Welcome to the
Bowker Creek Initiative
The Bowker Creek Initiative 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 Blueprint has now officially been endorsed by
the
City of Victoria and the District of Saanich (Fall 2011). Click here for more details on the status of the Blueprint.
Celebrate the Bowker Creek!
Fun upcoming events & volunteer opportunities Winter 2012
Dates volunteers needed:
(click here to see details of all events)
newSaturday, Feb 25th 09:30 - 11:30
@ Browning Park (Saanich)
Find us on Facebook
2nd & 4th Wednesdays 1-3pm
@ Monteith Native Plant Demo Garden (Oak Bay)
Find us on Facebook
PROJECT #1: Find us on Facebook
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. This Fall we are looking for volunteers to help continue with weeding and planting.
The BCI is pleased to see this project take deep roots in the community with the establishment of the Friends of Monteith Indigenous Plan Area (Friends of 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.
*If you are interested in getting involved please contact BCI ( Email 
).
WHEN: various dates... Drop in for an hour or two!
Currently Fall 2011:Ongoing weeding -- 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 1-3pm
with Friends of Monteith Indigenous Plants Area (MIPA)
PROJECT #2: Find us on Facebook
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: Saturday, Feb 25th 09:30 - 11:30 newCONTACT: Andrea @ 250 598 9837 or BCI (Email
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Read the complete version of
Bowker Creek Blueprint, A 100-year action plan to restore the Bowker Creek watershed (September 2010), BCI 
We had a very successful open house on January 23, 2010, and another successful event - the Bowker Creek Forum - on February 23, 2010.
See presentations from the Bowker Creek Forum on YouTube.
We have great public support for our final draft of the Bowker Creek Blueprint. Thanks for your interest and comments!
See 'Water Bucket' stories about the Bowker Creek Blueprint
For information and questions, contact Natalie at 250-360-3302 or Link to Email
Rainwater runoff the key to a green city
News article, Times Colonist March 17, 2010The pollution problem we can't save for a rainy day.
News article, Globe and Mail, March 7, 2010
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