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Roberts Creek: Trails, farms and critters

I recently lost the last of my flock to critters, so to house the replacement crew I have built (insert dramatic music) The Chicken Fortress! My local coyotes in conversation probably sound like this: “Where are you dining tonight?” “Old man Backs ha
creek bursary
BURSARY IN THE CREEK: Roberts Creek Community Association president Sarah Bradley safely hands over a cheque for $500 to this year’s bursary recipient, Aman Smardon. Aman will graduate next month and will be entering UBC in the fall. “Aman exemplifies many of Roberts Creek’s ideals: community mindedness, generosity, and volunteerism,” the association said in announcing the award. “We wish him all the best with his future endeavours!”

I recently lost the last of my flock to critters, so to house the replacement crew I have built (insert dramatic music) The Chicken Fortress! My local coyotes in conversation probably sound like this: “Where are you dining tonight?” “Old man Backs has fallen asleep on his couch again and forgotten to lock up his birds!” “Let’s eat!” Well, no more! A moat filled with chicken-eating crocodiles may be the wrong way to go, perhaps? 

At least I haven’t had a visit from the Marlene Road otter! The scuttlebutt is that it’s spreading its wings and has been spotted decimating koi ponds on Flume, up and down Park Avenue, on Spruce and Pell roads! Catherine Fuller says, “My personal experience with our local otter is that he’s big, he’s mean and he’s thorough. He’ll keep coming back until he’s cleaned out whatever food source attracted him.” And down Beach Avenue, my friend Bert is in a pitched battle with a chonk of a squirrel that keeps getting past his defences to gorge on birdseed. Don’t give up, Bert! (Lura thinks it’s your pet now, btw.) 

What has lots of locals digging, volunteering and fundraising? It’s the Tiny Farm! One Straw Society is building a 3/4-acre public “Tiny Farm” in the heart of the Creek. An accessible, beautiful, free, dense urban farm, with workshops, a tool lending shed, and events focused on compact and sustainable food growing techniques. They will teach, mentor, and send people home inspired to recreate these tiny examples of sustainable building and gardening in their own yards. It will be open at most times for public wandering, and open at some times just for workshop and event participants. Long in the works, the irony of breaking ground during a pandemic that threatens food security can’t be overlooked. One Straw has innovative ways to make an impact on some of our community’s biggest issues like poverty and access to nutritious food. 

With the arrival of Phase 2, Fade ‘n’ Dye Hair in the Heart of the Creek now has protocols in place to accept clients, call 604-885-0400 for your cut and colour appointment! 

Nice to hear Creeker Joan Robb and the Phoenix Choir on CBC, singing the quarantine version of For the Longest Time. Fabulous song! 

A new urban trail connecting Sunshine Coast Highway and Gem Place along the Carey Road easement access is open. It needs some fine-tuning, but is now quite passable. 

Sunshine Coast Stream Keepers ask that you watch for small coho, chum or cutthroat fry this time of year in our local creeks. Make sure harmful substances do not enter our waterways to put these little ones at risk! 

kellybacks@rocketmail.com