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FoodThere is a growing realization of the importance of growing organic and eating locally-produced food. Some of the many benefits include: better food quality, healthy lifestyle, fossil fuel reduction, value-added land use, and community building. The film “lsland on the Edge” (a DV Cuisine production) highlights the need for greater food-growing self-reliance on Vancouver Island.

The Green Map features a sampling of local growing initiatives that uphold land stewardship with quality food production, for example, community gardens, Certified Organic farms, farms with protected habitat status, such as the TLC’s Conservation Partners.

Community Gardens100 St. Andrew’s Church Community Garden 531 Herbert St. 250-746-7413101 Jubilee Community Gardens in Centennial Park, end of Third St. 250-748-0580102 Kinsmen Community Gardens in Kinsmen Park, Alderlea St. 250-748-8506

Certified Organic Farms110 Alderlea Bio-dynamic Farm 3390 Glenora Rd. 250-715-0799111 Springfield Farm 1246 Bazett Rd. 250-748-0463112 Red Nettle Farm 6000 Heger Rd. 250-749-4321113 Kingcott Farm 11887 Allison Way 250-245-0324114 Organic Fair Farm & Garden 1935 Doran Rd. 250-733-2035115 Cowichan Valley Organic Farm 6182 Lakes Rd. 250-748-8089116 Glen Eden Farm 4690 Old Cowichan Lake Rd. 250-746-6954117 Kismet Farm 7530 Richard’s Trail 250-746-3236118 Sungold Meadows 4164 Telegraph Rd. 250-743-1042

Historical Farm130 Bird’s Eye Cove Farm 5881 Genoa Bay Rd.

Protected HabitatThe following properties are protected in some way, either through acquisition by a Land Trust, or through participation in The Conservation Partners Program. This program is an initiative of The Land Conservancy of BC with the purpose of protecting and enhancing important habitat on privately owned agricultural lands. They provide recognition, incentive and assistance to growers who are committed to conservation of natural habitat on their farm. The butterfly label shows these Conservation partners are protecting soil and water health by using natural methods to fertilize and control pests and weeds.140 Keating Farm Estate The Land Conservancy of BC, 5250 Miller Rd. 250-737-1401 T141 Manley Farm The Northwest Preservation Society 142 Shincliffe Enterprises TLC Conservation Partner, 3080 Wilkinson Rd. 250-743-3706143 Valhalla Herbs & Things TLC Conservation Partner, 3693 Gibbins Rd. 250-748-1741144 Fairburn Farm TLC Conservation Partner, 3310 Jackson Rd. 250-746-4637145 Merridale Cidery TLC Conservation Partner, 1230 Merridale Rd. 250-743-9310 {146 Godfrey-Brownell Vineyard TLC Conservation Partner, 4911 Marshall Rd. 250-715-0504

PeopleThe Cowichan Valley is called – “sun warming your back” in Hul’qumi’num, the language of the Cowichan First Nations. Those living here for generations and those who have moved here recently would agree that the Cowichan Valley is one of the sunniest places around. Residents are privileged to be just steps from beautiful vistas, natural spaces and countless outdoor recreation opportunities. According to residents, the area boasts some of the best swimming, the tastiest water, the biggest wooden train trestle, the most scenic vistas atop local mountains. Locate your special place on the green map.

Cultural Site200 Cowichan Exhibition Grounds Mays & TCH, Duncan201 Xeel's Footprint Left by the legendary Transformer from Coast Salish oral tradition as he stepped across the Islands to Thetis and beyond

The

Community

Green Mapof the

Cowichan Valley

Drinking Water Source210 Ashburnham Creek Honeymoon Bay211 Stocking Creek Ladysmith212 Holland Lake Ladysmith

Environmental Education220 Cowichan Lake Education Centre Lakeview Park Rd. 250-749-6213221 Ministry of Forests Education Centre 7060 Forestry Rd. 222 OUR Ecovillage 1565 Baldy Mtn Rd. 250-743-3067 ª/2

O.U.R. (One United Resource) Ecovillage is a 25 acre sustainable learning community and demonstration site located near Shawnigan Lake. The registered nonprofit society is dedicated to the promotion of sustainable community living rooted in social, ecological, and economic well being.223 Herb Wise Farms 3060 Mt. Sicker Rd. 250-246-3606 Member of World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF)

Green School230 Evergreen Independent School 3515 Watson Ave. 250-743-2433231 Sunrise Waldorf School 4344 Peters Rd. 250-743-7253

Historical Feature240 Butter Church end of Lemo Rd.241 McGee Creek Trestle access off trail at West Shawnigan Lake Rd.242 Kinsol Trestle access off trail at end of Glen Eagles Rd.243 Holt Creek Trestle access off trail at Glenora Trailhead244 Cowichan Station Village Koksilah Rd. near Bench Rd.

