Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society

BCWS volunteers pose for the camera.

Greetings, Friends of Brooklyn Creek!

Each year, the Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society (BCWS) receives several requests to set up a booth at local events such as Earth Day celebrations, The River Never Sleeps festival in Fanny Bay, and various high school special events. These opportunities are wonderful ways for us to connect with the community, share our mission, and inspire stewardship of our watershed.

While the Board makes every effort to accommodate these invitations, we believe this important work would greatly benefit from a dedicated Event Coordinator. This volunteer role would involve organizing our participation by coordinating the setup of our shelter tent, distributing pamphlets and posters, and ensuring that printed materials are ready. It would also include recruiting and guiding other volunteers from our list to staff the booth during events.

Your support in this role would be a tremendous asset to BCWS and would directly enhance our ability to educate and engage the community. If you’re passionate about outreach and would like to contribute in this way, please don’t hesitate to email me.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our watershed’s future.

Warm regards,

Dr. John Neilson

Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society

Witnessing the large coho salmon spawning in Brooklyn Creek this past November was a remarkable experience. The males, with their vivid red sides, put on a dramatic display of aggression and territoriality, a striking reminder of nature’s raw energy. The coho were also easily viewed the week before. The spawners were mostly between Balmoral Ave. and Cedar Ave., but reliable reports were coho seen in Salish Park as well as Birkdale Farm.

During breaks between the heavy Southeast storms, the creek’s waters cleared, offering an exceptional view of this amazing spectacle. The scene drew admiration from many, with several people expressing their appreciation for the dedicated efforts over the years to restore and protect the creek’s habitat. These efforts have undoubtedly ensured the continuation of such incredible natural events for all to enjoy.

Click to see the Nov. 12 video

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Subscribe for more news here: https://brooklyncreek.ca/subscribe/

Volunteer here: https://brooklyncreek.ca/volunteer/

On Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, our family took a walk along Brooklyn Creek and were treated to an incredible sight: several large, mature coho salmon moving through the clear water, preparing to spawn. The recent heavy rains have brought the creek to life, urging these majestic fish to swim upstream on their final journey. It was a mesmerizing experience to watch them navigate the currents, instinctively following a cycle that has repeated for generations. The attached video captures some of this amazing natural display in action.

Watch video: Spawning Coho Brooklyn Creek video

Subscribe for more news here: https://brooklyncreek.ca/subscribe/

Volunteer here: https://brooklyncreek.ca/volunteer/

Alan and Howard at the Fish Box.

Jean Sarrazin recently scored a remarkable win with his interview featuring two dedicated Brooklyn Creek volunteers, who shared insights on the fascinating fish-counting box project. Competing against nearly 50 entries from across Canada, Jean’s audio file stood out, landing him a place in the esteemed “Top 8” and earning him a $500 prize.

Demonstrating true community spirit, Jean is donating $100 of his prize to the Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society to support the continued conservation work. Huge thanks go to Jean and the Pattinson brothers, Alan and Howard, for their efforts and shared success in spotlighting Brooklyn Creek’s vibrant ecosystem!

You can find the 4-minute interview on this link:
https://canadalabs.squarespace.com/2024-local-correspondent-pieces/fish-count

Volunteer planting alongside Brooklyn Creek. Click to enlarge.

This past summer there was the third stage of restoration of Brooklyn Creek on the property of Birkdale Farm in Comox. Come and see the results of recently completed work.

No need to register, just show up, please pick your time to participate in this helpful volunteer work:

Tuesday Oct. 15th, 9:00-12:00
Tuesday Oct. 15th, 12:00-3:00pm
Wednesday Oct. 16th, 9:00-12:00

Thumbs up, volunteers! Click to enlarge.

Activities will include planting native shrub species. Plants will be in 1-gallon pots (<10lbs) and will be planted with shovels along the bank, where there is some mud and uneven ground. People with mobility limitations may be paired up with someone to help them plant, bring plants and prepare the ground.

We recommend bringing work gloves, weather appropriate wear, good work shoes or boots and some snacks. We would also really appreciate if anyone has a shovel that they could bring and work with. We have several to share but may be limited if we have a good turnout. 

