On Friday, July 6 at noon, two youth from the Youth and Ecological Restoration Program (YER) will lead a 60-minute public tour at Nymph Falls Nature Park.
Nymph Falls Nature Park is a favourite recreational area for Comox Valley residents and visitors. Located on the north side of the Puntledge River, it is 61 hectares of mature second growth forest where many tree, plant, bird and animal species can be observed. The falls were created when a fish ladder was installed about 70 years ago for spawning salmon to swim upstream. Forbidden Plateau Road Association maintains the park trails.
The Comox Valley Regional District(CVRD), which governs the park, proposes to widen the trail and install a small viewing platform at the falls to make it more accessible for everyone. Planning for these improvements includes an environmental impact assessment to identify sensitive habitat and species, which will be conducted by the youth with the YER co-ordinator and Kayt Chambers of Baynes Sound Environmental. During the tour the youth will provide information on the ecology, history and details of the scientific data collection.
Nymph Falls Nature Park is located north of Courtenay, turn left on Headquarters Road, left on Piercy Road, and left at Forbidden Plateau Road until you get to the parking area for the park. Sturdy footwear is required.
For more information, contact Wendy Kotilla at wkotilla@shaw.ca or 250-336-8487; visit the YER website at www.youthecology.ca.
This YER, Phase II project is funded by BC Ministry of Children and Family Development and the Comox Valley Regional District.