Museum250 BC Forest Discovery Centre 2892 Drinkwater Rd. Duncan 250-715-1113 {251 Cowichan Valley Museum 130 Canada Ave. Duncan 250-746-6612 {252 Kaatza Station Museum South Shore Rd. Lake Cowichan 250-749-6142 { 253 Chemainus Valley Museum 9299 Waterwheel Cresc. Chemainus 250-416-2465 {

RecyclingFor more information about CVRD recycling centres, contact Recycling & Waste Management at 250-746-2530260 CVRD Bings Creek Solid Waste Management Complex 3900 Drinkwater Rd. Duncan261 CVRD Meade Creek Recycling Drop-off Depot 8855 Youbou Rd. Lake Cowichan262 CVRD Peerless Road Recycling Drop-off Depot 10830 Peerless Rd. Ladysmith

Special Site These are places that people have identified as having many food, ecology and cultural values, and are therefore, vital hubs of stewardship, education and empowerment in the community.270 Glenora Farm 4766 Waters Rd. 250-715-1559 e Glenora (golden valley) is a farm community where care givers and people with developmental disabilities live, learn and work together, sharing in a culturally rich and productive environment. An acre and a half of land is farmed with Bio-dynamic and certified organic growing principles to feed the community and to sell locally.271 Hope Farm 3504 Drinkwater Rd. 250-748-4479 Hope Farm, the latest project of the Mustard Seed Street Church ministry, is a 32-acre former dairy farm on Drinkwater Road, near Duncan. Here participants learn how to produce and handle vegetables and fruit which will be distributed free to food banks on Vancouver Island.272 Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. 250-746-4204j “Where care for the individual and care for the land come together”. Providence is a 400-acre therapeutic organic farm dedicated to restoring the spirit and skills of those with physical, mental and emotional challenges. There are self-guided tours, a Farm Store and Nursery for fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, bedding plants, shrubs.

Swimming280 Trail off Sunrise Rd. to Cowichan River Regional Park281 River access off Gibbins Rd near Hydro Right-of-Way282 Forestry Pools access off Hillcrest Rd. in Chemainus River Provincial Park283 Paradise Pools river access off Cliffs Rd.

Water Energy Site290 Brentwood College School 2735 Mt. Baker Rd. 250-743-5521

LandThe Cowichan First Nations express that we are the land. In Hul’qumi’num, the Cowichan language, the law of snuw’ey’uth teaches that we all have responsibility to respect and care for the living world around us. Many have expressed that the Cowichan Valley is a very special place with unique landscapes and features. In community mapping workshops, people shared their local knowledge such as natural habitats, geological features and habitats at risk where greater conservation efforts are needed. They also proudly spoke of positive examples of land stewardship such as stream restoration and habitat protection areas.

Aquatic Habitat300 Lamprey spawning grounds Hummingbird Creek

Bird & Wildlife Watching310 Drinkwater viewing platform end of Drinkwater Rd.311 Chisholm Island Maple Bay Marina312 Dougan's Lake off TCH313 Merrilees' Pond Merrilees Nature Park 314 Coffin Point- Intertidal pools

Coastal Habitat320 Askew Creek Estuary Chemainus321 Bush Creek Estuary Ladysmith322 Cherry Point Beach Cobble Hill À® The beach is one of the only in the region where you can find sand dollars in the intertidal, as well as several large boulders that have been deposited by glaciers. Nearby Garnet Creek is a site of ongoing restoration works, and has been recently inhabited by a beaver.323 Shoal Islands & marshes Crofton324 Stocking Creek Estuary Saltair v325 Kuper Island Intertidal Wetland Kuper Island326 Osborne Bay & Beach Crofton327 Woods Islands Ladysmith328 Holland Creek Estuary Ladysmith329 Chemainus River Estuary Chemainus v

Eelgrass Habitat330 Cowichan Bay eelgrass transplants off Cowichan Bay Rd.331 Boulder Beach access off South Oyster Rd.332 Shawnigan Creek Estuary Mill Bay

Garry Oak Meadow340 Garry oak grove end of Irvine Rd.341 Garry oak with wildflower bluffs In Cowichan River Provincial Park342 Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve The Nature Conservancy of Canada, Maple Bay Rd.343 Somenos Garry Oak Protected Area BC Parks, York Rd.

Geological Feature350 Stoltz Bluff Stoltz Rd.351 Skutz Falls Caves Skutz Falls Forest Service Road352 El Capitan & Landale climbing sites Youbou353 Christopher Rock off Hemlock St. near dam, Youbou354 Sandstone Cliffs Halalt Reserve, Chemainus355 Rockhounding site Holyoak Lake, Chemainus

Habitat at RiskThese are places where people have identified threatened flora, fauna and natural habitats. These highlight the need for stewardship and protection of natural values. In all development we must remember that nature knows no boundaries, and that conservation is about stewardship, not ownership.360 Old Growth Trees Norcross Rd, Duncan361 Mature Second Growth Spectacle Lake362 Old Growth Trees Mill Bay 363 Old Growth Trees Holland Lake, Ladysmith364 Octopus Point off Genoa Bay Rd.

Native Forest/Plants370 Meades Creek Forest Research Site Meades Creek Rd.371 Askew Wilderness Park Oak & Chemainus Rd. vÈ

372 Echo Heights Echo Heights Rd. vl‰AÈ

This 54 acre forest is valued for recreation, wildlife viewing and education. It is also home to the blue listed red-legged frog, however there are development pressures on this site.373 Chemainus Lake Park River Rd. vo

374 Manzanita Site Koksilah Ridge, off Mines Rd.375 Eagle Heights Grasslands376 Eves Provincial Park Little Mountain Rd.

Protected HabitatThese are special places under active stewardship by conservation agencies such as Cowichan Land Trust covenants, The Land Conservancy, Nature Trust of BC, Nature Conservancy, BC Parks Ecological Reserves.380 Cowichan River Estuary Properties The Nature Trust of BC, off Cowichan Bay Rd. vÀÈ{ The estuary is an important coastal habitat as the Cowichan River is the largest salmon bearing river in the region. The Cowichan River Dyke trail is an excellent, family-friendly walk into the estuary, and includes a viewing platform, to watch the birds and wildlife in this ecosystem.

