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![As we celebrate the Spring Equinox, marking the renewal of life, let’s take a moment to appreciate the vital role wetlands play in our environment and community.
Historically, wetlands across Canada were often drained to create arable land for agriculture, as they were seen as obstacles to farming rather than valuable ecosystems. This large-scale drainage led to the loss of up to 70% of historic wetlands, with 40% of this loss occurring in the twentieth century due to expanding agricultural, industrial, and urban development. As a result, critical habitat for countless species was destroyed, natural flood control mechanisms were diminished, and carbon stored in peatlands was released into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. The loss of wetlands has also had long-term consequences for water filtration and availability, increasing the risk of drought and reducing water quality in surrounding areas.
What’s happening at Sandown Centre?
Since 2021, Dr. Charlotte Norris of the Pacific Forestry Centre has been undergoing research at the Sandown Centre quantifying the amount of carbon stored in the soil. The results will help to understand if different management practices change soil carbon stocks.
The District of North Saanich stormwater management plan channels water from roadways and commercial areas onto the site, where riparian zones filter and clean the water before it exits into Wsikem Creek and eventually Patricia Bay. Historically a salmon-bearing stream, efforts are underway to restore its health. Regular water quality testing, following Peninsula Streams protocols, ensures ongoing monitoring and improvement.
This Spring Equinox, let’s recognize and support the essential functions of wetlands in preserving biodiversity, sequestering carbon, and enhancing our community’s environmental health.
[photo 1: Sandown Centre seasonal wetlands. Photo 2: Brooke Hayes (left) and Dr. Charlotte Norris (right). Photo 3: Dr. Charlotte Norris soil sampling sites. Photo 4; Northern Harrier photo taken by Garlin Armstrong at Sandown.]
#northsaanich #saanich #saanichton #equinox #spring #wetlands #seasonalwetlands #ecology #environment](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/485865252_18041965451597452_8241028525011020413_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=lyggyh2B5S4Q7kNvwH9YWQN&_nc_oc=AdkYBK2KxNtX2yn2VRaAwktEdykm_9pxrU1Ze4DnXAn45-BrpxWCPesVTnJX1Y0YfXw&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=IsJ09rwOf6yffLt8vvfo8g&oh=00_AfFZGRkIzIirNDRviq1gOPSUrTSuuajrcvaDKFZJuO-Xow&oe=68182C99)
“Regenerative agriculture provides answers to the soil crises, the food crises, the health crises, the climate crises, and the crisis of democracy.”
- Dr. Vandana Shiva
Check out this recent video on regenerative agriculture, made by the folks from Farm Folk City Folk .
It features some inspiring local farmers as well as members of the Sandown team!
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