Rubber boots, a signature yellow vest, two cases of gadgets and a common desire to understand the dynamics of our local freshwater resources links these six volunteers of the Bowser Pod, members of the Beaufort Watershed Stewards (BWS).
Doesn’t everyone love a celebration? As of April, this team marked their first anniversary of stream monitoring on six local creeks – Chef, Sandy, Thames, Nash, Hunts and Annie – all originating on the eastern slopes of the Beaufort Range and draining into the Salish Sea.
In the first year they’ve grown from three to six volunteers and have accumulated 465+ hours in the field collecting water quality and quantity data from a variety of activities:
- biweekly stream monitoring for BWS programs
- low & high flow monitoring for RDN Community Watershed Monitoring Network
- Tire Wear Toxin 6-PPDQ sampling on Nile & Thames Creeks (October -March) for BC Conservation Foundation
- additional extensive monitoring of one specific watershed; installation of staff gauges and ongoing training
With a year under our belts, it’s timely to check in and pose the question, “Why and what are the motivating desires to keep on volunteering your time & energy with watershed health?” We invite you to listen to how this team responded.
“Water is our most valuable resource. Without it there would be no life, or very little. Our aquifers, watersheds and creeks need to be monitored and protected. Testing our creeks for pollutants is critical to all aquatic life and that is why I am volunteering to help do this.” ~ Christo Kuun
“Water in all forms, but especially potable, is essential to everything we do and everything around us. Too often we take water for granted. We must monitor the resource, its quality and its quantity…and with a little training we can gather important information that will assist decision makers.” ~Dick Stubbs
“Water is our life. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of saving it.” ~Jan Meads
“I started volunteering to meet others who are concerned about the health of our forests, streams and rivers. I enjoy the fresh air and chance for a conversation when we go out sampling. I also love learning about our local waterways and having the opportunity to see how they change with the seasons.” ~Laura Winter
“I feel very strongly about protecting Thames Creek. This became an opportunity to practice stewardship locally and be active in my advocacy for sustainable water resources for all.” ~Sharon Waugh
Is there something here that resonates with you? Visit www.beaufortwatershed.org for more information on ongoing programs and please connect with us at info@beaufortwater.org if you’d like to join us streamside – the more the merrier!
*Joni Mitchel, Big Yellow Taxi