381 Cowichan River ÀgoÉÈ®xApe Flowing from Cowichan Lake to Cowichan Bay, the 47 km Cowichan River is recognized as both a British Columbia Heritage River and a Canadian Heritage River. The Cowichan River watershed provides habitat for many native wildlife species, including salmon and trout spawning. It is a recreational treasure with a 20 km footpath in the Cowichan River Provincial Park. Also enjoyed are fishing, camping, swimming, tubing and canoeing.382 Pearson College & Lot 31 The Land Conservancy of BC, Riverbottom Rd. Àg383 Belvedere Property The Land Conservancy of BC Riverbottom Rd. Àg384 Oswald Bass Conservation Area The Nature Trust of BC, in Cowichan River Provincial Park ÀgÈ385 Somenos Marsh The Nature Trust of BC, Trans Canada Hwy Àªvl{

The Somenos Marsh is an important wetland in the Duncan region, as it is home to several species of rare birds, amphibians and other animals. Restoration works have occurred along Bings Creek, and a boardwalk was built (2008) out into the marsh to a platform for bird and wildlife viewing.386 Honeymoon Bay Ecological Reserve BC Parks gv{

387 Mt. Tzuhalem Ecological Reserve BC Parks, parking at end of Kaspa Rd gvÀQ

This site is home to many species of native plants, including Garry oaks. It is also a refuge for birds and wildlife, and has spectacular views of the region.

Salmon Habitat390 Porter Creek391 Cowichan Tribes Hatchery 2380 Hatchery Rd392 Quamichan Creek393 Handysen Creek394 Holt Creek

Special Tree400 Old growth Garry oak tree, Cowichan Bay Rd.401 Biggest arbutus tree in Canada Foster Point Rd.

Stream Restoration ProjectMany streams have histories of fish spawning, but due to development and negative impacts, are in need of restoration and rehabilitation. Stewards, such as the Cowichan Land Trust Streamkeeper volunteers, do stream restoration, cleanup and monitoring to restore the ecological health of streams.410 Bonsall Creek Restoration Project Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society & Halalt First Nation, Westholme411 Treffery Creek Restoration Project Treffery Creek Streamkeepers, Cowichan Bay412 Five Fingers Fish Habitat Restoration Project DFO Canada & Ministry of Transportation, Duncan413 Stolz Bluff Restoration Project Living Rivers Trust Fund and DFO Canada, Sahtlam

Water Feature420 Waterfalls on Bush Creek421 Waterfalls on Stocking Creek v This is also an excellent site for bird and wildlife viewing, as American Dippers have been sighted in the pools below the waterfalls.

Wetland (Seasonal)430 Herd Road Farm Duncan431 Cottonwood Creek Flats Youbou

Wildlife Centre/Rehabilitation440 Pacific Northwest Raptors 1877 Herd Rd. 250-746-0372 {441 BC SPCA Cowichan Branch 7550 Bell McKinnon Rd. 250-746-4646 {

Wildlife Habitat450 Beaver dam Bush Creek451 Beaver Matthew Creek452 Wildlife Tree- Eagles Nests off Saunders Rd453 Heron Rookery Cowichan Bay454 Wildlife Tree- Eagles Nest Cowichan Bay455 Osprey Nesting Platform off Dock Rd {456 Elk Habitat Cowichan Station457 Purple Martin colony Ladysmith Maritime Society Marina458 Elk Habitat Sahtlam459 Elk winter grazing Youbou460 Marshy Island Quamichan Lake

to theWelcome

The Cowichan Valley Green Map is the first "Green Map" of the Cowichan Valley bioregion. With funding from the Canada-B.C. Labour Market Development Agreement, the Cowichan Land Trust conducted community mapping workshops around the

Valley asking residents to map their local knowledge about ecological features, wildlife habitat, important land uses and

special places in the Valley.

Hul’qumi’num placenames point to just some of the thousands of locations known to First Peoples of the Cowichan Valley,

demonstrating their historic and ongoing relationship to the land and sea. Herb Rice, a local Coast Salish artist, generously

provided the First Nations illustrations of the Wolf, the Hummingbird, the Salmon and the Orca. His work has also been

featured in the book Islands in the Salish Sea. www.coastsalishjourney.com

We hope this map will inspire residents and visitors to renewed connection, discovery and stewardship of our bioregion. The

map is organized with icons from the international Green Map System. Each icon identifies a site, along with a number that can be looked up for more detail. You can learn about our Valley on

the ‘Story Side’ of the map.For more information and map copies, visit:

www.cowichanlandtrust.ca

Sources: Hul'qum'inum Place Names from Hul'qum'inum Dictionary 2007, Place-Names of the Island Halkomelem Indian People 1985 D. Rozen.Base data for the map was generously supplied by the Cowichan Valley Regional District, the Municipality of North Cowichan, Town of Ladysmith, and

Cowichan Tribes. Green Mapping Icons are from the Green Map System (a registered trade mark) and are used with permission. Pictures and art work provided by: S. Bent, A. Hiscock, C. Hiscock, J. Morgen, J. Nygaard, S. Paridaen-VanVeen, H. Rice, J. Scull, J. Williams, S. Willmott.

This map is for illustrative purposes only and may not be suitable for navigation. Produced September 2009. The Community Green Map of the Cowichan Valley © Cowichan Land Trust

What you told usIn community mapping workshops, people expressed great passion for the land and unique spaces in the Cowichan Valley. Under the themes of “Food,” “Land” and “People,” we have created a map which is a collective expression of what is important to people in the Cowichan Valley. Concerns were expressed about development pressures, habitat loss and poor land stewardship practices. However, many are committed to preserving the ecological integrity of the Cowichan Valley and want to learn ways to become better stewards.

