News
Rainbows and an Umbrella – But it's Not the Weather!
Dozens of rainbow trout found a new home in Lake Omar last week as the remediation of the campus’s aquatic centrepiece continued.
A favourite of lake and river anglers across western North America that has been introduced around the world, the rainbow trout is native to Vancouver Island. It has had a presence in Lake Omar even within the last decade, but has been largely absent in recent years – until last Tuesday, at least.
The School acquired 200 six-inch trout, releasing the majority into Lake Omar, although about 50 were put into an empty tank in the Mark Hobson Hatchery on the lakeshore, which is usually used for raising coho salmon.
Since they were released, the fish have been observed happily jumping throughout the lake. Major predators, such as otters, mink or herons, haven’t been spotted yet, although they were often present even before the recent stocking, so it is only a matter of time. Until then, the fish will enjoy being fed and not being fed upon. Students and staff, however, will be invited to fish for the trout.
“Regular seed feeding is ongoing to try to entice them to recognize a familiar food source,” Environmental Lead and Horticulturalist Ms. Patricia Hanbidge explained. “However, there is much for them to feed on in the lake so they definitely will not be going hungry.”
The fish can especially be seen around the micro aeration lines and the “summer umbrella” that was installed in Lake Omar last summer. Named from the fish’s perspective, the summer umbrella is designed to offer shade to the fish, something that was sorely lacking and which is necessary for the survival of the fish in the lake. It was built from three standing dead cedars on campus that were harvested with their root systems intact. They were lifted into Lake Omar with a crane, floated into position, and chained to low-profile cement anchors, then planted with a variety of shrubs and perennials that will not only be pleasing to the eye, but will also improve the water quality.
“The summer umbrella is also a floating treatment wetland that is completely constructed of recycled materials,” Ms. Hanbidge related. “The roots of the plants will grow into the water and absorb nutrients and break down any contaminants through the natural biological process known as bioremediation. The plant roots also provide extensive surface area for microbes to grow, forming a slimy layer of biofilm where most of the magic actually occurs. This green infrastructure project sequesters carbon, absorbs greenhouse gases and provides habitat for insects, pollinators, birds, mammals and fish.”
The Aztecs of central Mexico used a similar technology, which they called “chinampas,” to grow food – something that is part of the Grade 8 curriculum. Ms. Hanbidge plans to add chinampas to Lake Omar as well as the remediation project continues.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
