Author Archives: Irene

June Weedbusters

The BLPA is fortunate to have wonderful community partners. Stantec first hosted a “Stantec in the Community” day of service with us in 2015, and we have been lucky to host them several times over the years. This year, they are combining their day of service along with a generous donation to be put towards a nesting survey of the work site so we can host our work parties.

Why is this important?
We typically cannot remove invasive plants during nesting season to avoid disturbing birds. However, with a certified nesting survey completed by a Registered Profesional Biologist (RPBio) or Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) just before our events, they will check the site to discover any nesting birds. If a nest is identified, they will mark out a buffer zone to illustrate the no go area. This information will allow us to host back to back Weedbuster events since we will be able to identify safe areas to remove invasive Himalayan Balsam by hand without impacting active nests.

This work site will be a new one for most. We will meet at the Rowing Pavilion Parking Lot and walk over together.  

The two work parties will take place from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Register at the links below:

BLPA Nature Connections 2024

** DUE TO THE SEVERE INCLEMENT WEATHER FORECASTED, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO JUNE 9, 11am-3pm**
(those who have registered will maintain their spots)

Join the BLPA as we celebrate the City of Burnaby’s Environment Week!

Burnaby Lake Regional Park is a jewel in the center of a bustling metropolis. It is a haven for wildlife and people in the heart of the region. Ducks, song​birds, fish and more make their home in this regional park. Level walking trails through mixed forest are a relaxing way for people to connect to nature without having to leave the city.

Join us at Piper Spit where we will have our displays up so you can learn about the birds, wildlife and plant life you will see around the park, the history of the BLPA, our stewardship activities to protect the environment, and how you can get involved.

We will be offering the following guided outings. Click here for more information and links to register.

  • 11:00 am to 12:00 pm – Introduction to Forest Bathing
  • 11:30 am to 12:30 pm – Amphibian Walk #1
  • 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm – Nature Walk with Mandarin Translation
  • 12:30 pm to 1:15 pm – Merlin Bird ID/eBird Walk
  • 01:30 pm to 2:30 pm – Amphibian Walk #2
  • 01:45 pm to 2:30 pm – iNaturalist Walk

Spaces are limited. Guided walks are FREE but registration is required. The registration links above will provide full details on how to download the apps and set up your accounts so you are prepared for the day of the event.

Burnaby Lake Regional Park Profile from Metro Vancouver on Vimeo.

World Migratory Bird Day Celebration

Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024
Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Place: Burnaby Lake, Piper Spit

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is an annual awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. It has a global outreach and is an effective tool to help raise global awareness of the threats faced by migratory birds, their ecological importance, and the need for international cooperation to conserve them.

Join the flock at Burnaby Lake and celebrate birds! Head out to Piper Spir to see who you can spot! Our friends from the Wildlife Rescue Association will teach you what to do if you find an injured bird and how to help keep birds safe.

We’re also offering several guided outings. Free but registration required.

  • 8:00 to 9:30 am – Experienced Birders Outing
  • 10:00 to 11:30 am – Beginner Birders Outing
  • 10:30 – 11:15 am – Merlin Bird ID/eBird Guided Outing #1 – learn how to use these popular birding phone apps to help you on your birding journey
  • 12:00 – 1:30 pm – Youth Beginner Birders Outing (ages 8-14)
  • 12:30 – 1:15 pm – Merlin Bird ID/eBird Guided Outing #2

This year, the theme for World Migratory Bird Day is Protect Bugs, Protect Birds! Insects are essential sources of energy for many migratory bird species, not only during the breeding seasons but also during their extensive journeys and greatly affect the timing, duration, and overall success of bird migrations. Along their migration routes, birds actively seek out insects in fields, forests, wetlands, and various habitats during stopovers.

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