Editorial, Cowichan News Leader and Pictorial, December 10, 2008

Saturday’s opening of the Somenos Marsh Open-Air Classroom and Watts Walk boardwalk was another example of Cowichan’s community-driven nature. More than 420 Trex boards holding the names of donors to the Watts Walk span into the pristine marsh proudly testify to local desire for a green future.

Let’s hope school district 79 trustees also hear a request by the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society.

Members want marsh studies and visits incorporated into school curriculum so kids can see, small and hear nature in their own backyard.

That bright vision was worth all the donated materials, cash and volunteer time during the past two years to build the boardwalk and signage just off the Island Highway.

But there’s more.

The boardwalk classroom also salutes eco-heroes Syd and Emily Watts, of the Cowichan Valley Naturalists, who pioneered the drive to keep the marsh alive.

SMWF workhorses Derrick Marven and Paul Fletcher and others share their vision.

For years, some locals — who sadly wished to fill in the priceless marsh — saw society members as nothing but tree huggers wanting a swamp saved.

Wrong.

Astute politicians, seniors, students, business people and families, who attended Saturday’s launch, slowly began to join the marsh-huggers’ ranks.

They’re now a glowing testament to community foresight and helping hands polishing the largest jewel in Cowichan’s ecological crown adored by birders, scientists, tourists and nature lovers.

Again, the Warm Land is illuminating proud, timely examples of what the world needs now.