z o
420
Shtsuminus
450
321
W
201
z
327
457
Thuqmin
Hwkwumluhwuthun
113 314
The Community
2 v
Green Map
z
325
z
328
f
401
Puneluxutth
Yuxwalaus
z
324
352
Welcome
Xwaaqwum Smeent
p
212
363
p
211
5
262
421
331
390
z
320
g g
372 371
Patthus
The Cowichan Valley Green Map is the first "Green Map" of the Cowichan Valley bioregion. With funding from the Canada-B.C. Labour Market Development Agreement, the Cowichan Land Hwlumelhtsu Trust conducted community mapping workshops around the Valley asking residents to map their local knowledge about ecological features, wildlife habitat, important land uses and special places in the Valley. Hulquminum placenames point to just some of the thousands of locations known to First Peoples of the Cowichan Valley, demonstrating their historic and ongoing relationship to the land and sea. Herb Rice, a local Coast Salish artist, generously provided the First Nations illustrations of the Wolf, the Hummingbird, the Salmon and the Orca. His work has also been featured in the book Islands in the Salish Sea. www.coastsalishjourney.com We hope this map will inspire residents and visitors to renewed connection, discovery and stewardship of our bioregion. The map is organized with icons from the international Green Map System. Each icon identifies a site, along with a number that can be looked up for more detail. You can learn about our Valley on the Story Side of the map. For more information and map copies, visit: www.cowichanlandtrust.ca
253
In community mapping workshops, people expressed great passion for the land and unique spaces in the Cowichan Valley. Under the themes of Food, Land and People, we have created a map which is a collective expression of what is important to people in the Cowichan Valley. Concerns were expressed about Kwikwuws development pressures, habitat loss and poor land stewardship practices. However, many are committed to preserving the ecological integrity of the Cowichan Valley and want to learn ways to become better stewards. As community mapping participants have expressed, the stewardship and protection of Cowichan Valleys special places and natural spaces is not only for their intrinsic value, but for the vital roles these natural systems play toward healthy and liveable communities. Our land and ecosystems: Regulate our climate and clean the air Sustain and clean our water Clean and recycle nutrients in our soils Provide homes for native species, and wildlife corridors Maintain genetic diversity and pollinate our crops Bring nature into communities and provide discovery opportunities Provide recreational opportunities and create economic benefits Support life for us all
Stleluqum Xatsu
431
353 Xwaaqwum
459
Snishutsum
A Environmental Education
221 222
Cowichan Lake Education Centre Lakeview Park Rd. 250-749-6213 Ministry of Forests Education Centre 7060 Forestry Rd. OUR Ecovillage 1565 Baldy Mtn Rd. 250-743-3067 /2
O.U.R. (One United Resource) Ecovillage is a 25 acre sustainable learning community and demonstration site located near Shawnigan Lake. The registered nonprofit society is dedicated to the promotion of sustainable community living rooted in social, ecological, and economic well being.
