John is a Salt Spring island resident who is enthralled by its natural world and deeply appreciative of the rich benefits this provides. John is a keen supporter, both of the many stewards helping protect our island's delicate water balance, and of those who are doing the science that help give us a sense of this place and what needs protecting, He has a film-making vision - getting our amazing island watersheds, science and stewardship stories out there, and further building our island stewardship community!

A geologist and environmentalist, John passionate about sharing our stewardship journeys and using science and indigenous knowledge to show the way. Continuously learning about, and sharing what makes it tick, geologically, hydrologically, and (perhaps) spiritually.

Our island is a rich and diverse natural place, with a rich island community, a microcosm of the interconnectivity of our world…

We need to understand it better, nurture and support it, and share our successes!

Ruth's earliest memories are of watching tadpoles as they turned into frogs. These early experiences shaped her world view, and led to her becoming an ecologist and pursuing studies of natural systems, and how to protect the wilderness. " Nature is incredible, but also fragile, and this is why I have devoted my academic studies and professional life to understanding and protecting natural systems."

This includes volunteering with the Salt Spring Conservancy's "Stewards in Training" program, her role in the recently released Climate Action Plan, and her interest in understanding how to restore the wetlands as part of the Maxwell Creek Watershed Project she is leading. "The area around Maxwell lake has been changed, and it is fascinating to work with John and other hydrological experts, to become the detectives working out what has changed, and how to restore some of the important wetland areas that not only support wildlife and forests, but also the lake that is so important to many islanders."

"Getting people into the field and sharing learnings about nature and the mysteries of water, and how it shapes the forests, soils and wildlife is interesting and incredibly fun. I look forward to seeing and learning more about our island and the places I care about through this documentary film"

A Xwaaqw’um watershed(s) restoration project is led by the Stqeeye' Learning Society, a Quw'utsun run non-profit charity, supporting the restoration and stewardship of wetlands and the watersheds at Xwaaqw’um village.