Tag: Wetlands

From Theory to Practice — Salt Spring Island Wetlands Institute 2018

Narrowly avoiding the Pacific Storms, the BCWF Wetlands Education Program (WEP) team was lucky to spend time away from our office in Surrey and in the safe haven of Salt Spring Island for the 16th annual Wetlands Institute. 23 enthusiastic participants from a mix of backgrounds, including: Non-profits, First Nations, Hobby Farmers, Consultants, Government, and Archaeologists,…
New Hope for Wetlands in B.C. — FREP Wetland Health Assessment

Earlier this year, the BCWF’s Wetlands Education Program received a contract from the Government of British Columbia to develop a protocol to assess the health of wetlands as part of the Forest and Range Evaluation Program (FREP). The protocol is designed to assess wetlands that have been impacted by forestry operations. However, there may be…
Touring the Interior — A Map our Marshes Double Feature

Nimbly avoiding the mounting floodwaters, the Wetlands Education Program team hosted two Map our Marshes workshops in Peachland (May 6) and Salmo (May 10), sandwiching a mélange of wetland site visits, presentations, and restoration prescriptions. Held in partnership with the Peachland Watershed Protection Alliance, the first workshop began in the charming “Little Schoolhouse” before proceeding…
Stars Align for 2017 Wetlands Institute — East Kootenays

For most of the summer it appeared as though the 2017 Wetlands Institute may have had to make a drastic change in scheduling and, for the first time in history, proceed without any accompanying wetland restoration projects. With B.C. experiencing the worst wildfire season ever recorded, the three restoration projects that would have made the bulk…
Across the Lower Mainland — 2016 Wetlands Institute

Did you know that up to 70% of wetlands have been lost in settled areas of Canada? In the Lower Mainland the number is even higher. Between 1827 and 1990, over 85% of wetlands were lost, mainly due to agriculture and development. With Metro Vancouver’s population expected to rise to 3.4million people by 2041 (that’s…
Species Profile — Belted Kingfisher

The Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is a medium-sized bird commonly found near rivers, lakes, estuaries, and wetlands across North America. Ranging from 28 to 30 cm in height, with a wingspan of 48 to 58 cm, this striking species is known for its shaggy crest, sharp dagger-like bill, and loud, mechanical rattle call. Its plumage…
Species Profile — Grizzly Bear

Grizzly bears are one of British Columbia’s most iconic and ecologically vital species. These powerful mammals are a subspecies of the brown bear. While both are part of the same species (Ursus arctos), grizzly bears are specifically known as Ursus arctos horribilis. In other words, all grizzlies are brown bears, but not all brown bears…
Species Profile — Bog Star

With its bright, star-like white petals standing out against the darker greens and browns of wetland groundcover, the Northern Grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia palustris)—commonly called the Bog Star—is a striking and unmistakable wetland plant. Its five radiant petals sit atop a solitary upright stem, with most foliage concentrated at the base, creating a simple yet elegant bloom…
Species Profile — Long-Billed Dowitcher

The long-billed dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus) is a medium-to-large shorebird often seen in British Columbia during its fall migration along the Pacific Flyway. Though less commonly spotted in winter, some individuals remain in southern parts of the province before continuing their journey as far south as Central America during colder months. This species is a classic…
Update on KLO Middle School: Painted Turtles and Fish Will Soon Settle Into a New naturalized Creek and Wetland Complex

In 2010, students at K.L.O. Middle School in Kelowna discovered nesting Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta) in their long jump sandbox. Michelle—a science teacher, the school’s Eco Club leader, and a past participant of the Wetlands Institute in Kamloops 2010—recognized the importance of protecting and enhancing this habitat, as Painted Turtles are a blue-listed species at…