** This event is for Ryder Lake and Chilliwack Residents**
Do you live in Ryder Lake or Chilliwack? Are you interested in helping nature and wildlife in your neighbourhood? We have an event coming up that might interest you!
This Ryder Lake Nature Team event is open to anyone living in Ryder Lake or Chilliwack. We will be building a temporary fence along Elk View Road to help amphibians travel from the breeding wetlands to the forest!
Come join us for the meeting at 8:00 AM to help install the fencing and learn more about our local Nature Team.
Wildlife Protection Event – Temporary Fencing Installation
The Work
- We’re looking for energetic volunteers to help us install 300m of silt fencing to direct tiny toadlets making their annual mass migration to the surrounding forest!
- This will involve installing fencing along the ditch on Elk View Road.
Why It’s Helpful
- Thousands of toad tadpoles are growing into toadlets and soon it’ll be time for them to migrate to the forest on the other side of the road. There is a crossing structure called the “Toad Tunnel”, that runs under Elk View Road.
- The fencing you will install helps guide these amphibians to the crossing structure so they can safely pass under the road.
Responsibilities
- Help install the silt fencing.
- Use tools to dig trenches, hammer in wooden stakes, and attach fencing material to the wooden stakes.
Requirements
- Be prepared to spend a few hours outdoors in a hay field, in hot conditions with limited shade, alongside a road.
- Must navigate uneven ground and climb over fencing.
- Can use tools such as shovels to dig into the ground.
- Hammering wooden and metal stakes into the ground, and using a staple gun to secure the fence.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear (Rubber boots or hiking boots that can get a little muddy) and work gloves.
- Access to a vehicle to travel within the Ryder Lake area.
- Bring your own water bottle and lunch.
Training/Equipment
- All training required will be provided on the day of.
- All tools will be provided, including shovels, pickaxes, sledgehammers, staple guns, and staples.
- If you’re able to, bring your own gloves (we will provide gloves if you don’t have your own)
- Water and light snacks will be provided (Freezies and muffins).
Safety
- Dress appropriately for dry, hot weather.
- Safety vests will be provided and work gloves (let us know if you want to bring your own!).
Setting
- Outdoors, hay field, in the right-of-way adjacent to Elk View Road.
- There is no shelter or bathroom facilities on site.
Location
- Ryder Lake Neighbourhood
- Having a vehicle to get to the area is a requirement.
- Parking: The mailboxes on Elk View Road.
- Sunday, July 3rd, 2023
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- RAIN OR SHINE (subject to cancellation if there are severe heat/smoke warnings)
- This event may be rescheduled if the ground is too hard to dig a trench. The Program Coordinator will update everyone about schedule changes asap.
Click the “Register Here” link below to sign-up for the event!
Do you live outside of Ryder Lake but are interested in events like this? Click here to sign up for our volunteer program!