Boundary Bay Regional Park is one of only three areas of coastal sand ecosystems in the Fraser Lowlands and is regionally important for plants, invertebrates, birds and other species.
That makes it an excellent example of what “biodiversity” actually means, which is why the Fraser River Discovery Centre has chosen it to be the location for its next BioDiversity Speaker Series event on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
“Most people may know Boundary Bay as simply a beautiful place to visit,” said Stephen Bruyneel, the centre’s director of external relations and development. “But it actually is far more than that, being home to flora and fauna that are dependent on the ecological processes and composition that are unique to coastal sand ecosystems.”
Boundary Bay includes three provincially rare ecological communities and historical habitat for the endangered streaked horned lark and coastal vesper sparrow. Although the lark and sparrow are no longer found in this area, the park is home to many other plants, birds and animals.
“We are thrilled to be teaming up with Markus Merkens, a regional parks biologist for Metro Vancouver, for a walk-and-talk that will provide a glimpse of these ecosystems,” added Bruyneel. “Markus will discuss how the last ice age set the foundation for the evolution of these sparsely vegetated communities, as well as what needs to be done to conserve the biodiversity contained within them.”
Funded primarily by the Sitka Foundation, the BioDiversity Speakers Series hopes to increase public awareness and understanding of Fraser River biodiversity. Each of the sessions in the series will feature local biodiversity experts leading walking tours that provide a hands-on opportunity to learn about the biodiversity of the mighty river.
Tickets to this event are $5 per person or $15 per family. They can be purchased in advance at https://www.fraserriverdiscovery.org/node/142or by calling 604-521-8401.
