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Saanich Peninsula Community Foundation

Grant Evaluation Report November 8, 2015

From: Peninsula Streams and the Friends of Shoal Harbour

1. How the grant was used:

a) Water quality sampling and analyses at the outfall of Mermaid Creek, which

empties into Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Samples were collected and

analyzed for nutrients, coliform bacteria, PAH’s and metals on June 4, July2, July 30,

September 8 and October 20, 2015. See Appendix A for full results.

Laboratory fees to measure coliforms, PAH’s and metals for the 5 samples collected

so far amounted to $1129.00. Two additional samples will be taken (December 2015

and February 2016) to complete the survey. The costs of the analyses of the

additional samples will be supported by Peninsula Streams and private donors.

b) Engaged Parkland Secondary School students in the Shorekeepers Program

through the Saanich Inlet Protection Society (SIPS). Students conducted a biological

survey of a portion of the intertidal zone in Roberts Bay, supported by Friends of

Shoal Harbour (FOSH). Students received training, mentored experience, conducted

surveys and researched their findings. All tools, materials and direction were

provided by the Saanich Inlet Protection Society as an extension of its Shorekeeping

Program (no out-of-pocket costs to the SPCF-supported project). See Appendix B for

and illustrated report.

c) Involved Parkland Secondary students in the All Buffleheads Day Celebrations

(October 15 – 17, 2015). An Address by the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia,

the Honourable Judith Guichon was presented to students and the public in the

auditorium of Parkland High School on Friday, October 16, in celebration of All

Buffleheads Day, and to recognize the partnership with Nature Canada. Nature

Canada has designated the Saanich Peninsula one of its “NatureHood” locations.

This event was organized by FOSH but at no direct cost to the project. See Appendix

C for a transcription of the Lieutenant-Governor’s remarks and associated

newspaper articles.

d) A story-time and craft event for young children on the topic of Bufflehead ducks

was organized and hosted at the Sidney Branch of the Vancouver Island Public

Library in Sidney BC by Tina Kelly, whose work with FOSH helps advance the

NatureHood program. The Victoria branch of NatureKids – a club for young

naturalists, also traveled up to attend this event.

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Note: We departed from the original budget estimates to spend the majority of the

funds on the water quality analysis, as both Parkland Secondary and SIPS donated

their equipment and sampling gear, hence removing the need to purchase any

equipment or materials. The remaining funds were used to support the event for

young children at the Sidney Library.

2. Project outcomes

The project outcomes exceeded our expectations, as they paid for five water sample

analyses as well as helped support several other events highlighting the migratory

bird sanctuary. In addition, Peninsula Streams has committed to covering the costs

of sampling and analyzing two additional water samples in December 2015 and

February 2016, to complete the survey through the winter months.

The project also enabled the development and strengthening of several partnerships

among groups and organizations on the Saanich Peninsula, including Friends of Shoal

Harbour, Peninsula Streams, Saanich Inlet protection Society, Parkland Secondary

School community, NatureKids and the Sidney Library.

3. Any difficulties encountered?

No difficulties were encountered in carrying out the project activities - there was

very good cooperation between Peninsula Streams, FOSH, SIPS and Parkland

Secondary School.

4. Supporting Documents, Photos

Appendix A: Water Quality Sample Results;

Appendix B: Shorekeepers Report and photographs,

Appendix C: Articles from the Times Colonist and Peninsula News Review on All

Buffleheads Day and the Lieutenant-Governor event.

5. Do you permit your organizations name to be used in SPCF promotional materials?

Yes

6. Additional Comments

Thanks to all the people who contributed to making this project successful:

Dennis Coupland of SIPS; Jeff Hilton, Parkland Secondary Marine Science teacher;

Lizanne Chicanot, Principal, Parkland Secondary; Sue Staniforth and Farrell Boyce,

FOSH volunteers with SIPS and the students; Tina Kelly, FOSH and Naturehood

supporter; Alex MacDonald, NatureHood Coordindator, Nature Canada; all members

of FOSH.

