We’re switching up work party locations this month and heading west to Phillips Point at the north west part of Burnaby Lake Regional Park. However, we will meet up at the Burnaby Lake Nature Houselocated at 4519 Piper Avenue. Please see note below about the Winston Street Sewer project which may affect travel times.
We are removing invasive Himalayan Blackberry, English Ivy and Holly plants. As you can see from the photos above, these grow like weeds in this location!
While the current forecast looks good, weather can change quickly. Check the forecast and dress for the conditions. Once you are registered, our coordinator will contact you if there are any changes.
* SPRING 2022 – late 2024: Please note that the Metro Vancouver Winston Street Sewer Project may have temporary lane closures and detours along Winston Street and Lougheed Highway as the project progresses. Bike detours and parking restrictions will be in effect near the work zones. Residents and businesses will be notified in advance about specific traffic impacts as the project progresses. Motorists and cyclists are advised to use alternate routes and follow the direction of signage and traffic control personnel.
Are any of these activities on your goals for the new year?
Get outside
Meet new people
Get exercise
Volunteer
Learn about the nature around you
Actively take part in environmental stewardship
Give back to your community
We have some opportunities coming up that can tick these things off your list!
With the milder winter and no snow on the ground so far – we’re jumping right into our Weedbusters invasive species removal program at the Burnaby Lake Nature House. You will be able to meet other people who care and actively take care of the environment and contirbute to the ongoing stewardship of Burnaby Lake Regional Park.
No experience necessary – training and snacksprovided!
These work parties will take place from 11 am to 2 pm.
We are happy to share the news that Elmer Rudolph, who has been a leader in the Sapperton Fish & Game Club for over 35 years, has been recognised by the City of Burnaby with a 2020 Environmental Award in the category of Community Stewardship, for his outstanding commitment to community action for environmental protection and rehabilitation of the Brunette River, which Burnaby Lake flows into at the east end of the park.
From the City of Burnaby’s September 29, 2020 news release:
Elmer Rudolph has shown outstanding commitment to community stewardship, conservation and environmental protection with efforts that have rehabilitated Burnaby’s natural environment.
Since being recognized with an Environmental Award in 1996 — the very first year of Burnaby’s awards program — Mr. Rudolph spent the following 24 years volunteering to protect Burnaby’s diverse ecosystems. Mr. Rudolph is a former member and president of the Sapperton Fish & Game Club, where he has volunteered since 1984 leading conservation initiatives and rehabilitation programs in the Brunette watershed. He has consistently demonstrated his commitment to community stewardship through his actions and advocacy for pollution prevention and the ecological health of the Brunette River and Burnaby Lake. Mr. Rudolph has worked on rehabilitation projects that include the installation of large woody debris and in-stream weirs, and the cleaning out of spawning beds to provide opportunities for successful salmon reproduction.
In 1997, Mr. Rudolph played a key role in starting a community fish hatchery in Burnaby, which has enhanced salmon populations in the Brunette River watershed, including significant salmon-bearing streams in Burnaby such as Eagle Creek, Still Creek, Beecher Creek, Guichon Creek and Deer Lake Brook. The community hatchery operates through the Salmonid Enhancement Program of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which works to conserve fish stocks, rebuild the salmon population and improve fish habitats. Each year, Mr. Rudolph volunteers his time to work on salmon rehabilitation projects, coordinate and manage volunteers, and advocate for the protection and conservation of salmon. He also spends time engaging youth in initiatives and educating them on the importance of species conservation.
Mr. Rudolph has played an exemplary role in community stewardship for the Brunette River and has inspired those who have worked alongside him, as well as his community. His dedication, leadership and commitment to protecting Burnaby’s diverse ecosystem has made a positive impact on species conservation while demonstrating the importance of community action for environmental protection.
You will find this sign installed at Cariboo Dam at the east end of Burnaby Lake which connects it to the Brunette River It features Elmer Rudolph and the important work he participated in to clean up the river so the salmon could return. Congratulations, Elmer! You will find out more history about the Brunette River watershed here.
There City presents two levels of awards:
Environmental Award – Recognises environmental achievements of a larger scale, such as long-term commitments to an organization or cause, leadership, and projects of a significant size and relatively complex scope that have a broader community impact.
Environmental Star – Recognises environmental achievements of a smaller or more individual scale that may serve to catalyse larger initiatives and inspire others.
To find out more about the City of Burnaby’s Environmental Awards Program and the other 2020 winners, click here.
The BLPA and some of its members have been recognised in the past for their efforts in Community Stewardship: (*under its former name)
2016 – Star – Dave Stafford
2008 – Award – John Thomson, Burnaby Lake Advisory Association*
2008 – Award – Tony Fabian, Burnaby Lake Advisory Association*
2006 – Star – Burnaby Lake Advisory Association* Weedbusters
