Welcoming Spring!

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.

Riparian area at Sandown Centre

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.

PhD Candidate E. Brooke Hayes of the UVic EcoGastronomy Lab and Dr. Charlotte Norris of the Pacific Forestry Centre on-site

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. 

Soil sampling sites of Dr. Charlotte Norris of the Pacific Forestry Centre, quantifying the amount of carbon stored at Sandown Centre.

The District of North Saanich (DNS) Integrated Stormwater Management Plan (ISPM) channels water from roadways and commercial areas onto the Sandown site, where riparian zones filter and clean the water before it exits into Wsikem Creek and eventually Patricia Bay.

GIS Photo showing the extent of flooding following the atmospheric river event in November, 2021.

More Information on DNS ISMP

Historically a salmon-bearing stream, efforts are underway to restore the health of Wsikem Creek. Regular water quality testing, following Peninsula Streams protocols, ensures

Northern Harrier, photographed by Gaelin Armstrong on-site in September, 2024.

ongoing monitoring and improvement. We even saw minnows on-site for the first time since we started stewarding the land in 2021, and avid bird watchers have recorded 140 bird species on e-bird.

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.

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Fireweed Farm at Sandown Centre

Join Ali of Fireweed Farm at Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture this Sunday, March 23, from 1pm - 3pm for a hands-on workshop to celebrate the Spring Equinox.

Register here

SAVE THE DATE:

Mothers Day, Sunday, May 11th

Sandown Plant Sale

Click here for more information and to register for the Home Gardener Course!

See our calendar of events for all upcoming public events!

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Did you know that we have an intermediary agreement with the Growing Young Farmers Society? We deliver their programs on-site at Sandown Centre and already have 28 classes booked this spring! Do you know a teacher who might be interested? Pass on the link below for more information and to book. Is transportation a barrier for you? We can cover the cost of the bus!

Thank you to the Victoria Foundation, TD Friends of the Environment, and Saanich Peninsula Community Foundation for supporting this program!

Book today

Are you interested in donating to Growing Young Farmers Society to advance hands-on education to youth and new-entrant farmers in food systems, regenerative agriculture and food literacy? Click here.

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Thank you for being a part of the Sandown community and supporting our mission to empower farmers, restore land, and secure our food future!