Welcome to the
Bowker Creek Initiative
The Bowker Creek Initiative (BCI) is a collaboration between local governments, community groups, post-secondary institutions and private citizens to improve the health of Bowker Creek and its watershed.
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The Bowker Creek is located in Greater Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Bowker Creek Blueprint
The Bowker Creek Blueprint: A 100-year action plan to restore the Bowker Creek watershed has now officially been endorsed by
the City of Victoria, District of Saanich and District of Oak Bay .
Bowker Creek Blueprint (full document)
Funding Announcement:
restoration of Bowker Creek
at Oak Bay High School
Oak Bay to rehabilitate and transform section of Bowker, Mach 2, 2012
“This is an excellent example of how collaboration between local governments, senior levels of government and the school district can produce such positive results for the entire community. This project also demonstrates Oak Bay’s commitment to the preservation and enhancement of our natural environment, the provision of accessible green amenities to our residents, and the education and heightened awareness of our youth.” Nils Jensen, Mayor of Oak Bay
For more information see Current Projects.
Congratulations to Bowker Creek Blueprint !
On September 11, the Capital Regional District (CRD) hosted the 2012 EcoStar Community Environmental Awards, which serve to celebrate environmental leaders across the region – the Bowker Creek Blueprint received the EcoStar Award for
Integrated Watershed Management !
(Above: Sept. 11, 2012) Representatives receiving the Capital Regional District's 2012 EcoStar Award for Integrated Watershed Management - sponsored by: Golder Associates Ltd. (left to right):
Adriane Pollard (Saanich, Manager of Environmental Services), Ian Graeme (Friends of Bowker Creek Society, President),
Councillor Judy Brownoff
(Saanich), Andrea Gleichauf (Camosun Community Association, community representative),
Jim Kirby (Friends of Bowker Creek Society, community representative),
Mayor Nils Jensen (Oak Bay), Rowland Atkins (Golder Associates),
Councillor Vic Derman
(Saanich), Steve Fifield (Victoria, Manager of Underground Services), Mayor
Dean Fortin (Victoria).
new
view: 2012 CRD EcoStar Award for
Integrated Watershed Management
read: Capital Regional District (CRD)
2012 EcoStar awards
Volunteer Opportunities
Celebrate the Bowker Creek!
Fun upcoming events & volunteer opportunities Summer 2012
*If you are interested in getting involved please contact BCI ( Email 
).
Ongoing Riparian Restoration Sites
Dates volunteers needed:
(click here to see details of all events)
1. Monteith Native Plant Demo Garden (Oak Bay)
anyone can drop in
every 2nd & 4th Wednesday
1-3 pm
2. Browning Park (Saanich)
Ongoing Riparian Restoration Sites
Restoration project #1:
Monteith/Oak Bay Community Native Plant Demonstration Garden
Over the past several years the BCI and volunteers have focused on riparian restoration of the Bowker Creek in Oak Bay. The restoration site is located at the Monteith Community Gardens (off Monteith Street at Cranmore Rd -- behind Fireman's Park). Currently, the project is focusing on the establishment of a native plant demonstration garden adjacent to the community allotment gardens. In 2010 we sheet mulched and planted the site. MIPA is looking for volunteers to help continue with weeding and planting. What native plants have been planted on site (2010-12)?
The BCI is pleased to see this project take deep roots in the community with the establishment of the Monteith Indigenous Plan Association (MIPA). This is a group of local residents that have adopted the site and are the active caretakers of the native garden for the long-term. We are looking for volunteers to help with weeding and planting. Gloves, tools & refreshments provided. Groups and individuals welcome.
WHEN: drop in for a hr. every 2nd & 4th Wednesday @ 1-3 pm
WHAT: maintenance, weeding & planting
WHO: Monteith Indigenous Plants Association (MIPA)
CONTACT: Gerald @ 250-3700190 ore BCI (Email
Restoration project #2:
Browning Park Riparian Restoration
Over the past several years the Municipality of Saanich has been able to make several improvements to Browning Park through a federal grant. Much of the work focused on restoration of the Bowker Creek itself through removal of invasive plants and the planting of native plants. Other improvements include a play park and a greenway with playful public art connecting the path to the adjacent Bowker Creek. The local community and the Bowker Creek Initiative (BCI) continues to support the efforts to improve the riparian area through Browning Park by co-hosting with Saanich's volunteer program "Pulling Together".
*If you are interested in getting involved please contact BCI ( Email ).
MAP for site location. All ages welcome. Tools, gloves, drinks & snacks provided. Rain or Shine.
WHERE: Browning Park (meet at the bridge)
WHAT: Bowker Creek volunteer invasive removal
WHO: Saanich’s Pulling Together Program and the BCI
WHEN: TBACONTACT: Andrea @ 250 598 9837 or BCI (Email
The Bowker Creek Stewardship Pledge is now online. Take the pledge!
In 2008, we were awarded funding from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, to restore the creekside riparian area near Monteith Street in Oak Bay. As part of the site rehabilitation, this neglected property will become a community amenity with a limited number of garden plots. Your input and volunteer support is welcome, and needed! Implementation has been delayed, but in Spring 2010 we will need significant volunteer help to remove ivy and plant native plants. Funding support for this project is also provided by the District of Oak Bay and the Bowker Creek Initiative.
Read The Bowker Creek Homeowner's Guide (PDF 
). This short newsletter gives tips for homeowners living in this or any urban watershed, describing practical ways to reduce pollution and runoff and improve biodiversity and creek health. Urban watersheds need everyone's help to become healthy, and each person can make a difference!
See the Flicker photo gallery for Bowker Creek (link) or add your own photo