Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society 2007 Annual Report

Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society 2007 Annual Report Letter from the Board Dear Friends of the Lagoon Society 2006 has been another wonderful year for the Lagoon Society and one in which we have made great strides towards fulfilling our vision for the Iris Griffith Centre. Looking back it seems amazing to me that we have managed to achieve so much and it is a testament to the enormous energy and enthusiasm of all our directors, staff and supporters that we have managed to pull this off in such a short time. On behalf of my fellow directors I would like to pay special thanks to our two fantastic program directors Georgia Ohm and Lee Ann Ennis who have given such life to the Centre through all the ingenious programs that they have organized. Under the expert eye of Gillian Kydd and the many teachers and parents (and School Bus drivers) that have joined in, the Nature School Program has been an absolute joy for us all and has received great acclaim from the participating schools. To watch the children sit and quietly contemplate their surroundings and sketch in their journals is a truly amazing sight. The work on the Centre continues with many volunteer hours clocked up from a small army of helpers who have not only learnt new skills and made new friends, but I hope have had a lot of fun along the way. We owe a great deal to our Construction Supervisor, John Dafoe, who is always willing to jump in and organize the task at hand, and always with a smile on his face. His knowledge of green building technology has been absolutely vital to the green retrofitting that we have undertaken this year thanks to the generosity of Vancity and the Real Estate Foundation. Our Treasurer, John Field has not only been masterly in the way he has kept everything on track financially, but to my knowledge has never missed a single work party day. Finally, I would like to thank Michelle Evelyn, our proposal writer, for working so hard on getting proposals written and handed in on time. Thanks to her amazing writing skills we have been able to secure funds for a whole range of new programs and projects. One of the highlights of 2006 for me was the 1st Sunshine Coast Water Summit, which was organized and facilitated by the Lagoon Society, and attracted over 80 community stakeholders for the two day meeting. This initiative, funded by the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation and the SCRD resulted in the production of a Water Master Plan Framework for the whole Lower Sunshine Coast. This was a great example of how we can really make a difference in our local community by leading the way in initiating dialogue about sustainability for future generations. We are all now faced with major challenges concerning Climate Change and we look forward to playing a major role in this dialogue too. The Iris Griffith Centre is a showpiece of green building techniques, sustainability and low impact living and we hope to lead by example in sharing our knowledge with many residents in our community. There is a lot to look forward to in 2008 – the continuation of the Greening Your Home workshop series, completion of the lower floor of the Centre, the first ever Sunshine Coast BioBlitz, more Nature School classes, wetland restoration, research, and a launch of a new freshwater conservation and education program. So much to enjoy. We hope to see you at the Iris Griffith Centre soon! Michael Jackson, Chair Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society 2007 Annual Report 2007: ACHIEVING GREAT HEIGHTS After constructing and opening the Iris Griffith Interpretive Centre in 2005, and launching a diverse array of public programs in 2006, the Lagoon Society carried on strong with an exciting year featuring an artists’ celebration, unveiling of new displays and exhibits, children’s programs, workshops and field trips, wetland stewardship, ecological monitoring and research, community celebrations and much much more! THE NATURAL WORLD: AN ARTISTS’ CELEBRATION During the “Natural World: An Artists’ Celebration” from April to October 2007 different Sunshine Coast artists spent time in-residence at the Iris Griffith Centre where they worked, exhibited, created artworks for permanent display, and participated in various community outreach activities. Each artist was able to interact, communicate and connect with a variety of audiences, including visiting residents, tourists, naturalists, students and families. The celebration kicked off in the spring of 2007, when Sechelt Nation artist Dionne Paul carved a beautiful and original Coast Salish Welcoming Pole and woven sculpture to stand near the entrance of the Iris