BC Rivers Day Celebrated with Joseph Creek Walkabout

by Stewart Wilson

Joseph Creek Streamkeepers held a Joseph Creek Walkabout along Joseph Creek from Kinsmen Park to Baker Park to celebrate BC Rivers Day on Saturday, September 24. The group of interested citizens who participated heard about the group's involvement with the creek over he past eight years. They also had an opportunity to compare air and water temperature, as well as test the creek's pH, conductivity and turbidity. They saw first hand how the restoration project in Kinsmen Park has resulted in a more naturally developed riparian area with a variety of native plants becoming well established along the stream bank, and a more natural stream flow through that particular section of the creek.

As they walked downstream they noted that the City has changed its practice of cutting the grass right to the water's edge by leaving grass to grow naturally near the creek. Joseph Creek Streamkeepers will continue their public education program to better inform homeowners living by the creek why it is in their best interests to leave a natural vegetation buffer close to the creek, which will reduce the probability of erosion and flooding. They also noted the City Campground in Baker Park had minimal vegetation cover close to the creek, which results in higher creek temperatures, causes distress to fish, and increases the probability of erosion and flooding.