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Kimberley Watershed education and stewardship

Mainstreams looks to increase programming in Kimberley
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Students learn about watersheds with Mainstreams' stream trailer.

Last week representatives of Mainstreams paid a visit to Kimberley City Council to outline new programs they want to bring to Kimberley.

Currently Mainstreams in the midst of delivering a three week water education program (every Saturday) with the final program being a Macro Invertebrate Ecology presentation at the Kimberley Library.

Speaking for Mainstreams, Laura Duncan asked City Council for their endorsement as the group gets started on  a number of projects, such as working with city staff on an educational curriculum focused on the restoration of the former Mark Creek flume and providing some suggestions for plantings.

The group also plans to focus on Lois Creek. Lois Creek Lois Creek is a significant tributary of Mark Creek and is easily accessible and widely used by Kimberley residents, Duncan said. It offers opportunities to bring awareness of the importance of water, the need to protect it, stream ecology, riparian health and how climate change will impact our water supply and quality. Professional ecologists will assess the ecological health and function of the creek and identify areas that need treatment. They will also develop restoration plans. Students, local community groups such as the Trail Society, Friends of Lois Creek, Wildsight, private landowners and other community groups will join with professionals to improve the Lois Creek riparian habitat. Lois Creek will be a living laboratory for outdoor ecological education.

Kimberley Streamkeepers will also focus on helping to eradicate invasive plant species in the riparian zone of Mark Creek, and eventually establish a functioning enhanced riparian/wetland in the Coronation Park area to assist in flood mitigation and enhancement of the water quality of the water from Lois and Kimberley Creeks as they enter Mark Creek.

But they will start with Lois Creek.

“Starting small is a good idea,” Duncan said. “Lois Creek gets heavy use, it’s very accessible and a lot of people are interested in its health.”

“I’m really excited about this,” said Coun. Darryl Oakley. “It’s a great chance for young and old to work on the ecological health of our area. I support stewardship of watersheds and I think it’s a great fit for the city.”

 



Carolyn Grant

About the Author: Carolyn Grant

I have been with the Kimberley Bulletin since 2001 and have enjoyed every moment of it.
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