Connected by Water

The Comox Lake Bluffs Ecological Reserve is a 47-ha protected area that is 
located in the Comox Lake Watershed. This ecological reserve protects a 
delicate ecosystem with many rare and beautiful plants. Warm, south-facing 
rocky outcrops tumble steeply down to the lake. These moss-covered bluffs are 
quite exposed, with a few trees that are adapted to seasonally dry sites, such as 
arbutus, Douglas-fir and shore pine. Ecological reserves are not created for 
outdoor recreation but many are open to the public for low-impact intentional 
pursuits like hiking, nature observation and photography. Due to the sensitive 
nature of this reserve, motorized vehicles and mountain biking is not permitted.  
Join Ecological Reserve Volunteer Warden Mandy Vaughn for a guided walk 
through the reserve to explore the unique ecology and the unique challenges 
with human impacts on the site.

*Please note, this walk requires moderate fitness, includes uneven ground, and modest elevation. Detailed directions will be sent to all registrants

Register here: https://form.jotform.com/241217915150146

'Source Encounters' is an engaging presentation that explores the geological origins of Vancouver Island, prehistoric oceans and ice ages, indigenous, colonial and settler presence on the landscape, land ownership complexities, and the climate change, human impacts, and environmental issues our watershed faces today. Presented by the CVRD's Connected by Water team, this presentation includes powerful images and compelling stories to build knowledge, encourage dynamic conversations, and inspire action to help ensure a healthy, climate-resilient watershed for future generations.

Visit www.courtenaymuseum.ca and call to reserve a space as seating is limited. 
250-334-0686 ext. 2.

Are you curious about the CVRD Water Treatment Facility? We are opening the facility so you can hear about how we manage safe drinking water for more than 50,000 residents of the Comox Valley. Walk-through tours of the facility will depart on the hour, led by facility staff. You will see first-hand the systems that will supply us with a secure supply of reliable, high-quality drinking water for decades to come. Tours will take place at the facility (4701 Lake Trail Road, Courtenay).

Register here: https://form.jotform.com/241197037083153

Wetlands are vital, water-saturated ecosystems located within large watersheds. They act as natural sponges and filters, capturing water, reducing flood risks, and cleaning pollutants before they enter rivers and lakes. Healthy wetlands are crucial for maintaining water quality and supporting biodiversity. Join Current Environmental for this guided walk and talk exploring the relationship between wetlands and watersheds. Learn how wetlands absorb the energy of atmospheric rivers and hold water for dry summer months and discover how the Perseverance Creek Wetlands support the health and resilience of the Comox Lake Watershed.

Register here: https://form.jotform.com/261167002462246 

Join the BC Community Bat Program, Cumberland Forest Society and Lake Park Society for a lakeside presentation all about Bats! The CCFS is part of the BC Community Bat Program and manages the Cumberland Bat project, providing public education about these fascinating species at risk. Come and learn about bat evolution, biology, habitat, myths and legends, and the science of bat conservation and counting! The Comox Lake Watershed is a bat-habitat hotspot, and this presentation is great for families. Come learn how you can be part of the BC Community Bat Count this summer! Meet at the covered area at the main beach at 8 pm. If you stay till dusk, and we can watch bats in action. 

No registration required. All welcome.

+    The Comox Lake Bluffs Ecological Reserve is a 47 ha. protected area that is 
located in the Comox Lake Watershed. This ecological reserve protects a 
delicate ecosystem with many rare and beautiful plants. Warm, south-facing 
rocky outcrops tumble steeply down to the lake. These moss-covered bluffs are 
quite exposed, with a few trees that are adapted to seasonally dry sites, such as 
arbutus, Douglas-fir and shore pine. Ecological reserves are not created for 
outdoor recreation but many are open to the public for low impact intentional 
pursuits like hiking, nature observation and photography. Due to the sensitive 
nature of this reserve, motorized vehicles and mountain biking are not permitted.  
Join Ecological Reserve Volunteer Warden Mandy Vaughn for a guided walk 
through the reserve to explore the unique ecology and the unique challenges 
with human impacts on the site.