Cowichan Valley
Hwteshutsun
to the
Sunuwnets
g
373
452
451
355
ila
Xulelthw
qw
au
lh
z
329
z
A
223
354 Xulelthw
Hwtsusi
323
Skwaakwunus
410
z g
376 326
Sthixum
g
370
5
261
c
A
220
386
A
221
223
252
Shhwimqun
Xeeltl
384
282
Swuqus
W
200
441
2
117
c
440
organic and eating locally-produced food. Some of the many benefits include: better food quality, healthy lifestyle, fossil fuel reduction, value-added land use, and community building. The film lsland on the Edge (a DV Cuisine production) highlights the need for greater food-growing self-reliance on Vancouver Island. The Green Map features a sampling of local growing initiatives that uphold land stewardship with quality food production, for example, community gardens, Certified Organic farms, farms with protected habitat status, such as the TLCs Conservation Partners. 100 101 102
230 231 240 241 242 243 244 250 251 252 253
8 Green School
x
210
300
430
Evergreen Independent School 3515 Watson Ave. 250-743-2433 Sunrise Waldorf School 4344 Peters Rd. 250-743-7253 Butter Church end of Lemo Rd. McGee Creek Trestle access off trail at West Shawnigan Lake Rd. Kinsol Trestle access off trail at end of Glen Eagles Rd. Holt Creek Trestle access off trail at Glenora Trailhead Cowichan Station Village Koksilah Rd. near Bench Rd. BC Forest Discovery Centre 2892 Drinkwater Rd. Duncan 250-715-1113 { Cowichan Valley Museum 130 Canada Ave. Duncan 250-746-6612 { Kaatza Station Museum South Shore Rd. Lake Cowichan 250-749-6142 { Chemainus Valley Museum 9299 Waterwheel Cresc. Chemainus 250-416-2465 {
Musetsi
Hwtlupnets
p
310 311 312 313 314 320 321 322
2
111
342
T Historical Feature
Drinkwater viewing platform end of Drinkwater Rd. Chisholm Island Maple Bay Marina Dougan's Lake off TCH Merrilees' Pond Merrilees Nature Park Coffin Point- Intertidal pools Askew Creek Estuary Chemainus Bush Creek Estuary Ladysmith Cherry Point Beach Cobble Hill
The beach is one of the only in the region where you can find sand dollars in the intertidal, as well as several large boulders that have been deposited by glaciers. Nearby Garnet Creek is a site of ongoing restoration works, and has been recently inhabited by a beaver.
381
5
260
271
360
364
Sheshuqum
112
385
343
2
115
460
387 392
v
311
z Coastal Habitat
j Community Gardens
Museum
St. Andrews Church Community Garden 531 Herbert St. 250-746-7413 Jubilee Community Gardens in Centennial Park, end of Third St. 250-748-0580 Kinsmen Community Gardens in Kinsmen Park, Alderlea St. 250-748-8506 Alderlea Bio-dynamic Farm 3390 Glenora Rd. 250-715-0799 Springfield Farm 1246 Bazett Rd. 250-748-0463 Red Nettle Farm 6000 Heger Rd. 250-749-4321 Kingcott Farm 11887 Allison Way 250-245-0324 Organic Fair Farm & Garden 1935 Doran Rd. 250-733-2035 Cowichan Valley Organic Farm 6182 Lakes Rd. 250-748-8089 Glen Eden Farm 4690 Old Cowichan Lake Rd. 250-746-6954 Kismet Farm 7530 Richards Trail 250-746-3236 Sungold Meadows 4164 Telegraph Rd. 250-743-1042 Birds Eye Cove Farm 5881 Genoa Bay Rd.
110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 130
For more information about CVRD recycling centres, contact Recycling & Waste Management at 250-746-2530
5 Recycling
CVRD Bings Creek Solid Waste Management Complex 3900 Drinkwater Rd. Duncan CVRD Meade Creek Recycling Drop-off Depot 8855 Youbou Rd. Lake Cowichan CVRD Peerless Road Recycling Drop-off Depot 10830 Peerless Rd. Ladysmith
Shoal Islands & marshes Crofton Stocking Creek Estuary Saltair v Kuper Island Intertidal Wetland Kuper Island Osborne Bay & Beach Crofton Woods Islands Ladysmith Holland Creek Estuary Ladysmith Chemainus River Estuary Chemainus v
Pearson College & Lot 31 The Land Conservancy of BC, Riverbottom Rd. g Belvedere Property The Land Conservancy of BC Riverbottom Rd. g Oswald Bass Conservation Area The Nature Trust of BC, in Cowichan River Provincial Park g Somenos Marsh The Nature Trust of BC, Trans Canada Hwy vl{
The Somenos Marsh is an important wetland in the Duncan region, as it is home to several species of rare birds, amphibians and other animals. Restoration works have occurred along Bings Creek, and a boardwalk was built (2008) out into the marsh to a platform for bird and wildlife viewing.
