Project Timeline and Activities

As a community-based collaborative project, the timeline and activities necessarily evolve and adapt as the project develops and as interest and opportunities continue to grow. The overall anticipated plan and timeline for the project are as follows (activities are posted as they are confirmed):  

April-May 2007

Goals:

• Build support in principle from local schools, organizations, First Nations, government, businesses and individuals (ongoing). Read letter of invitation.
• Establish a seed fund for production of educational materials (ongoing).
• Celebrate and support Earth Day on April 22 and promote the pilot project.
• Consult with local educators on interests and needs for activites and learning materials (ongoing).
• Identify local, academic and professional experts as resource people and contributors (ongoing).
• Identify appropriate field sites for learning about forest, riparian and marine biodiversity (ongoing).

Week of May 20-26, 2007

Goals:

• Official project launch!
• Recognise International Biodiversity Day on May 22  (note: this year’s theme is Biodiversity and Climate Change). 
• Recognise Aboriginal Awareness Week May 22-25.
• Celebrate the Spring Tune Up! - a local Variety Show at St. Joseph's School Gym in Chemainus on May 25 as a fundraiser for the pilot project. See event poster.

June 2007

Goals: Initiate field activities with priority for local schools and continue consultations with local educators on interests and needs for activites and resources.

Activities:

• June 6 the project partners on biodiversity learning objectives with "Survivor Saltair" a  team building field trip for grades 5/6 students.
• June 10 ethnobotanist Dr Brenda Beckwith leads a walk and talk in Echo Heights on Garry Oak ecosystems and the importance of camas lilies in First Nations cultures.
• June 13 project information display at the Chemainus Night Market.
• June 15 ethnobotanist Dr Nancy Turner gives a presentation on traditional and contemporary plant uses for community health "Our food is our medicine".
• June 19 project representatives Kathy Wachs and Kelly Bannister are invited to he University of Victoria's "Roundtable on Community-based Reseach" which features the project.
• June 21 is  National Aboriginal Day.
• June 22 is production of first issue of "Biodiversity Matters" project  newsletter.
• June 28 the project partners with Ladysmith teachers on their last professional development day of the year. Andy Lamb leads a shoreline walk at Bolder Bay and Dr Kelly Bannister leads a biodiversity walk at Stocking Creek Park.

July-August-September 2007

Goals: Continue field activities with youth groups and interested organisations.

Activities:

• July 12 expert marine biologist Andy Lamb leads a shoreline marine biodiversity walk on Thetis Island.
• August 8 project information display at the Chemainus Night Market.
• August 16 is a river walk with Halalt First Nation to learn about the biological and cultural importance of the Chemainus River (by invitation).
• August 21 is a bird biodiversity walk with Lauren Melzack of Creature Comforts (Chemainus).
• September 14 is Honour Our River Day, hosted by Halalt First Nation in Chemainus 10 am - 3 pm including lunch.

October-December 2007

Goals: Continue field activities as weather permits and indoor presentations and discussions on selected topics. Initiate Biodiversity Salon (mini-seminar series) to discuss biodiversity issues and local opportunties.

Activities:

• October 3 presentation at UVic (Rm 152 Fraser Building) by Jack Smith of Halalt First Nation on Aboriginal Water Issues.
• November 3 presentation at Cowichan Neighbourhood House by Nikki Wright on eelgrass.

January-June 2008

Goals:

• Compile information and develop educational materials.
• Plan community eelgrass mapping project in collaboration with the Seagrass Conservation Working Group.
• Continue with outdoor learning activities in forest, marine and riparian ecosystems.

Activities:

• April 22 - Celebrate Earth Day by supporting local events.
• May 22 - Celebrate International Biodiversity Day and the one year anniversary since the launch of the Chemainus Biodiversity Education Project!
• June 7th (saturday) 10 am - 3 pm launch of community eelgrass mapping project with hands-on training workshop led by Nikki Wright. South Oyster School and Boulder Beach, Saltair. Call 416-0382 for information and registration.

July - September 2008

• Eelgrass mapping will continue on low tides (dates and locations TBA)
• Outdoor learning activities will continue (TBA).

October 2008 - March 2009

• Eelgrass mapping project reporting.
• Continue compiling information and developing educational materials.

April 2009

• Report back to participating schools and communty organisations and distribute educational materials.
• Compile 'lessons learned' from pilot project.
• Collectively assess pilot project and interest in continued biodiversity education and outreach activities in the region.
• Initiate further fundraising for continuing the project if agreed.