Blog Post 1

Blog Post #1: Observations

Field Visit #1
Date: November 29th
Weather: Cloudy
Temperature: 8 degrees Celsius
Location: Reay Creek Park, Sidney BC
Coordinates: 48.63795 N, 123.41428 W

Location Background:

Spanning from the south-eastern side of the Victoria International Airport to Bazan Bay, Reay Creek and Park was initially established in 1875 by brothers William and Charles Reay. Reay Creek is small in size, and the particular spot of interest of this creek is approximately 100m long, entering from the trailhead on Northbrook Dr. The creek itself is the home to many aquatic animals such as salmon, trout, sticklebacks, and sculpins. This area has been widely known by locals as an excellent location for bird watching, and accessible trails, and is also a spawning creek. Previously, in 2021, this creek was subject to environmental disturbances when bleach leaked from nearby stormwater drains. This leakage contaminated approximately 150 meters, in which almost all life had been met with mortality. The city of Sidney was able to adequately and timely control and dimmish the contamination. After this incident, restoration efforts began to protect the local organisms that reside. This included the removal of invasive species, improving the creek’s spawning habitat, management and control of contamination, and improvements to the walking trails.

Location Description:

This location is equipped with walking trails and bridges to cross over the running water. All of the trails in this area are well maintained, allowing the community to walk to Peter Grant Park. The distance from The creek has little twists and turns, and in the majority of spots is only a few feet deep. Likewise, the stream is quite accessible, no sudden drops leading to the edge of the creek water are present at this location. Many trees are covered in moss, and many shrubs are present alongside the creek. Trees present along the creek bank include cedars and cottonwood trees, with unknown (cannot identify at this time) native vegetation. Further upstream, a dam is present, where Reay Creek Pond sits on the adjacent side. The creek itself appears to be lined with sediment and rocks.

Questions:
1. How does human interaction impact, Reay Creek?
a. Given large amounts of walking trails, nearby airports, and previous contamination, what are the long-lasting effects on this ecosystem?
2. In the event of acid rain, what will have to vegetation and local marine organisms?
3. How much degradation of organisms will occur as a result of acidification?

References
Depner, W., News, L., & News. (2021, June 7). Several hundred fish dead in Sidney’s Reay creek after suspected bleach leak. Vancouver Island Free Daily. Retrieved from https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/news/several-hundred-fish-dead-in-sidneys-reay-creek-after-suspected-bleach-leak/
Reay Creek Park Improvements. Sidney by the Sea. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.sidney