February 2020 eNews
Show how much you care by helping swans & other wildlife
Wondering what to give that special someone this Valentine's Day? Donate in honour of a loved one to help wildlife on our new conservation lands at Nicomen Slough in the Fraser Valley.

Nicomen Slough is located between Mission and Deroche. This 11.6 hectare (28.7 acre) property features wetlands and creeks, and provides homes for a wide variety of birds including vulnerable Great Blue Herons and Western Screech Owls. The slough is a wintering area for Trumpeter Swans. In addition, the property forms part of a larger area which is a haven for migrating waterfowl all winter, while also supporting local species year round.
Nicomen Slough is a remnant side channel of the Fraser River, connecting Inch Creek and Norrish Creek with the Fraser River.

It provides habitat for some of the largest runs of salmon in the Fraser Valley. Coho, Chinook, Chum, Sockeye, and Pink use Nicomen Slough to reach spawning areas. And the mysterious White Sturgeon which can live for over 150 years have been observed at the mouths of Nicomen Slough leading to the Fraser River.
What makes a Trumpeter Swan special?

Trumpeter Swans have a deep, trumpet-like voice. They are the largest native waterfowl in North America. To get airborne, they run across the water for a long distance and sound almost like galloping horses. Unlike other swans, they incubate their eggs by warming them with their large webbed feet.

Trumpeter Swans feed on sedges, eelgrass and algae. To feed underwater they tip in the air like ducks, rooting under the surface to pull up plants. In winter they may eat potatoes from fields.
Is a Great Blue Heron really blue?
This large heron appears blue-grey from a distance with a black stripe over its eye and a dagger-like bill. It wades slowly or stands motionless, peering into the water for fish, amphibians and insects. It lives in freshwater and saltwater habitats, and also forages in fields, where it stalks frogs and mammals.

Great Blue Herons create large nests made of sticks in trees. They prefer to nest in colonies. Herons are sensitive to human activity and may abandon a nest if they are disturbed.
Please help us care for this new conservation area with a donation today