All activity at Birkdale Farm, 1836 Guthrie Road, Comox. Park and meet on Guthrie Road. Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/X96eWjkoFnuWdakY6

Planting native species on Birkdale Farm, Comox. Click to enlarge.

Please arrive before time at the front gate so the group can walk to the work area together to minimize disturbance to the farm workings. You will be meeting with Mikala from Current Environment who will direct our work. If late, please text her at +1 (613) 532-7020‬.

Yes, don’t forget our AGM will be on the same Tuesday, Oct. 15th, 4 PM at the Marina. Many thanks for your help with Brooklyn Creek!

Notice of Annual General Meeting  October 15, 2024 (4:00 – 5:30 PM)

The Board of Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society invites you to our Annual General Meeting, Tuesday, October 15 (4 – 5:30 PM).  The location is the Genoa Building, Marina Park, Comox.  The Genoa Room is the new sail-like building located near the water in the Marina Park.

Volunteers Photo

2024 has been a busy year!  Come and hear what we have been up to, and what is planned for 2025.  We have a large and active group of volunteers, which are greatly appreciated.  If you would like to join the Board, we would welcome your interest!  We promise relatively few meetings, and the opportunity to be with friendly and engaged people working on behalf of Brooklyn Creek.

Please write to me on the BCWS website (https://brooklyncreek.ca/contact-us) if you plan to attend.  Thanks very much!

John Neilson
President, Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society
https://brooklyncreek.ca

BCWS is calling out to volunteers to assist in the annual Birkdale Farm restoration project – year 3 already!

Counting fish

What: Volunteers are asked to assist with removing fish (defishing) from a section of Brooklyn Creek ahead of the proposed instream construction. This includes setting up nets in the stream, setting and checking minnow traps, releasing fry beyond the proposed project footprint, and recording catch numbers. No need to register, just show up at 9 am as listed below.

When: The defishing will occur NEXT WEEK, from Monday Aug 26 to Aug 30. Volunteers are asked to meet at the driveway to Birkdale Farm (1836 Guthrie Rd, Comox) at 9 am each day. Please be on time to minimize disruption to the working farm. Each day is expected to run from 9am to 10:30 am, depending on the amount of fish encountered.

How: Volunteers are to park on the road and then walk down to the creek as a group (200m walk, it can be mucky). Mikala from Current Environmental will lead the defishing effort and provide a training session on Monday Aug 26, where volunteers are to then lead the effort for the rest of the week. Traps will be removed on Friday.

Who: No experience required, though it would be helpful to attend for the Monday training session or have experience from previous years at Birkdale if you intend to join for other days in the week, as Mikala may not be present later in the week. Defishing is generally low impact on the body but involves walking on uneven ground and bending over. Gum boots, eye protection, gloves and long sleeves are a good idea but not required.

Note, there is an opportunity for 1 or 2 volunteers to assist with the instream construction work from Sept 3 – 13. Volunteers should be mobile and fit, as this can be strenuous at times and includes lifting up to 50 lbs, shoveling, and climbing over fences. Volunteers can attend any of the days, as their schedule allows. Anyone interested should contact Mikala in advance at 613-532-7020 or , or talk with her on Monday the 26^th at the training session.

Riparian planting will take place October 8-10; a reminder for this will be sent out closer to the date.

Come. learn and help in defishing. Thank you for your help!

Just a quick reminder about the Comox Parks and Trails Planning survey, which is very important for the recognition of Brooklyn Creek for maintenance, upgrades, trail expansion, etc.

There has been an important oversight in the Parks and Trails Master Plan, which is reflected in the current survey (https://form.simplesurvey.com/f/s.aspx?s=11904583-B21B-4FF6-9CDB-F9A63DE242C2).  Note that while the Plan is not yet final, Brooklyn Creek and all the planned work is not listed under “Major Community Initiatives”!! While the Board understands this will be corrected in the final version, it is still extremely important that you complete the Parks and Trails survey  and in Section 5 of the questionnaire where you can give comments, clearly state that Brooklyn Creek should be a “Major Community Initiative”.