Griffith Centre. The ten-foot Welcoming Pole is in female form and stands in front of a ten-foot traditional floor loom warped with copper and copper wire. Dionne spent the month of April 2007 as artist in residence at the Iris Griffith Centre. During that time she worked on her sculpture and also provided weaving classes for children and adults to enhance community engagement, while teaching about traditional art forms and the importance of forests to First Nations peoples. On May 6, 2007, community members gathered at the Iris Griffith Centre to enjoy a very special blessing ceremony in honour the pole raising. RR#1 Site 20 C16, Madeira Park BC, V0N 2H0 Phone/Fax: 1-604-883-9893 2 Web: www.lagoonsociety.com Email: info@lagoonsociety.com Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society 2007 Annual Report During the month of May 2007, artists Ken Walters and Emily Gray continued the Artists’ Celebration, painting a colourful mural on the lower floor of the Iris Griffith Centre. The spectacular mural depicts many of the wetland plant and animal species that can be seen in the Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve, frogs, butterflies, ducks, lilies and reeds. During their month in residence, Emily and Ken also provided workshops to teach participants to make funky paper mache creations. In June, the Artists’ Celebration took a musical turn as trio Sweet Cascadia created a unique CD (Songs for Iris) and provided a “Weekend of Song: Inspired by Nature” featuring concerts, song-writing workshops, jam sessions and song sharing circles. Also in June, painter Stewart Stinson set up an outdoor camp, in the tradition of Emily Carr, painting from morning to night over an intense 7-day period. He also provided public “Painting the World Around Us” workshops. RR#1 Site 20 C16, Madeira Park BC, V0N 2H0 Phone/Fax: 1-604-883-9893 3 Web: www.lagoonsociety.com Email: info@lagoonsociety.com Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society 2007 Annual Report In July, photographer Alan Sirulnikoff came to the Centre For his artist’s residency project, Alan spent a 24-hour period in the Caren Range photographing within a 24-metre diameter. Located in the mountains above the Centre, the Caren Range is recognized as the ´oldest forest in Canada´, the ecosystem contains groves of the oldest known living Yellow Cedars, Mountain Hemlocks and Western Hemlocks in the world. Alan’s Caren Range photographs incorporate numerous perspectives from the macro world to vistas; from dawn to late into the night; from abstract to realism. During his month at the Centre, Alan also offered a series of public slide show presentations on nature-related themes and special wilderness areas, including the Caren Range, Atlin, Skowquiltz Valley and Gospel Rock In August, visual artist Jan Poynter moved in as artist-in-residence, producing a series of botanical and wildlife illustrations and paintings representing the typical birds, bugs and amphibians of the Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve in their natural wetland habitat. The public was invited to visit Jan at the Centre to view and discuss the drawing, painting and preparation of the illustrations while she was working on site. In addition, Jan offered special “Trail Walk and Sketch” and “Paint Out” events, including demonstrations for active learning with participants sketching or painting while participating in guided nature walks. The final month of the Artists’ Celebration, September 2007, featured two artists. Painter Tia McLennan created a series of paintings featuring the local “Three Ponds” wilderness area, and offered print-making workshops to community members. Also in September, writer Christine Parton worked on a Pacific Salmon book project and provided ‘Creative Wandering’ writing workshops. At the end of October, Lagoon Society members, volunteers and friends gathered at a final Artists’ Reception celebrating the work of all participating artists. RR#1 Site 20 C16, Madeira Park BC, V0N 2H0 Phone/Fax: 1-604-883-9893 4 Web: www.lagoonsociety.com Email: info@lagoonsociety.com Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society 2007 Annual Report NEW INTERPRETIVE DISPLAYS In 2007, we were pleased to unveil an exciting new collection of interpretive displays and exhibits at the Iris Griffith Centre. Green Technologies for Sustainable Living – As development on the Sunshine Coast rapidly proceeds, there is much concern about its effect on the local beauty and natural wealth of this region. It is possible to minimize the environmental impact of new development through the use of innovative design and alternative technologies. The Iris Griffith Centre aims to act as a model green building, showcasing sustainable