Shorekeepers
Join us for volunteer training to map and survey intertidal habitats. ‘Adopt’ a small beach section of Boundary Bay to monitor once or twice annually. 
Shorekeepers is stewardship of coastal marine habitats by people who live near them. It is a monitoring methodology designed specifically for community groups and for people who may not have a strong science background to be able to contribute to scientific data collection. Having local community groups and individuals take an active role in looking after their coastline fosters "local ownership" and interest.
Have you ever wondered how barnacles survive out of water for so long at low tide? What creature makes those holes in the sand? Shorekeepers learn an astonishing amount about intertidal life on the beaches near their communities. By actually having to learn to identify different species of marine invertebrates and algae, one begins to appreciate the beauty and complexity that exists. For example, seaweed may seem like a slippery mass growing over the rocks, but a closer look reveals a myriad of delicate seasonal plants, in colours ranging from pink through green, olive, and brown.
Workshop Dates 2013:
Friday, May 24, 6:30pm - 10:00pm - Program Introduction and classroom session
Location: TBA
Saturday, May 25, approx. 9:30am - 4:00pm - Class skills training and site survey
Sunday, May 26, approx. 9:30am - 4:30pm - Class species ID and outdoor species survey
Location: TBA
Current Survey Sites:
White Rock Beach Training Site - Leader: Kevin Conley DFO
Coldicutt Site - Leader: Sharon Jones
A Rocha / Little Campbell River Site - Leader: Christy Juteau
Blackie Spit Site - Leader: Leeann Graham
24th Ave. Site - Leader: Alison Prentice
1001 Steps Brittle Stars Site - Leader: Lynn Pollard & Yvonne Dawydiak
Check out: www.keepersweb.org
- The fostering of ‘local ownership’ interest & active participation in coastline preservation
- Learning to identify different species of marine invertebrates & algae
- Detection of gradual changes to habitats & local biodiversity using established data collection techniques