Appendix A: Water Quality Sampling at the mouth of Mermaid Creek

Mermaid Creek flows into the southwest “corner” of Roberts Bay, terminating in a

beautiful little estuary. 150 metres upstream, however, the creek disappears into a large

concrete pipe, its drainage basin filled in by residential development. The buried creek

functions as a storm drain for a portion of Sidney southwest of the estuary. There is little

current information on the quality of the water entering Roberts Bay from the Mermaid

Creek outfall. Part of the project funded by the Saanich Peninsula Community

Foundation is an exploratory water quality sampling program using the protocols

developed by Peninsula Streams for the monthly monitoring of water quality in the

watersheds of Tetayut Creek and Hagan Creek (Kennes) in Central Saanich. The

program calls for quasi-monthly sampling of fresh water flowing into Roberts Bay from

Mermaid Creek from early summer to late winter (June, 2015 to February, 2016), a

period encompassing the low flows of summer and the high flows of winter. The

samples are analyzed in the same way as those from the other creeks, yielding

measurements of nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus, fecal coliform bacteria, metals and

poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), the last 3 analyses being performed at M&B

Laboratories. A technique was devised permitting rough estimates (upper bound) of the

creek flow rate.

The accompanying table shows some of the results for the six samples collected

between June 4 and October 20, 2015. Measurements and samples were collected

several hours after a low tide but before the estuary had re-flooded with ocean water.

The TDS (total dissolved solids) measurements were made at the outfall with an HM

Water Quality Meter (Model TDS-3), normally used to test irrigation water. Values less

than 450 mg/l are deemed acceptable for drinking water but in this situation would

indicate some residual contamination with sea water. Readings in the shallow ocean

water near the estuary are typically 6000 mg/l or more but these should not be taken

literally and are probably outside the useful range of the instrument for its intended

purpose. The turbidity and nutrient values are typical of those encountered in the

Tetayut and Hagan Creek watersheds. Coliform counts are variable and two samples,

July 30 and 20 October are high enough to be of concern. The measured flow rates

range from a low of 3 liters per second to a maximum of 7 liters per second. These

rates are overestimates of the actual fluxes because they do not take into account the

cross-channel flow velocity profiles. Water quality at the outfall can vary rapidly as

demonstrated by the two samples taken moments apart on July 30. The decision to take

a second sample was triggered by a visible change in the water flowing out of the drain.

Compared with the first and indeed all other samples, the conductivity, nitrate, nitrite,

and phosphate values for the second sample increase by a factor of 2. Because the

outfall is linked to storm drains, this anomaly could be due to transient human activity –

someone nearby washing a car.

Appendix B: May 20, 2015 Shorekeeping on Roberts Bay: SIPS, Parkland

Secondary and FOSH

The Shorekeeping protocol was designed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to assess

(on an annual basis) the physical characteristics and the biodiversity of the intertidal

zone. The protocol employs simple techniques suitable for volunteer observers. For

over 15 years The Saanich Inlet Protection Society has organized teams of observers to

study sites almost exclusively on the west side of the Saanich Peninsula, Patricia Bay in

particular. Both Patricia Bay on the west (Inlet) side of the Saanich Peninsula and

Roberts Bay on the east side provide important habitat for migratory birds and many

other species. Both bays have been impacted by human development.

Encouraged by Friends of Shoal Harbour, the Saanich Inlet Protection Society

represented by Denis Coupland agreed to conduct a Shorekeeping survey on Roberts

Bay at a site of mutual interest (near the Ardwell Avenue beach access). With Parkland

Secondary School nearby, we saw an opportunity to engage students from the Marine

Program as observers, and volunteers for the Shorekeeping program, and to provide an

excellent learning experience for the students. Jeff Hilton, a teacher at Parkland agreed

to his students participating, and a date was arranged. The sampling was conducted in

the morning and early afternoon of May 20, around a suitably low tide. The species we

encountered in Roberts Bay were also encountered in Patricia Bay. Both foreshores

are impacted by clay silt, possibly a result of accelerated runoff due to development.