As community mapping participants have expressed, the stewardship and protection of Cowichan Valley’s special places and natural spaces is not only for their intrinsic value, but for the vital roles these natural systems play toward healthy and liveable communities.

Our land and ecosystems: ♦ Regulate our climate and clean the air ♦ Sustain and clean our water ♦ Clean and recycle nutrients in our soils ♦ Provide homes for native species, and wildlife corridors ♦ Maintain genetic diversity and pollinate our crops ♦ Bring nature into communities and provide discovery

opportunities ♦ Provide recreational opportunities and create economic

benefits ♦ Support life for us all…

We Are Here

Duncan

Victoria

Ladysmith

NanaimoParksville

Port AlberniTofino

Courtenay

Campbell River

Cowichan Valley

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The views from Stoney Hill are enjoyed by all!

The Cowichan Land Trust is a registered non-profit charitable organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of natural areas and heritage in the Cowichan Valley.

The Land Trust was formed in 1995 by concerned residents who wanted to help landowners find alternatives to the destruction of natural areas and wildlife habitat.

The Cowichan Land Trust:• Works with other groups and with government• Educates people in local communities• Provides assistance and guidance to landowners• Promotes a cooperative approach to conservation• Protects critical land• Holds conservation covenants• Administers lands in trust• Raises funds for conservation• Facilitates land acquisitions

“The land is everything. We are the land.”

People love the mountains of the Cowichan Valley. These landmarks are a powerful presence on the land with spectacular vistas, challenging hikes and diverse ecologies.

In Hul'qumi'num creation narratives, the First Ancestors descended from the sky to land on the mountains, fields and shores of the territory, including Swuq'us (Mt. Prevost), Skw'aakw'nus (Mt.Sicker), Hwsalu'utsum (Koksilah Ridge), and Pulumutsun (Mt. Brenton). First Ancestor Sites are honoured by Hul'qumi'num people as ancient, sacred places commemorating their origins and rights on the land.

Oral narratives also talk about the Transformer, Xeel's, who left marks on the land - transforming malicious persons, animals and supernatural beings into mountains, boulders and other natural features. Today, Transformer Places are revered by Hul'qumi'num people as sacred, powerful places marking the spiritual creation of the world.

Mt. Prevost (Swuq'us)

Mt. Prevost is one of the most significant landmarks for residents of the Valley because of its unique shape. It is also famous for its:

♦ amazing views of the Valley and Gulf Islands and best place to watch the sun set

♦ recreational trails for hiking and biking♦ launch site for paragliders and hangliders♦ abundance of rare native plant communities including

patches of glacier lilies and avalanche lilies ♦ 45-hectare wilderness park at the summit♦ two ecological zones, the coastal Douglas-fir (CDF) and

coastal western hemlock (CWH) ♦ war memorial that can be seen from far away

The

Community

Green Mapof the

Cowichan Valleypresented by:

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Community mapping is a growing international grassroots movement where mapping starts with asking people what they value about where they live. A community green map becomes a map of a community’s home, showing the connections between where we live, the food we grow and eat, the things we do, and the land we live on. What becomes clear is that everything is vitally interconnected.

Under the themes of “Food,” “Land” and “People,” we have created a map which is a collective expression of what is important to people in the Cowichan Valley. We hope it will be an inspiration and a resource to help cherish and protect our land and ecology.

People contributed practical ways to live responsibly and respectfully with the land and in the ecology of the Cowichan Valley:

♦ Property owners: Learn more about the natural values of your land and find out how to protect it, such as with covenants. Cultivate good land stewardship practices.

♦ Developers: Consider project designs that are creative and flexible enough to protect and enhance ecological systems. Trees in neighbourhoods add to the value and liveability of the area.

♦ Planners and decision-makers: Ensure that conservation is given as high a priority as other planning objectives. Support plans and programs that help protect sensitive ecosystems and use legal and planning tools such as development permit areas, tree protection by-laws, and conservation covenants.

♦ Advocacy groups: Ratepayers’ groups, service organizations, naturalist clubs, land trusts, and conservancies can act on local community issues. Group members can promote active stewardship and can advocate local governments for the protection of local values.

♦ Professionals such as educators, biologists and consultants: Use yourexpertise to help identify relevant conservation issues and projects and get people outdoors.

AcknowledgementsCartography: Mike Kelly, Alan Philip, Jason Young , Tyler Fraser, Shari Willmott

Graphic Design: Amber Hiscock, Jennifer Morgen, Shari Willmott

Compilation/writing/editing: Cindy Carleton, Amber Hiscock, Clyde Jack, Jennifer Morgen, Margaret Paridaen, Erin Ward

Art work: Sandy Bent, Robert Cerins, Alice Mary Duncan, Andrew Goudy, Thomas Marek, Sophie Paridaen-vanVeen, Mario Peruzzo, Herb Rice

Photography: Ann Archibald, BC Archives, Amber Hiscock, Christan Hiscock, Jen Morgen, Julie Nygaard, Margaret Paridaen, Jen Paton, John Scull, Debbie Smith, Mike Szaszik, Jean Williams, Shari Willmott.

Images used with permission: Cowichan Tribes website, Hul’q’umi’num Treaty Group website, and Tribal Journeys website.

