Blog
July 28, 2024

Morse Creek Connections: Freshwater Initiative

Our Freshwater Initiatives Project has been a resounding success, bringing together community members, environmental organizations, and volunteers to restore and protect Morse Creek and its surrounding habitats. Through a variety…
Summer Camp
June 19, 2024

Summer Camp Leaders Wanted for 2024!

The Alouette River Management Society is looking for… SUMMER CAMP LEADERS! Are you outgoing, enthusiastic & passionate? We are looking for you! Apply today! Where: ALLCO Park: 24959 Alouette Road Maple…
UncategorizedEvents
March 18, 2024

2024 Annual General Meeting – May 2nd

ARMS Annual General Meeting is on May 2 2024 hosted at the Maple Ridge Library – Fraser Room (2nd Floor). Sign in begins at 5:30pm, meeting starts at 6:00pm –…
Spring Break Camp
February 9, 2024

Spring Break 2024 Eco-Camps

The Alouette River Management Society is here to bring your child’s favorite games, hobbies, and outdoor activities to life. ARMS specializes in environmental education and is committed to redirecting children…
bio
January 8, 2024

Gordy Robson

Bio to come
bio
June 20, 2023

Geoff Clayton (Founding Member)

Pow. Eng in BC Hydro for 25 years One of the founding Directors of ARMS in 1993 Became President of ARMS 1995 Have served as President or Co-Chair since that…
Classroom Programs
June 18, 2023

Forest Explorers

Understand the importance of wildlife trees and nursery logs in our ecosystem. Participate in an impression activity to learn how to identify tracks of animals here in the Alouette Watershed,…
EducationClassroom Programs
June 18, 2023

Buzzing with Bees

A Bugs Life (Spring only) Learn the importance of pollinators! Compare the lifecycle of a bee and a butterfly. View our live honeybee hive. Subject to availability, includes caterpillars for…
Field Trips
June 18, 2023

Allco Fish Hatchery Tours

Identify the 5 Pacific salmon species found in the Alouette Watershed, their habitat needs and the stressors on salmon, learn the history of the hatchery operations and how it helps…
Field Trips
June 18, 2023

Junior Watershed Education Tour

Purpose The primary objective is to increase the level of public awareness and stewardship in the Alouette Watershed and Maple Ridge area. It is ARMS goal to educate and empower…
Field Trips
June 18, 2023

Senior Watershed Education Tour

This is a unique all day field trip for grades 3-7. Students learn hands on about the watershed, salmon life cycle, pollution, aquatic life, forest and stream ecology. Students participate…
Classroom Programs
June 18, 2023

Scales and Tales

Learn about a keystone species and how salmon fit into this complex Pacific ecosystem. Watch the salmon transition through a life cycle story. The types of Pacific Salmon and their…

Morse Creek Connections: Freshwater Initiative

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Our Freshwater Initiatives Project has been a resounding success, bringing together community members, environmental organizations, and volunteers to restore and protect Morse Creek and its surrounding habitats. Through a variety of hands-on activities, we have made a tangible impact on the health of our local freshwater ecosystems while fostering a sense of community stewardship.

Community Engagement and Restoration Efforts

From February through July, we hosted several events to educate, engage, and take action for freshwater conservation:

  • Stream of Dreams Fish on Fences Mural (Feb. 22, 23, and 26): Engaging the community in artistic expression while raising awareness of watershed conservation.
  • Invasive Plant Removal & Native Plantings (March 9 & 10): Partnering with the Lower Mainland Green Team to restore native habitats.
  • Streamkeepers Training Weekend (June 22 & 23): Five participants trained in stream habitat assessment, water quality monitoring, and juvenile fry identification, dedicating 70 hours to stream health training.
  • Invasive Plant Removal (June 26): Volunteers and summer staff removed invasive species from Reg Franklin Park along Morse Creek, equating to five bathtubs full of invasive plants and contributing 16 total hours to habitat restoration.
  • Native Tree & Shrub Planting (June 27): Over 40 native plants, including sword fern and native rose, were installed, with 18 total volunteer hours contributed.
  • Storm Drain Marking (July 16 & 24): Marked 90 storm drains to raise awareness about pollution prevention, with 14 hours of volunteer work.

