28 March

 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 at about six feet maximum, but there is a substrate of about three feet of peat beneath the water.    The utility of a lifeguard in this situation is dubious,  but towels and a length of rope could be of value.  We'll hope that none of our guests meet with a boggy mishap.

In addition, the RDN is understandably cautious about "danger trees."  About thirty trees near the pathway have been taken down, leaving the forest more light and open.




With time,  visitors to the Forest will adapt to the changes--for now, the open areas will take some getting used to.


Meanwhile, regardless of the impending Ribbon Cutting, Spring approaches.

The red huckleberry vines are showing their pink buds.

It appears that a bear has come out of hibernation and hunted grubs in the bark of a fallen tree.


The very first buckbean bud appeared near the dock.


In time, the Marsh will glory in the blooms of this aquatic plant. 

The snow mantle is gradually retreating from Mount Arrowsmith.


And in turn, the water level deepens in the Marsh.



At the distant south-east end of the Marsh, a flock of mallards could be heard.  What appeared to be goldeneyes gathered as well.  


True harbingers of Spring, swallows swooped about.  (If possible, enlarge this photo to make it look less as though I had a dusty lens.)  There must be an early hatch of insects,  invisible at this distance, to draw them.


The forecast is for fine weather this coming week.  We shall hope.




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