Millard Creek Headwaters Youth and Ecological Restoration Phase II Project

Millard Creek is located south of the City of Courtenay and extends west into Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), Area A. Millard Piercy Watershed Stewards formed a watershed management plan in 2001. Wendy Kotilla has lived in the upper watershed since 1990, and in 2008 started what has become a long-term database on her one acre property, and the adjoining ten acres.

The original database was measuring the well depths on the ten acre property. In 2013 six study sites were established to monitor monthly water quality and quantity, and daily weather data is collected. There have been four Youth and Ecological Restoration, Phase II (YER II) projects to document vegetation and hydrological aspects on both properties (https://youthecology.ca/ecological-reports/ ).

This year another YER II project will be done with two youth, who will assist with mapping springs, waterways and riparian vegetation. Biologist, Tanis Gower will lead the 2022 research and provide a report for CVRD. Mapping professional, Don Chamberlain will guide the youth in documenting stream courses, which will be used to update CVRD maps. GW Solutions from Nanaimo has updated the weather and water monitoring tables that they initially prepared in 2018.

This YER II project is possible through funding partnerships with Ministry of Children and Family Development and a CVRD, Rural Community Grant. Millard Piercy Watershed Stewards are contributing funds for stream mapping equipment. The YER II project will go from June 1st to 5th and the youth will share their acquired experience and information during a tour on the final day. This tour will not be public to protect the privacy of the landowner.