LIVING OFF THE LAND by Jo Barnes | photos by Kathryn Alvarez Photography
PENINSULA STREAMS SOCIETY:
From Sea to Soil to Sustainability Tangles of invasive blackberry canes dominated and choked out any other plants along the stream. Fish numbers were dwindling and nearby pastures were flooding. If we were to stop there, this would be just another sad story of damage to the local environment. But some people were determined not to let the story end there. Waterways intersect land tracts on the Peninsula, and when good stewardship of them takes place, the health of both land and watershed are secured. For over 20 years, the Peninsula Streams Society has been working with local owners of farmland to restore and protect aquatic ecosystems in Greater Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula and along the way has provided expertise and education in restoration and conservation of these ecosystems. "The connection between landowners and farmers and Peninsula Streams Society is absolutely essential," shares Ian Bruce, Senior Biologist and a founder of the society. "Streams go through agricultural land and a large part of this is in private hands. We contact 26 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | SEPTEMBER 2023
landowners and do stewardship and restoration." Since the society began in 2002, its work has been diverse, including projects such as mitigating the impact of fertilization from farms, treating stormwater, monitoring water quality and improving stream habitat. What was once a small group of environmental enthusiasts has grown into a large organization of dedicated local individuals working with other entities to reach their objectives of ecological restoration through community stewardship and environmental education. "We now have 400 active members and 175 volunteers," relates Ian. "We receive donations and grants from corporate, private, municipal, provincial and federal organizations." Whether it's farming activities or commercial and residential building developments, there is always impact on ecosystems. Peninsula Streams supports volunteer stewardship groups such as Friends of Chalet Creek and Friends of Tod Creek Watershed, providing access to funding, resources, and professional advice. It collaborates with local farmers to improve the streams running along their properties and assists them with responsible and effective farming practices including optimum plowing techniques, creating buffers to protect soil and reduce erosion, and establishing wetlands to enhance biodiversity, mitigate flooding, and provide nutrients. "You can't have healthy streams and estuaries if practices on land are poor," shares Ian. One of Peninsula Streams' projects is the restoration of the Hagan and Graham Creek watershed, one of the largest watersheds on the Peninsula and covering a significant portion of Central Saanich. Hagan Creek originates in the north from Mount Newton. Graham Creek originates south of the Central Saanich border between West Saanich and Old West Saanich Roads. It flows along the western boundary of Centennial Park. Peninsula Streams has collaborated with local