homes and households with model solar heating and solar electric, rainwater catchment, and green roof system. Our new hands-on displays and interpretive signage provide detailed information about how these systems work. Wetlands –The ecology and function of wetlands are illustrated in three prominent displays. Our indoor Wetland Exhibit includes multiple display panels and focuses on the ecological importance of wetlands. In our lower floor classroom and aquarium gallery, a stunning mural illustrates many common local wetland species. Outside the Centre, a wetland display panel illustrates and describes the ecology of common wetland species in our Denise Cargill Wildlife Sanctuary. RR#1 Site 20 C16, Madeira Park BC, V0N 2H0 Phone/Fax: 1-604-883-9893 5 Web: www.lagoonsociety.com Email: info@lagoonsociety.com Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society 2007 Annual Report Aquarium Gallery – Our new lower floor aquarium gallery space includes aquaria and terraria housing local freshwater fish, amphibian and invertebrate species. Accompanying identification cards provide details about different species present in the tanks. Key species include the rare and endangered Texada Island Sticklebacks, local frog and salamander species, and freshwater insects such as Giant Water Bugs, Giant Diving Beetles, and Water Scorpions. Adjacent to the tanks, interpretive signs describe the different species present, including morphology, life cycles, habitat use, ecological roles, population status and conservation threats. Caren Range – Located in the mountains above the Iris Griffith Centre, the Caren Range is a unique and important ecological treasure on the Sunshine Coast. Recognized as the ´oldest forest in Canada´, the ecosystem contains groves of the oldest known living Yellow Cedars, Mountain Hemlocks and Western Hemlocks in the world, and supports a great diversity of flora and fauna, including many rare and threatened species. Our Caren Range Exhibit currently includes (i) a section of a 1,834 year old Yellow Cedar stump labelled with key historical dates; (ii) information about the habits and habitats of the Marbled Murrelet which nests in the Caren Range and forages in the Pacific Ocean; and (iii) a Caren Range photography exhibit. RR#1 Site 20 C16, Madeira Park BC, V0N 2H0 Phone/Fax: 1-604-883-9893 6 Web: www.lagoonsociety.com Email: info@lagoonsociety.com Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society 2007 Annual Report EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING In 2007, visitors to the Iris Griffith Centre enjoyed many exciting lectures, slide shows, presentations and guided field trips led by scientists, naturalists and artists highlighting the flora, fauna and ecosystems of the Sunshine Coast, including: Tetrahedron Snowshoeing Trip A special winter snowshoe trip guided by park rangers with interpretation from local naturalists, introduced participants to the spectacular Tetrahedron Range. Marine Life of the Sunshine Coast For all those interested in the world underneath the waves of the Sunshine Coast Professor Jim Rossi, and a few of his students in Capilano College’s scuba program presented a slideshow followed by a guided field trip to Francis Point Park. Participants enjoyed learning about amazing creatures of the sea, oceanography and the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems and species. Amphibian Ecology and Monitoring Visitors joined in an amphibian survey in the Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve led by UBC Graduate Student Isabelle Deguise, learned all about local amphibian species, and participated in this valuable ecological monitoring activity. Introduction to Forest Mushrooms This informative workshop enabled participants to learn about edible mushroom varieties through a presentation and guided walk led by Dr. John Field. Caren Range Field Trip – A guided hike in Canada’s oldest closed-canopy forest, introduced participants to the ancient forest habitats, dendrochronology, and flora and fauna, and provided stunning views of the Sechelt inlet and Georgia Strait. RR#1 Site 20 C16, Madeira Park BC, V0N 2H0 Phone/Fax: 1-604-883-9893 7 Web: www.lagoonsociety.com Email: info@lagoonsociety.com Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society 2007 Annual Report Greening Your Home Workshop Series One highlight of our public programming schedule at the Iris Griffith Centre was the launch of our “Greening Your Home Workshop Series” in October and November 2007. A series of seven workshops and events provided participants with information, demonstrations and hands-on activities, and the opportunity to consult with experts on a variety of Green Home topics and technologies. The series kicked off with a Green