PhoenixSerenity

5 friends ended up coming out with me to walk the nature trails & learn more about this local, #protected #greenspace 🥰 All are supporters of this #biodiverse sanctuary now 💞

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Nature #Sanctuary is within the 13,000 yrs old #Millstream #Watershed that starts by #JocelynHill in #GowllandRange & flows 18 km to the ocean at the #Esquimalt Harbour.
https://www.marylakeconnections.ca

#VictoriaBC #yyj #vanisle #VancouverIsland #PNW #PacificNorthwest #conservation #NatureStewardship #BritishColumbia

Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary | A Green Legacy for Future Generations

Jun 4, 2023 at 11:42pmWeb
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

I'll upload more photos from today's nature outing, tomorrow. Really hungry & tired after walking trails for several hours. Need food & rest.

Group photo is with my friends Jim & Julie & Bob - who is a longtime nature steward there & lived in area for 80 yrs. He's 99 yrs old. He worked as forest ecologist/scientist for federal govt in past.

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt

https://www.marylakeconnections.ca

Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary | A Green Legacy for Future Generations

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

Enjoyed several hours, walking nature trails at #protected #ConservationArea with #kindred #NatureLoving #friends 🌲🥾 I also made a new friend during the nature walk. I'm organizing next month's visit, bringing everyone together, to hike other trails on 42 acres property & enjoy lakeside picnic 😊

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Wsanec #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #lekwungen #VancouverIsland #PacificNorthwest

https://www.marylakeconnections.ca

Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary | A Green Legacy for Future Generations

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

#PhotoExchange with new fellow #NatureLover friend, Monica.

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Wsanec #Lekwungen #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #VancouverIsland #CoastSalish #Cascadia #PacificNorthwest #ProtectedProperty #ConserveNature #biodiversity #CitizenStewards #NatureImmersion

https://www.marylakeconnections.ca

Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary | A Green Legacy for Future Generations

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

#CandyCane #plant - #Allotropa #Virgata - it's found in oak, hardwood & coniferous #forests of #VancouverIsland . Grows up to 1500 meters in elevation. #IndicatorPlant - if you see it, return in Fall & look for #pine #mushrooms & you'll find them. They feed on #PineMushroom #mycelium - #ParasiticPlant

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #Wsanec #lekwungen #botanical #perennial

https://www.marylakeconnections.ca

Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary | A Green Legacy for Future Generations

Show threadcobalt going beige todayJun 5, 2023
@msquebanh what a marvel!
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023
@cobalt Nature has so much magical lovelies 🥰
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

#DeathCamas #ZigadenusVenenosus - #WeededOut of traditional #camas bulb #GatheringAreas by #FirstNations due to inability to discern bulbs from one another.
All parts of plant are #toxic .
A #specialist #MiningBee - #AndrenaAstragali is only known #bee that can tolerate its #toxins 🐝

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Wsanec #Lekwungen #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #VancouverIsland #PacificNorthwest #biodiversity #NatureImmersion #florespondence #BloomScrolling

Show threadM PietilaJun 5, 2023
@msquebanh I hadn't heard about that bee before - that's very cool!
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023
@pnwamateur It's the only bee you'll see, harvesting from death camas flowers 🐝
Show threadM PietilaJun 5, 2023
@msquebanh I've intended to spend an afternoon or two watching pollinators, I'll be paying extra attention to the death camas flowers now!
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023
@pnwamateur Time with nature is quality time 🙌😊
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

Only open to the public on 1st Sunday of the month. Please visit website to learn more, to become a member, to volunteer & stay updated. Join one of the work parties - extra hands are appreciated!

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Wsanec #Lekwungen #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #VancouverIsland #CoastSalish #Cascadia #PacificNorthwest #ProtectedProperty #ConserveNature #biodiversity #NatureImmersion

https://www.marylakeconnections.ca

Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary | A Green Legacy for Future Generations

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

This is along the old logging skidders' road - now a #NatureTrail. #NatureReclamation in effect. It's very #green & there's diversity of #plants #trees & #mycelium - lots of life.

