News Release, Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society, June 12, 2009

The success of the new Watts Walk boardwalk at the Open Air Classroom is probably twice our expectations. More importantly, the new boardwalk is being used a significant amount of time by the people we built it for: the disabled, the children, the wildlife watchers and for those seeking peace and tranquility. The 450 engraved names are a storybook of the valley. Many walk the boardwalk twice, once nose’s to the ground and once taking in the scenery and wildlife. Many are returning daily and weekly. Children run free, safely enclosed by cedar. Memorial benches offer places of rest and solace. Visitors are crowding out vandals!

There is only one problem with the boardwalk. A serious problem in my mind.  I don’t like to walk somewhere and come back the same way. I have discovered that most agree. That is why I am happy that the boardwalk is planned to become a loop trail almost a kilometer and half in length.

Phase 2 building this September will extend the boardwalk another 350 feet north towards Bings creek and will include an additional pullout for benches and a viewing platform overlooking restored riparian and salmon habitat. Phase 3 for 2010 will complete the loop with an 800-foot boardwalk and then a crushed gravel trail linking to the trailhead at the information kiosk.

As mentioned earlier, the SMWS needs to raise $25,000 for our part of this $110,000 project. North Cowichan have already given us $20,000 and we have grant applications out for the balance, We expect to raise this amount by continuing the Birds and Boards fundraising effort that started with Phase 1 where we raised $30,000+. We recently launched this fundraising effort when we set up our revamped display booth at the Market in the Square in downtown Duncan on June 6. We will be continuing this presence for the Market season until the middle of September. Please come down and visit us.

We now have close to 300 members. Just think, if each member contributed $50 for an engraved plank, or found someone to donate for an engraved plank, we will have raised $15,000 dollars and filled the new addition with 300 more names. Please help us reach this goal.

Thanks,

Paul Fletcher, President, SMWS