The records will be filed with Fisheries and Oceans and If the sampling is repeated

annually the accumulated data will help to reveal trends. Some analysis and or

mapping of the data collected in 2015 could be conducted as a student exercise. We

believe that there is value in maintaining the surveys on Roberts Bay with the

involvement of Parkland students and will support further endeavours.

1 Surveying the beach profile

2 Sifting through beach material excavated from quadrat

3 Identifying and logging species

4 the last quadrat

Appendix C: Newspaper articles and photographs documenting All Buffleheads

Day events on October 16 & 17, 2015

• Visit of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia to Parkland Secondary

School in the morning of Friday, October 16, 2015

• Naturekids excursion and Sidney Library event in the morning of Saturday,

October 17, 2015

A public lecture on pioneer naturalist, John Macoun was presented in the evening of

Friday, October 16. This event is not directly related to the work supported by the

Saanich Peninsula Community Foundation.

Punctual duck returns to the Saanich Peninsula

By Peninsula News Review

Published: October 21, 2015 05:00 PM

Updated: October 20, 2015 01:301 PM

A lone female Bufflehead duck was spotted by an avid bird watcher on Oct. 15 — the very day when the little sea duck is

expected.

Every 298 days, says Bufflehead guru Kerry Finley, the duck makes its return to Vancouver Island for their winter stay. It’s a

record of punctuality that Finley has been studying for years from his home on Roberts Bay in Sidney. Its record of being on

time (even within a day or two) surpasses that of the more famous Swallows of Capistrano, Italy, Finley said. He added that

the return of the Bufflehead is even more consistent than the result of groundhog day.

“We’re privileged to have this bird here,” he said Oct. 15 at Roberts Bay, marking All Buffleheads Day on the Peninsula.

All Buffleheads Day is designed by the Friends of SHOAL Harbour (FOSH) to help raise awareness about the sanctuary and the

impact human growth has on bird and marine life.

Part of this year’s event saw the arrival of B.C’s Lieutenant-Governor, Judith Guichon, who presided over a ceremony at

Parkland Secondary School on Oct. 16.

Guichon, who is from the province’s interior, noted that the Buffleheads make stopovers at her ranch during the summer, so

coming to where they winter completes the circle.

“Yesterday was day 298 — the day, in general, when the Buffleheads arrive here,” she said. “We can learn something new

every day from nature.”

Guichon and Alex MacDonald of Nature Canada also heralded the official start of a program called Naturehood. Sidney is one of seven communities across Canada (including Regina, Montreal, Ottawa, and Fredericton) where Nature Canada has found

partners to help reach out to the community. Partnering with FOSH, Naturehood is designed to teach people, mainly youth,

about green spaces and wildlife in urban areas.

“Naturehood brings nature right here, where we live daily,” said Guichon.

She added that the choices people make every day — from recycling to other environmental issues — make a difference to

urban nature.

MacDonald said nature is not only found in parks or after taking long drives or hikes into the back country.

“It’s about how communities across Canada relate to the nature in their own homes.”

He said that Naturehood shows people where to look and how to enjoy it and take care of nature locally.

“There can be no end to fascination, once you start looking, he told an audience of students at Parkland.

In Sidney, the Naturehood program is being co-ordinated by Tina Kelly, in partnership with FOSH. The program was

announced earlier this year, but last week’s All Buffleheads Day events marked their official start.

Parkland Principal Lizanne Chicanot told the students that everything they do can influence something else in the

environment.

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“I am pleased to be able to host this event at Parkland,” she said. “You all are stewards of the future.”