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Wsanec #Lekwungen #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #VancouverIsland #CoastSalish #Cascadia #PacificNorthwest #ProtectedProperty #ConserveNature #biodiversity #NatureImmersion

https://www.marylakeconnections.ca

Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary | A Green Legacy for Future Generations

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

#Mosstodon with post matured #mushrooms growing out of #TreesKnees in #forest

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Wsanec #Lekwungen #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #VancouverIsland #CoastSalish #Cascadia #PacificNorthwest #ProtectedProperty #ConserveNature #biodiversity #NatureImmersion #fungi #moss #ecosystem #ecology #SupportConservation #LandConservancy #ForestLife #EcologicalForest

https://www.marylakeconnections.ca

Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary | A Green Legacy for Future Generations

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

#Pumpkinseed #Sunfish is an #InvasiveSpecies on #VancouverIsland - it's made native stickleback #fish go extinct in some lakes.

More info:
https://pearsonecological.com/fish-l2-single/pumpkinseed

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Wsanec #Lekwungen #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #VancouverIsland #CoastSalish #Cascadia #PacificNorthwest #ProtectedProperty #ConserveNature #biodiversity #NatureImmersion #BassFishFamily

https://www.marylakeconnections.ca

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

It was lovely to meet my longtime beloved friend & fellow #NatureLover Lyrica's partner, Talia. They're so delightful together 🥰 First time my friend has dated a #TransPerson & they've been together for 2 yrs now. I enjoy seeing them happy! All #love is #beautiful ❤💞

#friendship #NatureAppreciation #SaanichFriends

Show threadRob BosJun 5, 2023
@msquebanh Huh. I've heard of two people named Lyrica now in the BC area. Neato. 👍
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023
@rbos Wow! Where is other one located? I only know of one & it's my longtime local friend. We're equestrian gals & met at local stables, many years ago.
Show threadRob BosJun 6, 2023
@msquebanh
Pretty sure they live in north Burnaby. They're well known in fusion dance circles. I don't want to dox a casual acquaintance too much, but I'm fairly confident it's a different person. Unless they moved, which is quite possible. Do you know a Liam that they hang out with?
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 7, 2023
@rbos I don't want you doxxing anyone. I wouldn't be surprised if I end up meeting them randomly, sometime in future. Stranger things have happened to me.
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023
@rbos Her sister is named, Capella.
Show threadRob BosJun 5, 2023
@msquebanh
Also a fantastic name!
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023
@rbos I love both of their not so common names! I have many friends with not so common names 🥰
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

Found one #ColumbiaLily aka #PantherLily - #NativeWildflower yesterday.

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Wsanec #Lekwungen #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #VancouverIsland #CoastSalish #Cascadia #PacificNorthwest #ProtectedProperty #ConserveNature #biodiversity #NatureImmersion #Lilium #Columbianum #perennial #NativePlants #Spring #wildflowers #botanical

https://www.marylakeconnections.ca

Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary | A Green Legacy for Future Generations

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

#Arbutus #tree - #lake views - #BeaverLodge at far end of lake.

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Wsanec #Lekwungen #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #VancouverIsland #CoastSalish #Cascadia #PacificNorthwest #ProtectedProperty #ConserveNature #biodiversity #NatureImmersion #ecosystem #ecology #WildlifeHabitat #LandConservancy

https://www.marylakeconnections.ca

Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary | A Green Legacy for Future Generations

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

#PhotoExchange & #Cedar #trees appreciation. Enjoyed seeing, smelling, touching & photographing several different cedars🌲🥰

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Wsanec #Lekwungen #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #VancouverIsland #CoastSalish #Cascadia #PacificNorthwest #ProtectedProperty #ConserveNature #biodiversity #NatureImmersion #treehugger #TreeLover #ILoveTrees #TreesOverGreed #NatureIsTheBest #Arbor #OldGrowth

https://www.marylakeconnections.ca

Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary | A Green Legacy for Future Generations

Show threadTed CadwalladerJun 5, 2023
@msquebanh thanks for sharing this. I love the work going on to preserve and return indigenous plant to the territory. My friend Nancy Turner described all the plant relatives as mother earth’s blanket.
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023
@FtRupertTed Same Nancy Turner who writes nature science books?
Show threadTed CadwalladerJun 7, 2023
@msquebanh Yes. Same one.
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023
@FtRupertTed I love that description 🥰
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

Over 3 hours with fellow nature loving friends was time well spent.

