Join the BLPA in the City Nature Challenge!

The Burnaby Lake Park Association is attending this year’s Burnaby Blooms and offering you an opportunity to learn how to use iNaturalist during this year’s City Nature Challenge (CNC), April 29-May 8, 2022.

What is the CNC? It’s an annual citizen science event that gets people outside to enjoy nature in their city as well as create a living record of urban wildlife. Participants are asked to get outside and take photos of wildlife (this includes both plants and animals!) using the free iNaturalist app or iNaturalist.ca. More than 400 cities took part in 2021 from around the world, 25 of which were right here in Canada.

While the City of Burnaby is not officially participating in the CNC this year, the BLPA wants to introduce the community to how fun an easy it is to use the iNaturalist app and website – simply snap a photo, share what you have seen and learn about the nature around you!

Join the BLPA at Burnaby Blooms for a workshop a guided walk to use the app:

  • DATE: Saturday, May 7
  • TIME: 2:30 – 3:30 pm. (2:30-3:00 – workshop, 3:00-3:30 walk to use the app
  • LOCATION: Deer Lake Park – see map below for meeting location
  • REGISTRATION: City of Burnaby registration link
  • COST: $5 – The City of Burnaby will accept Drop in fee on-site!

To get the most out of the workshop, please download the iNaturalist app ahead of time and set up your account.

You can put your iNaturalist app to use year-round, tracking biodiversity wherever and whenever you’re in the mood to observe nature. Many nature groups host projects like the CNC through the year. The BLPA will have a project this fall that you can join.

Go to iNaturalist.ca or download the iNaturalist app on your smartphone and set up an account.

If you’re new to iNaturalist, check out these tutorials on how iNaturalist works:

From the iNaturalist phone app: How to make an observation on iNaturalist

From the iNaturalist website: How to use iNaturalist’s Photo and Sound uploader

BLPA featured on CBC Our Vancouver

It was wonderful to have the opportunity to speak with host Gloria Macarenko of CBC Our Vancouver. A recent episode featured parks and the importance of nature in our lives. It was great to be able to tell her about the birds, wildlife and the community of volunteers who help protect Burnaby Lake Regional Park.

This segment was filmed in February when show was on hiatus during the Olympics. It was a grey day, but always lots to see and hear, whatever the weather.

Longtime part goers may recall some of the arhcival photos they shared and can see how the park has changed from the original footage.

BLPA Board – Call for Expression of Interest

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 18, 2022. For the term ahead, we are currently searching for individuals who can contribute to the organization with their developed skills in one or more areas such as:

  • Passionate about Burnaby Lake Regional Park and nature 
  • Knowledge of, and interest in the natural world and enjoy sharing this knowledge 
  • Knowledge of Website design and development 
  • Project management 

In addition, ideal candidates will have any of the following:

  • Belief in protecting our parks 
  • Experience working/volunteering in our parks 
  • Knowledge of First Nations cultures and traditions  

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. We are currently meeting by using the Zoom platform.
  • When we are able to meet in person again, they will likely take place at the Metro Vancouver Central Area office on Avalon Avenue.
  • Additional time spent depends on what else you decide to get involved with such as subcommittees (e.g., governance, stewardship) and/or hands on volunteering with activities such as stewardship and outreach. 
  • A basic comfort level using technology will be required. Our board communications are mainly done using email, and reports using word processing or spreadsheet programs. During the pandemic, we have switched to online meetings, and will continue to use this platform as needed when we are unable to meet in person, and to reduce travel required.

We appreciate our new members providing a valuable fresh perspective on things and new ideas.

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 Expression of Interest to Susan WIlkinson, Chair of the Nominating Committee at sbaitonwil (at) gmail.com.

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO: 5 pm, APRIL 1, 2022.

If you have any further questions, you can contact the BLPA’s Chair, Irene Lau.

Download: Expression of Interest form.