In previous issues of the Creekside News, all of the discussions related to the restoration of Haig-Brown Kingfisher Creek have pivoted around the Haig-Brown Kingfisher Creek Society. Although the Society does deserve much recognition for its efforts, its members are only a few of the people, out of many, that will keep Haig-Brown Kingfisher Creek alive.

No creek restoration project in any urban area is likely to succeed without the support of those who live in the creek watershed. It is the direct interaction between individuals' everyday activities and their surrounding environment that necessitates this support. Learning to appreciate the values that a nearby salmon stream has to offer is the first simple step towards conserving it. From there, everything else follows naturally.

North Island College Students Survey
Haig-Brown Kingfisher Creek

Here are a few things that you can do for the stream in your neighbourhood:

• learn how to maintain the cleanliness of water running off of your property,
• leave stream-side vegetation growing where it is, and
• be aware of what's going on in your neighborhood

These are just a few measures, which require only a small effort, that anyone can do to help preserve fish habitat. Better yet, try calling or visiting your local watershed or habitat conservation group and ask if they could use a little extra volunteer help. Whether it is water quality sampling, stream mapping, or even clerical office work, the help you contribute will always make a positive impact on the salmon in our streams.

Regardless of how much stream restoration, government legislation, and corporate dedication to the environment exists, it is ultimately up to local communities, and their stewardship of streams, to look after the health of our waterways. Consider the benefits that can be achieved with the smallest amount of effort. Why not spend an hour or two every weekend in your gumboots helping out those who have a hard enough life, our friends the salmon.

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