PAST EVENTS: 

September 22, 2019 – Yellow Flag Iris pull at Maltby Lake

The Yellow Flag Iris removal crew. The work was heavy and physical. The environment was wet and muddy … and the weather did not cooperate. Still, we persevered.

******************************************************************

April 22, 2019 – Earth day at the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific

Enjoyed Earth Day 2019 exhibiting, on behalf of Friends of Maltby Lake Watershed Society, with other earth-minded community groups at the Enviro-Expo in The Gardens of the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific. Admission was free and included access to HCP’s remarkable nine acres of demonstration gardens. Exhibiters informed and engaged the public to take action on behalf of the environment, and included interactive children’s activities to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

******************************************************************

May 30, 2019 – Climate Emergency: Saanich Climate Plan Open House

We’re in a declared Climate Emergency; the greatest environmental challenge we face. I share some useful information from Saanich’s May 30th Climate Plan Open House outlining steps to help improve air quality and our health. To help reduce our demand for fossil fuels and move towards a 100% Renewable Energy target, the Province’s CleanEnergy BC program is offering a series of Money-saving Rebates. Learn more about Saanich’s Renewable Energy Plan & Targets here: https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Community/Documents/Planning/sustainability/Climate-Boards-Phase-2.pdf Learn about rebates and more here: https://betterhomesbc.ca/rebates/free-upgrades-bc-hydro-fortisbc-energy-conservation-assistance-program/

******************************************************************

June 17, 2019 – Saanich 2019 Environmental Awards

Mary Haig-Brown recognized for her Long-term Achievement as a leader in nature conservation and education in the Prospect Lake/Tod Creek Watershed where she has volunteered extensively over the last 40 years. Mary has been involved with and led countless initiatives in the community and with partners including: studies and management plans for the area, the formation of the Friends of Tod Creek Watershed, working with students from elementary to post-secondary, serving with community groups such as Peninsula Streams, Habitat Acquisition Trust and for the last 17 years as a member of the Saanich Environment and Natural Areas Advisory Committee. In her letter of support for Mary, MLA Lana Popham noted: “even with the hours of work, planning, weed-pulling and advocating, perhaps the richest gift that Ms. Haig-Brown has bestowed upon the people of Saanich is the mentorship she offers to young and old alike.” Well said, Lana Popham!

Many other important recognition awarded to deserving recipients! View more here.

******************************************************************

November 10, 2018 – The Sidney Summit on Habitat and the Environment

Friends of Maltby Lake Watershed Society were delighted to be a part of the Sidney Summit. The Summit was organized with the support of local people and organizations ranging from community associations and environmental groups to the business sector and governments. It was opened by our First Peoples, and succeeded in attracting notable speakers including BC artist Robert Bateman, CBC Quirks and Quarks host Bob MacDonald, MP Elizabeth May, MLA Adam Olsen …

 

******************************************************************

On October 17^th, 2014 Friends of Maltby Lake Watershed Society (a non-aligned group of volunteers) posed a question via e-mail to all candidates who ran in the municipal elections.  Here are the responses we received:

Please click on this link to see a copy of the question and responses received (in alphabetical order) from the Mayoral candidates.

Please click on this link to see a copy of the question and responses received (in alphabetical order) from the candidates for Council

]

*************************************

Thank-you to all who attended the Maltby Lake – October 21^st Open House & Community Meeting  

Thank you for venturing out on such a miserable evening to attend the Open House & Community Meeting for the protection of Maltby Lake. Woody and I were thrilled with the turnout. During the Q&A portion, and while I sat amongst a panel of stellar presenters, was it wrong for me to count heads? I counted 79. I admit to being nervous stepping up on the stage, but so glad I did if only to see the faces of the many supporters who have been with us from the beginning. Thank you!

To have a forum dedicated to understanding the ecology, and the natural and conservation values of Maltby Lake was phenomenal. We wish to thank Saanich-South MLA Lana Popham for hosting the learning forum and to her constituency assistant Samuel Godfrey for organizing the event with volunteers.

Guest speakers were experts in the fields of science and conservation. They presented significant information (data) during the course of the evening. It was satisfying to see Maltby Lake recognized for what it is: An ecologically sensitive ecosystem rarely found in the urban landscape.

The diversity of voices and experiences made for a engaging forum which helped to stimulate new and greater interest in Maltby Lake.

 The evening was a vibrant example of conservationists and scientists who enlightened attendees on the ecological aspects of Maltby Lake and the importance of protecting rare habitat and pristine watersheds.

To hear Lana Popham close the event by saying she would want to have another evening focusing on ‘solutions’ was pleasing to hear.

Thank you all who attended. We wish to also thank those who support the protection of Maltby Lake but were unable to be present.

Sincerely,

Carmel & Woody THOMSON
Maltby Lake Stewards