Overview
Stanley Park is home to over 1500 native species, from Bald Eagles to busy beavers, stream invertebrates, owls, and marsh-dwelling amphibians (check out our Life List to learn more!). These critters are supported by the diversity of habitats within the Park, including forests, freshwater streams, bogs, and shorelines. However, the Park’s urban setting and abundance of human traffic places unique pressures on wildlife and the habitat they rely on.
That’s where wildlife and habitat monitoring comes in! With the support of volunteers, our Conservation Technician surveys a wide range of species and habitats to help track the health of Stanley Park’s ecosystems. We also support nesting swallows, Wood ducks, mason bees and six species of bats through providing nesting habitats in the forms of nest boxes, bee condos, and bat boxes. Whether it’s checking nest boxes, monitoring beavers, or identifying stream invertebrates to assess water quality, this work generates essential data to inform park management and share findings with the public, researchers, and government.
Photography by Marisa Bischoff
Our projects aim to gather baseline data on important environmental indicators and track changes in the Park’s ecological health.
Depending on the season, volunteers may support with:
- Intertidal surveys
- Squirrel surveys
- Nest box maintenance
- Mason bee cocoon maintenance
- Marsh monitoring
- Beaver monitoring
- Bat monitoring
- Monthly bird counts
- Nocturnal owl surveys
- Identifying and counting stream invertebrates
- More!
(Activities rotate depending on the time of year and the needs of the Park.)
Photography by Marisa Bischoff
Getting Involved
Surveys occur seasonally, with most activity in spring, summer, and fall. Surveys may occur at different times throughout the day, depending on the species. Volunteers are welcome to join us as often as available.
We reach out to volunteers in advance of new opportunities, and training is provided as needed on survey protocols, species identification, and field techniques.
Previous experience is always an asset but not required. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and comfortable working in a variety of outdoor settings and weather conditions throughout Stanley Park. Previous experience is always an asset but not required – we welcome anyone with curiousity and attention to detail.
Volunteering Benefits
- Opportunities to build skills in data collection, species ID, and using scientific protocols;
- Learn about local species, ecosystems, and conservation practices;
- 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.
Contact Us
We’re always happy to hear from people who are interested in getting involved with this kind of hands-on stewardship.
If that sounds like you, please register as a SPE volunteer by creating a Better Impact profile. Once approved, you can access the sign-up for survey sessions and recieve updates about the program.
If you’re a current volunteer with another program, just email vols@stanleyparkecology.ca to join.
Need support with setting up a Better Impact profile? Check out our Guide to Setting up a Better Impact Volunteer Account .
Photography by Marisa Bischoff