CERCA 2016 Fundraising Dinner and Art Show
Second Fund-raising Dinner and Fundraiser Art Sale
ESTUARIES ARE THE CRADLE OF LIFEPROTECT THE WORLD'S MOST IMPORTANT ECOSYSTEMS CERCA in partnership with Island Savings will host this year's fundraising dinner that celebrates the completion of the first two phases of the Cowichan Estuary Nature Trail Project and raises funds for the implementation of the last two phases of the trail project expected to be completed by mid 2017. As venue we have selected again the attractive Banquet Room of the Arbutus Ridge Golf Club-House. Door prizes, a wine and food challenge, an attractive raffle, and great entertainment by famous Will Millar and friend Michael Creber promise an evening of fun and happiness in a beautiful ambience. Please confirm your attendance in writing (weber_beate@t-online.de) or by phone(250-748-4878 Beate) latest by September 14 Payment to be settled by September 23rdTicket Price for CERCA members $60/person
Funding The Wooden Structures of the Cowichan Estuary
Nature Trail - Open Air Classroom
Fact Sheet
Purpose of the Trail:
The purpose of the trail is to illustrate the ecological importance of estuaries, show-case the Cowichan Estuary’s central importance to First Nations, Cowichan Valley residents and visitors to the area and to provide recreational and educational opportunities to a diversity of different target groups and age classes. Enhanced, active education along the proposed trail is achieved through the use of a comprehensive trail guide and signage to encourage awareness of the natural, cultural, environmental, social, and historical attributes of the estuary.
Trail Location and Attraction:
The trail follows the abandoned CN railroad track along the Westcan Causeway offering spectacular views of still rather unspoiled sections of the northern and southern part of the Estuary. The illustrated nature trail is approximately 1.5 km long and extends into the middle of the Cowichan Estuary. It will offer some of the best bird viewing areas of Vancouver Island, with almost 200 bird species recorded in a calendar year. The trail is designed to attract families with children, birders, painters, school classes, and many other target groups as well as the increasing number of dog-walkers enhancing their estuary and walking experience. Being located in the center of the estuary the trail traverses all major estuarine habitat types.
Construction:
The trail construction includes the Trail Head Kiosk, four wooden look-out structures (platforms), one viewing tower, 10 trailside panels and six sidebars with additional panels to be added in the future. The main panels will be modeled after CERCA's comprehensive Estuary Exhibition which had been on display at the Vancouver Island Regional Library and the Forest Museum most of last year. The signs will explain the ecological, cultural-historic, and economic importance of the Estuary with detailed descriptions on estuarine ecosystem functioning. The trail project includes the rehabilitation of the 2 acres slough located half-way along the trail.
Fund-raising for Trail Structures:
Long-lasting yellow cedar will be used for all wooden structures of the trail which will be constructed by experienced timber framers.
CERCA hopes to find individual sponsors for each structure prominently displaying their name and sponsorship on the structure sponsored.
The cost for each Look-out Platform is: $ 7,732 each
Designs by:
The cost for the Elevated Viewing Tower is quoted at $ 25,699