BWS has sensors installed in several local creeks to record the water level over time. However, water level alone doesn’t tell us much. Several times a year we perform a transect in each of these creeks. A transect involves measuring the velocity of water at twenty different points in the stream. These velocity measurements, …
There’s something that’s been bugging us. We know quite a bit about our streams. We regularly measure their temperature, turbidity, specific conductance, pH, and oxygen content. When we’re sampling, we take note of frogs or salamanders that cross our path and birds that depend on the creeks for food (a …
This is a publication by the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) reporting on the state of local aquifers. The aquifers in the southern portion of the Beaufort Range fall withing the RDN jurisdiction. This 12-page document provides an excellent overview of groundwater processes, and threats due to climate change and …
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 …
At our April meeting we had the treat of listening to Mark Lake’s enthusiastic update on the BWS aquifer mapping project. Since 2021 Mark has been working with faculty and students from the University of Victoria and local BWS volunteers to start mapping aquifers along the eastern Beaufort Watersheds. The …
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, …
We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting our Earth Day Forest Walk again this year. Verna Mumby, local Consulting Arborist, will be guiding attendees through the wonderful forest paths along Thames Creek in Bowser. Verna’s knowledge of the forest ecosystem is fascinating to listen to, and makes …
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, …
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!
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 …
