Overview
Stanley Park Ecology monitors wildlife and habitat in Stanley Park and beyond. Stanley Park is home to at minimum 1500 native species, including species like Bald Eagles and Great Blue Herons, Barn Swallows, and elusive species such as American mink. All of these species experience the impact of human traffic in some way, making it critical to support the biodiversity of the Park. Stanley Park Ecology believes that we need to give the plants, animals, and other organisms space to live, treat them with respect (which includes not feeding them), and provide some species with critical nesting habitat.
Our wildlife and habitat monitoring programs provide information to support park management, and we share our results with all levels of government, community groups, and local academic institutions. These programs rely on the time donated by dedicated volunteers and advice from professional biologists.
Our projects aim to gather baseline data on important environmental indicators and track changes in the Park’s ecological health. Volunteers interested in wildlife surveys can support projects including:
- Eagle nest surveys
- Beaver monitoring
- Bat monitoring
- Monthly bird counts
- Nocturnal owl surveys
- Salmonberry quantification
- Listening for frogs
- Identifying and counting stream invertebrates
- More!
Please note that surveys occur seasonally.
Requirements
Habitat and Wildlife Monitoring projects provide an experiential learning opportunity for volunteers. Extensive experience is not required, as long as you can demonstrate interest and attention to detail in all survey activities.
- Interest in wildlife or ecology;
- Must be 16 years of age or older;
- Willingness to be active outdoors, in all weather conditions.
Time Commitment
Surveys occur seasonally, with more opportunities typically available in the spring, summer and fall. Habitat and Wildlife Monitoring volunteers are contacted in advance of new survey schedules.
Location
All Wildlife and Habitat Monitoring programs take place in-person in Stanley Park.
Training
Volunteers assist our Conservation Technician, who provides ongoing training on using established scientific protocol to conduct surveys. Depending on the scope of the survey, species identification training may also be included.
Benefits
- Public education and communication skills and improved conflict resolution skills
- Coyote natural history and activity in Vancouver
- Urban wildlife issues and management skills
- Use of Microsoft Access and Excel and for inputting inquiries
- Attend the twice yearly volunteer appreciation events;
- Reference letter available after completion of 25 hours of volunteering;
- Access the benefits available to all volunteers including discounted membership.
Application Procedure
If you are interested in getting involved in Habitat and Wildlife Monitoring projects, please email Harper Johnston, Volunteer Coordinator, at vols@stanleyparkecology.ca, with the following:
- Your resume;
- A short description detailing (i) why you are interested in volunteering with Habitat and Wildlife Monitoring; (ii) why you believe you are suitable for the role and (iii) any relevant experience you may have;
Please include ‘Habitat and Wildlife Monitoring Volunteer’ and your name in the subject line.