Groundwater is a critical element that supports the health of our ecosystems and the hydrological function of watersheds. The concern today is that changes in seasonal precipitation, evapotranspiration, recharge, and saltwater intrusion are threatening this precious resource. Groundwater – A Primer The unsaturated zone above the water table contains soil Read more…
Have you ever lifted a stump and found a white, furry, web-like structure clinging to the underside of the wood? I know I have, and I always wondered what this funny looking substance was. Well, it turns out it’s a part of a fungus—and it is more important to our Read more…
In this article series, we have been exploring ways we can learn to live lightly on Mayne Island, and one important consideration when trying to lessen our impact on fragile ecosystems is how we manage our waste. Because Mayne Island does not have a landfill, it is easier (and cheaper) Read more…
Big Challenge, Tiny Island – Part III In BC we have some of the world’s cleanest electricity – and cheapest, despite what you may think of your bimonthly BC Hydro bill. Our other home fuels like propane and fuel oil aren’t overly expensive either. But we don’t need a crystal Read more…
With Mother’s Day recently come and gone, it is likely we all paid tribute to the mothers or mother figures in our lives for all they do for us – but what about our other mother? Beautiful Mother Earth. While going about our days and getting wrapped up in the Read more…
There are plenty of reasons we’re lucky to live in this part of the world. One of them is our electricity supply – it’s one of the cleanest on the planet. It gives us a head start in the simple efforts we can make to cut our personal carbon pollution. Read more…
A new series exploring the effects of climate change on Mayne and specific ways we can adapt. The growing quantities of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere—because of all the fossil fuels we burn, forests we clear and fertilizers we use—are warming our world. This is leading to more extreme weather Read more…
Red Alder: Young Forest Community Members Red alder (Alnus rubra) is a deciduous tree that grows abundantly in the Pacific Northwest. Their range spans between California and Alaska, and they grow particularly well in British Columbia’s climate. In the past this species was thought of as being over abundant, but Read more…
Spring is here and the plants in our small native plant nursery are starting to wake up! We have limited availability this year due to an increase in demand for native plants in our habitat restoration projects, and an early-bird opportunity that was available only to those that held membership Read more…
Our staff and volunteers have been busy at St. John Point over the fall and early spring, creating habitat for native species to thrive. If you frequent the park you may have noticed two fenced areas were created in recent months, one down slope from the parking lot around a Read more…