Author Archives: Irene

BLPA Board – Call for Expression of Interest 2023

The BLPA is looking for a few new directors to join the Board at our next Annual General Meeting which will take place on May 17, 2023.

For the upcoming term, we are seeking nature lovers who are familiar with Burnaby Lake Regional Park and have the following:

  • Belief in protecting our parks 
  • Respect for (and knowledge of) the cultures and traditions of the Indigenous peoples of Coast Salish territory
  • Appreciation for our diverse and inclusive community
  • Understanding of how a non-profit board is run 
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills
  • Good time management skills and commitment to completing tasks/projects (if you take on a duty, you are able to fulfill your responsibilities)

The following skills (not in any order of priority) are assets, and not necessary to be successful:

  • Governance and HR
  • Knowledge of website design and development 
  • Public outreach and nature-based education
  • Ecological restoration and stewardship planning
  • Project management
  • Grant writing and fundraising
  • Creation of inclusive and accessible nature-themed displays

Bonus skills (would be fantastic but not expected):

  • Multilingual
  • Fluent in American Sign Language
  • Connections to diverse people and communities, including Indigenous-led organizations

So what does it mean to be on the BLPA Board? 

  • This graphic shows the general responsibilities both of the Board as a collective of its Fiduciary duties, and for the individual board member. (Click picture to enlarge.)

  • A director’s term is for two years. 
  • Learn about who we are here and our mission and vision. Additional information can be found in the BLPA’s Constitution & Bylaws in sections 5, 6 and 7.
  • The BLPA Board meets on the third Wednesday of each month, 7-9 pm, either at the Metro Vancouver Central Area office on Avalon Avenue or online.
  • Time commitment per month varies and depends on the season, but is about 4-10 hours per month.
  • Additional time spent depends on which subcommittees you join (e.g., governance, stewardship) and which volunteer activities you participate in (e.g., stewardship, outreach)
  • A basic comfort level using technology will be required. Some meetings may be held using online platforms. Our board communications are mainly done using email and telephone, and reports are done using word processing or spreadsheet programs.  
  • Timely submission of reports as required.

We appreciate our new members providing a valuable fresh perspective on things and new ideas. We encourage anyone interested to apply, including Black, Indigenous, and racialized people. Shared values are prioritized over skills. Training and learning can be done on the go!

Interested candidates are asked to prepare a cover letter and resume outlining their skills and experience related to the position. Both should be submitted with an completed Expression of Interest form to Leah Purdey, Chair of the Nominating Committee, at LeahPurdey@gmail.com. (remember the “e” in Purdey)

Download: Expression of Interest form.

DEADLINE: April 7, 2023

If you have any further questions, you can contact the BLPA’s Chair, Irene Lau.

Welcome BLPA Weedbusters to the 2023 Season

Be a champion for native plants! We are taking advantage of our temperate climate (compared to most of Canada) and starting out Weedbusters 2023 season earlier than we have in the past.

All are welcome – whether you are a seasoned or a new volunteer who is keen to roll up their sleeves and help nature. You will learn about the BLPA, how we work with Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, why your contribution to our work is important, how to identify invasive species that have become established and replaced native species and how to safely remove them. Join a fun group of people who care for the environment of Burnaby Lake Regional Park.

Upcoming Work Parties

  • Sunday, February 26 11 am to 2 pm – Meet at BLPA Nature House
    POSTPONED TO MARCH 5 due to weather
  • Saturday, March 4 – 11 am to 2 pm – Meet at Lenson Garage –Sign up here
  • Sunday, March 5 – 11 am to 2 pm – Meet at BLPA Nature House – Sign up here
  • Saturday, March 11 – 11 am to 2 pm – Meet at Lenson Garage – Sign up here
  • Sunday, March 12 – 11 am to 2 pm – Meet at Lenson Garage – Sign up here

See you in the park!

Support the BLPA in the Park Partner’s Challenge!

This holiday season, the Burnaby Lake Park Association and Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation have teamed up to double your donation’s impact for our programming in Burnaby Lake Regional Park.

Your donations have a significant impact. Funds from the Foundation and
supporters like you have funded work to:

Your donation to Burnaby Lake Regional Park will be doubled by Metro Vancouver
Regional Parks Foundation’s Park Partners Challenge!

Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation has up to $1,000 in matching funds available for our park projects. That means if we raise $1,000 within our community, $2,000 goes into programming in our beautiful regional park!

The BLPA Board of Directors would like to raise funds to purchase our own full set of binoculars so we do not have to borrow them from another park association. The ability to provide binoculars on bird or nature outings in the park helps people get close and connect to nature. The study of birds and their habitat can provide a deeper understanding of ecology, biodiversity and the environment. People starting out birding may not have invested in a pair of their own binoculars yet. Also, the price of binoculars can be the singular financial barrier of entry into the birding community. We want to be able to lend a high quality pair to anyone who would not be able to afford it otherwise because we know how important these connections to nature are.

Participants enjoying a BLPA led bird outing at our Birds of Burnaby Lake event, May 29, 2022.
Photo credit: Lindsay Marsh

Help us unlock the full potential of these funds by donating before December
31st, 2022
.

Every dollar raised has double the impact on tomorrow and is appreciated today.
THANK YOU!