Breaking Water with Winona Pugh
This Breaking Water features Winona Pugh. Winona is currently the Chair for Friends of Tod Creek Watershed. In this feature, Winona tells us all about how she got involved in the movement and what has been the most rewarding part of her time with the organization thus far.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us where you work/what you do?
I am retired from the University of Victoria after a career in recreation, fitness and wellness services which began at the Victoria YM/YWCA. I am now focused on environmental protection and involved as a volunteer with the Friends of Tod Creek Watershed, Peninsula Streams and Shorelines, Saanich Inlet Protection Society and Habitat Acquisition Trust.
Where did you grow up? Did you have a relationship with water there?
I grew up in the best of two worlds, living in the country and close to the protected waters of Saanich Inlet. Thanks to my parents, my early education, employment, and entertainment were all connected to the outdoors and I learned an appreciation and respect for the natural environment. Play was centred on the small stream on our property and the ocean offered fishing, swimming, and beach combing.
How did become involved in Friends of Tod Creek Watershed?
I retired shortly after moving to Prospect Lake and became involved in the newly formed group Friends of Tod Creek Watershed. The founder and chair for many years, Mary Haig Brown soon became my friend, mentor, and inspiration. Through her guidance and teaching, I felt comfortable taking on the role of Chair for the organization in 2021.
What has been the most rewarding part thus far of your time with Friends of Tod Creek?
The opportunity to engage with people as we are doing our water quality measurements, restoration work, or aquatic plant surveys. Local residents and visitors to the lake are interested in their environment and we are able to provide education and awareness through casual conversations as we are doing our work. We also work with school groups to offer experiences in environmental restoration such as salmon releases, removal of invasive species and growing native plants.
Do you have anything else that you’d like to share about your work, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
The Friends of Tod Creek Watershed have been stronger and more effective through the partnerships that have developed working for a common purpose. We were one of the first groups to develop a Watershed Management Plan in collaboration with the District of Saanich which later formed the basis for the Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area regulations. We have achieved improved habitat on the Tod Flats by working with Peninsula Streams and Shorelines with joint grant applications, shared expenses and volunteer work. A fishway installed in partnership with the Butchart Gardens overcame a major obstacle to fish migrations and we continue to benefit from the support and resources of the BC Lake Stewardship Society. We are excited about the extension of Swim Drink Fish on the West Coast and are looking forward to working together for improved and protected lake health.
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
