The Comox Valley Council of Canadians will present an open house and information update on the biggest, most ambitious ‘re-wilding’ project ever undertaken in the Comox Valley.
Project Watershed and the K’ómoks First Nation are restoring the old Fields Sawmill site on the Courtenay River to estuary salt-mash and riverside forest, and in the process reconnecting the river to the Hollyhock intertidal channels.
The project site is named Kus-kus-sum in recognition of the historic First Nation village once located in the area.
Thursday, April 19, 7 p.m. in the Lower Native Sons Hall, Dan Bowen, Project Watershed technical director, will share the vision for the site’s future, and highlight the project’s many benefits and historic significance to the Comox Valley.
“The aim of the Kus-kus-sum Project is to restore the Courtenay River channel habitat back to its natural condition – we will ‘un-pave’ the sawmill parking lot and put up a paradise,” said Bowen.
“This ambitious project will make the river and estuary a healthier place not only for fish and wildlife but for all of us.”
The evening will entail informal discussions with directors and volunteers, and the opportunity to view displays that focus on the varied services Project Watershed provides the community.
In support of Kus-kus-sum, beautiful art cards and posters, chocolate bars, colorful shopping bags and raffle tickets will be for sale.
Donations will be accepted at the door.
“Every purchase, every donation gets us closer to transforming the eyesore in the heart of our Valley into functioning habitat,” said PW director, Bill Heidrick.