Vision

Our school is lucky to be located near a beautiful forest with a creek running through it. It is a treasured place for all students in the school and for members of the community.
The creek has caught the attention of the community as development upstream is causing toxic run off (or at least is believed to be causing toxic run off). The creek runs into the ocean and was once a salmon bearing creek. Developers have stated that aquatic life will not and has not ever lived in the creek. However, during one of our inquiry projects in grade three we found many fish, eggs, and other signs of aquatic life. Unfortunately, after monitoring the creek, many of these creatures were found dead and did not grow to adulthood. This has even included various birds whose nest were within the ecosystem of the creek.

Action

The grade 3s and Earth Protector clubs (grade 4 and 5s), wanted to investigate further as there has been articles from concerned members of the community that aquatic life can and should be thriving in this creek. It was suggested that life was not surviving due to the toxic run off caused by the development upstream of the creek. This gave the students heavy hearts as they want the area to thrive and all creatures to have an opportunity to reach their full potential.
The grade 3s have made observations throughout the year on how the wildlife around and in the creek has been changing. The Earth Protectors have tested the water on two different occasions discovering that the pH, nitrate, and dissolved oxygen levels are not where they need to be to ensure aquatic life is thriving. Further testing and monitoring needs to be done to fully understand the impact of the development upstream of the creek. Next steps include testing for metal and other toxic materials.
Sooke is growing rapidly, and our students are concerned about how developers are considering our natural spaces in their development plans. Natural spaces are quickly diminishing, not only removing natural spaces where houses and commercial areas are going, but also harming the areas surrounding it (ie. this creek). We will continue with this project to find ways to help mitigate run off and contact the companies involved in developing directly as concerned students who love the natural space we are privileged to visit on a regular basis.

Reflection & Celebration

We are still monitoring and more testing needs to be done in and around the creek. We are also writing letters to the Sooke District about our concerns and our discoveries. We will celebrate all of our data and learnings this June. The students have learned that just because someone says there “should be no life and there never has been life” in a creek can be misinformation. Creeks are generally around to hold aquatic life and support the ecosystem around it.