*Please note, this walk requires moderate fitness, includes uneven ground and modest elevation. Detailed directions will be sent to all registrants

Register here: https://form.jotform.com/261166902946261

Did you know that the Courtenay and District Fish and Game Protective Association is a key partner in the region's watershed protection? The Association has transformed a former dry land sort for forestry into a dynamic space including a campground, salmon hatchery, clubhouse and multiple ecological and habitat restoration projects. Join us for a tour of the site and learn more about the association, their conservation projects, and their connections with other valley organizations. We will cap it off with a public talk overlooking the glacier. Bring a chair or picnic blanket.

Registration is required. https://form.jotform.com/241195138612050
 

This guided tour explores past, present and emerging stories of the Comox Lake Watershed. Deepen your connection to this beautiful lake while paddling in a 29′ voyageur-style big canoe. This program is suitable for families (although children will be required to remain seated). PFDs are supplied.  Please pre-register for this program. 
Reservations are required and there is a $10 fee for adults, $5 for children. 
Space is limited. 

Book at this link:
https://lake-park-society.checkfront.com/booking/reserve/?action=clr#D20260501

Families are invited to join the Lake Park Interpreter and a Connected by Water Educator on the beach for interactive arts, learning and activities to explore how we are all connected by water. Meet on the main beach at Lake Park Campground, 1100 Comox Lake Road at 1 pm.  Look for the safety vest and watershed signs near the picnic shelter.

Open to the general public, no registration required.

Protecting the source of our drinking water starts with understanding the history and current management context of the Comox Lake watershed. When we deepen our understanding of place, we build connections that help strengthen our desire to protect the water that sustains our community.

What can we do?

• Learn about the past, present and future Indigenous land stewardship
• Uncover the natural, logging, mining and recreation history
• Find out more about land ownership and stewardship in the watershed

The quality of the water that goes into the taps is directly related to the quality of what comes out! The lifespan and maintenance costs of the new Comox Valley Water Treatment Facility are directly linked to the quality of the source water and health of the natural assets in our watershed. There are four things we don't want in our drinking water - pathogens, contaminants (pollution), nutrients and sediment.

What can we do?

• Use available toilet facilities and backcountry hygiene practices
• Boaters - do not fuel up, wash, or flush bilges in the lake
• Prevent soap, sunscreen and shampoo from entering the water
• Avoid contributing to erosion when climbing, hiking, biking or boating

An ecosystem is a specific geographic area where plants, animals, weather and landscape work together to form a bubble of life. The Comox Lake watershed is made up of diverse riparian, terrestrial, aquatic ecosystems that span forests, wetlands, rivers, creeks and alpine areas. High quality drinking water is produced by healthy intact ecosystems that are resilient to change and stressors.

What can we do?

• Protect natural areas within the watershed from trampling and erosion
• Learn more about the ecosystems within the watershed
• Understand how climate change is impacting local ecosystems

Forests and creeks play a critical role in capturing, storing, filtering and releasing water. These functions are an ‘ecological service’ that nature provides free of charge. Increasing extreme weather events (droughts and atmospheric rivers)  means these functions are more important than ever. When we support our forest and creeks to function optimally, we build climate resilience in our watershed.

What can we do?

• Keep motorized and non motorized vehicles out of creeks and forests and off beaches
• Support and volunteer with local streamkeepers and stewardship organizations
• Support land protection efforts in the Comox Lake watershed

Wildfires are an integral part of a healthy ecosystem but fire can also have dramatic physical and chemical impacts on vegetation, soils, and drinking water. The effects on water source quality can be widespread and long lasting, taking years or even decades for ecosystems to regenerate. Increased demand for recreation access and climate change are both increasing the forest fire risk in our watershed

What can we do?

• Camp only in official camping areas within the watershed
• Light campfires only in designated areas and follow fire ban and restrictions
• Avoid all off road motorized activity

The Comox Lake watershed provides drinking water for our communities and also supports the health of local ecosystems, provides environmental fish flows for salmon in the Puntledge River, and fuels BC Hydro generation. Climate change is impacting the timing and availability of flows which impacts how lake levels are managed at different times of the year.

What can we do?

• Engage in water conservation at the personal level
• Stay informed about snow pack levels, weather events and water restrictions
• Think globally, act locally  - respect local freshwater resources