Located at the end of York Road through the Timbercrest Neighbourhood, the Somenos Garry Oak Protected Area (SGOPA) is a beautiful Garry oak meadow, it is home to three endangered plants as well as several rare plants and both shallow soil and deep soil Garry Oaks and is an important place for wildlife that use the area for food and cover. Is it also an important cultural place for the Quw’utsun poeple, the SGOPA was used as a medicine gathering place and a place where Camas was ‘farmed’ and harvested. Cowichan oral memory and archaeological research shows that Ye’yumnuts (near by) is a sacred ancestral place that has a long history of use.

SMWS will be working in the SGOPA to remove invasive’s that have taken hold in the area. We will be tackling English hawthorns, Himalayan blackberry and Scotch broom. If you are interested in joining us for this invasive removal event, please let us know by emailing Phaedra at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com.

Once a month in the winter we visit the four main creeks in the Somenos Watershed (Richards, Averill, Bings, and Somenos) to test the water. The data we collect from this sampling helps us understand the watershed better and allows us to make better-informed decisions about how to help the watershed thrive. If you are interested in participating please let us know, even if it is just one day that you can come out to help. We meet at 1:30 at the Somenos Creek Dog Park and go from there. Please email us at phaedra@somenosmarsh if you’re interested.

Located at the end of York Road through the Timbercrest Neighbourhood, the Somenos Garry Oak Protected Area (SGOPA) is a beautiful Garry oak meadow, it is home to three endangered plants as well as several rare plants and both shallow soil and deep soil Garry Oaks and is an important place for wildlife that use the area for food and cover. Is it also an important cultural place for the Quw’utsun poeple, the SGOPA was used as a medicine gathering place and a place where Camas was ‘farmed’ and harvested. Cowichan oral memory and archaeological research shows that Ye’yumnuts (near by) is a sacred ancestral place that has a long history of use.

SMWS will be working in the SGOPA to remove invasive’s that have taken hold in the area. We will be tackling English hawthorns, Himalayan blackberry and Scotch broom. If you are interested in joining us for this invasive removal event, please let us know by emailing Phaedra at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com.

Once a month in the winter we visit the four main creeks in the Somenos Watershed (Richards, Averill, Bings, and Somenos) to test the water. The data we collect from this sampling helps us understand the watershed better and allows us to make better-informed decisions about how to help the watershed thrive. If you are interested in participating please let us know, even if it is just one day that you can come out to help. We meet at 1:30 at the Somenos Creek Dog Park and go from there. Please email us at phaedra@somenosmarsh if you’re interested.

Located at the end of York Road through the Timbercrest Neighbourhood, the Somenos Garry Oak Protected Area (SGOPA) is a beautiful Garry oak meadow, it is home to three endangered plants as well as several rare plants and both shallow soil and deep soil Garry Oaks and is an important place for wildlife that use the area for food and cover. Is it also an important cultural place for the Quw’utsun poeple, the SGOPA was used as a medicine gathering place and a place where Camas was ‘farmed’ and harvested. Cowichan oral memory and archaeological research shows that Ye’yumnuts (near by) is a sacred ancestral place that has a long history of use.

SMWS will be working in the SGOPA to remove invasive’s that have taken hold in the area. We will be tackling English hawthorns, Himalayan blackberry and Scotch broom. If you are interested in joining us for this invasive removal event, please let us know by emailing Phaedra at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com.

We are thrilled to invite you to a special Volunteer Appreciation Lunch, as a sincere thank you for the incredible work you do to support our environmental mission. Your dedication and hard work truly make a world of difference, and we couldn’t do it without you!

If you haven't had the chance to volunteer with us yet, we would still love for you to join us—it's a wonderful opportunity to meet the team and learn more about our work.

We hope you can join us for an afternoon of good food, and great company. Please RSVP by January 9th, and let us know if you have any dietary restrictions so we can prepare accordingly. Thank you for all your time, energy, and commitment to making a positive impact in the Somenos watershed. We look forward to celebrating with you!

The salmon have arrived in the S’amunu Watershed! Following the rains and rising water levels, the water quality in Somenos Creek has improved enough to allow salmon to migrate through. This signals the start of our annual in-stream salmon enumeration surveys, which will take place every two weeks in all three watershed creeks until the salmon stop running.

During these surveys, we'll be walking upstream as a group to count the salmon. The terrain can be tricky, so be prepared to navigate log jams and creek banks. We invite volunteers to join us for these surveys as a great way to connect with nature, engage with the community, and learn about the crucial role salmon play in our watershed.

You will need to bring water, polarized sunglasses, weather appropriate clothing and waders if you have them. We will be meeting in our office beforehand for introductions and to split into groups for each creek.

If you would like to join us for these events, please contact Phaedra at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com as there is limited space available.

The salmon have arrived in the S’amunu Watershed! Following the rains and rising water levels, the water quality in Somenos Creek has improved enough to allow salmon to migrate through. This signals the start of our annual in-stream salmon enumeration surveys, which will take place every two weeks in all three watershed creeks until the salmon stop running.

