Visit our display at the entrance to Piper Spit to learn about our history, the stewardship work we do and the native species that have benefited from the efforts of our volunteers.
Many birds are also passing through on their spring migration journey along the Pacific Flyway. For the birds that spend spring and summer here, it is the breeding season and there are many nests being built throughout the park. In British Columbia, birds and their nests are protected under the provincial Wildlife Act and the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act. This means restrictions to when and where vegetation clearing may be permitted. As a result, we are unable to host an invasive species removal work party at Piper Spit at this time.
However, you can sign up for a BLPA guided nature walk using popular nature apps and learn how to identify and record your observations, including many of the native species that BLPA volunteers have planted, and the year round and seasonal birds that have been observed at Burnaby Lake!
It’s Spring and the BLPA will be out in the park and community, connecting people to Nature with guided outings and displays. Details and registration information will be posted soon.
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)
