The health of the Watershed is vital to the wellness of humans and non-humans, whether they live in rural or urban environments, in forests, farms or new condo developments.
The biodiversity of species and habitats in the Watershed is breathtaking. It encompasses rare Garry Oak and Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystems, fish-bearing creeks and streams, wildlife corridors, and carbon-storing wetlands like those at Dewdney Flats.
(Did you know that the Vancouver Island water shrew can run on water?)
Post-glacial separation of watersheds on Vancouver Island has given rise to unique subspecies, like the Coastal Cutthroat Trout and Vancouver Island water shrew in Bilston Creek Watershed (both of which are species at risk).
More than 200 other species also depend on habitats in the watershed, including fairy shrimp, water ouzel, crayfish, freshwater sponge, freshwater clams, and numerous amphibians.
The ‘Shed provides habitat for red- and blue-listed species such as the red-legged frog and sharp-tailed snake.
Bilston Creek Watershed
also provides corridors for large wildlife like bear, elk, cougar and wolves that
co-exist alongside humans in the ‘Shed.
An elk cools
off in a mud wallow.
Wildlife photos courtesy of Gary Schroyen (westcocanuck@gmail.com)
Scroll down to see snapshots of other species that find - and create - shelter in the ‘Shed.
Photos courtesy of Dylan Simpson