Project Watershed’s Estuary Working Group is presenting a walk in the Hollyhock Flats area of the Comox River Estuary on Aug. 19 at 1 p.m.
Participants are asked to meet at the Rotary viewing stand 2656 Comox Rd. in Courtenay to carpool to the start point at the Pumping Station (2824 Comox Rd.).
The walk is by donation, suggested amount $5 to $10, all proceeds going to Project Watershed. The walk will be about 90 minutes long. Please wear appropriate footwear if it has rained recently. No dogs, please.
The Hollyhock Flats area has been described as the least disturbed, and ‘most close to natural’ part of the estuary. The area also provides important protection for the local fishery. This area is a little hidden gem, which is largely unknown by most who live in the surrounding urban areas.
It has mainly been preserved due to involvement from environmental groups such as SPEC (Society for Preservation and Environmental Conservation) which was instrumental in lobbying for this area in 1974, as well as CVNS (Comox Valley Naturalists Society), which has removed invasive plants since about 1995.
The walk will be led by Luisa Ditmars, who is a naturalist and organic gardener with interests in conservation and restoration of natural areas, medicinal plants, and supporting food security in Latin American countries. Local naturalist Dave Lacelle will assist.
The Estuary Working Group is a collection of representatives from many different Comox Valley environmental groups, who meet several times a month to help restore and protect portions of the estuary.
— Project Watershed’s Estuary Working Group