Project Achievements

Since its inception, our Freshwater Initiatives Project has:

  • Contributed 868+ volunteer hours to Morse Creek restoration.
  • Removed 72 cubic meters of invasive plants, filling over 405 bathtubs.
  • Planted 318 native trees and shrubs to restore riparian areas.
  • Collected and properly disposed of 1,279 pieces of litter.
  • Engaged 632 youth and adults in activities promoting freshwater health.

This project would not have been possible without the generous support of Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Stewart Family Foundation, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and many other partners and community members. Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported our efforts! Together, we are making a lasting impact on freshwater conservation and community resilience.

Summer Camp Leaders Wanted for 2024!

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The Alouette River Management Society is looking for… SUMMER CAMP LEADERS!

Are you outgoing, enthusiastic & passionate? We are looking for you! Apply today!

Where: ALLCO Park: 24959 Alouette Road Maple Ridge

When:   Monday to Friday 9:30am-2pm
Week 1: July 8-12, 2024 (Pixelmon Senior)
Week 2: July 15-19, 2024 (Pixelmon Junior)
Week 3: July 22-26, 2024 (Harry Potter)
Week 4: July 29-Aug 2, 2024 (Nature Camp)
Week 5: Aug 6-9, 2024 (Get STEAMed)

 

**Earn $50 honorarium each week!**
** Must sign up for a minimum of 2 weeks to earn weekly honorarium**

  • 30 hours of FUN volunteer experience per week
  • Gain important employable skills for your resume
  • Lead children’s games, crafts, and outdoor engagement and play
  • Be outside in nature and learn a few things yourself
  • Letter of reference provided upon request
  • Certificate of completion provided
  • Earn a $50 cheque each week as a thank you!
  • Must be at least 15 years of age
  • Training session & orientation provided by staff

Interested in volunteering for 1 week? More? Contact Kristen by email communications@alouetteriver.org for details.

2024 Annual General Meeting – May 2nd

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ARMS Annual General Meeting is on May 2 2024 hosted at the Maple Ridge Library – Fraser Room (2nd Floor).

Sign in begins at 5:30pm, meeting starts at 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Registration is required, we will have options for both in person and virtual attendance, please register using this link: RSVP Here for AGM

Please be sure your membership is up to date and in good standing by April 1st to vote on the night. https://alouetteriver.org/membership

ARMS 2023 Annual Report on Activities

Keynote speaker John Roe will be presenting from the Dead Boats Disposal Society who are dedicated to the removal of abandoned and dead boats, marine debris and garbage from waterways along British Columbia’s coast.

Please email communications@alouetteriver.org if you have any further questions. We look forward to seeing you at our AGM!

Spring Break 2024 Eco-Camps

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The Alouette River Management Society is here to bring your child’s favorite games, hobbies, and outdoor activities to life. ARMS specializes in environmental education and is committed to redirecting children back to nature and outdoor play. We encourage teamwork, creativity, independence, leadership and building new friendships.

CAMP 1 – “LEGO BATMAN ECO-CAMP”

Bats and building fun are in store for you in this active outdoor camp!  Each day campers will learn fascinating facts about why bats and other nocturnal creatures are so beneficial to us.  Have fun and adventure while building Lego challenges with your friends! Who can build the fastest bat car or coolest bat cave? Dress up as your favourite bat(man) character and solve the mystery of nighttime communication and silent flying. Great Lego focused activities where kids can get creative and play in an outdoor environment. All outdoors! – This is a technology-free day camp experience; no iPads, video games, trading cards or Netflix!