Home Open House in October. Visitors were able to view the various green technologies installed at the Iris Griffith Centre and featured presenter, Helen Goodman of Lighthouse Sustainable Building Centre gave a talk entitled “The Net Zero Energy House”. In his talk entitled “Green Building 101” Chris Lindberg of Lighthouse Sustainable Building Centre focused on general green design principles and resources five broad areas: land use, water efficiency, energy efficiency, material sourcing, and healthy indoor environment. In the next workshop, “Keeping the Heat In” presenter Jason Steeghs, discussed and provided many samples of energy efficient building products that are currently available in the marketplace. RR#1 Site 20 C16, Madeira Park BC, V0N 2H0 Phone/Fax: 1-604-883-9893 8 Web: www.lagoonsociety.com Email: info@lagoonsociety.com Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society 2007 Annual Report The next presenter, Anita Green, Education Coordinator of the Centre for the Advancement of Green Roof Technology at BCIT, led a terrific workshop on “Living Roofs”. Anita described the many benefits of living roofs, led a detailed discussion about the most suitable membrane materials and plants and gave a glimpse into the research being done at BCIT Green Roof Centre. During his “Alternative Energy” workshop, Canada Green Building Council’s LEED Program Manager Ian Theaker discussed the need to use less energy and use it more efficiently. He introduced the workshop participants to a host of alternative technologies including solar, wind, hydro-power, biomass, geothermal, tidal and wave. In the final Green Building Workshop of the year, “Geo-Exchange Conditioning”, Luc Delestrade, a building performance analyst with Cobalt Design and Management in Vancouver presented a detailed review of heating and cooling using geo-exchange systems. We are thrilled to announce that the Green Home series will continue next year, with several exciting workshops planned for the spring of 2008. The Greening Your Home workshop series is generously sponsored by Environment Canada EcoAction, the Sunshine Coast Regional District, BC Transmission Corporation and the Province of BC. RR#1 Site 20 C16, Madeira Park BC, V0N 2H0 Phone/Fax: 1-604-883-9893 9 Web: www.lagoonsociety.com Email: info@lagoonsociety.com Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society 2007 Annual Report Children’s Programs Our innovative Nature School Program carried on strong in 2007 as more and more Sunshine Coast elementary school classes applied to participate. Launched in 2005, this innovative program provides the opportunity for teachers to move their classes to the Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve for an entire week of hands-on exploration. Nature School students enjoy a unique learning environment where on-site classroom sessions were reinforced by extended periods of time outdoors observing the diversity of habitats and plant and animal species. Teachers are able to use the special environment as a catalyst for integrated studies involving several subject areas including science, the arts, language arts, and social studies. In 2007, eight classes enjoyed full week-long Nature School experience and two additional classes enjoyed mini one-day Nature Schools. Students from Kindergarten to Grade 7 from Davis Bay Elementary, West Sechelt Elementary, Gibsons Elementary, Roberts Creek Elementary, Kinnikinnik Elementary, Sunshine Coast Homeschooling Group and L’Ecole de Pacifique were among our special guests. A key component of the Nature School Program involves teaching children how to keep nature journals. Every day there are extended observation during which students in small groups stay in different locations in the reserve to observe, draw and write in their journals. Teachers, staff members and parents find that taking the time to slow down and use all of their senses to really observe and experience nature had a powerful impact on the students. RR#1 Site 20 C16, Madeira Park BC, V0N 2H0 Phone/Fax: 1-604-883-9893 10 Web: www.lagoonsociety.com Email: info@lagoonsociety.com Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society 2007 Annual Report In addition to nature journaling, participating students enjoyed many other adventures including: • Expressing their experiences in nature using a variety of art forms including painting, sketching and puppet shows Participating in nature walks – to become familiar with common local flora and fauna Learning to recognize and identify animal tracks and animal signs Learning about adaptations animal bones and animal • • • • • • • • • Exploring tree growth and tree life cycles, and learning to identify common tree species Undertaking pond studies and collecting