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BLPA at Burnaby Pride 2023

The Burnaby Lake Park Association is excited to be participating in Burnaby Pride activities this year. The BLPA supports all community members, and welcomes BIPOC community members to volunteer or participate in our regularly offered free programming such as nature outings. Our Board is composed of several members of the BIPOC community and we are guided by a commitment to inclusion and equity in all that we do.

We are participating in two events on Saturday, July 22.

9:00 to 10:30 AM
First, celebrate Burnaby Pride with a guided bird outing for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies at Burnaby Lake Regional Park! All skill levels welcome.  Space limited. Free but registration required. Details and registration here.

12:00 to 6:00 PM
Then we will be headed to the Burnaby Pride Festival at Burnaby Civic Square with our information booth so you can find out about our activities and how to get involved. This event is organised by Burnaby Pride.

See you there!

World Migratory Bird Day – Spring 2023

World Migratory Bird Day 2023 focuses on water and its importance to bird life.

Water is fundamental to sustaining life on our planet. Virtually all migratory birds rely on water and its associated habitats at some point during their life cycles. Lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, wetlands, and coastal waters are all vital for feeding, drinking, or nesting, and as places to rest and refuel during long seasonal migrations.

Unfortunately, these aquatic ecosystems are becoming increasingly threatened around the world, and so are the migratory birds that depend on them. The increasing human demand for water, as well as pollution and climate change, is having a direct impact on the quantity and quality of water resources and on the conservation status of many migratory bird species.

Learn more in the graphic below:

https://burnabylakepark.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-ENG

Featured species in this year’s campaign include the Northern Shoveler, Rufous Hummingbird, Osprey, and Barn Swallow, just a few of the migratory birds you might encounter on a walk near Burnaby Lake this spring.

Add your name to become a Migratory Birds Defender.

Canada’s birds are in trouble. Grassland birds, aerial insectivores, and shorebirds have all experienced alarming population declines, and many more remain at-risk.

As Migratory Bird Defenders, we are asking decision-makers at all levels of government to promote healthy bird populations as a critical part of the ecosystems we all depend on.  Help us deliver a united call on behalf of Canada’s 450 bird species whose vanishing songs, chirps, tweets, and caws demand a simple but urgent message: it’s time to stand up for our country’s birds.

Add your name to become a Migratory Bird Defender and learn more about how you can protect birds in your community.

Check out the BLPA’s Bird Resources page.

BLPA Weedbusters Welcomes New Volunteers!

Like most organisations, the BLPA had to cease our activities during 2020.  When we were able to resume, we proceeded cautiously, within Metro Vancouver Regional Park and Provincial Health Orders. After developing a COVID-19 safety plan, our work parties looked different from pre-pandemic times: very small groups of existing volunteers, physical distancing, PPE, pre-registration and sanitization protocol.  As provincial health orders eased, we modified our protocols, assessed, and made more adjustments with the goal to ensure that all participants continue to feel safe and comfortable while participating in BLPA activities. 

We are happy to announce that the BLPA is now ready to open our stewardship events to new volunteers.  Did you know, our invasive plant species removal program, also known as “Weedbusters”, began in 2004 which makes it one of the first community group programs to do this important work. 

You do not need any prior experience or knowledge to volunteer. You will learn everything you need to know during the event orientation and there will be experienced volunteers or BLPA DIrectors to answer any questions.

We are starting to organise sessions this month to welcome new volunteers. Please complete the volunteer registration form and our Coordinator will be in touch with details.

We look forward to welcoming you!