The Nature Trust of BC and the City of Parksville have partnered to protect the ecologically important property at 130 Shelly Rd.
According to a news release, the 5.2-hectare (13-acre) site is a vital habitat for wildlife, a haven for birds and enhances protection for the five types of salmon and three kinds of trout which spawn in the river.
The Arrowsmith Naturalists recently donated $5,000 to The Nature Trust of BC for the conservation of land adjacent to the Kwa’a’luxw (Englishman) River estuary.
The funds resulted from a successful BC Nature conference the club hosted in Qualicum Beach in May.
For nearly 20 years, members of the Arrowsmith Naturalists have dedicated time and effort to removing invasive plants from the Kwa’a’luxw (Englishman) River estuary land area. Plants such as Scotch broom and Daphne laureola can choke out and inhibit the native species that the insects and birds rely upon.
The Nature Trust of BC and the Snaw-Naw-As First Nation are working together on the restoration and management of the estuary lands.
Along with partners such as the Arrowsmith Naturalists and the Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society, they are committed to preserving the cultural and ecological values of this rare and precious natural treasure. For more information, visit: naturetrust.bc.ca and arrowsmithnats.org.
— NEWS Staff