and identifying a variety of pond invertebrates Learning about First Nations cultural heritage, traditions & respect for the natural environment Building trails in the Nature Reserve Building bird boxes Removing invasive plants and assisting with wetland restoration and stewardship of the Nature Reserve Learning about bat ecology and behaviour • Our super-fun Lagoonies Club Program for kids also continued in 2007. These two-hour programs introduce kids to a variety of topics from wetland wildlife, to animal habitats, to plant adaptations, to predator-prey relationships. Children aged 5-13 come to the Centre to explore, play games, build artistic and scientific skills, and learn to act as stewards of the environment. Lagoonies runs as an after-school program during the school year and a weekend program during the summer. RR#1 Site 20 C16, Madeira Park BC, V0N 2H0 Phone/Fax: 1-604-883-9893 11 Web: www.lagoonsociety.com Email: info@lagoonsociety.com Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society 2007 Annual Report SUNSHINE COAST FAUNAL SURVEY The fauna of the Sunshine Coast is threatened by increasing human population growth, rapid development and expanding habitat loss and fragmentation. Development is proceeding in the absence of sufficient biological information to inform land use and wildlife management decisions. Many taxonomic groups have never been systematically surveyed. Information is urgently needed to guide conservation of wildlife, and in particular threatened and endangered species. In 2007, the Lagoon Society scientists Dr, Michelle Evelyn and David Stiles launched the Sunshine Coast Faunal Survey. The project aims to help maintain, conserve and enhance wildlife diversity on the Sunshine Coast by: • • • • • Identifying important breeding, foraging, roosting, and nesting habitat for different species Mapping the distribution of species-at-risk and introduced species Identifying and prioritizing key sites for conservation of wildlife Translating findings into management recommendations Raising awareness about the habitat requirements of wildlife on the Sunshine Coast By conducting comprehensive faunal surveys, with a focus on threatened species and areas of conservation concern, our scientists aim to provide essential information about species distribution, abundance, and habitat associations. RR#1 Site 20 C16, Madeira Park BC, V0N 2H0 Phone/Fax: 1-604-883-9893 12 Web: www.lagoonsociety.com Email: info@lagoonsociety.com Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society 2007 Annual Report NELSON ISLAND STICKLEBACK DISCOVERY In June 2007, Lagoon Society Chair Dr. Michael Jackson, Dr. Jennifer Gow of UBC and "Coastwise" John Dafoe made a thrilling scientific discovery - a new stickleback species pair discovered in a lake on Nelson Island. Often compared with Darwin’s finches from the Galapagos Islands, these small freshwater fish are a remarkable example of evolution in action. Descended from the oceandwelling threespine stickleback in the past 12000 years, they are among the youngest, rarest and most threatened species in the world. Each pair consists of a larger "benthic" species which lives near the bottom of the lake, and a smaller "limnetic" species which lives in the open water. Prior to the new discovery, the only other known surviving species pairs were known from four small lakes on Texada Island. Another species pairs on Lasqueti Island went extinct in the mid 1990s and a pair on Vancouver Island has collapsed into a hybridized population. The Lagoon Society team went on an expedition to Nelson Island, after they learned that the island had possibly been overlooked in earlier surveys. "This is a truly amazing discovery - we thought all the lakes had been checked years ago and the recent losses from two other sites was really disheartening," says Dr. Michael Jackson. "We could hardly believe our eyes when we pulled in our traps and they were full of hundreds of sticklebacks of two obviously different sizes." To celebrate and officially recognize the discovery, UBC scientists, Nelson Island residents, and members of the Texada Island Stickleback Group gathered at the Iris Griffith Centre in October 2007. At the Centre, Professor Dolph Schluter, Research Chair and Director of the Biodiversity Research Centre at UBC discussed the significance of the find and the importance of scientists and local residents working together to protect the new species. Following lunch, the group travelled by boat to Nelson Island to see the fish first hand. Stickleback species pairs are the focus of intensive research around the world and, as a result, researchers are unlocking key secrets about how species evolve and, in turn, about our understanding and treatment of