Skwuts
458
100 j
272
T
130
143
101 j
j 102 251
341
2
Quyxuletse
116
281 283
Kwamutsun
412
Samunu
PRIEST MARSH
383
340
391
381
Qwumiyequn
T
240
280
Xinupsum
x
351
Tsalhaum
394
140 2
110
T
243
Xwulqwselu
Lhumlhumuluts f
400
411 380
330
455
146
Eelgrass Habitat
386 387
Cowichan Bay eelgrass transplants off Cowichan Bay Rd. Boulder Beach access off South Oyster Rd. Shawnigan Creek Estuary Mill Bay Garry oak grove end of Irvine Rd. Garry oak with wildflower bluffs In Cowichan River Provincial Park Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve The Nature Conservancy of Canada, Maple Bay Rd. Somenos Garry Oak Protected Area BC Parks, York Rd. Stoltz Bluff Stoltz Rd. Skutz Falls Caves Skutz Falls Forest Service Road El Capitan & Landale climbing sites Youbou Christopher Rock off Hemlock St. near dam, Youbou Sandstone Cliffs Halalt Reserve, Chemainus Rockhounding site Holyoak Lake, Chemainus 390 391 392 393 394 400 401
Honeymoon Bay Ecological Reserve BC Parks gv{ Mt. Tzuhalem Ecological Reserve BC Parks, parking at end of Kaspa Rd gvQ
This site is home to many species of native plants, including Garry oaks. It is also a refuge for birds and wildlife, and has spectacular views of the region.
270
Thiq
453
144
Tlulpalus
Snustsu
T
244
e Salmon Habitat
S
231
454
T Historical Farm
These are places that people have identified as having many food, ecology and cultural values, and are therefore, vital hubs of stewardship, education and empowerment in the community. 270 Glenora Farm 4766 Waters Rd. 250-715-1559 e
Glenora (golden valley) is a farm community where care givers and people with developmental disabilities live, learn and work together, sharing in a culturally rich and productive environment. An acre and a half of land is farmed with Bio-dynamic and certified organic growing principles to feed the community and to sell locally.
Special Site
Porter Creek Cowichan Tribes Hatchery 2380 Hatchery Rd Quamichan Creek Handysen Creek Holt Creek Old growth Garry oak tree, Cowichan Bay Rd. Biggest arbutus tree in Canada Foster Point Rd.
Campbell River
g
456
v Qulilum
312
118
z
322
The following properties are protected in some way, either through acquisition by a Land Trust, or through participation in The Conservation Partners Program. This program is an initiative of The Land Conservancy of BC with the purpose of protecting and enhancing important habitat on privately owned agricultural lands. They provide recognition, incentive and assistance to growers who are committed to conservation of natural habitat on their farm. The butterfly label shows these Conservation partners are protecting soil and water health by using natural methods to fertilize and control pests and weeds.
Protected Habitat
f Special Tree
271
Hope Farm, the latest project of the Mustard Seed Street Church ministry, is a 32-acre former dairy farm on Drinkwater Road, near Duncan. Here participants learn how to produce and handle vegetables and fruit which will be distributed free to food banks on Vancouver Island.
272
Geological Feature
374
Many streams have histories of fish spawning, but due to development and negative impacts, are in need of restoration and rehabilitation. Stewards, such as the Cowichan Land Trust Streamkeeper volunteers, do stream restoration, cleanup and monitoring to restore the ecological health of streams.
2
114
141
S
230
v
313
Hwtsehwum
Quarry Pond
Keating Farm Estate The Land Conservancy of BC, 5250 Miller Rd. 250-737-1401 T Manley Farm The Northwest Preservation Society Shincliffe Enterprises TLC Conservation Partner, 3080 Wilkinson Rd. 250-743-3706 Valhalla Herbs & Things TLC Conservation Partner, 3693 Gibbins Rd. 250-748-1741 Fairburn Farm TLC Conservation Partner, 3310 Jackson Rd. 250-746-4637 Merridale Cidery TLC Conservation Partner, 1230 Merridale Rd. 250-743-9310 { Godfrey-Brownell Vineyard TLC Conservation Partner, 4911 Marshall Rd. 250-715-0504
Swimming
These are places where people have identified threatened flora, fauna and natural habitats. These highlight the need for stewardship and protection of natural values. In all development we must remember that nature knows no boundaries, and that conservation is about stewardship, not ownership.
