Beaufort Watershed Steward (BWS) co-hosted a recent course with Michelle Jones of the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation, with the goal of establishing a benthic invertebrate monitoring program in our watersheds. Yes, we’re adding a 7th monitoring program! Like me, your first question might be “What are benthic invertebrates?” They are organisms, …
This winter I’ve gotten into the morbid habit of checking the outside temperature every morning. I seem to have lost my tolerance for cold. Even the difference between zero and two degrees feels significant. I look forward to the double digits of spring and the balmy days of summer. Salmon, …
Julie Gordon published an article in The Narwhal on February 18, 2025 that provides an excellent background to how and why such extensive logging continues along both sides of the Beaufort Range. B.C.’s private forests aren’t subject to the same logging regulations as those on public land — putting old …
It was First Aid recertification time for BWS volunteers. As part of our safety protocol we arrange first aid courses for those volunteers who go out in the bush for stream side monitoring. Many thanks to Alpine First Aid for an excellent course!
Each year our Annual General Meeting is a chance to sit back and take in how much we have accomplished in a year. We know we always feel busy, but it is truly amazing each year to see how far our organization has come in just seven years! To provide …
Beaufort Watershed Stewards are part of a Vancouver Island study that is monitoring streams along the east side of the island for evidence of tire wear toxins. The study is run by the BC Conservation Foundation (BCCF) in partnership with Vancouver Island University (VIU), University of Victoria (UVic), local First …
Some residents along the eastern slopes of the Beaufort Range are aware of the Natural Glacial Waters bottling plant near Rosewall Creek in Fanny Bay. Since 1997 this plant has been extracting aquifer water and shipping it to Asian markets. While the BC Water Protection Act prohibits bulk export of …
There are few things as magical as drilling holes in solid rock. The bit spins and the drill pounds and a pile of fine grey powder grows around the hole. Don’t inhale! When the hole is deep enough, after only a minute or so, you can install a fender washer …
The River Never Sleeps just keeps getting better every year! The number of organizations participating was up this year. The event provides a wonderful chance to meet with other environmental stewardship groups and learn about the exciting work that various volunteer groups are taking on. We thoroughly enjoy conversations with …
Summer is approaching and in our ‘new normal’ that brings worries about drought and wildfire risk. The role of trees in climate change mitigation and fire risk can seem at odds. In 2018 the Fanny Bay Community Association, Baynes Sound Garden Club and Beaufort Watershed Stewards sponsored a town hall …
