At Fergus Watershed Biodiversity Preserve

Submitted by Phil Henderson

On 15 September, 2023, many friends of Jude and Al Grass, gathered at Fergus Watershed Biodiversity Preserve in Surrey, for a dedication ceremony in their honor.

This dedication was generously supported by those present, and many others who were unable to attend the gathering at the site of that dedication. The dedication is in the form of a granite boulder along the path in Fergus Watershed Biodiversity Preserve with a lovely inscription, penned by Al. It ensures that their legacy as advocates for nature lives on. 

Jude and Al have contributed for many years to Nature Education and Nature Conservation through organizations such as Nature Vancouver, BC Nature, BC Provincial Parks, and Metro Vancouver Regional Parks.

Over 40 people turned out on this very warm September day to join Jude and Al. The City of Surrey was represented by Ken Crosby. As it turns out, Ken had worked with Jude on the Invasive Species Council, one of the countless groups she volunteered with in support of native plants, animals and natural spaces. There were representatives from many groups, friends and admirers of Al and Jude who were pleased to share time with them and other naturalists / conservationists. Jude and Al were delighted.

Margaret Cuthbert and David Riley generously contributed a delicious cake and schlepped a table and chairs to the site. Others contributed water, coffee, grapes and other treats. 

For those who couldn’t make it and wish to visit the site, Fergus Watershed Biodiversity Preserve is located at 14^th Ave. and 168^th St., Surrey. Parking lot is on the west side of 168^th.  Head west along the trail from the parking lot for about 250 m. Their stone is located between two benches at the rest stop. 

If you have some free time, Al and Jude would love a visit, and always welcome a nature outing. Transportation to and from medical appointments would also be most helpful and any help would be most appreciated. Jude and Al live at Chartwell Crescent Gardens in Surrey.

Many thanks to Neal Aven and his team at the City of Surrey for supporting this and seeing it through. I have little experience with civic politics but I can imagine there were a few hurdles and obstacles to negotiate. But he had the right support people backing him and the right people – Jude and Al – as the mission’s focus. Who could deny this? The stone will remain a permanent beacon of inspiration for nature in an official space dedicated to conservation.