Habitat at Risk
Trail off Sunrise Rd. to Cowichan River Regional Park River access off Gibbins Rd near Hydro Right-of-Way Forestry Pools access off Hillcrest Rd. in Chemainus River Provincial Park Paradise Pools river access off Cliffs Rd. Brentwood College School 2735 Mt. Baker Rd. 250-743-5521
Old Growth Trees Norcross Rd, Duncan Mature Second Growth Spectacle Lake Old Growth Trees Mill Bay Old Growth Trees Holland Lake, Ladysmith Octopus Point off Genoa Bay Rd. Meades Creek Forest Research Site Meades Creek Rd. Askew Wilderness Park Oak & Chemainus Rd. v Echo Heights Echo Heights Rd. vlA
This 54 acre forest is valued for recreation, wildlife viewing and education. It is also home to the blue listed red-legged frog, however there are development pressures on this site.
Bonsall Creek Restoration Project Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society & Halalt First Nation, Westholme Treffery Creek Restoration Project Treffery Creek Streamkeepers, Cowichan Bay Five Fingers Fish Habitat Restoration Project DFO Canada & Ministry of Transportation, Duncan Stolz Bluff Restoration Project Living Rivers Trust Fund and DFO Canada, Sahtlam Waterfalls on Bush Creek Waterfalls on Stocking Creek v
This is also an excellent site for bird and wildlife viewing, as American Dippers have been sighted in the pools below the waterfalls.
T
242
145
142
x
Victoria
We Are Here
RIVERS TRANS CANADA TRAIL HIGHWAYS
g
375
393
332
+ 290
g Native Forest/Plants
420 421
o Water Feature
Sunanuqun
A
222
T
241
People
The Cowichan Valley is called sun warming your back in Hulquminum, the language of the Cowichan First Nations. Those living here for generations and those who have moved here recently would agree that the Cowichan Valley is one of the sunniest places around. Residents are privileged to be just steps from beautiful vistas, natural spaces and countless outdoor recreation opportunities. According to residents, the area boasts some of the best swimming, the tastiest water, the biggest wooden train trestle, the most scenic vistas atop local mountains. Locate your special place on the green map. 200 201
Land First Nations express that we are the land. In The Cowichan
Wetland (Seasonal)
Meluxulh
Hulquminum, the Cowichan language, the law of snuweyuth teaches that we all have responsibility to respect and care for the living world around us. Many have expressed that the Cowichan Valley is a very special place with unique landscapes and features. In community mapping workshops, people shared their local knowledge such as natural habitats, geological features and habitats at risk where greater conservation efforts are needed. They also proudly spoke of positive examples of land stewardship such as stream restoration and habitat protection areas.
c Wildlife Centre/Rehabilitation
Chemainus Lake Park River Rd. vo Manzanita Site Koksilah Ridge, off Mines Rd. Eagle Heights Grasslands Eves Provincial Park Little Mountain Rd.
Pacific Northwest Raptors 1877 Herd Rd. 250-746-0372 { BC SPCA Cowichan Branch 7550 Bell McKinnon Rd. 250-746-4646 {
462
These are special places under active stewardship by conservation agencies such as Cowichan Land Trust covenants, The Land Conservancy, Nature Trust of BC, Nature Conservancy, BC Parks Ecological Reserves.
Protected Habitat
380
W Cultural Site
Cowichan Exhibition Grounds Mays & TCH, Duncan Xeel's Footprint Left by the legendary Transformer from Coast Salish oral tradition as he stepped across the Islands to Thetis and beyond
x Aquatic Habitat
300 Lamprey spawning grounds Hummingbird Creek
Cowichan River Estuary Properties The Nature Trust of BC, off Cowichan Bay Rd. v{
The estuary is an important coastal habitat as the Cowichan River is the largest salmon bearing river in the region. The Cowichan River Dyke trail is an excellent, family-friendly walk into the estuary, and includes a viewing platform, to watch the birds and wildlife in this ecosystem.