Advisors: Charles Burnett and Ken Josephson (Common Ground), Cindy Carleton, Cowichan Tribes, Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group, Roger Hart, Jodie Krakowski, John Scull, Shari Willmott

Advisory Committee: Cindy Carleton, Linden Collette, Nicole Haddad, Dave Hladik, Mike Kelly, Tim Kulchyski, Michelle Nowzek, Alan Philip, Amy Rienzo, John Scull, Jason Young

Supporters: Arthur Caldicott, John Ehrlich, Tracy Fleming, Ian Moul, Helen Reid, Genevieve Singleton, Gina Talbot

Regional Resources

Young Naturalists ClubThe Young Naturalists Club is for children ages 5 to 11 and their families. Explorer Days are held every month,

September to December and January to June, usually beginning at 10 am and usually on the fourth Saturday of the Month. The club is sponsored by the Cowichan Valley Naturalists’ Society and is affiliated with the Young Naturalists Club of British Columbia.

For more information visit: youth.naturecowichan.net

Sh-hwuykwselu Streamkeepers (Koksilah School)For nine years classes at Koksilah Elementary School, in partnership with Federal Fisheries, have been actively restoring

the Sh-wuykwselua Stream, in Duncan. The "Busy Place

Stream" historically ran between the Cowichan and the Koksilah Rivers, and is an important coho salmon bearing

stream. The kids work in

stream care and monitoring,

salmon habitat enhancement and community awareness raising, which is helping the

Cowichan Valley Regional District develop a stewardship plan for the Sh-hwuykwselu Stream Watershed.

Cowichan's Youngest Land Stewards

The Youth Streamkeepers Club (Treffery Creek Streamkeepers)

The Treffery Creek Streamkeepers are a group of young people aged 10 and up and their parents, who meet once

a month to do streamkeeping work on Treffery Creek near Cowichan Bay. This work includes data collection, fish

population monitoring, and restoration work. They are an offshoot of the Young Naturalists’ Club.

Make a Difference Club (Bench School)The “Make a Difference Club” is made up of students from Bench School ranging from 7 to 11 years of age. The students have recently worked on two projects: Save Somenos Marsh and Say no to Plastic Bags. Their goal is to protect sensitive ecosystems by speaking with the local government and bringing media attention to their concerns. You can view their videos on YouTube (“Save Somenos Marsh2” and “Say no to Plastic Bags”). The students won the Canadian National Eco Kids contest in 2008, the BC Green Games contest and just recently won the RCBC Environmental Award.

CovenantsConservation covenants are a voluntary tool which allow the current landowner to permanently preserve natural and cultural features of the land, while still retaining ownership and use. A conservation covenant is a legal agreement made between a current landowner and the Land Trust, and it remains in effect

after the land is sold or transferred, binding future owners of the land to the terms of the covenant.

Streamkeepers Program

The Land Trust has been supporting people who want to become voluntary stewards of their local creeks. Streamkeepers courses train locals how to monitor and protect their streams

and help to restore salmon habitat. The Cowichan Land Trust encourages the formation of streamkeeper groups who work together to protect their cherished waterways.

Where We LiveCowichan Valley Facts & Figures

The Cowichan Valley is called the Warm Land by the Hul’qumi’num people. The sun-soaked Valley is also called the ‘Provence’ of B.C. by food enthusiasts. Cowichan Bay is distinguished as the first Cittaslow town in North America, an international network of towns putting quality of life first.

The bioregion boasts many unique gems, for example:• The Cowichan River is both a BC Heritage

River and a Canadian Heritage River• 140 km of the Trans Canada Trail runs

through the Cowichan Valley• Over 40 First Nations totem poles stand

proudly in Duncan • The historic Kinsol Trestle is one of the

biggest wooden train trestles in North America

The landscape is rich and varied with lakes, rivers, mountains, several valleys and endless shoreline. The Cowichan bioregion is located in Canada’s only Maritime Mediterraneanclimatic zone, giving the warmest year-round temperature anywhere in Canada. A diversity of plants and animals thrive in the area’s mild climate and long growing season.

A hundred years ago, the land was covered with a rich natural mosaic of forests and woodlands, coastal bluffs, grasslands, rock outcrops, floodplains, watercourses and wetlands. Settlement over the past century has altered more than 90 percent of natural habitat, leaving only fragments of these ecosystems.

In the Cowichan Valley Green Mapping project, people expressed passion for this unique and special place. Concerns were raised about habitat loss and poor land stewardship practices. However, many are committed to preserving the land and ecology of the Cowichan Valley and want to learn ways to become better stewards.

Public TransportCowichan Valley Transit www.busonline.ca/regions/cowCowichan Valley Commuter http://www.transitbc.com/regions/cvc/default.cfmVanpooling/Ridesharing 1-888-380-RIDE www.ride-share.comBC Ferries 1-888-BC FERRY www.bcferries.comVIA Rail Canada www.viarail.ca/en

FoodCertified Organic Association of BC www.certifiedorganic.bc.caTLC Conservation Partnership Program www.conservancy.bc.caCanada- British Columbia Environmental Farm Plan Program http://www.bcac.bc.ca/EFP_pagesLand Trust ResourcesNature Conservancy of Canada www.natureconservancy.caThe Nature Trust of BC www.naturetrust.bc.caThe Land Conservancy of BC www.conservancy.bc.caThe Land Trust Alliance of BC www.landtrustalliance.bc.caThe Northwest Preservation Society www.northwestwildlife.com

Restoration and Watershed ResourcesGarry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team www.goert.caLiving Rivers Trust Fund www.livingrivers.ca/gbviPacific Streamkeepers Federation www.pskf.caFisheries and Oceans Canada (250) 746-5137SeaChange Marine Conservation www.seachangelife.net

Yellow Flag IrisThis invasive is native to Europe, the British Isles, North Africa and the Mediterranean. It can form dense thickets in ponds, marshes and other wetlands that displace native plant species and impact amphibians, birds, and other wetland creatures. CONTROL: This plant can give off a toxic resin, so wear gloves when handling it. Remove all plant parts as fragments can grow new plants. Small patches of plants can be dug up and disposed of by burning or placing in a thick garbage bag for landfilling. For larger patches, clip seed heads off in July to prevent further spread.

