Lake Blitz Volunteer Spotlight: Kurt Swanson
The Lake Blitz Volunteer Spotlight series gives us the opportunity to show appreciation for our remarkable Lake Blitz volunteers. From B.C. to Nova Scotia, 442 volunteers signed up to create a snapshot of lake health from May to September 2023 by collecting temperature readings and taking photos of the lake they’ve decided to monitor to better understand climate impacts.
We are excited to present our latest volunteer to be featured in this series: Kurt Swanson, who is joining in on the Lake Blitz from B.C.!
Q – What is your background?
A – I have owned and operated businesses for most of my life. My first business experience was with Swanson’s Men’s Wear. It was started by my grandfather in 1929 and I joined in with my father in 1982. I currently own two car washes, commercial buildings and a mini storage business.
Q – What lake are you monitoring?
A – Garbutts (Norbury) Lake in the East Kootenay, B.C.
Q – Do you have a personal connection to your lake(s)?
A – My grandfather purchased a lake property on Garbutts Lake in 1962. I am now 62 and I have owned it for 20 years after purchasing it from my mother. My attachment to Garbutts Lake runs very deep.
Q – What motivated you to volunteer with the National Lake Blitz?
A – Years ago, the Province decided to buy the campground and change the name to Norbury Lake Provincial Park. The park includes Garbutts Lake and Peckam’s Lake which is connected by a small creek. The creek has started to run a little now with the melt behind the Steeples Mountains. We have many cold water springs in the lake. My main concern is the quality of the water.
Q – What concerns do you have about the future health of your chosen lake?
A – My well is only 25 ft deep, so we’re essentially drinking lake water. So far I am very happy with it. I had it tested with Culligan. There is some calcium, but a fantastic taste. I tested the lake for pH and it came out as 7.3. Seven is neutral on the pH scale.
My other concerns are the warming temperatures, the appearance of milfoil and an algae I haven’t identified yet. The increasing population of crayfish is also concerning.
Q – What is your favourite bird, fish or other wildlife species you see at your lake?
A – The most popular bird species are loons. They come back every year. They swim around paddleboarders, warning the paddlers that it is the loons’ lake. The most popular birds for my wife Karen and I are the hummingbirds. We have many feeders. Last year, we had an orphan calf moose that occupied the lakeshore for the summer. No sign of him since.
Q – What is one thing everyone can do to protect their local lakes?
A – I feel very blessed to reside in such a special place. I would love to bottle the feelings of joy I have when I sit at my kitchen window and watch nature at its best. to make a difference in the world, it takes one person at a time. I strive to be one of them.
All photos by Kurt Swanson.
