By Jesse Wildeman
In my work as the Environmental Restoration Biologist here at A Rocha, I work primarily with two things: people, and places.
The places are typically the easy part; once you have some idea of the general ecology of an area, the ecological processes that are being limited there, and the needs of a particular site, there are some things that we can do to assist the recovery of that ecosystem.
Natural landscapes often don’t need much convincing to heal themselves, they are constantly working towards regeneration. The hardest part is often finding, and communicating well with, people who are fully on-board with that vision.
Photo: RRMiller Photography
So here I was last spring, door-knocking at homes that bordered Jacobsen Creek, a tributary to the Little Campbell River here in South Langley. I was looking for folks that wanted to partner on restoration projects on their private property. When land owners open the door, I try to communicate a vision of a restored river, re-vegetated riparian areas, and the potential for life.
I try to listen to land-owners, and their knowledge of the land, and I try to see if there is room for partnership in stewarding this place we all call home. But, I sometimes end up on the defensive. I have to convince people that I am not there to get them in trouble, that I am not checking for environmental violations and permits missed for some past project, that I am not a hoodlum trying to scope the property for thievery… I am there to help them steward their property!
So when Bruce and Patti, landowners on Jacobsen Creek, opened their door, overjoyed to hear about the work A Rocha was doing to restore the land, I felt an immense sense of peace, and kinship with these folks. “Bruce’s National Park,” is a beautiful, and well-stewarded property, with a stocked trout pond, Jacobsen Creek running alongside, towering alder trees and salmonberry shrubs, and a very productive garden.
There is no doubt that this couple cares for the land. Bruce, a retired outdoor educator and school principal, has been working for years, by himself, clearing blackberries from the property, finding ways to keep his cattle out of the creek, and keep other invasive species at bay. So when I showed up at the door, wanting to help do those things with Bruce and Patti, they were really excited. Right away, I was given a tour of the grounds, and invited in for tea and cookies! This began the start of a beautiful relationship with these people, and their place.
We have since been back many times. We have installed about 250 metres of fencing along the creek, and pond, to keep cattle and horses out of the waterways. We have cut down and removed tonnes of invasive species, and re-planted 1500 m2 of riparian area. And we have built a friendship with Bruce and Patti that has, and will continue to go, beyond the scope of the work there. Each time I bring a group, we are welcomed, enthusiastically to the site by the friendly couple, who want to know everyone’s’ stories, and who never fail to offer us all tea and cookies, as we steward the land together.
Photo: Brooka Photographic
Working with this couple has really encouraged me. It has emboldened me to continue to reach out to other land owners in the watershed. This past year we worked with 11 different land owners, helping transform their land into a place where a multitude of creatures can thrive.
I have tremendous respect for land owners who are already working to better the land that they reside on. It is hard work. It often takes a community. It requires a long-term vision.
If we work together we can get a lot done, and make some great friends in the process!
