They wanted questions about the estuary and they got them.
More than 100 questions were gathered from the dozens who attended the second Citizen Scientist Initiative (CSI) on Saturday, March 21 at StartUp Squamish, and the task now is to analyze and categorize the inquiries before sending then off to get answers.
Event organizer Larry Murray of the Squamish Environmental Society (SES) said CSI gatherings are growing. Groups are learning from each other thanks to these events, he added.
“The whole notion of CSI is catching fire, and we’re seeing more energy in the whole field of empowering local people to come forward with the research they’re doing,” he said. “CSI provides this forum or opportunity for people to show what they’re doing in our environment.”
The event kicked off with opening remarks from Mayor Patricia Heintzman and launched into a video shot by birder Chris Dale with footage he had gathered in the estuary. A number of birds, insects, bears and a bobcat were featured in the video.
Edith Tobe from the Squamish River Watershed Society discussed her perspective on the area, reflecting on her more than two decades of experience studying the estuary. She also showcased the work she’s done with Quest University students to help them get involved.
Randy Lewis shared the Squamish Nation perspective on the estuary, and Carl Halvorson discussed what he’s learned since working with CN Rail following the Cheakamus Spill almost a decade ago.
“Carl gave really good insights and has been working with CN Rail to mitigate that whole event,” Murray said. “He helped put together and extensive report with CN and the SES, and he’s learned a lot.”
Halvorson said that for about a day, the river was really contaminated, but then the water flushed out a large part of the contamination. But during the flush out it made the surrounding area mostly sterile, he added; it has now recovered thanks in part to money provided by CN to remediate the river.
Meg Toom of WildSafeBC was the final speaker; she discussed the District of Squamish’s work in the estuary.
“They’re doing some really neat environmental assessment stuff, and I’m excited about the robust approach to the estuary she is doing through the district with Caroline Ashekian,” he said.
Following the speeches were open sessions where questions were raised, gathered and recorded for future use. SES has a busy April ahead with several Earth Day events planned, including a birdhouse-building project involving local students.
Murray said he was pleased with the second CSI gathering and hopes to see the event continue.
“I think we’re now moving forward with a deeper understanding of the environment and the estuary in general,” he said. “At these events we want to network, celebrate and share different techniques and all three objectives were met.”
For more information on SES, visit www.squamishenvironment.ca or search Squamish Environment Society on Facebook.