Days of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Dates: Monday March 18 to Friday March 22, 2024
Ages:  5 – 7 years old
Times:  9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day
Price:  $190 per 1-week registration
Number of sessions:  5 total sessions (full week registration only)
Location: ALLCO Park, 24959 Alouette Road, Maple Ridge. Drive into ALLCO Park and stop at first parking area.  Limited free parking for drop-off and pick-up.  Please observe speed limits within the parking lot and driveway.  All activities will take place in the two picnic shelters, open grassy field and adjoining trails within the park.

To register click: Lego Batman Eco-Camp

CAMP 2 – “NATURE DETECTIVES ECO-CAMP”

Nature is the greatest mystery! In this camp, kids will learn how crimes are solved using nature. Each day, a puzzle clue will be given.  Working as a team, the junior detectives eliminate suspects using clues from the environment around them. They will learn about bugs, trees, nature’s fingerprints and so much more. This is perfect for kids who love exploring the forest and their imagination.

Days of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Dates: Monday March 15 to Thursday March 28, 2024
Ages:  8 – 12 years old
Times:  9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day
Price:  $152 per 1-week registration
Number of sessions:  4 total sessions (full week registration only)
Location: ALLCO Park, 24959 Alouette Road, Maple Ridge. Drive into ALLCO Park and stop at first parking area.  Limited free parking for drop-off and pick-up.  Please observe speed limits within the parking lot and driveway.  All activities will take place in the two picnic shelters, open grassy field and adjoining trails within the park.

To register click: Nature Detectives Eco-Camp

Geoff Clayton (Founding Member)

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  • Geoff ClaytonPow. Eng in BC Hydro for 25 years
  • One of the founding Directors of ARMS in 1993
  • Became President of ARMS 1995
  • Have served as President or Co-Chair since that time
  • Member of the AMC (Alouette Monitoring Committee)
  • Member of the SMC (Stave Monitoring Committee)
  • Member of the UBC Research Forest Community Advisory  Board
  • Active in the community advocating thoughtful stewardship of our environment for 46 years
  • Presented with the BC Minister’s award in the category of Individual Citizen 2001

Buzzing with Bees

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A Bugs Life (Spring only)a-bugs-life

Learn the importance of pollinators! Compare the lifecycle of a bee and a butterfly. View our live honeybee hive. Subject to availability, includes caterpillars for your class to raise.

We include:
– an observation honey bee hive with live bees
– everything you will need to raise caterpillars into butterflies in your classroom (painted lady caterpillars included*)!
– young ones can try on the honey suits
Our main objective is to teach youth about the importance of pollinators in our world!

*depending on supplies availability

Duration: 1 hour
Age: pre k-grade 3
Cost: $90
Availability: Spring only

Allco Fish Hatchery Tours

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Identify the 5 Pacific salmon species found in the Alouette Watershed, their habitat needs and the stressors on salmon, learn the history of the hatchery operations and how it helps our Pacific salmon, how is a fish hatchery different to a fish farm, tour the ALLCO Fish Hatchery, and release a salmon fry into the South Alouette River (Spring only, pending fry availability). Complete the tour with a visit to the Rainbow trout pond and feed the fish!

Fall 2023 workshop booking form

fall-hatchery-tours

spring-hatchery-tours

Junior Watershed Education Tour

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Purpose

The primary objective is to increase the level of public awareness and stewardship in the Alouette Watershed and Maple Ridge area. It is ARMS goal to educate and empower the students to take ownership and responsibility of the watershed and all the environment they directly impact.

 

 

Environmental Concepts

  1. The Salmonid Life Cycle
    • Salmon Life Cycle
    • Allco Hatchery tour
      • Spring – release baby salmon fry into the South Alouette River
      • Fall – see adult salmon return to the Allco fish fence
  2. Forest, Tracks & Scat
    • Native plant viewing during forest walk
    • Wildlife Trees, Nursery Logs and Fungus seek and find.
    • Tracks identification
    • Scat identification

Duration: 3 hours
Ages: Grades K – 2
Location: Rivers Heritage Center, ALLCO Fish Hatchery and ALLCO Park
Cost: $195
Availability: Fall and Spring

junior-wet-website

Fall 2023 workshop booking form