Buttertubs Marsh Historical Walking Tour

add to outlook add to google calendar remind me

Saturday, May 13th, 2023
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

For the May get together of the Nanaimo Historical Society, Bill Merilees, a prominent BC naturalist, educator, and conservationist will lead a guided field trip around Buttertubs Marsh.

Bill will interpret the scope of the full circle of land use and development history of the now reclaimed wetland and sanctuary.

The Hudson Bay Company purchased the marsh in the mid-1800s, draining it for vegetable farming and a dairy cattle farm. During wartime the reclaimed land served as a military camp and training ground. A bird nesting platform now stands on an old concrete base of a military radio antenna. Threatened to be built over during a housing boom in the 1970s the Nature Trust of British Columbia purchased 50 acres in 1974 to form the Buttertubs Marsh Conservation Area.

In 1990 Bill started the first ButterTubs Management Committee, known later as the Friends of Buttertubs.

Meet at the brick Miner’s Cottage (built 1910-1912) at Jinglepot Road and Second Street. Note: there is parking , and alternative parking can be found at the other side of the marsh on Buttetubs Drive, off Bowen Road, requiring a walk through the Marsh to the Miner’s Cottage.