Monthly Archives: September 2023

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day Fall 2023 with the BLPA

Are you interested in birding? Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with the Burnaby Lake .Park Association.

DATE: Saturday, October 14
TIME: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm*
MEET: Burnaby Lake Nature House

Join BLPA Directors, volunteers and local birders as they share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the birds of Burnaby Lake and beyond. With fall migration in full swing, this is a great time to see both seasonal visitors and local year-round species.

Visit our display* (from 10 am to 2 pm) to learn about the birds you might see at Burnaby Lake, how you can keep birds safe all year especially during migration, our nest box program including getting nest box plans.

We’ve got several guided outings that you can register for.

8:30 to 10:00 am – Experienced Birders outing
10:30 am to 12:00 pm – Beginner Birders outing
11:30 am to 12:30 pm – iNaturalist guided outing
12:30 to 1:30 pm – Merlin/eBird guided outing

This year, World Migratory Bird Day is focused on the importance of water for migratory birds. The vast majority of migratory birds rely on aquatic ecosystems during their life cycles. Inland and coastal wetlands, rivers, lakes, streams, marshes, and ponds are all vital for feeding, drinking, or nesting, and also as places to rest and refuel during their long journeys. Unfortunately, aquatic ecosystems are becoming increasingly threatened around the world and so are the migratory birds that depend on them.

Take part in the Regional Parks Snap & Share by reporting any fall visitors that we spot on the iNaturalist app. Learn more about Snap & Share happening throughout the month of October here.

We welcome everyone, including people with disabilities, people who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color (BIPOC), and people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+). We’ll be using Burnaby Lake Regional Park trails which are accessible to wheelchair-users, people who use mobility aids, or child strollers.

Please note that advance registration is required as space is limited. These outings will take place, rain or shine. If you are no longer able to make it, please cancel your registration so that another person may attend.

More information:

MEETING LOCATION: We will be set up in front of the Burnaby Lake Nature House – look for the BLPA flag.

*Construction notice* – Please take note that there is construction along Winston Street which includes single lane traffic that may add an additional 5 minutes to your trip. Details for the Winston Street Sewer project can be found here.

If the weather is nice, the parking lot can be very busy. You may need to park along Piper Avenue or at Warner Loat Park right off of Winston which is a 450 m/5 minute walk to the Nature House. There are also train tracks crossing which may be blocked from time to time. See map below.

If you would like detailed driving directions or how to get there by transit, click here.

October Weedbusters

Our invasive plant species removal program, also known as “Weedbusters“, began in 2004. This makes it one of the first community group programs doing this important work to champion our native species to ensure ecological diversity in Burnaby Lake Regional Park.

You do not need any prior experience or knowledge to volunteer. We will provide you with the training you will need to identify and safely remove invasive plants. There will also be experienced volunteers or BLPA Directors to answer any questions you have about Weedbusters and the BLPA.

This fall we are focusing on 2 projects.

The first project is to dig out blackberry roots behind the Nature House and cover the ground with weed cloth so no birds can nest there in the spring. This means we should be able to have some Weedbuster events in the Spring to continue removing the Blackberry roots and then plant there in fall 2024.
The second project is a Wildflower Meadow at Lenson. We will be laying down cardboard/coffee bags over the grass and then covering it with dirt. Then we will spread a seed mix of wildflowers. However, this project is subject to change if there is any job action by Metro Vancouver Park Staff. If that happens, we will pivot to an invasive plant removal. The meeting location will not change.

The first 2 events are at the Burnaby Lake Nature House located at 4519 Piper Avenue. Sign up at the links:

The third and fourth events meet at the Lenson Garage located on 9157 Avalon Avenue. (see map below). Sign up at the links below.

Each registration link wil have details on what to bring and where to meet. Click here full directions (including transit).

Snap & Share – Fall 2023

We’re exicted for the return of Fall and the return of Regional Parks Snap & Share.

Join the Burnaby Lake Park Assoication as we celebrate the change of the seasons. We’re participating in the Regional Parks Snap & Share event and invite you to get out into nature. During the month of October, park visitors are encouraged to SNAP a photo of flora or fauna and SHARE their observations to iNaturalist app to contribute to Citizen Science!

This event is taking place in Burnaby Lake Regional Park and all Metro Vancouver’s regional parks and greenways. Pay attention to plants, fungi, mosses, and wildlife you haven’t noticed before. Then simply snap photos of what you discover and share your photos on iNaturalist.

TWO EASY STEPS TO PARTICIPATE

1. Go to iNaturalist.ca or download the iNaturalist app on your smartphone and set up an account.

2. Take photos in any Metro Vancouver regional park or greenway from October 1st-31st and upload them to iNaturalist.

The BLPA has a month full of activities in October to help you learn to use the iNaturalist app effectively as well as opportunities to increase the number of species that you can observe.

Sunday, October 1st – 11 am to 3 pm – Snap & Share Event Launch
Visit our display to learn about iNaturalist, the birds and wildlife you will see around the park during this time of year, the history of the BLPA, our activities and how to get involved!
Register for one of the guided walks here:
– 11:00 am to 12:00 pm – Pokémon Themed iNaturalist guided walk
– 12:00 to 1:00 pm – Guided Nature Walk using iNaturalist
– 1:00 to 2:00 pm – Lord of the Rings Themed iNaturalist guided walk
Saturday, October 14th – 10 am to 2 pm – World Migratory Bird Day
Event details coming soon
Sunday, October 22nd –
11:00 am to 2:00 pm – Salmon Sunday at Cariboo Dam
11:00 am to 2:00 pm – Weedbusters
Event details coming soon

iNaturalist is a great way to build your nature knowledge and get feedback on your observations. What’s more, you’ll be joining a global community of citizen scientists and contributing to biodiversity science.

Click here for iNaturalist Tips and Tricks to get started.

It’s a fun outdoor activity for everyone, on your own or with your friends and family!

WIN A PRIZE!

To be eligible for prizes, you will need to register on the website.

All registered participants will be entered into 3 draws for a $100 gift certificate to Book Warehouse.
Individual with the most observations will receive a $150 gift certificate to Book Warehouse.
Individual with the most species observed will receive a $150 gift certificate to Book Warehouse.

NOTE: If an individual has both the most observations and most species observed, they will only receive a gift certificate for most observations. The individual with the second most species observed will receive the other gift certificate.

All draws will take place on November 1.

You can check out the Regional Parks Snap & Share project page on iNaturalist to see what others have been observing and view the leaderboard.

Please take photos safely. Stay on trails. Do not approach wildlife. Please do not pick or remove anything.

This program is generously sponsored by