Remembering Micah and Honoring his Legacy at Kus-kus-sum
Micah was born and raised in the Comox Valley where the Pacific Ocean, our coastal mountains, and the ancient rainforest of Vancouver Island nurtured and inspired him. Tragically, he died at the age of 23 in a plane crash in Ethiopia, Africa on March 10, 2019.
Helping and supporting people and taking care of the natural environment were some of the most important goals in Micah’s life from a very young age. He would have been pleased to know that in his memory he would be supporting the restoration of Kus-kus-sum, and that through the legacy funding he will continue to support thriving and diverse ecosystems in his home community.
On August 9th, Micah’s family joined Project Watershed to hang a salmon in his memory on the Kus-kus-sum fence. The salmon, designed and painted by his mother Suzanne Camp, has been decorated with design elements that are significant to Micah’s family. The Métis sash represents their family’s ancestry. The heart design on the white diamond is an illustration of the white leather patches with red glass hearts which were given to the people in memory of Micah. The five eagle feathers on the tail fin represent Micah and each of his sisters, Jade Ballard and Amber Tansky, and his brothers, Matt and Jasper Messent. We hope that the next time you drive by, you’re able to see Micah’s salmon, and remember the many ways he contributed to our community.
~ Writen by Caitlin Pierzchalski and Suzanne Camp
Related Posts
Eelgrass Transplant Tying at Ships Point
We’re looking for volunteers to help prepare eelgrass shoots for transplant as part of our upcoming restoration work near Ships Point.
Spring and Summer Forage Fish Sampling
Spring and summer forage fish sampling is starting back up again in May!
Forage Fish Symposium and CFFN AGM
The Coastal Forage Fish Network is hosting their Annual Spring symposium via zoom on April 23, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 pm. It will be followed by an AGM. This gathering brings together researchers, experts and community science volunteers to share forage fish research highlights and from across Vancouver Island and beyond.
Kus-kus-sum Feature – Spring 2025
As spring kicks off, the first buds are beginning to appear on the newly installed plants down at Kus-kus-sum! Thanks to the efforts of our volunteers this past fall and winter we’ve been able to expand the now thriving tidal marsh and riparian ecosystems to 80% complete.
Spring Invasives Removal at Kus-kus-sum
We are looking for volunteers to assist us with our first weeding event of the spring at Kus-kus-sum to keep the invasives at bay and help our native plants flourish!
How To Report Herring Spawn Sightings on iNaturalist
Want to contribute to community science while walking the beach? Simply snap a photo of Pacific herring eggs or milt (milky-white water) when you come across them and upload your observations to iNaturalist! Keep reading for instructions.