Category Archives: Plants

Summer Sundays with the BLPA – August edition

Get outside and get connected to Nature!

The Burnaby Lake Park Association will be “popping up” in the park this summer

Meet us in front of the Nature House on Sunday, August 11. We’ll be there with our display to answer your questions about the the plants and wildlife you will find in the park, what the BLPA does and how you can get involved.

Ask one of our volunteers about how to use the most popular nature apps. Learn what you can do to keep birds safe and about the Bird Friendly City Certification program.

We’re also offering the following guided outings:

Space is limited and registration is required. Please click the links above for more information and to register.

See you in the park!

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

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!