On August 10, 2025, we (Cheri & Sally) hosted the neighbourhood Garden Party, now known as The Frog & Toad Party, on our property in Merville. This event had been held in years past and took a break last year; however, due to requests from the neighbourhood, we held it once again.
This is an area of the Comox Valley that is ‘off the beaten path’, bordering the Tsolum River, and consists of a series of wetlands (once considered undesirable ‘swamp’ therefore cheap land) that have gained significance recently due to the increased knowledge of the importance of wetlands to mitigate drought and flood conditions.
This event brought 40 residents, including 2 new families, together for the afternoon and evening to meet each other, share a potluck meal, and talk about some of the issues we experience as ‘Wetlanders’. The local Western Toad migration and the decrease in the American Bullfrog population were 2 issues discussed. We are finding it still very important to show residents the difference between a Western Toad (good) and a Bullfrog (bad).
The fund we received of $325 was spent on food and beverages, educational materials, photocopying, outdoor games for kids, and a new folding table that will be useful for future community events.
The community of Lower Merville is very appreciative of the support we receive from Neighbourhood Small Grants. Thank you!
