Hamilton Wetlands and Forest

  At last, after numerous official guided visits, speeches, and a ribbon cutting attended  by innumerable dignitaries, a return visit to the Hamilton Forest and Wetlands.  It has become officially Hamilton Marsh Regional Park and Conservation Area.   In addition to its newly conferred status among human governments, spring has come to the area, and the Forest gleams with new growth. Every spring, the salmon berry bushes are among the first to blossom. Ferns are beginning to sprout--the single shoot of bracken fern: and the clusters of lady fern. Vanilla leaf is appearing,  providing us with a effective mosquito repellent when we forget to bring our own, and the dismissively named "false lilly of the valley," not yet in bloom, but abundant. I doubt very much that the plants intend deception--they will produce nice white clusters of blossom as the season advances.   Kindbergia emerges from stumps, sprouting its beaked capsules. Along a branch path, ...

  The Forest and Wetlands are changing, not just with their usual seasonal changes, but in response to the newly established ownership.  In part, these latter changes reflect the anticipated "Ribbon Cutting" event scheduled for the coming Tuesday, to recognise the establishment of the Hamilton Marsh Park and Conservation Area.   Apparently over an hundred invited guests will attend this event, including assorted dignitaries.  The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has put effort into making the path from the parking area to the Marsh more accessible in this still muddy season. I've been told these are temporary walkways--they're not easy to navigate, but should keep visitors' feet dry.   Organisers of the event are also showing warranted concern about the stability of the dock. Hopefully, the number of visitors on the dock will be kept at a minimum.  There was discussion of a lifeguard in attendance--the water level of the Marsh at this point is a...