Simultaneous sightings of several badgers on Boultbee Road on May 30 had residents hopeful they had returned, but it seems the critters may have just been passing through the area, as the sightings ended after a couple of days. Anyone who does witness the movements of badgers or recent evidence at their burrows in the Cariboo Region is encouraged to report their sighting at www.badgers.bc.ca or call 250-398-4671.
Greens galore
A dozen enthusiastic gardeners toured Rosely Farms located above the McDonald rest stop above Lac des Roches on June 3. The sloped terrain on the north side of the lake seems to generate its own micro-climate from the heat that flows upward on the south facing land. Val and Guy Drebet boast a flourishing market garden that does well in our short growing season and may even include fresh corn later this summer. This year, Drebets are supplying produce through the Bridge Lake Store, as well as right from their garden located at the first driveway on Cottage Lane.
Painting on silk
On June 24, Eva Bechtel will hold her third popular class for this unique and surprising painting craft. Eva supplies all the materials for each participant to create their very own wearable piece of art and no experience is necessary. Call Wendy at 250 -593-4538 to register for the one-day class to be held at the Bridge Lake Community School.
Spraying delayed
The Cariboo Regional District has Lac des Roches on its schedule for herbicide treatment of invasive plants growing on private property. The wet weather has pushed the timeline to mid-July, but with so much interest expressed by residents, our area will definitely receive some attention. Natalie Borkowski can still accept applications if there is more interest expressed at 1-800-665-1636.
Keeping wells well
Spring and autumn are typically good times for sanitizing water wells, which removes the build-up of impurities in domestic water systems. A few days of inconvenience during treatment is well worth the improved quality and safety of drinking water. Periodic analysis is necessary to determine the frequency of sanitization appropriate for each well, but a rule of thumb recommended is to test water twice a year. Although the majority of area residences are supplied by lake water, back lots are usually serviced by wells, which need to be maintained.
Friends update
The Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake Society has published and is distributing its annual community newsletter, which will be on its website at www.lacdesroches.org. Note the society has a new mailing address for membership renewal and other correspondence. It is now Box 193; Bridge Lake, B.C. ; V0K 1E0.
Weeds dandy
Despite their many attributes as a nutritional food source, the dandelion plant is an unwelcome weed for most people. Fields and roadsides are blanketed with these bright and beautiful “Cariboo sunflowers. ” I admit I get over-anxious and take the weed whacker to these hardy and prolific plants growing both in our yard and on the boulevard. My brother visited recently and cringed at the sight of all these weeds. He claims to struggle with keeping his city-sized 20- by 30-foot plot of lawn, free of these unwanted plants. He did, however, give me a chuckle, worth repeating. He said, “When I die, bring me back as a dandelion – they seem to be able to live just about anywhere and they never completely die. ” Isn’t that the truth?