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Habitat gives helping hand to Ayum Creek

Habitat Acquisition Trust’s riparian restoration event this Saturday
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A barred owl dozes in the tree at Ayum Creek

More than 33 volunteers are expected to descend on Ayum Creek in Sooke on Saturday (Oct. 22) to take part in the Habitat Acquisition Trust’s riparian restoration event.

The event will have volunteers removing invasive plants such as the Himalayan blackberry and English holly, both of which threaten the natural state of the area.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. It’s the second Habitat Acquisition Trust restoration event of the fall at Ayum Creek.

The trust’s initiative to protect the 14 acres of Ayum Creek goes back to 1998, when it first began its restoration efforts with the Capital Regional District, Department of Fisheries and the Land Conservancy.

This winter, the organization celebrates 20 years of conservation of the Ayum area, which is an ideal spot for species such as purple martins, the double-crested cormorant and great blue herons.

Later in October and into November, it is also a spot where you can witness the salmon run, with adult salmon displaying those sunset hues, while American dippers wait to snap up an orange pearl of egg in their beaks. More than 80 different types of birds have been spotted in this area.

Ayum Creek also boasts more than 107 native plants, including two rare species. Those that paddle can get an even better view by launching from Cooper’s Cove.

Do you have a special connection to Ayum Creek? The Habitat Acquisition Trust would like to hear from you by sending your thoughts or pictures to: hatmail@hat.bc.ca.