Squamish Environment Society

Our new season is soon upon us. If you would like to sign up for a shift just drop us a note and we will put you on the schedule.

Location: Adventure Centre

Volunteer Interpreter Program

Volunteer interpreters share their knowledge and love of bald eagles with people from around the world. This program is a wonderful way to learn about bald eagles, meet interesting people and have fun.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer this year, see the training day event.

Adult Bald Eagle, Photo: Ana Santos

Location: Meet at the yellow gate in the estuary
Description: Late October is a good time to look for raptors and watch our resident birds settling into fall and winter routines. We hope to see

Location: Meet at Brackendale Elementary School parking lot

Description: This month we are very fortunate to have mushroom expert Terry
Taylor as our walk leader. Terry will take us on a walk through the forest
where we’ll look for fungi, learn what they are and how to identify them,
and about their role in the forest ecosystem. Wear good walking shoes and
dress for the weather. About 2 hours walking on flat, but rooty trails.
Please no dogs.

Walk leader Terry Taylor has been active in Vancouver Mycological Society

Location: Meeting place TBA (Call Marcia Danielson 898-9420)

Description: You may have noticed flocks of birds in your garden, gathering as they head south for the winter. Migration has begun. This month we’ll look for fall migrants and learn about who stays here for the winter; who heads South; and just how far south they go. About 2 hours walking on flat trails. Walk Leader Marcia Danielson. Bring binoculars if you have them and dress for the weather (it can be very windy in the estuary). Please no dogs. NOTE: walk will be canceled if steady rain.

Learn how to Monitor & Protect Wetlands

When: May 29-31, 2009

Location: Larson Creek Wetland and Gleneagles Community Centre,
6262 Marine Drive.
Horseshoe Bay

Wetlandkeepers is a 2½ day introduction to wetland stewardship.
The course offers individuals an opportunity for hands-on practice of
wetland conservation skills such as conducting wetland plant and bird
surveys, installing a Photo Point Monitoring system and raising public
awareness. This special section covers reports Participants that
successfully complete the course will be awarded a Wetlandkeepers
Certificate.

Location: Wetland behind Valleycliff. Meeting place to be determined.
Nearly all of BC's amphibian species are struggling for survival, due to urban expansion, wetland filling, and other factors. Biologist Chessy Knight will lead this family-friendly nature walk where we'll look have a close up look at frogs. A short walk will take us to a small wetland where we'll hunt for tadpoles. We'll identify each species and learn about their ecology, the challenges they face, and what we can do to help their survival. For more info: Please call Rachel 604-898-4050

1. SES Regular meeting and Presentation, Riches of the Natural World in Squamish, Wednesday May 20
2. David Suzuki comes to Squamish, Friday May 22 (Presented by Recreation Facilities Association of BC)
3. Frog Walk - Guided Nature Walk, Sunday May 24
4. To the Tarsands - Climate Change Movie Nights are back! (Presented by Squamish CAN), Monday May 25
5. Wetlands Stewardship Workshop, Friday-Sunday May 29-31 (Presented by BC Wildlife Federation)
6. Help Wanted. Volunteers Needed:

• Master BBQ Chef needed for SES fundraiser
• Opportunity to learn and help with maintaining our new website and to research and write online articles
• Help Greener Footprints to deliver one free bag to every home in Squamish

Where: Meet at the Howe Sound Inn, in the dining room

Description: We divide into four groups at the Inn to cover all corners of the estuary, then head out to count the number of species and individual birds seen. We meet back at the Brew Pub at about 12:30 to bring in our results and to enjoy an optional lunch. This month a few of our regulars will be away, so please come out if you are available - we can use the extra eyes and ears! All levels of birders are always welcome. Bring binoculars if you have them and dress for the weather.

Where: Mile 18 Upper Squamish Valley

Description: A second nettle workshop is being held due to popular demand. This day long stinging nettle workshop will give you hands on experience in identifying, harvesting & processing nettles. You will never look at Stinging Nettles in the same, old way! Pre-registration required.

Cost: Before April 13th $49.00. After Apr. 13th $59.00

For more info: 604-898-1464 or email rowantree@telus.net .

Where: Mamquam Blind Channel

The Squamish River Watershed Society is looking for volunteers to help us prepare eelgrass shoots for planting in the Mamquam Blind Channel over the two day period between May 23 and 24 (Saturday & Sunday). We're hoping to have several 2 hour shifts, starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday / Sunday and running to around 3:00 p.m.

1. Human-Bear Conflict- Is Co-existence Possible? Thursday April 30 (Bear Aware Presentation)
2. Squamish Estuary Monthly Bird Count, Sunday May 3
3. Nurture by Nettles Workshop, Saturday May 9
4. New Operating Name for SECS
5. Eelgrass planting (Squamish River Watershed Society), May 23 and 24

Where:
Meet at the yellow gate on the windsurfing spit

Description:
The warblers are arriving and there have been bluebirds in the estuary for the past few weeks. Observers have spotted killdeer, kestrels, and a variety of ducks, as well as chickadee, hairy woodpecker, eagle, and red wing blackbird nests. Marcia Danielson will share her abundant knowledge of the birds we see, including how to identify them and their habits.