Monthly Archives: November 2023

December Stewardship Opportunities

Our work at the Burnaby Lake Nature House continues!

We will keep on digging up invasive Himalyan blackberry roots behind the Nature House. When that job is done, the ground will be covered with weed cloth to dissuade birds from nesting at this location in the spring which would allow us to continue stewardship work in the area according to provincial and federal regulations. 

Register at the following links:

Please note, work parties will take place as long as weather conditions allow. Our Coordinator will contact you if any there are changes.

We will take a short break after this and start up again in January as weather conditions allow. Once you sign up for a Weedbusters event, you will be notified of future opportunities or keep an eye on our social media for future dates.

Holiday Open House 2023

Drop by the Burnaby Lake Nature House for the BLPA’s Annual Holiday Open House!

This event is free and everyone, of any age, is welcome!

  • Guided outings – see below for descriptions
  • Decorate your own Wood Duck cookie*
  • Check out the birds at Piper Spit – spot late migration visitors, temporary winter and year round residents
  • Discover Santa’s “Naughty and Nice” plant list
  • Learn tips on winter plant ID
  • Get involved with Citizen Science and ask one of our App Experts how to use phone apps like iNaturalist, Merlin Bird ID and eBird and share your sightings
  • Visit the BLPA display and find out what we do and how you can get involved
  • Hot apple drink* to warm you up! To be more sustainable, bring your own thermal mug if you have one.

Hope to see you there!
Check the weather forecast and dress for the weather. We’ll be there, rain, shine or snow!

Join us on a winter outing in the park! Free, but registration required. Select either:

  • 11:00 am to 12:30 pm – Guided Bird Outing
    Did you know? Winter is a great time to visit Burnaby Lake and see both migratory birds that visit the lake in the colder months as well as our year-round birds. Our leaders will share their knowledge and passion for birds while wandering through Burnaby Lake trails and at Piper Spit. We’ll listen for calls and songs, enjoy discussion on topics such as bird habitat and plumage, and share tips.
    Register here.
  • 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm – Winter Nature Walk
    Burnaby Lake may seem dormant in the winter, but there is still plenty of color and life to explore! Join us for an easy walk on forested trails – take in the crisp air, observe winter wildlife and learn about the plants around the trails.12:15 pm to 1:15 pm. Register here.
  • 12:45 pm to 1:45 pm – Winter Nature Walk II
    Due to popular demand, we have added a second walk
    Register here.

⚠️**Road 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 is also a railway crossing which may be blocked from time to time.

* While supplies last

November Stewardship Opportunities

We hope you have been enjoying the fall. We are hosting more stewardship events in November!

The first 2 events will meet at the Lenson Garage located on 9146 Avalon Avenue.
On November 12th, we will be laying down cardboard/coffee bags over the grass and then covering it with dirt and spreading a seed mix of wildflowers. Then on November 18th, volunteers will be building a fence to protect the Wildflower Meadow. Check here for detailed directions, including transit, to get to this location.

More details and sign up links:

The second set of 2 events are at the Burnaby Lake Nature House located at 4519 Piper Avenue. We will be digging up blackberry roots behind the Nature House and covering the ground with weed cloth to dissuade birds from nesting at this location in the spring which would allow us to continue stewardship work in the area according to provincial and federal regulations. There might be an opportunity to prepare the Butterfly Garden for the winter.

More details and sign up links: