Hi everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful week and enjoyed some very brief sunny weather. Hard to believe that it’s already February! Spring is just around the corner and gardeners are itching to get out there but hold off just a little longer. Starting your garden clean-up too soon may disrupt butterflies, bees and other pollinators as they may be wintering in dead leaves and hollowed out stems of last year’s plants. Wait until temperatures are consistently above 10 C before raking and cutting back.
Hearing all the news around the world and close to home with all the crazy weather, floods, volcanos, tsunamis, COVID variants and new restrictions, protests and blockades, may cause some to feel stressed and anxious. Taking some time for ourselves and relaxing may seem difficult at times but it is vital for our well-being and health. We live in such a beautiful place surrounded by trees, the ocean, lakes and mountains, which can help recharge and refocus during difficult times. If getting outdoors is not feasible, sitting with a good book or listening to your favourite music or simply lounging on the couch with your eyes closed may be enough to calm the nerves, quiet our brains and allow ourselves some much needed ‘down time.’ Hopefully we can all take a few moments to just ‘be.’
There have been several reports along the Coast of orca pod sightings and close encounters. We had the pleasure and privilege the other day to see them in the distance and heard some closer to shore but out of our sight. The distinctive ‘blow’ sound is both amazing and eerie, especially when heard at night. In the past, we have heard whales during the night along with the slapping of their huge flippers on the water. If out on the water, always check for signs of whale activity, slow down and stay clear. That close photo shot may be great to capture but always respect the home and safety of these wonderful creatures.
The Halfmoon Bay Environmental Society (HBES) recently added an informative post on its website (hbes.ca) under Our Projects/Sustainable Development. Geologist and author of the article Peter Hews shared some information regarding the exploration by the SCRD for a new solid waste site for the Sunshine Coast. “The SCRD focused on three sites located on rural lands in the Halfmoon Bay area as potential locations for a new 10-hectare (25-acre) site.” It has been reported that the current landfill, located in Sechelt, will reach its capacity by 2025 or 2026 and will close as there is no more room to expand. The article includes the relocation background, the proposed site locations, the cost of studies done by Tetra Tech, site visits by a group from HBES and information going forward. Visit its website for more information on what the HBES does, its history, trails and parks, membership and how to donate. If you have any questions, please contact HBES directly at [email protected].
This might be a good time for a reminder to recycle and compost whenever possible. There are many easy and creative ways to help collect and separate at home and then visit Salish Soils to dispose of what can be recycled. For those of us in Halfmoon Bay, it’s a short drive to Sechelt where most of us shop and work each day so a quick stop at the depot takes no time at all. No transportation? Check with a neighbour, friend or family member who is heading into Sechelt, they might be able to lend a hand.
If you have any ideas for column content or have a community event or story you would like to share, please send ideas and suggestions to [email protected].
Be safe, be gentle, and always be kind.
