Tracey Bleakley deftly evades decomposing salmon carcasses strewn about Goldstream Park.
Walking through the mossy forest bed, the long-time naturalist is part tour guide, carefully explaining the irreplaceable role salmon play in the delicately balanced eco-system of the park.
B次元官网网址淭his is one of natureB次元官网网址檚 phenomenons and has been happening for thousands of years,B次元官网网址� she says.
The forest is thick with lush green, almost glowing moss alongside the Goldstream River which, halfway through spawning season, produces an unmistakable scent. From the ground to the tops of the trees, the ocean nutrients from the salmon have proven to be an invaluable asset to the eco system, Bleakley says B次元官网网址� theyB次元官网网址檝e even been found in the tree tops of old-growth forest. She shares this fact with busloads of students every year at this time and hopes to do more as the season progresses.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a one of a kind experience being able to open their eyes and instil excitement,B次元官网网址� she says. B次元官网网址淚t is really neat to have it concentrated on this six-to-eight week time period, because you have a chance to educate people on what is happening and how important the salmon are to the eco system.B次元官网网址�
The salmon, dragged from the river beds by bears and other scavengers, end up several kilometres inland. Scientists have found the nutrients in local animals and neighbouring eco-systems. One day, Bleakley says, this information will fall into the care of the young students she sees from October to early December every year.
Bleakley sees varying generations of visitors come through the park and works with volunteers including Judith Parrish, a retired school teacher who brought her students to see the old-growth forest.
ItB次元官网网址檚 important to get kids involved in nature,B次元官网网址� Parrish says. B次元官网网址淯nfortunately (some) environmentalists and naturalists talk about a nature deficit in children. I donB次元官网网址檛 know if that has come about because of the increase in television and video, or because of the business of parents, but there isnB次元官网网址檛 enough time to enjoy what nature has to offer.B次元官网网址�
School programs are a real eye opener for parents and children alike, she says. They inform not just about salmon spawning, but about the multi-dimensional ecological system. B次元官网网址淭he experiential approach to learning is the best way and thatB次元官网网址檚 what they do here B次元官网网址� there is a lot going on. (Most) have never seen anything like it before. We donB次元官网网址檛 ever see kids who are bored, we see kids that are excited.B次元官网网址�
Salmon spawning tours and programming run until early December. For details, visit .
alim@goldstreamgazette.com
