Editor:
This letter was sent to Nicholas Weswick of School District 46 and shared with Coast Reporter.
As a 38-year resident of Gibsons I have always treasured the nature trail that partly encircles the playing fields at Gibsons Elementary School. I was sad, last year, when it was deemed necessary to take down so many trees along this path. I was partly consoled by the promise that these trees would be replaced.
It is my opinion that, contrary to the promises made on the colourful signs, this replacement project was conducted as if it were an after-thought. Vulnerable seedlings seemed to be placed, willy-nilly, with no protection against being trampled. I watched them die of thirst, one by one, in the drought last summer, though I, and others, tried to help them with occasional watering. Was no thought given to caring for the trees after they were planted? Did the School District assign no one to check on their well-being? It seems to me that false economy was at play here.
I’m sure most of the original replacement trees have succumbed and will now have to be replaced themselves if the district hopes to keep its promise to restore what has been lost.
This ring of nature round the school grounds is unique and precious. In addition to providing learning opportunities for the school children, the trail is well-used by the walking public of all ages. I’ve seen Douglas squirrels scampering up the trees, and I always watch for the western star flowers blossoming beside the trail in May (there were hardly any this year). I wish the school district would take better care of this natural asset. What plans does the district have to do a better job of protecting the new trees than you did last summer?
Sincerely,
Anne Miles
Gibsons
