Category Archives: Uncategorized

Rhododendron Festival 2018

IMG_8972It was a glorious day out at the Shadbolt Centre and Deer Lake Park and a great time at the City of Burnaby’s Annual Rhododendron festival meeting members of the community and visitors. Thanks to everyone who came to visit our display and ask questions about Invasive species, native plants, our Weedbuster program, mason bees, nest boxes, birds and wildlife in Burnaby Lake Regional Park.

If you missed picking up some of our handouts, you can find links here:

 

Saving Burnaby Lake

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

 – Margaret Mead

Meet Joe Sadowski, one of the BLPA’s founding members in 1972.

MV-Burnaby_Lake_0085_Joe_Sadowski

Photo/Story: Metro Vancouver “Humans of Regional Parks”

“In the late 1960s, Burnaby was running into problems with disposal of garbage. So the idea was that they would use this area as a garbage dump. Our group became very active politically; our plan was to preserve this lake. Our group became known as the Burnaby Lake Park Association. I’ve been volunteering in this park for about 45 years. It makes me feel good to see how the park is being used. I could not imagine it being a garbage dump. It is a very pleasant surprise to see the number of people using it.”

An invitation to a special event to discover more

Learn about the community activists who worked to clean up and preserve the aquatic environment of Burnaby Lake. Community members are invited to bring their own stories and memories to share. This talk is presented by Rebeca Salas. Rebeca Salas is a museum registrar at the Burnaby Village Museum. As an MA candidate in geography at Simon Fraser University, Rebeca is interested in the relationship between memory and place.

DATE:    Wednesday, October 11
TIME:     7:00 to 8:00 pm
PLACE:  McGill Branch, Burnaby Public Library – 4595 Albert Street

This event is free, but space is limited. To avoid disappointment please register online  or by calling 604-436-5400.

Saving Burnaby Lake is one of eight events in the Burnaby Neighbourhood Histories Series. Presented in partnership by the Burnaby Village Museum, the Burnaby Public Library, and the Burnaby Historical Society.

burnaby-village-museum-carousel_logo    bpl

Don’t Let It Loose! Be a Responsible Pet Owner

As a suitable follow up from #WorldTurtleDay yesterday and to highlight the population of endangered Painted Turtles who make Burnaby Lake Regional Park their home.

Dont-let-it-loose-logo-web
The Invasive Species Council of BC has proclaimed May  as Invasive Species Action Month.

While we usually think of invasive plants first, they also include animals and organisms that are not native to BC, and have serious impacts on our environment, economy and society. Invasive species can out-compete native species for food and space, damage ecosystems, disrupt food sources and introduce parasites and disease.  Some of the most serious invasive species were originally sold as pets or plants for water gardens and aquariums.

Most pets don’t survive in the wild – some die by being killed by predators or hit by cars, and others die of starvation. It is inhumane to release an animal into an environment it is not accustomed to. Releasing a pet into an unsuitable habitat is also considered animal cruelty and charges can be laid (BC SPCA).  However, several species have the ability to thrive and reproduce in their new environment.

The following exotic pet and plant species are commonly released into the wild, and have had serious impacts on BC’s native ecosystems and natural flora and fauna.

  • Red Eared Slider Turtles
  • European Rabbit
  • American Bullfrog
  • Koi Carp
  • Goldfish
  • Eurasian Watermilfoil
  • Parrot Feather
  • Brazilian Elodea

For example, the  Endangered Western Painted Turtle is a native Species at Risk within Burnaby Lake Regional Park and has faced many challenges with Red Eared Slider Turtles from pet shops that people have released into Burnaby Lake when they decide they no longer want their pet.  with which they compete.

Plants and animals should never be released into the wild: For information on actions to take visit www.bcinvasives.ca and www.bcinvasivesmonth.com.  Any sightings of these or other invasive species should be reported to the local invasive species committee.  Remember to sign the Don’t Let It Loose Commitment Form.