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Wsanec #Lekwungen #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #VancouverIsland #CoastSalish #Cascadia #PacificNorthwest #ProtectedProperty #ConserveNature #biodiversity #NatureImmersion #friendship #kindreds

https://www.marylakeconnections.can't

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

Cinnamon #yarrow & #purple #catmint #flowers

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Wsanec #Lekwungen #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #VancouverIsland #CoastSalish #Cascadia #PacificNorthwest #ProtectedProperty #ConserveNature #biodiversity #NatureImmersion #Spring #botanical #plants #BloomScrolling #florespondence #floral #blooms

https://www.marylakeconnections.ca

Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary | A Green Legacy for Future Generations

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

#MountainNinebark #flowers -
#PhysocarpusMonogynus #Rosaceae - in #RoseFamily of #plants.
#Indigenous ppls made #PainRelief #poultice by boiling roots & placing them on pain site while still warm.

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Wsanec #Lekwungen #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #VancouverIsland #CoastSalish #Cascadia #PacificNorthwest #ProtectedProperty #ConserveNature #biodiversity #NatureImmersion #medicinal

https://www.marylakeconnections.ca

Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary | A Green Legacy for Future Generations

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023
@wordsphotos
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

#RubusUrsinus - #TrailingBlackberry aka #DevilsShoelaces due to trip hazard stems. Species name #ursinus is derived from ‘urs / ours’ the word for #bear . #NativePlant - Himalayan #blackberries are invasive.

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Wsanec #Lekwungen #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #VancouverIsland #CoastSalish #Cascadia #PacificNorthwest #BerryPlant #ConserveNature #biodiversity

https://www.marylakeconnections.can't

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

#Salal #flowers will become #food #berries soon 🥰

#SalalBerries are a major #FoodSource for #BritishColumbia #FirstNations - can be dried & made into cakes. Fruit leathers can be made by blending berries & spreading flat in a pan & drying in sun or oven. Berries can also be used to create a dark blue or purple dye. Branches & leaves of salal are used to line cooking pits & provide flavour. Leaves are used to cover cuts and wounds.

#NativePlants #medicinal #WildFood #Wsanec #lekwungen #vanisle

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

#RedHuckleberry grows from dead tree stump.

#Kwakwakawakw ppls boiled #huckleberries w/salmon spawn in cedar boxes & sealed tops of boxes with eulachon & skunk cabbage leaves to preserve berries for months.

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Wsanec #Lekwungen #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #VancouverIsland #CoastSalish #Cascadia #PacificNorthwest #ProtectedProperty #ConserveNature #biodiversity #NatureImmersion

https://www.marylakeconnections.ca

Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary | A Green Legacy for Future Generations

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

#RedHuckleberries have long been eaten by many #BritishColumbia coastal #FirstNations peoples. Sometimes wooden combs are used to rake the berries off the branches. The berries can be eaten fresh, or mashed, dried, and then made into cakes for winter use. Gargle infusion of leaves and bark are effective to soothe a sore throat. Red huckleberries are a good source of #VitaminC and are considered an anti-aging #food and can be made into a dietary #supplement .

#IndigenousFoods #NativePlants

Show threadLily StarJun 5, 2023
@msquebanh I just make pie out of them :)
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023
@starlily I like eating them raw, in pies, as fruit leathers & as jam on toast 🥰
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

#Trees have #families & do best when #supporting each other for #community health & survival. Humans can learn much from trees & nature, in general.

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Wsanec #Lekwungen #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #VancouverIsland #CoastSalish #Cascadia #PacificNorthwest #ProtectedProperty #ConserveNature #biodiversity #NatureImmersion #treehugger #treelover #arbor #cedar #maple #forest #unity

https://www.marylakeconnections.ca

Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary | A Green Legacy for Future Generations

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

I try to introduce as many #friends to this amazing local #NatureSanctuary as possible. Once they experience the natural magic, they fall in love with it & support continued protection efforts.

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Wsanec #Lekwungen #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #VancouverIsland #CoastSalish #Cascadia #PacificNorthwest #ProtectedProperty #ConserveNature #biodiversity #NatureImmersion #NatureLovers

https://www.marylakeconnections.ca

Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary | A Green Legacy for Future Generations

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

We saw many frogs, dragonflies, damsel flies, garter snake, alligator lizard & birds galore. Wonderful nature outing with friends.