cancer. RR#1 Site 20 C16, Madeira Park BC, V0N 2H0 Phone/Fax: 1-604-883-9893 13 Web: www.lagoonsociety.com Email: info@lagoonsociety.com Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society 2007 Annual Report WETLAND RESTORATION The Iris Griffith Interpretive Centre is located in front of a 10-acre wetland restoration site, where an existing wetland was drained in the late 1950s. The Lagoon Society is currently working to restore the wetland, using embankments, excavations, and water control structures to re-establish wetland hydrology and micro topography. The goal is to create a wetland complex that will provide a diversity of habitats for a variety of wildlife species. In 2007, we worked to map and monitor the wetland compartments that had been excavated in the previous year. Volunteers worked to control invasive species, plant and transplant native wetland species, and track the new plant growth around the wetland. We were pleased to install a new outdoor sign, introducing the common species of our wetland, known as the Denise Cargill Wildlife Sanctuary in honour of one of our Society’s founding donors. RR#1 Site 20 C16, Madeira Park BC, V0N 2H0 Phone/Fax: 1-604-883-9893 14 Web: www.lagoonsociety.com Email: info@lagoonsociety.com Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society 2007 Annual Report CELEBRATIONS AND SPECIAL EVENTS Plenty of music, dancing and fun at Lagoon Society special events including the Ruby Lake Lagoon Wood Duck and Wilderness Festival in May, and the Christmas party in November. At the Wood Duck Festival, guests enjoyed the musical talents of many local groups. At the Christmas party, Lagoon Society members and volunteers joined together with Society directors to celebrate yet another fantastic, event-filled year. RR#1 Site 20 C16, Madeira Park BC, V0N 2H0 Phone/Fax: 1-604-883-9893 15 Web: www.lagoonsociety.com Email: info@lagoonsociety.com Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society 2007 Annual Report 2007 FINANCIAL SUMMARY EXPENDITURES ($176,653) Water Summit & Fair 10% Wetland Restoration 8% Fundraising Expenses 1% Loan Repayment & Interest 10% IGC Renovations & Alternative Technologies 28% IGC Displays 9% IGC Operations 12% IGC Educational Programs 22% REVENUES ($204,524) Refunds & Interest 2% Sales, Events, Fees, Raffles 7% Foundation Grants 15% Provincial Grants 36% Individual Donations & Memberships 5% Federal Grants 11% Corporate Donations 13% Municipal Grants 11% Balance December 31, 2005: $17,301 Balance December 31, 2006: $45,172 Financial statements available on request. RR#1 Site 20 C16, Madeira Park BC, V0N 2H0 Phone/Fax: 1-604-883-9893 16 Web: www.lagoonsociety.com Email: info@lagoonsociety.com Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society 2007 Annual Report OUR CONTRIBUTORS The Directors of the Lagoon Society wish to thank everyone who has helped to make 2007 another enormously exciting and successful year, including our many members and generous volunteers, and the following major sponsors and donors! FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Western Economic Diversification (SICEAI) Environment Canada EcoAction Program National Science and Research Council of Canada Service Canada Summer Career Placement Program Parks Canada PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT Habitat Conservation Trust Fund BC Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch Spirit of BC Commissioning Program 2010 Arts Now Catalyst Program Public Conservation Assistance Fund MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT Sunshine Coast Regional District Union of BC Municipalities Community Tourism Program District of Sechelt FOUNDATIONS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS McLean Foundation Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia Sunshine Coast Community Foundation Nature Canada Pender Harbour & District Wildlife Society Friends of Caren Earthwatch Institute Watershed Watch Salmon Society Pacific Salmon Foundation Lohn Foundation Sunshine Coast Quilter Bees CORPORATIONS AND BUSINESSES Vancity TD Bank Financial Group BC Hydro Mountain Equipment Co-operative Sunshine Coast Credit Union West Coast Log Homes BC Transmission Corporation QLT Inc. Terasen Inc. Thermamax Industries Ltd. Sechelt Plumbing John Dafoe, Coastwise Handyman Sunco Recycled Building Materials PRIVATE DONORS Special thanks to all of our private donors and Legacy holders We are very grateful to the continuing support and encouragement from our Founding Families and Benefactors (the Griffith Family, the Cogrossi Family, Denise and Ken Cargill, Sylvia and Bruce Woodsworth) RR#1 Site 20 C16, Madeira Park BC, V0N 2H0 Phone/Fax: 1-604-883-9893 17 Web: www.lagoonsociety.com Email: info@lagoonsociety.com