Providing Habitats
From shorelines to deep, dark forests, and freshwater streams to bogs, it is the diversity of habitats found in Stanley Park that leads to its biodiversity. The mature forest that covers much of the Park provides habitat for squirrels, owls and other forest birds, raccoons, and nesting eagles. More open areas, on the other hand, provide feeding habitat for swallows and bats, while bodies of water support waterfowl and breeding amphibians.
SPES supports nesting Tree Swallows, Violet-green Swallows and Wood Ducks by erecting and maintaining nest boxes. We also help mason bees – important pollinators – by providing them with a secure, clean nesting place. Our bat boxes throughout Stanley Park offer protected roosts for the six species of bats found here.
Restoring Habitat
Invasive Species Management
In Stanley Park, there are 72 non-native, invasive plant species. The management of these species is a priority for SPES – with the goal of conserving and restoring the natural ecosystems, habitats and species present in the Park.
To realize this goal, SPES started its Ivy Busters program in 2004 in partnership with the Vancouver Park Board. Over the years this program has changed its scope and is now called the Stanley Park Eco-Stewards Program. The main objectives of the program are to:
- Eradicate and/or reduce the spread of invasive species and restore degraded habitats by planting native species, decommissioning unsanctioned trails, and adding course woody debris and other enhancements.
- Utilize GIS mapping to assess the impacts of invasive species, plan and coordinate our management actions, and monitor the results of our invasive species management programs.
- Educate the public about the impacts invasive species are having on our environment and how to mitigate these impacts.
- Provide volunteers with a fun, empowering and rewarding opportunity to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity.
If you are interested in participating in removing invasive species, please contact vols@stanleyparkecology.ca, or check out our events calendar for upcoming EcoStewards events.
To book a private restoration tour or stewardship event for a group, please contact vols@stanleyparkecology.ca.