On July 14th, CATS members embarked on an expedition to A Rocha (formerly known as Brooksdale Environmental Centre). Located in South Surrey, this expansive environmental operation serves as an education facility, scientific data resource, hospitality venue, and sustainable farm, while also running reclamation projects and a young adult internship program.
Founded in 1983 in Portugal, A Rocha (which means rock in Portuguese) is now a global network of Christian organizations operating in 20 countries across six continents, including 3 centres in Canada. Their work focuses heavily on hands-on conservation to address biodiversity loss, habitat destruction and climate change - all within a Christian perspective of caring for creation.
Our tour included a walk to view a reclaimed wetland area and the restored estuary of the Little Campbell River, allowing five species of salmon to return to spawn. This project was carried out in partnership with the Tatalu/Campbell River Watershed group. That day we also saw little children, participants in a summer day programme, measure tad poles and other water creatures; watched as freshly harvested produce was washed and bundled for inclusion in weekly bins for local CSA boxes; and met young interns from around Canada and the world.
We came away inspired by the vision, their work and the beauty of it all, with increased commitment to our own work here at the Cathedral.
As a non-profit, they are grateful for donations of all kinds. For more information, please visit A Rocha Canada.