Somenos Marsh is a rich and diverse wetland complex lying at the geographic, demographic, and economic centre of the Cowichan Valley. It is an area of exceptional bird, fish and other wildlife and ecosystems values within the Somenos Marsh Conservation Area, formerly known as the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Refuge. The continued existence and functioning of its wetland ecosystems are a testimony to the passion and determination of so many individuals who, for more than two decades, have worked together to preserve it through the activities of the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society.
Join the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society today. Have fun, and make a rewarding contribution to an ecological treasure. Click here.
The Somenos Marsh Conservation Area is located in the Municipality of North Cowichan, British Columbia, immediately north of the City of Duncan. Somenos Marsh can be reached via a one-hour drive, either north from Victoria or south from Nanaimo, via Highway 1, the Trans-Canada Highway.
We at the Marsh are very close to completing a dream of many years and I am appealing to you to join us in realizing that dream.
I hope your summer has been great. The summer in Somenos has been quiet but things are about to pick up speed very rapidly now that September is on the brink of arrival. The good news is that we have now raised over $100,000 for the Open Air Classroom and construction on Phase 2, the next 500 foot long leg, begins next week.
It will be just like the first 500 feet that we built 2 years ago, Phase 1, Watts Walk - elevated for year round use, have benches, wheelchair pullouts, interpretive signs, and a viewing platform overlooking a pond that connects with Bings Creek. Valhalla Trails, a Cowichan Bay based company, will be building it for us and it will be built entirely of Yellow Cedar from Cedar (of course), Red Cedar from Port Alberni, and Trex decking sold to us by Rona, another local company. So once again the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society is supporting local business and the local economy.
A grand opening is planned for mid October, hopefully before the rains come. The grand opening will also herald the beginning of the second annual Return of the Swans Festival, featuring (again) a maskarade dance on Saturday October 23 and tours of the Marsh. Details are being finalized and we have a couple of new events planned for this year that we are not going to tell you about yet. Stay tuned....
Now for the appeal. Actually appeals. I mentioned above that we will be building an additional 500' of boardwalk. A significant part of our funding comes from one of the federal government infrastructure grants program announced last year to stimulate the economy. This funder has offered us an additional $55,000 to help complete the Open Air Classroom loop back to the highway - Phase 3. This would mean 300 feet more boardwalk and 250 feet of gravel trails as well as additional interpretive signage and more benches and wheelchair pullouts.
The catch is that we have to almost match the grant with $45,000 of our own cash. We have already raised $11,000 towards this goal but we now need your help to raise the additional $34,000 as we would really like to finish the whole thing this year and start planning for our next big project, the Somenos Loop Trail, a trail from our Drinkwater Dock to Downtown Duncan (map attached ).
While large contributions of $1,000 or $5,000 would be really great we realize that the community is tapped out with all the other worthwhile projects going on in the valley. That's not to say we would turn down any donations of this nature though!
Our plan is quite simple. Donate $100 and instead of our normal thank-you of 2 engraved boards on the boardwalk we will engrave 3 boards on the new boardwalk and give you a Somenos book as well to say thanks for helping us reach our goal. Hey, if you come up with a $1,000 we will engrave all the boards on a 10 foot section of boardwalk, and if you give $5,000 we will do the same as the $1,000 donation and also put your name on the entrance sign as a significant funder.
Think Christmas or Birthdays or Anniversaries. What better gift for someone who has everything or in memory of those who have left us. I personally have a few memory boards for my Mum and some close friends who have left this earth and seeing them is always a nice reminder of lives past and in such a nice peaceful place to have those memories.
My other appeal is for new Board members and volunteers. If you by chance would like to get more involved we have some openings on our Board or for specific volunteer projects. These are all fun commitments with a great and positive group of people. We promise not to give you too much to do and you won't be bored.
If any of the above catches your interest contact me by email, at
or by phone at 250-732-0462.
The good news today is that we now have $111,000 in the kitty for construction of the next 500 feet of elevated boardwalk - Phase 2 - of the Open Air Classroom!
Our goal is to complete the final piece the loop back to the highway - Phase 3 - this fall aswell. We need an additional $50,000.