A strong response from people that value Brooklyn Creek will help ensure that the needs of Brooklyn Creek and its watershed are appropriately valued in the final version of the Plan.  Thank you very much for your time in doing this.  The survey deadline is August 5.

Go to the survey link now: https://form.simplesurvey.com/f/s.aspx?s=11904583-B21B-4FF6-9CDB-F9A63DE242C2. Thank you!

Dear Friends of Brooklyn Creek:

The Town of Comox is currently completing Phase 2 of its Parks and Trails Master Plan.  The Board of Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society has been active in promoting the interests of Brooklyn Creek, and has received commitments from the Town for expenditures ranging from maintenance items (such as signage and fencing) through to capital projects, such as the expansion of the stream-side trail system.  The Town Parks staff have been great supporters of Brooklyn Creek, and the Board acknowledges their efforts.

But the Board has noted an important oversight in the Parks and Trails Master Plan, which is reflected in the current survey (https://form.simplesurvey.com/f/s.aspx?s=11904583-B21B-4FF6-9CDB-F9A63DE242C2).  Note that while the Plan is not yet final, Brooklyn Creek and all the planned work is not listed under “Major Community Initiatives”! While the Board understands this will be corrected in the final version, it is still extremely important that you please complete the Parks and Trails survey  and in Section 5 of the questionnaire where you can give comments, clearly state that Brooklyn Creek should be a “Major Community Initiative”.  The deadline for completing the survey is August 5.

A strong response from people that value Brooklyn Creek will help ensure that the needs of Brooklyn Creek and its watershed are appropriately valued in the final version of the Plan.  Thank you very much for your time in doing this.

Go to the survey link now: https://form.simplesurvey.com/f/s.aspx?s=11904583-B21B-4FF6-9CDB-F9A63DE242C2.

With best wishes,

John Neilson
President, Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society

Two items:

1. Fish Counting Ends

Crayfish and Fry

We are removing the fence, pipe and fish box this Friday morning, May 31 from Brooklyn Creek. The smolt count has now gone to a low level. If you would like to help uninstall this year’s system, please join us Friday at 9:30 am in Baybrook Nature park. Many hands make light work! Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society has been recording smolt counts annually for over 12 years and passes this valuable information to the Department of Fisheries for evaluation.

Thanks to all the volunteers who have been twice-daily (without fail) lifting the counting box lid and excitedly recording what is in the box. Besides coho smolts and fry, this year there were cut-throat trout, sculpins and crayfish counted. It seemed there were more fry than former years. There will be the data results published soon online (subscribe here: https://brooklyncreek.ca/subscribe ) The new signup system this year made volunteering to do the count easy. All spots are taken this year.

2. Your Comox Opinion Counts!

Comox Interactive Parks Map

The Town of Comox is developing its first Parks and Trails Master Plan to guide how to improve our parks and trails over the next decade and beyond. With this interactive map you can state your “Love, Improve, or Ideas” comments directly on a point on this map! You can make your comments about any location on Brooklyn Creek for instance, or even at your own address (in Comox). They want your input! Here is the link to the interactive map: https://engagecomoxvalley.ca/comoxparks. Modern technology helping people.

As many of you know, the annual fish counting has started on Brooklyn Creek. The other day there was such a variety of fish found in the counting box that we put it out to various sources to identify properly. Here are the results, including each one finishing with comments by a local DFO advisor.

Photo 1:   5 ½”   Comments:
“…pretty sure it is a smolt – my guess it has spent another year in the creek, either because conditions were really good or more likely it got trapped in some pool and unable to make it to the sea in season.”
“…my guess is a rainbow, low confidence (can’t see diagnostics marks very well).”
(DFO ADVISOR) “Coho. Notice no spotting on the dorsal or caudal (tail) fins, as well as the leading black and white edge of the anal fin (faint on #1).”
#1 CONCLUSION: Coho Smolt

