It's that time of the year again. The bald eagles have arrived for their annual salmon feast and along with their arrival come the Eagle Watch volunteers.
Volunteers old and new were invited to an orientation and slideshow at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park on Saturday (Nov. 19). And they got to hear firsthand what is so special about the eagle viewing area known as Eagle Run.
"Our interest is protecting eagles," said Squamish Environmental Conservation Society organizer Meg Fellowes. "Not tourism per se."
The Eagle Watch Volunteer program begins its 11th season this year with the motivation of educating visitors on eagle habitat.
And this year the program begins an outreach program to local schools thanks to new District of Squamish funding.
Kristy Allen will coordinate the school education program, and some of the subject matter may be familiar to students.
"We are blessed with teachers that actually do eagles in schools," said Fellowes.
Volunteers discuss habitat issues and deliver a key message of giving eagle room. Before the Eagle Watch program, visitors would hike all over the area, in resident's yards and too close to the eagles who must conserve their energy for this crucial feeding period of the year.
The recent eruption of development in Brackendale presents a new issue for the Conservation Society.
"The reason the eagles are here is because of the salmon," said Fellowes. "They're here because of the clean cold water. With the major development spurt, we run the risk of losing something precious to the community."
A total of 120 volunteers are participating in the tourist education program this year and Fellowes said there's always room for more. For more information contact the Conservation Society at 604-898-5093 or email conservation@ squamishecology.org. spaillard@squamishchief.com