450 451 452 453 454 455 456 457 458 459 460
Wildlife Habitat
Beaver dam Bush Creek INDIAN RESERVES ABANDONED RAILWAY Beaver Matthew Creek Wildlife Tree- Eagles Nests off Saunders Rd Heron Rookery Cowichan Bay Wildlife Tree- Eagles Nest Cowichan Bay Osprey Nesting Platform off Dock Rd { Elk Habitat Cowichan Station Purple Martin colony Ladysmith Maritime Society Marina Sources: Hul'qum'inum Place Names from Hul'qum'inum Dictionary 2007, Place-Names of the Island Halkomelem Indian People 1985 D. Rozen. Elk Habitat Sahtlam Base data for the map was generously supplied by the Cowichan Valley Regional District, the Municipality of North Cowichan, Town of Ladysmith, and Elk winter grazing Youbou Cowichan Tribes. Green Mapping Icons are from the Green Map System (a registered trade mark) and are used with permission. Pictures and art work provided by: S. Bent, A. Hiscock, C. Hiscock, J. Morgen, J. Nygaard, S. Paridaen-VanVeen, H. Rice, J. Scull, J. Williams, S. Willmott. Marshy Island Quamichan Lake
This map is for illustrative purposes only and may not be suitable for navigation. Produced September 2009.
461
The Community Green Map of the Cowichan Valley Cowichan Land Trust
Hill 60
Hill 60 is another well recognized landmark in the Valley. It is known for: native plants, including hairy manzanita, and special dry plant ecosystems elk and wildlife habitat fantastic views Local residents expressed their concern over the destruction of habitat on Hill 60 from overuse, and other damage caused by AllTerrain Vehicles (ATVs).
Mt Tzouhalem (Shquw'utsun)
Mt. Tzouhalem is a distinctive landmark overlooking Cowichan Bay, the Cowichan River estuary and Quamichan Lake. It is known for: the white cross that can be spotted from below looking East on Tzouhalem Road walking, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback The expansive view looking west from Mt. Tzouhalem riding trails Ecological Reserve with Garry Oak woodlands and wildflower meadows amazing viewpoints from the rock bluffs
People love the mountains of the Cowichan Valley. These landmarks are a powerful presence on the land with spectacular vistas, challenging hikes and diverse ecologies. In Hul'qumi'num creation narratives, the First Ancestors descended from the sky to land on the mountains, fields and shores of the territory, including Swuq'us (Mt. Prevost), Skw'aakw'nus (Mt.Sicker), Hwsalu'utsum (Koksilah Ridge), and Pulumutsun (Mt. Brenton). First Ancestor Sites are honoured by Hul'qumi'num people as ancient, sacred places commemorating their origins and rights on the land. Oral narratives also talk about the Transformer, Xeel's, who left marks on the land - transforming malicious persons, animals and supernatural beings into mountains, boulders and other natural features. Today, Transformer Places are revered by Hul'qumi'num people as sacred, powerful places marking the spiritual creation of the world.
The Community
Pink fawn lilies show their true colour in the spring sunlight.
Green Map
of the Cowichan Valley
presented by:
Locals would like to see: creation of an ecological marine park in the Narrows, a stop to logging in the forest reserve, development minimized and park designation of the area. Presently there is no public access to Stoney Hill.
Short is the little time which remains to thee of life. Live as on a mountain. -Marcus Aurelius
Maple Mountain
Maple Mountain overlooks Maple Bay, Crofton and Sansum Narrows. Here you will enjoy: over 14 km of recreational trails for walking, hiking and mountain biking maintained by the Municipality of North Cowichan stunning views toward Saltspring Island unique forest with large stands of arbutus Residents feel this area should be re-established as municipal park for the enjoyment of future generations.
Stanton Peak provides a variety of activities for residents and visitors to Ladysmith. This area includes: recreational trails along Holland Creek to Heart Lake and Stocking Lake viewpoints to Stuart Channel, Ladysmith Harbour and islands incredible scenery Locals have voiced concern that this area is threatened with habitat loss due to logging and development.