During these surveys, we'll be walking upstream as a group to count the salmon. The terrain can be tricky, so be prepared to navigate log jams and creek banks. We invite volunteers to join us for these surveys as a great way to connect with nature, engage with the community, and learn about the crucial role salmon play in our watershed.

You will need to bring water, polarized sunglasses, weather appropriate clothing and waders if you have them. We will be meeting in our office beforehand for introductions and to split into groups for each creek.

If you would like to join us for these events, please contact Phaedra at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com as there is limited space available.

The salmon have arrived in the S’amunu Watershed! Following the rains and rising water levels, the water quality in Somenos Creek has improved enough to allow salmon to migrate through. This signals the start of our annual in-stream salmon enumeration surveys, which will take place every two weeks in all three watershed creeks until the salmon stop running.

During these surveys, we'll be walking upstream as a group to count the salmon. The terrain can be tricky, so be prepared to navigate log jams and creek banks. We invite volunteers to join us for these surveys as a great way to connect with nature, engage with the community, and learn about the crucial role salmon play in our watershed.

You will need to bring water, polarized sunglasses, weather appropriate clothing and waders if you have them. We will be meeting in our office beforehand for introductions and to split into groups for each creek.

If you would like to join us for these events, please contact Phaedra at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com as there is limited space available.

The salmon have arrived in the S’amunu Watershed! Following the rains and rising water levels, the water quality in Somenos Creek has improved enough to allow salmon to migrate through. This signals the start of our annual in-stream salmon enumeration surveys, which will take place every two weeks in all three watershed creeks until the salmon stop running.

During these surveys, we'll be walking upstream as a group to count the salmon. The terrain can be tricky, so be prepared to navigate log jams and creek banks. We invite volunteers to join us for these surveys as a great way to connect with nature, engage with the community, and learn about the crucial role salmon play in our watershed.

You will need to bring water, polarized sunglasses, weather appropriate clothing and waders if you have them. We will be meeting in our office beforehand for introductions and to split into groups for each creek.

If you would like to join us for these events, please contact Phaedra at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com as there is limited space available.

Once a month in the winter we visit the four main creeks in the Somenos Watershed (Richards, Averill, Bings, and Somenos) to sample the water. The data we collect from this sampling helps us understand the watershed better and allows us to make better-informed decisions about how to help the watershed thrive. If you are interested in participating please let us know, even if it is just one day that you can come out to help. We meet at 1:30 at the Somenos Creek Dog Park and go from there. Please email us at phaedra@somenosmarsh if you’re interested.

Every week in the summer and fall we visit the four main creeks in the Somenos Watershed (Richards, Avrill, Bings, and Somenos) to sample the water. The data we collect from this sampling helps us understand the watershed better and allows us to make better-informed decisions about how to help the watershed thrive. If you are interested in participating please let us know, even if it is just one day that you can come out to help. We meet at 1:30 at the Somenos Creek Dog Park and go from there. Please email us at phaedra@somenosmarsh if you’re interested.

The CVRD Parks and Trails Volunteer Program are teaming up with the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society to replant native vegetation along the Cowichan Valley Trail near the Agira Rd – Sherman Rd. section that has recently reopened after the completion of a major culvert and trail replacement project following the destructive storm of November 2021. Community members are invited to join in an effort to rehabilitate a small section of temporary trail, that was used during the CVT closure, with a diversity of native species. The event will take place on Thursday November 21, from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Those interested may contact the CVRD Parks Volunteer Coordinator to preregister for the event at parks.volunteers@cvrd.bc.ca or 250.746.2649.

If you want to attend this event please email Phaedra at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com to let her know.

Every autumn the SMWS team takes samples of the water in the Beverly Street Wetland to test the wetlands ability to filter out contaminates from runoff. Join for a quick, informative event, and please bring good waterproof shoes as some walking is required.

If you want to join us for this event please email Phaedra at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com to let her know.

The salmon have arrived in the S’amunu Watershed! Following the rains and rising water levels, the water quality in Somenos Creek has improved enough to allow salmon to migrate through. This signals the start of our annual in-stream salmon enumeration surveys, which will take place every two weeks in all three watershed creeks until the salmon stop running.

During these surveys, we'll be walking upstream as a group to count the salmon. The terrain can be tricky, so be prepared to navigate log jams and creek banks. We invite volunteers to join us for these surveys as a great way to connect with nature, engage with the community, and learn about the crucial role salmon play in our watershed.

You will need to bring water, polarized sunglasses, weather appropriate clothing and waders if you have them. We will be meeting in our office beforehand for introductions and to split into groups for each creek.

If you would like to join us for these events, please contact Phaedra at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com as there is limited space available.

Every week in the summer and fall we visit the four main creeks in the Somenos Watershed (Richards, Avrill, Bings, and Somenos) to sample the water. The data we collect from this sampling helps us understand the watershed better and allows us to make better-informed decisions about how to help the watershed thrive. If you are interested in participating please let us know, even if it is just one day that you can come out to help. We meet at 1:30 at the Somenos Creek Dog Park and go from there. Please email us at phaedra@somenosmarsh if you’re interested.

