Winter 2019 - Network Gathering hosted by Gambier Island Conservancy

On December 6, 2019, together with the Gambier Island Conservancy, we hosted a gathering on Chá7elkwnech at the Gambier Island Community Centre. Representatives from the many conservation organizations travelled by water taxi for the Howe Sound Conservation Network gathering to learn about each other’s projects and build support. The sun broke through the rain clouds and a vivid rainbow appeared just as the taxi was arriving, a fitting welcome to the start of the day. Care for nature is at the core of what motivates the volunteers and stewards. After the storytelling, we shared updates on projects the groups are working on. This included:

Data gathering in the marine environment for the Atl’ka7tsem Howe Sound Marine Conservation Assessment Map and the Marine Reference Guide.
Documenting biodiversity in the region with the iNaturalist app.
Creation of storytelling books and the Bowen Marine Atlas.
Local Government planning through the lens of changing climate, reconciliation and opportunities for further land conservation.
Outdoor education programs for over 600 children.
Grant money is being awarded for removing barriers to fish access.
Research, mapping, and monitoring of eelgrass, forage fish, plankton, glass sponge reefs, and potential new Rockfish Conservation Areas.

We learned how more volunteers are needed to help with these education programs, documentation, reporting, weed pulling, and tree planting. Together we also identified areas for further research and monitoring.

Ruth SimonsDecember 6, 2019