Photo: The Nature Conservancy of Canada
Did you know that more than 80 per cent of Canadians live in and around cities? Even though 90 per cent of us report we are happier when we’re connected to nature, it can be easy to overlook the nature in our own backyards.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) wants you to rediscover nature in your backyard at NatureTalks – City of Life: Rediscovering Nature in Your Own Backyard, happening November 20th at Science World in Vancouver. Moderator Duncan McCue, Host of CBC Radio One’s Cross Country Checkup, will lead the discussion with a panel of top thought leaders, including scientists, artists and prominent community figures. You can purchase tickets for the event HERE.
Speakers include Dr. Kai Chan, Professor, Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability at the University of British Columbia; Dr. Melissa Lem, Physician and CBC Life Commentator; Fernado Lessa, Photographer and Author for the Urban Salmon Project; Robyn Worcester, Natural Resource Management Specialist for Metro Vancouver; and Dan Kraus, NCC’s Senior Conservation Biologist.
NatureTalks is NCC’s Cross-Country Speaker Series. As part of this event, NCC will reveal their recently developed list of the top 10 nature hot spots in Vancouver, including Trout Lake and Jericho Beach Park.
Photo: Tourism Vancouver
While many locals adore Trout Lake, few know that the wetlands around Trout Lake provide habitat for Vancouver Island beggarticks, a globally rare plant. In addition, 160 bird species have been observed, including at-risk species such as band-tailed pigeon and black swift. Several ecological restoration projects have been completed here, and more are proposed to improve the lake’s water quality.
Known for its sandy beaches on English Bay, habitats at Jericho Beach also include alder thickets, marshes and freshwater ponds. Several nationally at-risk species have been observed. Jericho Beach is also a birding hot spot, with over 235 different species observed. A major restoration project in 2013 restored beach areas, which provide habitat for shore spawning marine fishes such as Pacific sand lance and surf smelt.
Photo: Tourism Vancouver
Find out what other hot spots made the new top 10 list by attending the upcoming NatureTalks event at Science World on November 20. Get your tickets today at natureconservancy.ca/naturetalks-vancouver.