Check out the following websites for more information on BC Parks and Community Parks: www.ladysmith.ca/parks_rec.php www.tctrail.ca www.town.lakecowichan.bc.ca/parks.shtml www.northcowichan.bc.ca www.cvrd.bc.ca www.bcparks.ca
Hiiyeyutul tst u to mukw stem i u tuna tumhw Everything in nature is part of our family we are all relatives.
Acknowledgements
Cartography: Mike Kelly, Alan Philip, Jason Young , Tyler Fraser, Shari Willmott Graphic Design: Amber Hiscock, Jennifer Morgen, Shari Willmott Compilation/writing/editing: Cindy Carleton, Amber Hiscock, Clyde Jack, Jennifer Morgen, Margaret Paridaen, Erin Ward Art work: Sandy Bent, Robert Cerins, Alice Mary Duncan, Andrew Goudy, Thomas Marek, Sophie Paridaen-vanVeen, Mario Peruzzo, Herb Rice Photography: Ann Archibald, BC Archives, Amber Hiscock, Christan Hiscock, Jen Morgen, Julie Nygaard, Margaret Paridaen, Jen Paton, John Scull, Debbie Smith, Mike Szaszik, Jean Williams, Shari Willmott. Images used with permission: Cowichan Tribes website, Hulquminum Treaty Group website, and Tribal Journeys website. Advisors: Charles Burnett and Ken Josephson (Common Ground), Cindy Carleton, Cowichan Tribes, Hulquminum Treaty Group, Roger Hart, Jodie Krakowski, John Scull, Shari Willmott Advisory Committee: Cindy Carleton, Linden Collette, Nicole Haddad, Dave Hladik, Mike Kelly, Tim Kulchyski, Michelle Nowzek, Alan Philip, Amy Rienzo, John Scull, Jason Young Supporters: Arthur Caldicott, John Ehrlich, Tracy Fleming, Ian Moul, Helen Reid, Genevieve Singleton, Gina Talbot
The Cowichan Land Trust is a registered non-profit charitable organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of natural areas and heritage in the Cowichan Valley. The Land Trust was formed in 1995 by concerned residents who wanted to help landowners find alternatives to the destruction of natural areas and wildlife habitat. The Cowichan Land Trust: Works with other groups and with government Educates people in local communities Provides assistance and guidance to landowners Promotes a cooperative approach to conservation Protects critical land Holds conservation covenants Administers lands in trust Raises funds for conservation Facilitates land acquisitions
Private land stewardship is the voluntary conservation of natural resources, wildlife and fish habitat by landowners and concerned citizens. The Cowichan Land Trust can assist landowners by providing information on stewardship options to maintain, restore, and enhance or protect natural features on their property.
Covenants
Conservation covenants are a voluntary tool which allow the current landowner to permanently preserve natural and cultural features of the land, while still retaining ownership and use. A conservation covenant is a legal agreement made between a current landowner and the Land Trust, and it remains in effect after the land is sold or transferred, binding future owners of the land to the terms of the covenant.
Other Groups
Cowichan Green Community
The Cowichan Green Community has been instrumental in the formation of The Cowichan Food Security Plan, The Cowichan Food Charter, The Cowichan Food Security Coalition and initiatives such as community gardens, FruitSave and Grow-a-Row. They promote energy efficiency, healthy housing and environmental sustainability. Judy Stafford (250) 748-8506, cgc@shawbiz.ca www.cowichangreencommunity.org
older plants at soil level, and cover the exposed stem with soil. Do not use brush cutters or weed eaters as this releases the plants toxins into the air. Top-cutting the flowers and developing fruit may also help reduce seeding. American Bullfrog The American bullfrog is native to Central and Eastern North America. It competes with and preys on native species. Fully grown adults eat anything they can swallow, including insects, crawfish, frogs, fish, small turtles, snakes, young birds, and small mammals. Adult bullfrogs and tadpoles prey on native tadpoles causing them to move to unfavorable habitats. Bullfrogs can also carry the chytrid fungus which affects the skin of amphibians and is deadly to many species. For more information or to report a sighting, go to the BC Frog Watch Program: www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/frogwatch Eastern Grey Squirrel Eastern grey squirrels are native to central and eastern North America. Grey squirrels can damage and kill trees by stripping the bark. Squirrels eat birds eggs and nestlings and compete with birds for tree cavities. They have been known to eat large numbers of acorns and may compete with other species that depend on this food. In BC, grey squirrels can reach higher densities than native red squirrels and may outnumber and eventually displace them. They also may be carriers of a virus which may infect North American red squirrels. CONTROL: By installing raptor perches and maintaining habitat, you can support the native predators. For more information on invasive plants or to report one in your area, see websites below: Report a Weed: www.for.gov.bc.ca/hra/Plants Coastal Invasive Plants: www.coastalinvasiveplants.com info@coastalinvasiveplants.com, 1-250-857-2472
Cowichan Recyclists
Streamkeepers Program
The Land Trust has been supporting people who want to become voluntary stewards of their local creeks. Streamkeepers courses train locals how to monitor and protect their streams and help to restore salmon habitat. The Cowichan Land Trust encourages the formation of streamkeeper groups who work together to protect their cherished waterways.