Scotch BroomOriginating in Scotland, and brought to BC in the 1850s as a garden ornamental, Scotch broom is an aggressive colonizer as it pollinates whole areas and overtakes native plant species and habitats. CONTROL: Small seedlings can be pulled when the soil is moist. Larger plants must be cut down, when plants are in flower, and before going to seed. As broom does not grow well in shade, the cut stumps should be covered with plastic to prevent re-growth. Remove all broom trimmings as broom debris will release toxins into the soil that prevent re-establishment of native plants.

Daphne LaurelNative to southwestern Europe, Daphne can form a dense canopy that blocks light to the ground, eliminating native plants and leaving the ground bare. It is thought to alter soil chemistry

and acidity, preventing the re-establishment of native plant species. CONTROL: Seedlings and young plants should be pulled when the soil is moist. Wear gloves and long sleeves as the

plant is toxic. Remove roots as much as possible to reduce re-sprouting. Cut

Nature Cowichan is a partnership of local conservation organizations who are

working together to keep Cowichan green, for everyone. www.naturecowichan.net Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society Stewards of the Somenos Marsh Conservation Area, the rich and diverse wetland that is at the heart of the Cowichan Valley. www.somenosmarsh.com

Cowichan Valley Naturalists' SocietyFosters understanding and enjoyment of nature, protecting our natural heritage, and promoting awareness of environmental problems and solutions.

www.naturecowichan.net/CVNS

Quamichan StewardsA stewardship group of local residents that works to ensure the Quamichan Lake Watershed is valued as an important ecological feature within the Cowichan Valley. www.quamichanlake.ca

older plants at soil level, and cover the exposed stem with soil. Do not use brush cutters or weed eaters as this releases the plant’s toxins into the air. Top-cutting the flowers and developing fruit may also help reduce seeding.

American BullfrogThe American bullfrog is native to Central and Eastern North America. It competes with and preys on native species. Fully grown adults eat anything they can swallow, including insects, crawfish, frogs, fish, small turtles, snakes, young birds, and small mammals. Adult bullfrogs and tadpoles prey on native

tadpoles causing them to move to unfavorable habitats. Bullfrogs can also carry the chytrid fungus which affects the skin of amphibians and is deadly to many species. For more information or to report a sighting, go to the BC Frog Watch Program: www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/frogwatch

Eastern Grey SquirrelEastern grey squirrels are native to central and eastern North America. Grey squirrels can damage and kill trees by stripping the bark. Squirrels eat birds’ eggs and nestlings and compete with birds for tree cavities. They have been known to eat large

numbers of acorns and may compete with other species that depend on this food. In BC, grey squirrels can reach higher densities than native red squirrels and may outnumber and eventually displace them. They also may be carriers of a virus which may infect North American red squirrels. CONTROL: By installing raptor perches and maintaining habitat, you can

support the native predators.

For more information on invasive plants or to report one in your area, see websites below:Report a Weed: www.for.gov.bc.ca/hra/PlantsCoastal Invasive Plants: www.coastalinvasiveplants.com

info@coastalinvasiveplants.com, 1-250-857-2472

Some Invasive Species of the RegionLocal Stewardship Groups

Nature Cowichan

Cowichan Green Community

The Cowichan Green Community has been instrumental in the formation of The Cowichan Food Security Plan, The Cowichan Food Charter, The Cowichan Food Security Coalition and initiatives such as community gardens, FruitSave and Grow-a-Row. They promote energy efficiency, healthy housing and environmental sustainability. Judy Stafford (250) 748-8506, cgc@shawbiz.ca www.cowichangreencommunity.org

Cowichan RecyclistsAaron Bichard or Katie Harris www.cowichanrecyclists.com

Shawnigan Lake Watershed Watch Association Mary Desmond (250) 743-2278

Cowichan Energy AlternativesMiles Philips or Brian Roberts (250) 597-1491 www.cowichanenergy.org

Cowichan Carbon Busters Peter Nix, cowichancarbonbuster@shaw.ca www.cowichanclimateaction.net

Chemainus Biodiversity & River Walk The Chemainus Biodiversity Education Project, supported by the POLIS Project on Ecological Governance (UVic) and communities in the Chemainus region, fosters biodiversity awareness for healthy communities. The annual Halalt “Honour Our River Day” promotes stewardship of the Chemainus River. www.polisproject.org/projects/biodiversityeducation

Cowichan Lake Salmonid Enhancement Society The Cowichan Lake Salmonid Enhancement is community based and non-profit. They work with government, companies, volunteer groups and concerned citizens to perform Chum and Coho enhancement, fry salvage, smolt studies, adult salmon enumeration, lake and river monitoring, stream habitat maintenance, and classroom education.Frank Sutherland (250)749-0119, salmonid@telus.net

Private Land StewardshipPrivate land stewardship is the voluntary conservation of natural resources, wildlife and fish habitat by landowners and concerned citizens. The Cowichan Land Trust can assist landowners by providing information on stewardship options to maintain, restore, and enhance or protect

natural features on their property.

