The Bighill Creek Preservation Society will be hosting a Watershed Forum and Creek Walk on May 7.
Starting at the Seniors on the Bow in the Spray Lake Sawmill Family Sports Centre, the forum will teach its participants about aspects of the Bighill Creek such as: its aquatic life, the watershed, its connection to underground water, and its water quality.
Cochrane Environmental Action Committee, Cows and Fish, and Trout Unlimited Canada sponsor the event.
Covering the topic of underground water will be Dr. Masaki Hayashi, professor at the University of Calgary and Canada Research Chair in Physical Hydrology. According to his research page on the university’s website, physical hydrology is the study of physical processes in the hydrologic cycle.
The major topics of Hayashi’s current research include: alpine hydrology, permafrost, frozen soil, prairie hydrology, and hot springs.
Also presenting at the society’s forum will be environmental biologist Sandi Riemersma. Currently working with Palliser Environmental Services Ltd., Riemersma has more than 10 years of experience working in the field of environmental management and research according to her website.
She will be providing an overview about the Bighill Creek watershed.
Elliot Lindsay, a project biologist with Trout Unlimited Canada, will be discussing the aquatic life in the creek. During his time with Trout Unlimited Canada, Lindsay has worked as a fish education coordinator where he delivered in-class presentations on Understanding Fish, Water, and Conservation.
A creek walk meeting at Fourth Avenue N to Ranche Road will wrap up the event. Maps will be provided.
During the walk, participants will learn about riparian areas (areas near banks of water) from presenters with Fish and Cows. Those in attendance will also learn what’s in the water through a joint presentation from Lindsay and Riemersma.
Pat’s Palate Pleasers will cater the forum and walk. Registration for the event is $10 per person. More information on the forum can be found at bighillcreek.ca.