Eelgrass Restoration
The Cowichan Land Trust has been helping to restore eelgrass which is an important nursery, food source and habitat for almost all marine life. With guidance from SeaChange Marine Conservation Society and Precision Identification, local volunteers have helped transplant eelgrass shoots into areas of the seafloor that have lost their eelgrass meadows. Local participation is key to reviving eelgrass which supports the critters we love such as: sea stars, crabs, sand dollars, salmon, cut throat trout and great blue herons.
Stewards of the Somenos Marsh Conservation Area, the rich and diverse wetland that is at the heart of the Cowichan Valley. www.somenosmarsh.com
How to get involved! Become a member of the Cowichan Land Trust Put a conservation covenant on your land Join a community stewardship group Eco-gifting and land donation COWICHAN LAND TRUST Make a donation #6 55 Station Street, Duncan, BC, V9L 1M2 Be a streamkeeper Telephone: (250) 746-0227 Fax: (250) 746-9608 Volunteer with the Land Trust E-mail: cclt@naturecowichan.net
The Chemainus Biodiversity Education Project, supported by the POLIS Project on Ecological Governance (UVic) and communities in the Chemainus region, fosters biodiversity awareness for healthy communities. The annual Halalt Honour Our River Day promotes stewardship of the Chemainus River. www.polisproject.org/projects/biodiversityeducation
Sponsors
Official Sponsor/Funder: Canada- British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement Additional Funder: Cowichan Land Trust Community Partners: City of Duncan, City of Ladysmith, Cowichan Green Community, Cowichan Tribes, Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society, Cowichan Valley Regional District, Hulquminum Treaty Group, Mid-Island Sustainable Stewardship Initiative, Municipality of North Cowichan, The Land Conservancy of BC, Town of Lake Cowichan, Volunteer Cowichan
Quamichan Stewards
A stewardship group of local residents that works to ensure the Quamichan Lake Watershed is valued as an important ecological feature within the Cowichan Valley. www.quamichanlake.ca
This map is part of the Green Map System. Greenmap.org Icons Green Map System, Inc. 2003. All rights reserved. Green Map is a registered trademark and used with permission.
The Community Green Map of the Cowichan Valley Cowichan Land Trust
Where We Live
Cowichan Valley Facts & Figures
The Cowichan Valley is called the Warm Land by the Hulquminum people. The sun-soaked Valley is also called the Provence of B.C. by food enthusiasts. Cowichan Bay is distinguished as the first Cittaslow town in North America, an international network of towns putting quality of life first. The bioregion boasts many unique gems, for example: The Cowichan River is both a BC Heritage River and a Canadian Heritage River 140 km of the Trans Canada Trail runs through the Cowichan Valley Over 40 First Nations totem poles stand proudly in Duncan The historic Kinsol Trestle is one of the biggest wooden train trestles in North America The landscape is rich and varied with lakes, rivers, mountains, several valleys and endless shoreline. The Cowichan bioregion is located in Canadas only Maritime Mediterranean climatic zone, giving the warmest year-round temperature anywhere in Canada. A diversity of plants and animals thrive in the areas mild climate and long growing season. A hundred years ago, the land was covered with a rich natural mosaic of forests and woodlands, coastal bluffs, grasslands, rock outcrops, floodplains, watercourses and wetlands. Settlement over the past century has altered more than 90 percent of natural habitat, leaving only fragments of these ecosystems. In the Cowichan Valley Green Mapping project, people expressed passion for this unique and special place. Concerns were raised about habitat loss and poor land stewardship practices. However, many are committed to preserving the land and ecology of the Cowichan Valley and want to learn ways to become better stewards.
