What do we do?

We undertake or fund fish and wildlife habitat restoration projects. Damaged habitat can be restored.  Salmon are particularly resilient, and physical repairs to spawning beds and nursery areas in the Creek will significantly increase spawning and survival rates.  The work we have done and will continue to do includes planting trees for bank stabilization, controlling weeds, making physical repairs to creekside to stop erosion and improve water flow characteristics.  The restoration work assists the fish populations as well as the birds and other life in this ecosystem.  The Society has done some of this work directly but works mostly in partnership with other organizations and agencies such as Streamkeepers, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and Ducks Unlimited.

• Acquiring and preserving ecologically important sites. French Creek runs through an area that is experiencing substantial human population growth.  Residential development and industrial activity have potential to further damage the ecological health of the Creek.  The Society works to identify the most sensitive sites on the Creek and to preserve them through land acquisitions, conservation covenants and stewardship agreements.  Site secured in this way can be preserved and restored to their natural state.
• Educating the public about the ecology of French Creek. An important part of protecting and restoring the health of French Creek is to educate the people of the area about the ecology of the watershed and how we must all strive to keep it healthy.  This involves public lectures and workshops by experts in the natural sciences.  The Society also intends to work with local schools to educate children about the Creek ecosystem, and will continue to cooperate with neighboring property owners in reducing adverse impacts.

Hamilton Marsh

A dedicated group of volunteers within the society is working to preserve and protect this exceptional wetland located directly south of Qualicum Beach.  Hamilton Marsh is the largest body of water in the French Creek watershed.  It provides significant wildlife habitat, and functions as a carbon sink for airborne pollutants.  For details visit our Hamilton Marsh website.