Eelgrass RestorationThe Cowichan Land Trust has been helping to restore eelgrass which is an important nursery, food source and habitat for almost all marine life. With guidance from SeaChange Marine Conservation Society and Precision Identification, local volunteers have helped transplant eelgrass shoots into areas of the seafloor that have lost their eelgrass meadows. Local participation is key to reviving eelgrass which supports the critters we love such as: sea stars, crabs, sand dollars, salmon, cut throat trout and great blue herons.

Cowichan Land Trust

Our snuw’ey’ulh, or Hul’qumi’num laws, dictate that we have an inalienable connection to 100 per cent of our traditional territory. They lay the foundation for how Hul’qumi’num people must continue our obligations in our relationship with the natural world, which is connected to us through the First Ancestors. We envision a future in which our land and sea resources are abundant and healthy and our communities are vibrant and strong.

We are all working together, actively managing all of our land and resources to ensure that future Hul’qumi’num generations will have the opportunity to work and play and prosper here in our ancestral home. We must have the capacity and resources to manage our resources sustainably, incorporating traditional teachings with the best of modern management tools.

The First Peoples of the Cowichan Valley: Chemainus First Nation, Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation, Lake Cowichan, Lyackson First Nation, Malahat First Nation, Penelakut Tribe.

“The granting of over 800,000 hectares in 1884 fundamentally changed the geography, politics and economics of Vancouver Island, not just for First Nations, but for all people in the Cowichan Valley. As a result of the E & N land grant, virtually the entire watershed and surrounding areas are privately owned with little public access or public input into how these lands are used, managed and developed.” Brian Thom, Negotiator, Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group.

Other Groups

Hill 60

Hill 60 is another well recognized landmark in the Valley. It is known for:

♦ native plants, including hairy manzanita, and special dry plant ecosystems

♦ elk and wildlife habitat♦ fantastic views

Local residents expressed their concern over the destruction of habitat on Hill 60 from overuse, and other damage caused by All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).

Bald Mountain & Peninsula (Kanatze)

Bald Mountain is a rocky, partly forested knoll that contains a network of old hiking trails. It is visible from many parts of Cowichan Lake. New trails have been developed by the landowner and CVRD for this area.

Heather Mountain

The people of Cowichan value Heather Mountain for its beautiful wild flowers in the spring and recreational hiking trails to the alpine.

Mt Sicker (Skw'aakw'unus)

In Cowichan Valley history, there was a short but intense period of mining on Mt. Sicker from 1895 to 1907. During this time, two mines produced copper, and some gold and silver. There were two townsites with 70 homes, an opera house and two hotels on the west side of the mountain.

First Nations story of Mt.Sicker

Sicker Mountain is an extremely important place to local First Nations. This area was the mutually understood linguistic and territorial boundary between the Chemainus dialect-speakers and the Cowichan dialect-speakers. Today, the names “Big Sicker” and “Little Sicker” are combined and referred to as S-kw’aakw’unus, which means “facing over or looking down”. The Mt. Sicker area was used extensively by the Cowichan and Chemainus people to hunt deer, elk, and black bears.

Stoney Hill

This hidden gem is tucked away southeast of Maple Bay. It is a favorite because of its:

♦ breathtaking views of Sansum Narrows

♦ unique geological features

♦ recreational trails

Locals would like to see: creation of an ecological marine park in the Narrows, a stop to logging in the forest reserve, development minimized and park designation of the area. Presently there is no public access to Stoney Hill.

Mt. Richards

Mt Richards lies west of Crofton, providing a backdrop to the town. It offers:

♦ recreational mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding on old logging roads

♦ scenic views to the west towards Mt. Prevost and Mt. Sicker♦ wildflowers on the highest rock bluff

Mt Tzouhalem (Shquw'utsun)

Mt. Tzouhalem is a distinctive landmark overlooking Cowichan Bay, the Cowichan River estuary and Quamichan Lake. It is known for:

♦ the white cross that can be spotted from below looking East on Tzouhalem Road

♦ walking, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails

♦ Ecological Reserve with Garry Oak woodlands and wildflower meadows

♦ amazing viewpoints from the rock bluffs

The Story of Mt. Tzouhalem

Before Mt. Tzouhalem was named after Chief Tzouhalem, it was named Quw’utsun (Cowichan) or Pi’paam Mountain. The story behind the name started thousands of years ago before the Great Flood that happened in Cowichan. The First Nations people saw a large frog named Pi’paam on top of the mountain basking in the warm sun. The mountain was then named Quw’utsun which means “to warm your back”, and is also known as Pi’paam after the name of the frog. Today, people “who have very good eyes” can still see an image of that frog in the rock on the west peak of Mt. Tzouhalem where the cross now stands. (D. Rozen)

Cobble Hill Mountain

Cobble Hill Mountain has long been recognized as a popular outdoor recreation destination, and now 450 hectares of the mountain have been designated as a Regional Recreation Area. On the mountain, you can find:

♦ scenic views of the Gulf Islands and the Saanich peninsula

♦ rare sensitive Herbaceous Terrestrial ecosystems with beautiful wildflowers in spring

♦ expansive trail systems for hiking, horseback ridingand mountain biking

Stanton Peak

Stanton Peak provides a variety of activities for residents and visitors to Ladysmith. This area includes:

♦ recreational trails along Holland Creek to Heart Lake and Stocking Lake

♦ viewpoints to Stuart Channel, Ladysmith Harbour and islands♦ incredible scenery

Locals have voiced concern that this area is threatened with habitat loss due to logging and development.