Photo 2:   6 ½”   Comments:
“…is a cutthroat trout.  It looks very much like a rainbow – if you check underneath there should be a red gash (hence the name) the other identifier is the mouth extends past the eye.  On rainbows it does not.”
“…is a cutthroat trout, heavily black spotted body including dorsal and adipose fins.”
“…rainbow, higher confidence (note prominent speckles, black patches on fins). The shape of the body is more fusiform than salmon (slender, torpedo-like).”
(DFO ADVISOR) “…a cutthroat. Spots on the adipose fin, and the maxillary extends past the back of the eye. Maxillary is the little jaw bone that almost looks like an upper lip of the fish. In Rainbow the maxillary does not extend past the eye, nor do RBT have spots on there adipose.”
“…that’s very helpful. So regarding cutthroat, the absence of the red or orange mark in the “throat” area does not necessarily mean it is not a cutthroat?”
(DFO ADVISOR) “That’s correct. Those phyangeal slits (red slashes) are not always visible to us, especially depending on the age of the trout. The best tell for a cutthroat is that Maxillary length and spots on the adipose. In this case the fish only has one spot on the adispose but a Rainbow Trout wouldn’t even that many, just the marks around the edge. Also rainbows have 5 parr marks along there back between the head and dorsal that cutthroat do not.”
#2 CONCLUSION: Cutthroat Trout

Photo 3:  2″   Comments:
“…coho smolt – the white stripes on the dorsal fin and anal fin are not always evident.  The other identifier is the anal fin is curved on the tail end.”
“…coho smolt, note anal fin with the black and white leading edge on the prominent anal fin.”
(DFO ADVISOR) “Coho. Notice no spotting on the dorsal or caudal (tail) fins, as well as the leading black and white edge of the anal fin…”
#3 CONCLUSION: Coho Smolt

Photo 4:  5″  Comments:
“…a coho smolt deceased – no identifying marks but it is the best guess.”
“…rainbow, lower confidence… …hard to detect diagnostic marks on photos.”
(DFO ADVISOR) “Coho. Notice no spotting on the dorsal or caudal (tail) fins, as well as the leading black and white edge of the anal fin…”
#4 CONCLUSION: Coho Smolt

Hopefully these above comments will help you identify the fish when you are taking a count. It’s not easy for those of us who have limited experience!  Thanks to those that commented. Note that handling the fish by your hands is to be avoided, and in case number 4 the fish had been caught in a screen and died. Here is another Coho Identity file you can print out in colour and take to the creek (there is a copy in the storage box as well).

Want to sign up for more counting? Here are the instructions on how to do that. Thank you for your help in the 2024 count and release!

The ever-popular fish counting on Brooklyn Creek 2024 has started! As a volunteer you are now able to choose your day for counting Coho Smolts (and other species) that are captured in the fish box. The fish are counted and then released unharmed back into the creek. At this time of year Coho Smolts are on their way to the ocean and years later will return to the same stream they were born. Capture and release is an excellent way to determine how healthy the runs are.

Workers installed the fence and capture box Monday morning by DFO officials and BCWS volunteers.  Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society has been recording smolt counts annually for over 12 years and passes this valuable information to the Department of Fisheries for evaluation.

Sign up now online to reserve your morning or evening spot each day. It is up to the person reserving the time (morning or evening) to find a friend or partner to coordinate a meeting time. We prefer to have 2 people per time for safety and easier recording. Or, you can request a BCWS member to join you. Call/text Alan 250-792-2687 or .

Please review the available times below and click on the “Sign Up” buttons. You can choose several days before clicking “Save and Continue”. Enter your name and email (phone optional) and “Sign Up Now”.

Here is the link to sign up:   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4BA5A82CA0FAC07-49120249-brooklyn

There are instructions in the supplies box, but first you may want a refresher to help conduct your count safely and properly:  www.brooklyncreek.ca/checklist .

Tomorrow, April 17, 2024 at 4:30 pm sharp there will be a FREE INTRODUCTION on how to conduct the fish counting in a safe and consistent way. This is combined with the Volunteer Appreciation day starting at 4:00. Goodies included. Location is at the fish trap box located down the path from Baybrook Nature Park, 70 Orchard Park Drive, Comox. Don’t miss it!

The Board of Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society wishes to thank all volunteers by having a gathering at the paved bridge over Brooklyn Creek on Wednesday, April 17th at 4:00 PM (access down the trail from 68 Orchard Park. Map:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/ahhCsBhTHuMbU9KN6).

