Millard Creek is a small spring-fed watershed located in south Courtenay that flows into the east side of the K鈥檕moks Estuary.
Streams with groundwater as main sources are vital for indicator species like wild Pacific salmon because of moderate water flows and temperatures.
A database has been created over the past five years recording daily weather and monthly water measurements in the headwaters of Millard Creek. Nanaimo鈥檚 GW Solutions (www.gwsolutions.ca) assisted with setting up this research and is conducting the data analysis.
Two youth from Youth and Ecological Restoration (YER) (www.youthecology.ca) will be immersed in a five-day YER II project to learn about Millard Creek headwaters and the long-term water study.
Tim Ennis of Latitude Conservation Solutions, Shiva Farjadian from GW Solutions and Wendy Kotilla, YER co-ordinator, will share knowledge with the youth.
This research project is conducted with permission from the landowners - Kotilla and Sue Minchin.
There is potential for future protection of the small forest that is part of the life force of the land.
The youth will also learn forest ecology and land protection strategies.
This YER, Phase II project is funded by BC Ministry of Children and Family Development and Comox Valley Regional District through a grant-in-aid.
The public is invited to a youth-guided tour on Friday, Aug. 3 at noon, at 4327 Minto Rd. To get there, drive towards Cumberland on the Courtenay Connector and turn left at Minto. The house number is on a big fir tree just before the corner.
For more information, contact Kotilla at wkotilla@shaw.ca or 250-336-8487.
www.youthecology.ca
