Ecological Research Network

We work on projects of an ecological nature, including climate research, and the climate action relevant to our unique region.

This includes working with groups in the community, fostering collaborations, creating educational resources to support action from CAP 2.0.

As a collection of scientists, writers, and local knowledge holders, our aim is to support collaborations with members of our community, the Islands Trust and our local CRD.

We are looking for all types of people interested in research, action, and education to support our local ecologies in the face of climate change.

Please check out our activities and let us know how you would like to get involved.

Email Ruth for more information

Salt Spring Island’s Coastal Douglas fir (CDF) forests are part of a globally rare ecological zone found almost exclusively on BC’s south coast.

 

These forests and associated ecosystems are critical to the health of island communities – watershed health and freshwater availability, resilience from drought, flood and fire, and mitigation of impacts of climate change. But they have been undergoing drastic change and are increasingly at risk.

 

Find out how CDF forests support us and how we can properly steward them to reduce risk and enhance island resilience. Watch the video here!

Activites

CDF_Infographic_Series_Biodiversity_2021_04_07

 

 

  • Contributing information, locally relevant research and working with members of the community to develop climate actions relevant to our region (Climate Action Plan 2.0).
  • Producing educational materials, website interactive resources and tools, video information, and resources on role of forests in fire risk reduction (with Local Trust).
  • Developing a SSI Watershed Stewardship; educational video series to capture the important role of stewardship and understanding the delicate balance between freshwater availability, use and the health of our ecosystems.
  • Working with SS Fire and Rescue, other Gulf Islands and Local Islands Trust to define actions to reduce fire hazards and harm to water resources in the face of shifting weather patterns.
  • Forest-fire-water: conservation planning research to support policy and land planning.
  • Contributing to conservation prioritization and fire risk reduction planning to support the Island Trust Conservancy and Local Island Trust.
Name of this Project
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  • Marine Regenerative Farming Feasibility study:  The priority for this work was to understand potential roles for our community in reconciliation by supporting regenerative marine projects to respect and acknowledge cultural and traditional values in the Salish Sea.
  • Provide support directly, and by sharing our work and resources with other Salish Sea communities addressing climate action.

Forest Infographics

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ERN News & Events

FIRE Event- Ruth Waldick presents at Cumberland Community Forest Society Science Pub Series

FIRE Event- Ruth Waldick presents at Cumberland Community Forest Society Science Pub Series Event by Cumberland Forest Cumberland Masonic Hall Get Tickets Here The CCFS Science Pub Series is BACK! This fall and winter we’ll be exploring the elements – FIRE, WATER, EARTH and AIR – with local and visiting knowledge holders, scientists, storytellers, artists and…
Read More

Beyond Climate Change – A Case study looking at our Vulnerable Forests

Beyond Climate Change – A Case study looking at our Vulnerable Forests Dr Ruth Waldick presents at UNBC on our Mt Maxwell Adaptation Lab Project on Nov. 11, 2022. Watch Video Here.
Read More

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,…
Read More
Hwmet'utsum - Mt.Maxwell Project Presentation

Reducing Climate Risks in the Mt Maxwell Creek Watershed

A Presentation of Fire and Water Risks on Mt Maxwell, Salt Spring Island by Ecologist and Climate Change Specialist Dr Ruth Waldick and Forest Carbon and Ecological Restoration Expert Robert Seaton
Read More

ERN News & Events

FIRE Event- Ruth Waldick presents at Cumberland Community Forest Society Science Pub Series

FIRE Event- Ruth Waldick presents at Cumberland Community Forest Society Science Pub Series Event by Cumberland Forest Cumberland Masonic Hall Get Tickets Here The CCFS Science Pub Series is BACK! This fall and winter we’ll be exploring the elements – FIRE, WATER, EARTH and AIR – with local and visiting knowledge holders, scientists, storytellers, artists and…
Read More

Beyond Climate Change – A Case study looking at our Vulnerable Forests

Beyond Climate Change – A Case study looking at our Vulnerable Forests Dr Ruth Waldick presents at UNBC on our Mt Maxwell Adaptation Lab Project on Nov. 11, 2022. Watch Video Here.
Read More

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,…
Read More
Hwmet'utsum - Mt.Maxwell Project Presentation

Reducing Climate Risks in the Mt Maxwell Creek Watershed

A Presentation of Fire and Water Risks on Mt Maxwell, Salt Spring Island by Ecologist and Climate Change Specialist Dr Ruth Waldick and Forest Carbon and Ecological Restoration Expert Robert Seaton
Read More

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better" - Albert Einstein