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Wsanec #Lekwungen #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #VancouverIsland #CoastSalish #Cascadia #PacificNorthwest #ProtectedProperty #ConserveNature #biodiversity #NatureImmersion

https://www.marylakeconnections.ca

Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary | A Green Legacy for Future Generations

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023

Private #cabins at the sanctuary. For artists in residence.

#W̱MÍYEŦEN #Wsanec #Lekwungen #Nature #Sanctuary #Millstream #Watershed #GowllandRange #conservation #vanisle #PNW #VictoriaBC #yyj #greenbelt #VancouverIsland #CoastSalish #Cascadia #PacificNorthwest #ProtectedProperty #ConserveNature #biodiversity #NatureImmersion

https://www.marylakeconnections.ca

Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary | A Green Legacy for Future Generations

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023
23 seconds of #peaceful #nature #sanctuary energies
https://youtube.com/shorts/1olS7ai7EEA?feature=share
Peaceful vibes at nature sanctuary

YouTube
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023
I contacted them about helping to develop a new nature tour - specifically for disabled & mobility challenged nature lovers. Their regular tour is fine for me but I'm more physically active/adaptive in wilderness than most fellow physically disabled folks. I made accessibility notes on walk yesterday. I need to walk all the other trails on property to grade them better for mobility challenged & figure out best routes for to create a more accessible nature tour ✌
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023
My friend, Julie & I, couldn't figure out what kind of #spirea plant this was. I'm going to try to identify it. I'm going back to get closer up photos.
Show threadD2Jun 5, 2023

@msquebanh it’s a popcorn-ball bush. My kids say so, and it’s why we have one in the front yard.

But srsly, I’ll compare leaves. High odds 1400m Rocky Mtn elevation vs. Vancouver will mean they’re different species.

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 6, 2023
@cascheranno We get a lot of invasive plants introduced here & many are different & similar looking spireas. I don't like putting any full identification on any plants - I'm not 100% sure.
It is definitely NOT popcorn ball bush though. I know those ones well.
Show threadD2Jun 7, 2023
@msquebanh tbh, am not sure anything is a popcorn ball bush . Mine is substantially different, tho.
Show threadDavid StarzynskiJun 5, 2023
@msquebanh I used my LeafSnap app to identify and it came up with Pacific Ninebark. The top picture is a closeup of your photo. The bottom is their "match".
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023
@wordsphotos That's what we first thought too - see my other pic of ninebark on another plant
It just confused us because the foliage looked a bit different than other plant we saw in the nature sanctuary.
Show threadDavid StarzynskiJun 5, 2023
@msquebanh I did the LeafSnap thingy again with this close-up, got the same thing. It's pretty accurate, but not perfect, so.....?
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023
@wordsphotos It's likely the same! With possible foliage mutations.
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 5, 2023
@wordsphotos this close up wasn't from same plant. That's why we were befuddled.
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 7, 2023

Few wonderful small world connection stories from day I gathered my kindreds together for nature walks outing! I love that every time I bring friends who haven't yet met together, new friendships develop & we always hear about at least one small world interconnections on these get togethers that I've been organizing for decades!

My connection to this place was first with #Wsanec Sampson #Tsartlip family. My friend harvested her 1st deer there as a child & did honouring ceremonies there too.

Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 7, 2023
It turns out that my friend Julie recognized Bob, longtime caretaker/conservationist/former forest ecologist/first mayor of district of Highlands - from volunteering together at Highlands Heritage days.
Bob also worked with many of my local conservation & environmental protector & local First Nations friends. He was fascinated by my longtime Indigenous connections & vast natural ecosystems knowledge. We will be working together more, soon 🥰✌
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 7, 2023
My friend Nadene lives on same small rural road in Ladysmith - Yellowpoint, as my friend Julie's friend. They're less than 2 km away from each other's driveways. Nadene also works with & knows several of Bob's longtime nature conservationist friends.
Show threadPhoenixSerenityJun 7, 2023
My friend Lyrica was a student at local dance school that provided music for a fundraiser awareness vid that my film friends made.
https://youtu.be/12o3NQhHbUY
Reflections of Mary Lake Chapter Four 'A Call to Action'

YouTube