Creeks and Streams

I have had my eye on my local creek for a long time. It runs through the side of our subdivision, down from the mountains, and to the ocean very close to our home.

I wanted to get to know it better, but didn't know how to start, so I left it on a backburner. And then I ran into a post about a man who volunteers for our local Streamkeepers. He takes care of 4 creeks in my area, including the one that holds my interest. Which then led me to the Streamkeepers website, and I found myself writing an email to the leader of our local group.

A very long story short, and I am volunteering to help clean up invasive plants next month at another stream, and I will be meeting the guy I read that article about, as I will hopefully be his assistant starting very soon.

I bought myself a new pair of waders to celebrate.

So, why the interest in streams?

• I am interested in protecting salmon spawning areas. Salmon are an important group of fish in this area, and they rely on healthy streams.

• Invasive species are a special interest of mine, and our local streamkeepers are really focused on removing invasive plants from riparian areas, which is something I have been doing guerrilla style for a while now.

• Becoming familiar with the ecosystems in my immediate area is one of my key focus areas for 2025 and beyond.

• One of my favourite summer places is near the estuary of one of the streams up the road from my house. It is a beautiful riparian ecosystem, and the stream is the best place to cool down on a hot day. I would like it to stay that way.

There is more, but this is enough for now. I am super excited about meeting my new streamkeeping buddy, and about playing a small part in protecting salmon habitat and local riparian ecosystems.