Week 7- Hagan / Graham Creek

Dressed and ready for a rainstorm, I explored the creeks behind Centennial Park, entering from Tomlinson Rd. Surprisingly dry, I spent time along the trail noticing the wide variety of plants and trees. After not seeing this area since the summer,  I was amazed at the new path. The newly redone trail has new fences, and some unsafe logs around the creek were moved. This hidden area behind Centennial Park is unique because it has many trees to climb, horses, alpacas, a long blackberry bush, and a few farm stands. 

Last 2 Years

Before the trail was redone, it was mostly thick sticky mud with temporary bridges made from various wood planks. The creek area was smaller before, and now its shape has changed. Sometimes the water is low and calm, and others are overflowing and rushing. It is exciting to visit this creek during different seasons and observe how it changes.

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Who fixed the creek?

I discovered that the Peninsula Streams Society was recently studying Hagan and Graham Creek. The restoration project began August 17, 2021 according to a Saanich News article.

Katrina Adams, environmental support technician, said the goal of the project is to gain a better understanding of the existing creeks and riparian ecosystems with an eye toward identifying restoration opportunities within the watershed of KENNES, the Tsartlip First Nation name for the mouth of Hagan Creek, meaning ‘place of whales.’

Saanich News

Exploring the Area

Using the Pacific Northwest Plant Knowledge Cards, I tried to match some of the plants and trees around the creek. I really like these cards because they show the plant in two different ways and it includes an indigenous connection.

After identifying some of the plants I found along the way, I realize how difficult it is to tell things apart without a flower or a berry. I am curious if anyone else can identify the ones I could not find! If a called log with plants on it is called a nurse log, would a stump then be a nurse stump?

Alpacas

I hiked to the end of the trail and kept going along the road towards the left. I found a few farms and alpacas! They were hilarious. As soon as I approached the area a few heads immediately popped out and kept staring.

The End of the Journey

As you can see, I completely forgot to end the tracking until I was already in my car. Most people stay in the Centennial Park trails, and this trail is usually people walking their dogs or riding horses. Hagan / Graham Creek is one of my favourite places to take my time and explore the area! I like seeing where I went exactly on this hike because it is less known.