A well-kept secret
Iona Beach Regional Park in Richmond is home to two of the rarest ecosystems in southwestern BC -- sand dunes and saline dune meadows. Within these two ecosystems, you'll find some unusual plants and animals that have adapted to withstand some of the harshest conditions around -- little water, relentless sun and dessicating salt spray.
Iona also has other important wildlife habitat, including riparian areas along the Fraser River, wetlands and open grassland/shrubland. All these habitats are being negatively affected by invasive plants, especially Scotch broom. In the fall of 2006, the Greater Vancouver Invasive Plant Council, Vancouver Aquarium's Riverworks program and Evergreen came together with Metro Vancouver to facilitate stewardship efforts at Iona that are helping to restore habitat in the park, by removing invasive plants and replanting with appropriate native species.
Join us!
We hold a work party on the third Sunday of each month, starting at 10 a.m. and going until about 1 p.m. Whether you can stay a half hour or the full three, please come and lend a hand. In return, you'll learn about the natural aspects of Iona Beach Regional Park and feel good about keeping habitat in a healthy state for the wild creatures that call Iona home. The next scheduled work party is for Sunday, September 19.
Work gloves, tools and refreshments are available, but if you have your own gloves, a favourite spade or lopper, please feel free to bring them along! It's also a good idea to dress for the elements and bring water to stay hydrated. Meet at the washroom building at 10 a.m.
For more information, please contact Dawn Hanna at (604) 831-5069 or email or Andrew at (604) 689-0766 ext. 22. |