Every autumn the SMWS team takes samples of the water in the Beverly Street Wetland to test the wetlands ability to filter out contaminates from runoff. Join for a quick, informative event, and please bring good waterproof shoes as some walking is required.

If you want to join us for this event please email Phaedra at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com to let her know.

Every week in the summer and fall we visit the four main creeks in the Somenos Watershed (Richards, Avrill, Bings, and Somenos) to sample the water. The data we collect from this sampling helps us understand the watershed better and allows us to make better-informed decisions about how to help the watershed thrive. If you are interested in participating please let us know, even if it is just one day that you can come out to help. We meet at 1:30 at the Somenos Creek Dog Park and go from there. Please email us at phaedra@somenosmarsh if you’re interested.

Every autumn the SMWS team takes samples of the water in the Beverly Street Wetland to test the wetlands ability to filter out contaminates from runoff. Join for a quick, informative event, and please bring good waterproof shoes as some walking is required.

If you want to join us for this event please email Phaedra at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com to let her know.

Every week in the summer and fall we visit the four main creeks in the Somenos Watershed (Richards, Avrill, Bings, and Somenos) to sample the water. The data we collect from this sampling helps us understand the watershed better and allows us to make better-informed decisions about how to help the watershed thrive. If you are interested in participating please let us know, even if it is just one day that you can come out to help. We meet at 1:30 at the Somenos Creek Dog Park and go from there. Please email us at phaedra@somenosmarsh if you’re interested.

Every autumn the SMWS team takes samples of the water in the Beverly Street Wetland to test the wetlands ability to filter out contaminates from runoff. Join for a quick, informative event, and please bring good waterproof shoes as some walking is required.

If you want to join us for this event please email Phaedra at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com to let her know.

Every week in the Summer we visit the four main creeks in the Somenos Watershed (Richards, Avrill, Bings, and Somenos) to sample the water. The data we collect from this sampling helps us understand the watershed better and allows us to make better-informed decisions about how to help the watershed thrive. If you are interested in participating please let us know, even if it is just one day that you can come out to help. We meet at 1:30 at the Somenos Creek Dog Park and go from there. Please email us at phaedra@somenosmarsh if you’re interested.

Our parrot’s feather control project is in full swing again this year and we are welcoming volunteers to join us on the boat in Somenos Creek, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, every week. We will be working from two boats, one cutting and one collecting to remove the parrot’s feather from the creek. If you are interested in joining us for one of these events, please reach out to us at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com.

Every week in the Summer we visit the four main creeks in the Somenos Watershed (Richards, Avrill, Bings, and Somenos) to sample the water. The data we collect from this sampling helps us understand the watershed better and allows us to make better-informed decisions about how to help the watershed thrive. If you are interested in participating please let us know, even if it is just one day that you can come out to help. We meet at 1:30 at the Somenos Creek Dog Park and go from there. Please email us at phaedra@somenosmarsh if you’re interested.

Our parrot’s feather control project is in full swing again this year and we are welcoming volunteers to join us on the boat in Somenos Creek, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, every week. We will be working from two boats, one cutting and one collecting to remove the parrot’s feather from the creek. If you are interested in joining us for one of these events, please reach out to us at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com.

Every week in the Summer we visit the four main creeks in the Somenos Watershed (Richards, Avrill, Bings, and Somenos) to sample the water. The data we collect from this sampling helps us understand the watershed better and allows us to make better-informed decisions about how to help the watershed thrive. If you are interested in participating please let us know, even if it is just one day that you can come out to help. We meet at 1:30 at the Somenos Creek Dog Park and go from there. Please email us at phaedra@somenosmarsh if you’re interested.

Our parrot’s feather control project is in full swing again this year and we are welcoming volunteers to join us on the boat in Somenos Creek, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, every week. We will be working from two boats, one cutting and one collecting to remove the parrot’s feather from the creek. If you are interested in joining us for one of these events, please reach out to us at phaedra@somenosmarsh.com.

Ready to roll up your sleeves and make a positive impact? Join us for a fun-filled day of adventure as we clean up Bings Creek along the beautiful Cowichan Valley Trail!

We'll kick off our day at the end of Agira Road and set out on a mission to clear the creek, helping to protect this vital urban habitat for fish and wildlife. Not only will you be making a difference for our local ecosystem, but you'll also get to enjoy the great outdoors and connect with like-minded folks who share your passion for the environment.

Come for the fresh air, stay for the camaraderie, and leave with a sense of accomplishment! Let’s work together to keep our community beautiful. We can’t wait to see you there!

If you would like to attend this event please sign up on eventbrite here

Every week in the Summer we visit the four main creeks in the Somenos Watershed (Richards, Avrill, Bings, and Somenos) to sample the water. The data we collect from this sampling helps us understand the watershed better and allows us to make better-informed decisions about how to help the watershed thrive. If you are interested in participating please let us know, even if it is just one day that you can come out to help. We meet at 1:30 at the Somenos Creek Dog Park and go from there. Please email us at phaedra@somenosmarsh if you’re interested.