Project Watershed has a long history of bringing environmental education to schools and the community at large.  We have initiated the following events and programs:

Each school and the Learning Resource Center in the Comox Valley School District 71 was provided a map of their watershed.

To read the report go to the link below:

~ Estuary Residents Survey Report

Landowner Contact – specifically created to educate landowners living by streams and creeks about how they can become stewards for these environments.

Streamkeeping & Wetlandkeeping Courses for adults are offered

Puntledge River Geocache

This committee has primary responsibility for developing the educational and outreach purpose of Project Watershed.  Working with the three public systems (K-12, College and Elder College) and involvement in community stewardship activities such as disseminating information about local watersheds, building partner relationships with other organizations to raise awareness, and organizing public awareness events.

We welcome the volunteer involvement of retired teachers, college instructors, university faculty or anyone who has appropriate local expertise. Please contact:

Dr. Betty Donaldson , Chair
email: edonalds@ucalgary.ca.

The Water for Life Benefit Concert

Aired on Global TV on Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m. Highlighting an evening of inspirational stories, music, and images from BC and around the world was renowned conservationist Mark Angelo as well as musical guests Holly Arntzen and Kevin Wright. Proceeds raised from the event, which took place in April, 2011, will go to the Nature Trust of BC and the African water relief efforts of WaterCan.Water for Life Benefit Concert 

WildED, the BC Spaces for Nature Wilderness Education Program

WildED is an award winning, experiential, nature education program that is BC curriculum-linked for students in grades 4 – 12. WildED programs focus on reconnecting young people with nature so they can experience, know and understand the value of nature as well as its critical role in the health and sustainability of our communities

BBC, Staying the Course
“Staying the Course, Staying Alive – Coastal First Nations Fundamental Truths: Biodiversity, Stewardship and Sustainability” is an excellent example of the combined efforts of western science and traditional ecological knowledge. As 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity, the Coastal First Nations fundamental truth statement that this book presents is a unique and timely insight into the proven effective sustainability practices of some of the most complex maritime Indigenous societies on the planet. The core values of Coastal First Nations can also inform the current thinking and policy development for the mitigation of the impacts of climate change.

Teachers  – Links to environmental education resources

Resources – Maps, reports, information and services created by Project Watershed

Go home or view more of our portfolio.

The Fields family retired the mill in 1969 selling it to Errol Zinck and Bill Phillips, two employees at the time (“A Look Back into The History of The Comox Valley, Field’s Sawmill”, 2013).

In the 1970’s, the mill owners were filling the marsh area between Courtenay River and Comox Rd, with an assortment of chips, oil cans and wire etc. Concerned residents stopped this and the landfilling was halted. In 1974, the Provincial NDP government paid $95,850 for 25.5 acres to prevent the owners at the time from destroying what is now called Hollyhock Marsh, reports Betty Donaldson (2010).

The owners of the mill sold it to Peter Gregory of Gregory Manufacturing Ltd. in 1973. Gregory then sold the mill to Primex Forest Products. The mill at that time was cutting and selling lumber (yellow) cedar to both the American and the Japanese markets. In the 1970s, the operation employed over 100 people and, at its peak 160.

In 2000, Primex started facing economic problems and began employee lay-offs. In 2001 Interfor bought out Primex and acquired the Fields Sawmill. The Mill experienced hard times again in 2003 – 2004. The mill closed often and in 2003 it operated at a loss of $8 million. The mill was decommissioned and closed officially in 2006.

In 2006, Interfor demolished the mill, auctioned off the equipment, and paid out severance to its employees. At this time, reclamation of the site was also undertaken to safely remove and dispose of industrial toxins. A number of test wells were drilled to determine the quantity and nature of toxic materials in the soils. Concrete was broken up, and toxic soils were excavated and removed from the site. The holes were backfilled with clean soils and the wells tested again to verify the site was reclaimed. The Province issued a Certificate of Compliance, verifying that the site now meets the highest standards.

The property was offered for sale in 2008.

Despite several offers to purchase, Interfor has chosen to work with Project Watershed and the larger community to achieve a conservation vision for the property.