harmful bacteria.

Last fall, I travelled to the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve on Vancouver Island to join forces with a group of 30 Conservation Volunteers and continue restoration efforts at the Quamichan wetlands.

The volunteers worked in teams and spent a sunny day identifying invertebrates, which provide clues to wetland and lake health, testing water quality, collecting native seeds and taking cuttings from live shrubs that will be used to stabilize wetland banks from erosion.

Watch a video of the event below:














Katy Fulton (Photo by NCC)

About the Author

Katy Fulton is the former stewardship coordinator for NCC's BC Region.

Read more about Katy Fulton.

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