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Education and Outreach

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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.

 

 

Educational Activities & Opportunities

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Educational Events

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Find out more about Project Watershed’s volunteer and membership opportunities.

“Heart of the Watershed” – a Symposium on Restoring the Courtenay River Estuary (Oct 2008).

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The event on was a great success. 

Thanks to all for your participation. If you would like to join the action group, or contribute any further comments, please contact Project Watershed.

Below are some sample videos (first 5-10 minutes) and slide presentations given at the “Heart of the Watershed” Symposium on the Courtenay River Estuary on October 3, 2008!

(DVD’s were made of most presentations at our event and these are being made available for borrowing from the Project Watershed Office.)

Please note the Acrobat Reader (pdf) files of presenters’ slide shows next to the video clips.

Friday Morning Opening Address
Mary Everson, Comox First Nation Addressing Symposium Attendees
 

Friday Morning Presentations

Wedlidi Speck, First Nations Perspective on Estuary Environment
Dr. Rob Butler – Function and Importance of Estuaries
Dr. Will Marsh – Planning for Sustainable Systems

 Dr.Will Marsh’s Morning Presentation
Dr. Thomas Homer-Dixon – The Upside of Down
Dan Buffett: Ranking of Estuaries in BC: Where does the Courtenay Estuary Fit In?
Tim Clermont: State of the Courtenay River Estuary

Friday Afternoon Case Study Presentations
Michele Deakin: Englishman River Estuary
Shannon Anderson: Campbell River Estuary Management
Peter Law: Cowichan River Estuary Management
Rob Lawrence & Pam Shaw: Nanaimo Estuary Management

Friday Evening Presentations
Dr. Will Marsh – Moving Toward a Sustainable Courtenay River Estuary
  Dr. Will Marsh’s Evening Presentation
Dr. Rob Butler: Restoring the Strait of Georgia Ecosystem

Saturday Case Study Presentations
Mike Richards: Green Boating

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Event Synopsis

If rivers are the veins and arteries of a watershed, and wetlands are the kidneys that cleanse the water, then the central element of the watershed must be the heart: in the Comox Valley, that heart is the Courtenay River Estuary.

The Courtenay River Estuary is one of the most important estuaries on the east coast of Vancouver Island, with national and global significance. There are many ongoing & recent issues which will impact the sensitive habitat along the estuary’s shores including the banks of the Courtenay River. At the same time opportunities are presenting themselves to preserve and restore portions of the estuary. 

On October 3-4, 2008, this unique event focused on the “Heart of the Watershed”.

The symposium was designed to be of interest to policy makers including elected officials & municipal staff, science & planning professionals, representatives from environmental organizations and concerned citizens.

The “Heart of the Watershed” event’s objectives were to:

  • – increase awareness and appreciation of the estuary, educate, & inspire participants to take action
  • – establish the connection between a healthy resilient ecosystem and a healthy resilient community
  • – create an action group of professionals, policy makers, community environmental representatives, and concerned citizens, to carry forward with management planning, stewardship, and monitoring of the Courtenay River Estuary
  • – be an exciting and inspiring weekend!

Tributary Supporters

Comox Valley Land Trust

Comox Valley Water Watch Coalition

Georgia Strait Alliance

Millard-Piercy Watershed Stewards

Puntledge River Restoration Committee

Tsolum River Restoration Society

Blue Planet Songfest Committee

Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society

Comox Archives & Museum Society

Comox Valley Camera Club

Comox Valley Young Naturalists Club

Courtenay Heritage Commission

Best Western Westerly Hotel

Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa

Tree Island Kayaking

BlackFin Pub

Crawford Studio Sandblasted Designs on Glass

Park Cafe on the Riverwalk

Tomato Tomato Restaurant & Lounge

The Courtenay River Estuary – by Blue Bamboo Productions

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Michael Fountain from Blue Bamboo Productions has created a beautiful piece that highlights the historical, economical and spiritual influence and presence of the Courtenay River Estuary in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island.

Many thanks to Paul Horgen, Mary and Andy Everson, Scott Wallace, Caila Holbrook and Pieter Vorster for this collaborative creation.