Chilliwack is home to some pretty rare and interesting creatures.
Some at-risk species can only be found thriving in remaining pockets of their once vast habitat, like the barn owl, Oregon spotted frog, or Giant Pacific Salamander.
Some are listed federally or provincially as threatened, or endangered.
Some of these rare critters could use a little helping hand from local land owners. The Nature Stewards program was created to fill that gap, and tell folks precisely how to do that.
Everyone can learn about endangered species and how to create the ideal habitat for them at the Chilliwack Wildlife Celebration, Saturday, Oct. 1.
"We're hoping to be able to talk to a lot of people who may be interested in the Nature Stewards program, to offer some information and raise awareness," said organizer Tamsin Baker, and stewardship coordinator for the South Coast Conservation Program.
Some of the rare and endangered species, like the barn owl, as well as native frogs, but also the Giant Pacific salamander, found in the Eastern Hillsides, and Chilliwack River Valley. Other types of owls, and smaller snails and shrews will also be in the spotlight.
Some interest might be generated in the nature program by the event, organizers are hoping.
"If they have species at risk on their property, we can talk about that. If they have invasive plant species, we can talk about how to ID them, and remove them."
The event kicks off the Nature Stewards program for this fall.
Starting at 10 a.m. at Local Harvest Market, the event will have environment-themed games for kids, a native plant display, and a visit from Stomper the Barn Owl.
There may be other special guest visitors, they said, hoping to tantalize folks.
Nature Stewards, put together by FVC and SCCP, is geared to anyone whose property has natural areas with creeks, streams, wetlands, ponds, forests, or meadows. For more details or to set up a visit, come to the event on October 1 or contact:
Tamsin Baker, Stewardship Coordinator South Coast Conservation Program tamsin@sccp.ca 1-604-202-2381
Chilliwack Wildlife Celebration is Saturday, October 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Local Harvest Market, 7697 Lickman Road.