On a cool, rainy winter day families from Maple Ridge enjoyed being freshwater detectives at Kanaka Creek Regional Park.
Guided by Nature Mentor, Ross Davies, from the Kanaka Education and Environmental Partners Society (KEEPS) the morning started at the hatchery, where Ross showed families juvenile salmon in the troughs, sparking a discussion about water quality and pollution.
On the walk to the creek, families stopped at a cloudy tributary, which led to a conversation about turbidity and how it impacts fish habitat. Families also observed a culvert connecting the tributary to the main creek, tying into the importance of fish passage.
At the creek, Ross demonstrated how to measure temperature and pH, and families had the opportunity to collect their own data and compare results. They discussed the health of the stream for salmon and their adaptability to extreme weather events.
Next, families used dip nets to find aquatic invertebrates. A mayfly larva was identified which Ross explained was an indicator of a healthy stream. Due to changing weather conditions, we decided to skip the planned pond sampling and move indoors.
Inside, Ross gave a presentation on the wild salmon life cycle vs hatchery operations, and families were given SalmonWILD and FreshwaterWILD magazines to continue their learning at home.
Memorable Moments
A memorable moment came from a mom who enthusiastically shared how much she enjoys NatureKids. She expressed a want for more Explorer Days and said, “NatureKids is a great reminder that you are not alone in appreciating nature.” She also said that being by the creek reminded her that we are all a part of nature.
Another standout moment happened when Ross asked, “What is the first thing you noticed about the stream?” The first few responses were about the flow of the water, but then a voice added, “The music it makes.”
We are grateful to KEEPS for leading this explorer day for Maple Ridge families and to the Maple Ridge Community Foundation for supporting this event.
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