Maple Mountain

Maple Mountain overlooks Maple Bay, Crofton and Sansum Narrows. Here you will enjoy:

♦ over 14 km of recreational trails for walking, hiking and mountain biking maintained by the Municipality of North Cowichan

♦ stunning views toward Saltspring Island♦ unique forest with large stands of arbutus

Residents feel this area should be re-established as municipal park for the enjoyment of future generations.

How to get involved!☆ Become a member of the Cowichan Land Trust ☆ Put a conservation covenant on your land☆ Join a community stewardship group ☆ Eco-gifting and land donation ☆ Make a donation☆ Be a streamkeeper☆ Volunteer with the Land Trust

COWICHAN LAND TRUST #6 – 55 Station Street, Duncan, BC, V9L 1M2

Telephone: (250) 746-0227 Fax: (250) 746-9608 E-mail: cclt@naturecowichan.net

Pink fawn lilies show their true colour in the spring sunlight.

Behold the Mountains

Check out the following websites for more information on BC Parks and Community Parks:

Municipality of North Cowichan Forest Reserve

This working forest is managed for multiple uses including timber harvesting, recreation, forest education, domestic water supplies, and aesthetic values. At over 5,000 hectares, it is one of the largest forest reserves in North America!

Specific areas in the reserve have been set aside as ecological reserves and viewpoints. Examples of these are:

h Mt. Prevost Cairn and Wildflower Reserve h Mt. Tzouhalem Ecological Wildflower Reserve h Maple Mountain Preservation Management Zone

First Peoples of the Cowichan Valley

Hiiye’yutul tst ‘u to’ mukw’ stem ‘i ‘u tun’a tumhw

“Everything in nature is part of our family – we are all relatives.”

The expansive view looking west from Mt. Tzouhalem Short is the little time which

remains to thee of life. Live as on a mountain.

-Marcus Aurelius

of the Cowichan Valley

Mt. Sicker townsite in the early 1900s.

Hwial'asmut tu tumuhw Take care of the earth

Tribal Journeys is a celebration of Coast Salish peoples’ culture and relationship to the sea. In 2008, 1,000 paddlers in 109 canoes from 98 First Nations paddled to Quw’utsun to open the North American Indigenous Games. Using instruments attached to their canoes, paddlers took 42,000 water quality measurements along 900 kilometres of coastline. This partnership between the U.S. Geological Survey and First Peoples will help restore and preserve the ecology of the Salish Sea. www.usgs.gov.coastsalish

Tribal Journeys Salish Sea Water Quality Project

The 1884 E & N Railway Land Grant

We are Hul'qumi'num Mustimuhw

A new field guide of plants and animals in the Cowichan region is beening jointly developed by the Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group, Parks Canada and the University of Victoria. It features names in English, Hul’qumi’num, French and Latin. www.hulquminum.bc.ca

CURA Multi-lingual Field Guide

SponsorsOfficial Sponsor/Funder: Canada- British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement

Additional Funder: Cowichan Land Trust

Community Partners: City of Duncan, City of Ladysmith, Cowichan Green Community, Cowichan Tribes, Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society, Cowichan Valley Regional District, Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group, Mid-Island Sustainable Stewardship Initiative, Municipality of North Cowichan, The Land Conservancy of BC, Town of Lake Cowichan, Volunteer Cowichan

€ This map is part of the Green Map System. Greenmap.orgIcons © Green Map System, Inc. 2003. All rights reserved. Green Map® is a registered trademark and used with permission.The Community Green Map of the Cowichan Valley © Cowichan Land Trust

Everything on the Land Sustains Us

Oral histories connect Hul’qumi’num people to the land from the beginning of time. They tell about the importance of sharing resources with extended family members from other Coast Salish communities.

We need to be able to access all our traditional use areas in order to educate our children about our traditional ways. Doreen Thomas

They all need to be protected. All the subsistence, cultural and social sites and the environmental resources. If they’re not protected, they’re most likely to be destroyed or abused in one form or another. Martina Joe

It’s hard to think of selling something our people used for medicines. You know, the roots, come from a generation where we didn’t sell anything. Everything we got was given, sharing. If it was me, I’d just give it. Sally Norris

The beach areas are really important to us as Indian people because we’re sea-going people and we live by the ocean. My late husband used to call that (points to beach) his “refrigerator.” Everything was fresh. You got what you wished for. Marjorie Louie

Quamichan Village

Types of Hul'qumi'num People Intensive Traditional Use Areas‘A’lu’xut – resource harvesting placesXe’xe’ – sacred or cultural use placesSyuth – a place valued by (Hul’qumi’num people) because of their long and complex relationship with that land. It expresses their unity with the natural and spiritual environment. It embodies their traditional knowledge of spirits, places, land uses and ecology. (www.hulquminum.bc.ca/pubs/HTG_LUP_FINAL.pdf)

Local GovernmentCowichan Valley Regional District (250) 746-2500 www.cvrd.bc.caMunicipality of North Cowichan (250) 746-3100 www.northcowichan.bc.caCity of Duncan (250) 746-6126 www.duncan.ca Town of Lake Cowichan (250) 749-6681 www.town.lakecowichan.bc.caTown of Ladysmith (250) 245-6400 www.ladysmith.caCowichan Tribes (250) 748-3196 www.cowichantribes.comHul’qumi’num Treaty Group (250) 245-4660 www.hulquminum.bc.ca

www.ladysmith.ca/parks_rec.phpwww.tctrail.ca

www.town.lakecowichan.bc.ca/parks.shtmlwww.northcowichan.bc.ca

www.cvrd.bc.cawww.bcparks.ca