Ecological Research Network

CARL

Beyond Climate Change: A Case Study on Our Vulnerable Forests

How do we protect the forests we depend on as climate impacts intensify? In this in-depth presentation, Dr. Ruth Waldick shares insights from the Mt. Maxwell Adaptation Lab on Salt Spring Island—an innovative project exploring how local ecosystems respond to fire, drought, and forest degradation. Learn how place-based science, climate adaptation strategies, and community collaboration…
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CARL

Maxwell Creek Watershed Project Field Files Part 2: Developing surveying methodologies 

Exerpt from: https://www.raincoast.org/2022/08/maxwell-creek-watershed-project-field-files-part-2-developing-surveying-methodologies/ Andrew Simon shares about the methodologies used in the Maxwell Creek Watershed project. By Shauna Doll, Gulf Islands Forest Project Coordinator August 5, 2022 The project takes a watershed-wide scope to improve understanding of both existing and historical ecological conditions. The first question we aim to answer is: how has modification via forestry,…
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CARL

Reducing Climate Risks in the Mt Maxwell Creek Watershed

This eye-opening presentation brings together ecological science and local expertise to explore the growing risks to Salt Spring Island’s Mt. Maxwell Creek Watershed due to climate change. Learn how shifting weather patterns, wildfire hazards, and watershed vulnerabilities intersect—and what we can do to safeguard this vital ecosystem. Presenters: Dr. Ruth Waldick and Robert SeatonDuration: 29…
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Mt. Maxwell Forest
CARL

Notes from the Field: Updates from the Mt. Maxwell Team

Intern Simona Taronna Writes an Update from the Field 9:00 am and the little parking lot by the “No Trespassing” North Salt Spring Waterworks District sign on Maxwell Road is packed. There is excitement in the air as an eclectic group of ecologists, foresters, restoration experts, technicians, students and volunteers gather in the field. It…
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Mt. Maxwell Creek Watershed
CARL

Maxwell Creek Watershed Project Field Files Part 1: Project Impetus

By Shauna Doll, Gulf Islands Forest Project Coordinator A watershed-level restoration initiative focusing on improving ecological integrity within local forests Transition Salt Spring has partnered with experts and organizations from across the Coastal Douglas-fir biogeoclimatic zone, including Raincoast Conservation Foundation, to provide a model for on-the-ground, multidisciplinary, multisectoral, and collaborative climate action.  Gulf Islands Forest…
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Beaver
CARL

Learning from Nature: Nature-based Approaches to Restoration in the Maxwell Creek Watershed

People have relied on what we call Maxwell Lake and the surrounding watershed for thousands of years, for water, food, and other resources provided by the forests. These forests support a range of wildlife, cougars, bears, songbirds, waterfowl, amphibians, fish and beavers. The tall crowns of coastal Douglas-fir trees reach for the sky with large,…
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CARL

Maxwell Creek Watershed Project

In 2021 Transition Salt Spring secured $100,000 in federal funding and other support to initiate this groundbreaking research around fire risk intervention and resilience in the Maxwell Creek Watershed. This watershed project was chosen because of its importance in providing water to 5,500 residents of Salt Spring Island, and the existing fire risk to farms,…
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Forest with Clouds
Ecological Research Network

Maxwell Watershed Project Radio Interview

Listen HERE to our Dr Ruth Waldick on CBC Radio’s All Points West discuss TSS’ new project at Maxwell Lake
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Forests, Water, Fire
Ecological Research Network

Forests, Water, Fire: How to Prevent Wildfires & Conserve Water

How do we live responsibly in our forested island communities in the face of wildfire and drought? This powerful community conversation brings together local experts in forestry, fire prevention, and ecology to share practical tools for conserving water, protecting your land, and reducing wildfire risk. You’ll learn how to steward your property with intention, work…
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Ecological Research Network

From Ocean Consumption to Ocean Stewardship

By Karlis Hawkins  Published in the SS Exchange – June 17, 2021 To see the waters surrounding the Gulf Islands simply as ‘the perfect background for a selfie’, is to miss the secrets of the colourful flora and fauna that live below the waves. At low tide, purple, orange and green alien-like species stand out among the rocks.…
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