A fun and informative snowy riverside walk
February 16, 2024
Informative watershed walks are becoming a seasonal favourite in Inverness County. Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) Cape Breton hosted another event as part of a recently established eco-partnership with the Municipality of Inverness County. The walk was organized in collaboration with the Chéticamp River Salmon Association (CRSA) and thirty-some participants turned out, all eager to learn more about the local watershed, the salmon association’s fascinating conservation work, and of course to enjoy the outdoors! The group convened on the morning of Saturday, January 27th, at the Chéticamp Visitor Centre.
Monica Ragan, ACAP Cape Breton’s Program Manager for the western part of the island, said this walk was a wonderful opportunity to build connections with people and the natural world.
“We’re excited to host events like these walks as they bring people together, who otherwise might not have the opportunity to meet and learn from each other,” she explains
“We also get to highlight the work of organizations, like the Chéticamp River Salmon Association, who are working hard to protect and conserve species and their habitat,” says Monica. “And wintertime is an exciting time of year to get out and see what birds and other animals are doing. Seeing the world from this perspective gives people another appreciation of what’s going on in our backyards at this harsh time of year.”
“We also get to highlight the work of organizations, like the Chéticamp River Salmon Association, who are working hard to protect and conserve species and their habitat,” says Monica. “And wintertime is an exciting time of year to get out and see what birds and other animals are doing. Seeing the world from this perspective gives people another appreciation of what’s going on in our backyards at this harsh time of year.”
The nature lovers couldn’t have asked for a better winter day. It was overcast, with the sun peeking through the clouds and the wind was calm. The temperature hovered around 0℃ and it was just mild enough that wildlife was busy moving around including a moose calf that we (accidentally) startled. We also saw fresh coyote and deer tracks.
Réné Aucoin, president of CRSA, and Jimmie Pedersen, one of its directors, were excellent guides. They talked about the recent history of the Chéticamp River as a habitat for plants and animals, and about the work of the Salmon Association in protecting and conserving Atlantic salmon and their habitat.
Not only did participants learn about the work of CRSA, but also the local history, geology, and weather events impacting the river. And as ever, people shared their own knowledge and experience, making it a very interactive encounter.
After the walk, Réné expressed said he was delighted to host an event of this type.
“Having worked in the shadows for many years in restoring river habitat for iconic fish species like the Atlantic salmon and speckled trout, Jimmie and I were somewhat surprised but extremely pleased with the large turnout. It was great to see such keen interest and appreciation for the work that is being done by groups like ours,” said René.
On behalf of ACAP, Monica said a huge thank you to Réné, Jimmie, and the Chéticamp River Salmon Association for taking the time to help with this walk. And of course thank you to everyone who came out. It was great to meet you all!
ACAP Cape Breton will be organizing another walk in the spring, so keep an eye out for more details! You can follow ACAP on Facebook (@ACAP Cape Breton) and Instagram (@acapcb) to stay in the know about upcoming events in Inverness County.