Guichon took the opportunity to talk about her Stewards of the Future program, which she hosts each year at the Pearson

College of the Pacific. She said this program brings youth from across the region together to discuss topics on the environment — from mining and regulations to decisions made by all levels of government.

Guichon said that her program, in brief, looks at the three Rs — relationships, respect and responsibility.

Sidney’s Roberts Bay is part of the Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary, which lies along the shoreline of the east side of

the Saanich Peninsula. The sanctuary was created in the 1930s, and helps to protect and raise awareness of the Bufflehead

and other bird species.

MacDonald said Nature Canada is happy to be working with FOSH.

“We recognize this opportunity to promote the migratory bird sanctuary, migrating birds and other species,” he said.

MacDonald added that Naturehood will help people of all ages to appreciate what the area has in nature, how to enjoy it as

well as how to protect it.

Find this article at:

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Punctual ducks feted with All Buffleheads Day

Richard Watts / Times Colonist

October 17, 2015 06:00 AM

B.C. Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon, centre, marks All Buffleheads Day with Nature Canada representatives, the Friends of Shoal Harbour

Society and students at Parkland Secondary in North Saanich on Friday, Oct. 16, 2015. Photograph By BRUCE STOTESBURY,

Times Colonist

Californians celebrate the punctuality of the swallows of Capistrano. So why don’t Islanders celebrate the annual arrival

of bufflehead ducks?

The bufflehead is every bit as regular as the swallows, arriving in the waters of Victoria and south Vancouver Island

each Oct. 15 (plus or minus a day).

But Frank Sinatra never sang any praises to the return of the bufflehead, and tourists aren’t packing the town to await

its arrival.

Now the Friends of Shoal Harbour and Nature Canada are hoping to earn some recognition for the bufflehead’s

remarkable punctuality.

On Friday, B.C. Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon marked Oct. 15 as All Buffleheads Day.

“I would love to see [the arrival of the bufflehead] celebrated more,” said Sue Staniforth of the Friends of Shoal

Harbour.

Staniforth said Vancouver Island communities such as Parksville, with its annual Brant Festival celebrating the spring

arrival of Brant geese, have already proven the tourist potential of celebrating nature.

And the bufflehead has already been adopted by Sidney and placed on its municipal coat of arms — the only duck in

Canada to be so honoured, Staniforth believes.

Given the popularity of things like bird watching and kayaking, celebrating the annual arrival of the bufflehead is a

natural for the area.

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Staniforth said it could also boost the protective instincts of the community, encouraging people to keep an eye on local

waters such as Shoal Harbour, a migratory bird sanctuary since 1931.

The intention is not to chase away the business, boats or ships that use the ocean, she said. But a greater sensitivity

for the effects of human activities on wildlife and natural systems could go a long way to protecting creatures such as

the bufflehead.

Friday’s ceremony also marked the designation of Shoal Harbour and other ocean waters around Sidney as a Nature

Canada NatureHood.

Alex MacDonald, senior conservation officer with the non-government Nature Canada, said they are a great addition

the country’s “NatureHoods” — areas that can demonstrate the nearness and proximity of the natural environment.

“Nature is all around us,” MacDonald said.

“We can interact with it, observe it and become stewards of it.”

rwatts@timescolonist.com (mailto:rwatts@timescolonist.com)

© Copyright Times Colonist

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Photos of the All Buffleheads/NatureHood events of Saturday, October 17, 2015

1 Naturekids at Roberts Bay 2 Naturekids at Roberts Bay

3 Naturekids at Roberts Bay 4 Storytime at Sidney Library

5 Storytime at Sidney Library 6 Storytime at Sidney Library

Photos of the All Buffleheads/NatureHood events of Saturday, October 17, 2015

1 Naturekids at Roberts Bay 2 Naturekids at Roberts Bay

3 Naturekids at Roberts Bay 4 Storytime at Sidney Library

5 Storytime at Sidney Library 6 Storytime at Sidney Library