Coho Smolts

We will have refreshments, and for those interested in volunteering for our annual smolt counts, at 4:30 we will have a TRAINING SESSION for this fun and family-friendly activity.  Last year we had an excellent total count of 2700 coho smolts in our trap.  We hope for another good year! You will be able to sign up to help in the count (as well as through email).

Please join us and enjoy spending some time with fellow Brooklyn Creek enthusiasts in a lovely spring setting. Mark your calendar – April 17!

Hope to see you there,

John
President,
Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society
www.BrooklynCreek.ca 

Hi everyone, I hope you have had a good winter, and that the promise of our beautiful Comox Valley spring is brightening your days. The Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society (BCWS) has been busy working on behalf of the watershed and all that rely on it.

1. Birkdale Farm Restoration

A major initiative has been the rehabilitation of the stream through a section of Birkdale Farm.   With the support of the landowner Mr. Guy Sim, a large number of partners and an even larger number of volunteers, the stream is being transformed from an overgrown, silty watercourse to a vibrant stream with salmon spawning habitat and lots of native vegetation providing food for developing fry.  In 2024, this project enters its third of a planned four year-long restoration.  We have completed our annual report to our principal funder (the Pacific Salmon Foundation), and worked with our partner Current Environmental Ltd. to develop a proposal for the 2024 work.  The photos below show the transformative results these efforts have had.  The coho must have liked them too, as spawners immediately claimed territory in the restored stream!

Click to enlarge: 3 photos showing restoration.

2. 6 PPD-Q Sampling

Click to enlarge: sampling water for 6 PPD-Q.

Brooklyn Creek volunteers have been busy sampling water for the presence of a contaminant from car tires known as 6 PPD-Q, a compound that is extremely toxic for salmonids even at low concentrations.  BCWS is one of many partners representing different watersheds throughout eastern Vancouver Island, in this study led by BC Conservation Foundation (https://www.bccf.com).  So far, the contaminant levels we detected are generally below the lethal concentrations for coho salmon.  Ongoing sampling is happening.

3. Infrastructure Improvements

We have enjoyed great outings with the Town of Comox Parks staff in walking the sections of Brooklyn Creek upstream and downstream of the Balmoral Avenue crossing.  During these walks, we discussed issues facing the watershed, and identified possible improvements to the infrastructure of both Mac Laing and Brooklyn Creek parks.  The issues identified, among several, were sections of the Mac Laing Greenway that are being undercut by high water levels, and damage to some of the wooden walkways and handrails.  The high priority list also includes improving protection for streamside vegetation and keeping walkers and their pets on the established paths.  In this way, we will protect the ecological integrity of the watershed for all.  Look for these exciting additions to occur this year.

4. Volunteer Opportunities

Looking down at smolts in fish capture box

A smolt being measured

The BCWS Board plans further opportunities for volunteers, including our popular coho smolt counting project.  Let’s hope the strong returns we saw last year continue!  Other volunteer opportunities will include work at the stream restoration at Birkdale Farm, planting native species and removing invasives.

The Board is always open for new ideas and volunteers. Brooklyn Creek always provides some possibilities for interesting new work – witness the surprise return of good numbers of pink salmon last fall!  Please sign up for News Updates or to Volunteer to be notified of further details and information about our activities and volunteer opportunities.

The Board greatly appreciates your interest and support!

John Neilson
President, Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society

On the last Saturday of 2023 I went down to where Comox Avenue meets Brooklyn Creek to replenish the brochures at the bridge, and met a family who where all excited about having just seen fish jumping up the fish ladder. I was very surprised to hear this as it’s too late in the year for spawners to be in the creek. However, as the story unfolded it turned out that the “fish” were not what I imagined. I was thinking 12 inches and over, however when they explained the size of fish, their fingers showed “about 2 inches”!

After replenishing the brochures I walked to the fish ladder, and sure enough, with patience and good eyes I saw the little guys trying their best to go against the strong current from the recent heavy rainfalls. They are most likely coho fry. I thought no one would believe this story so I videoed and the results are below… Let me know what you think about this unusual occurence…