Regional Resources
(250) 746-2500 www.cvrd.bc.ca Municipality of North Cowichan (250) 746-3100 www.northcowichan.bc.ca City of Duncan (250) 746-6126 www.duncan.ca Town of Lake Cowichan (250) 749-6681 www.town.lakecowichan.bc.ca Town of Ladysmith (250) 245-6400 www.ladysmith.ca Cowichan Tribes (250) 748-3196 www.cowichantribes.com Hulquminum Treaty Group (250) 245-4660 www.hulquminum.bc.ca Public Transport Cowichan Valley Transit www.busonline.ca/regions/cow Cowichan Valley Commuter http://www.transitbc.com/regions/cvc/default.cfm Vanpooling/Ridesharing 1-888-380-RIDE www.ride-share.com BC Ferries 1-888-BC FERRY www.bcferries.com VIA Rail Canada www.viarail.ca/en Food Certified Organic Association of BC www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca TLC Conservation Partnership Program www.conservancy.bc.ca Canada- British Columbia Environmental Farm Plan Program http://www.bcac.bc.ca/EFP_pages Land Trust Resources Nature Conservancy of Canada www.natureconservancy.ca The Nature Trust of BC www.naturetrust.bc.ca The Land Conservancy of BC www.conservancy.bc.ca The Land Trust Alliance of BC www.landtrustalliance.bc.ca The Northwest Preservation Society www.northwestwildlife.com Restoration and Watershed Resources Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team www.goert.ca Living Rivers Trust Fund www.livingrivers.ca/gbvi Pacific Streamkeepers Federation www.pskf.ca Fisheries and Oceans Canada (250) 746-5137 SeaChange Marine Conservation www.seachangelife.net Local Government Cowichan Valley Regional District
Tribal Journeys is a celebration of Coast Salish peoples culture and relationship to the sea. In 2008, 1,000 paddlers in 109 canoes from 98 First Nations paddled to Quwutsun to open the North American Indigenous Games. Using instruments attached to their canoes, paddlers took 42,000 water quality measurements along 900 kilometres of coastline. This partnership between the U.S. Geological Survey and First Peoples will help restore and preserve the ecology of the Salish Sea. www.usgs.gov.coastsalish
The Treffery Creek Streamkeepers are a group of young people aged 10 and up and their parents, who meet once a month to do streamkeeping work on Treffery Creek near Cowichan Bay. This work includes data collection, fish population monitoring, and restoration work. They are an offshoot of the Young Naturalists Club.
For nine years classes at Koksilah Elementary School, in partnership with Federal Fisheries, have been actively restoring the Sh-wuykwselua Stream, in Duncan. The "Busy Place Stream" historically ran between the Cowichan and the Koksilah Rivers, and is an important coho salmon bearing stream. The kids work in stream care and monitoring, salmon habitat enhancement and community awareness raising, which is helping the Cowichan Valley Regional District develop a stewardship plan for the Sh-hwuykwselu Stream Watershed.
The Make a Difference Club is made up of students from Bench School ranging from 7 to 11 years of age. The students have recently worked on two projects: Save Somenos Marsh and Say no to Plastic Bags. Their goal is to protect sensitive ecosystems by speaking with the local government and bringing media attention to their concerns. You can view their videos on YouTube (Save Somenos Marsh2 and Say no to Plastic Bags). The students won the Canadian National Eco Kids contest in 2008, the BC Green Games contest and just recently won the RCBC Environmental Award.
Quamichan Village