Between Claridge and Myrtle roads, above and parallel to Padgett, there is a rough road travelling through crucial Myrtle Creek habitat; this is part of the creek’s wetlands. This dense brush protects and nurtures the creek and all its wildlife including more than 30 varieties of birds.
Wetlands are fast disappearing all over the world. They often seem insignificant patches of land, scrubby and marshy, but the truth is they are vital to our water systems, filtering out pollutants and stabilizing water temperature and flow. They are aquatic nursing areas and produce nutrients that enrich entire watersheds.
On Tuesday, May 22, World Biological Marine Diversity Day, Powell River Regional District board chair and Electoral Area C Director Colin Palmer, Area B Director Stan Gisborne, Debbi Stanyer, water resource and environment manager with Brookfield Renewable Power and Betty Zaikow, president of Sierra Malaspina joined members of Myrtle Creek Stewards Society on a tour of the site, admiring frogs and Labrador tea along the way.
With the support of the regional district and Brookfield, the society made signs explaining the wetlands. “We are pleased the Powell River Regional District and Brookfield Renewable Power support our work with these wetlands,” said Esther Dyck, president of the society. “Dave Dyck, Sidney Allman, Kevin Cote and Chris Duckett did the hard work of getting the signs in the ground. We’ve already had compliments from the local running club who use this trail. They like the way they fit so well in the environment.”
