Our activities include Hiking, Nature Walks, Birding, Bat Monitoring, Botanizing, Education and Outreach, Conservation and Monthly Meetings featuring informative guest speakers.
Non-members are welcome to participate in these activities as a way to preview our club and meet our friendly members prior to joining our group.
Visit our calendar of events for a list of scheduled activities.
Burke Mountain Naturalists (BMN) was formed in 1989 by local residents interested in enjoying nature, encouraging nature awareness, and conserving local green spaces.
We are a club based in Coquitlam, BC, with a focus on the enjoyment and awareness of nature through activities and education.
Whether you are starting your exploration of nature in the Tri-Cities area (Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam) or are an experienced naturalist, we invite you to join us. Meet people who share your interests such as hiking, walking, birding, nature appreciation, and conservation.
Come as a guest and drop in to one of our monthly meetings, or participate in an scheduled activity,to learn more about us.
For details, visit the Vancouver International Bird Festival web site
You can learn more about the bats in our area by joining the BMN bat team on a bat monitoring outing. The outing begins with a brief introduction about the bats. Then, when the sun begins to set, we count the bats as they
leave their roosts and fly around the area. You will have the opportunity to detect and identify the bat species by using an ultrasound echolocation detector.
We meet at a designated location 30 minutes before sunset and can stay for up to 30 minutes after sunset. Check the daily sunset table
To get details about the meeting location, contact Christina Saremba by email at 2sarembas@gmail.com or phone at 604.351.9643.
NOTE: The outing will be rescheduled if it is raining or very windy. Check the web site for updates.
This moderate to moderately strenuous hike by any standards a truly magnificent place. Elfin Lakes are set at the end of an open ridge with breathtaking views of Mt. Garibaldi and Mamquam Mountain. There is a chance for some hardy souls who would like to go for a dip in one of the lakes that is open for swimming. Roundtrip distance is 22 km with a cumulative elevation gain of 750 m. Meet at 7:30 am. Return 6:30 pm.
Please contact Mahasti (604. 603. 9865) for more info
This event has been cancelled.
You can learn more about the bats in our area by joining the BMN bat team on a bat monitoring outing. The outing begins with a brief introduction about the bats. Then, when the sun begins to set, we count the bats as they leave their roosts and fly around the area. You will have the opportunity to detect and identify the bat species by using an ultrasound echolocation detector.
We meet at a designated location 30 minutes before sunset and can stay for up to 30 minutes after sunset. Check the daily sunset table
To get details about the meeting location, contact Christina Saremba by email at 2sarembas@gmail.com or phone at 604.351.9643.
NOTE: The outing will be rescheduled if it is raining or very windy. Check the web site for updates.
This is a hike sponsored by the City of Coquitlam. Registration (633772) and signed waiver form is required.
This evening of exercise and hiking will take in Colony Farm, Citadel Heights, and end with watching a sunset by the Fraser River. Most of the hike is on level ground, but there is one short steep uphill section. Time will be taken to enjoy the views and wildlife in the area. Roundtrip distance is 6.5km with an elevation gain of 80 m. Meet at 6:00pm. Return approximately 8:30pm
For questions or to register contact the City of Coquitlam Registration Line (604. 927. 4386).
For additional info contact Ian (604. 939. 4039).
This will be the 25th annual celebration of the spectacular trees on the Riverview Hospital Lands in Couqitlam.This is a free event, suitable for the whole family. Lots of free parking. Admission and activities are all FREE. Event will be held rain or shine. The day’s activities include
BMN will be there with our displays and activities. For more info and for detailed maps, see the TREEFEST website.
Our guest speaker this month is Dr. Brent Ward who will give a presentation on earthquakes. [Details to be announced].
Our location is:
King of Life Lutheran Church
1198 Falcon Dr (SW corner of Falcon and Guildford)
Coquitlam BC
There is parking in the church parking lot, off the Falcon Drive entrance.
This strenuous loop hike takes in part of the Skywalk North Trail on the west side of Whistler. Beautiful Screaming Cat Lake will be our main objective, but a side trip to the Valley Lookout offers views of Blackcomb Peak, Whistler Mountain, Cougar Mountain, Soo River, and Rainbow Mountain. Roundtrip distance is 15 km with an elevation gain of 1000 m. Meet in Coquitlam at 6:00 am. Return at 7:00 pm. This hike will go ahead only if the weather is favourable.
Please contact Ian (604. 939. 4039) for more info. and/or to register your interest.
Our guest speakers this month are Dr. John Reynolds and Dr. Isabelle Cote who will give a presentation on their experience exploring the land and sea of the Galapagos islands.
Our location is:
King of Life Lutheran Church
1198 Falcon Dr (SW corner of Falcon and Guildford)
Coquitlam BC
There is parking in the church parking lot, off the Falcon Drive entrance.
Join the Friends of DeBoville Slough and the City of Coquitlam for a morning of good exercise while helping the environment. We will be working to control the invasive plant, Japanese knotweed. We will meet at the kiosk on the north side of the slough at 9AM. Wear sturdy footwear, and dress for the weather as we go rain or shine. If it is hot and sunny don’t forget the sunscreen and water. The Friends of DeBoville Slough will supply tools but if you have a favourite pair of hand clippers or loppers, feel free to bring them along. As there is a waiver to sign anyone under the age of 19 will need a parent or guardian to sign.
BMN will be having a display table and providing an educational session on bats at this festival.
There will be activities, performers, exhibitors, and storytelling that will reveal local night animals. Bring a flashlight and allow 1.5 hours to complete.
Park at the Pacific Academy (10238 – 10300 168 Street, surrey) and take a free shuttle to the day use area starting at 5:30 pm as there is limited parking at the day use area in the park.
This is a free event.
The Hoy Creek Fish Hatchery celebrates the return of BC’s favourite fish with fishy activities including salmon viewing, children’s crafts and music. BMN will be at this annual celebration with our display and children’s puzzles along with many other volunteers and local stewardship groups. Dress for the weather.
The Hoy Creek Hatchery is a 7 min. walk from the Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain Station, and is located in Hoy Creek Linear Park, west of the City Centre Aquatic Complex ( Pinetree and Guildford Way). Free parking is available at Coquitlam City Hall, Pinetree Community Centre and Douglas College. Location via Google maps.
For more details, visit the Hoy-Scott Creek web site
It has been a super-active year for BMN, and this slide presentation will give some of the highlights of 2018. BMN President Ian McArthur will show photos from this year’s hikes, cycle trips, birding, bat monitoring, botanizing outings, community events and more. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about BMN if you’ve been thinking of joining us, or if you’ve recently joined and are not yet aware of all that the club does. We enter our 30th year in the community in January, and always welcome new members.
Please note that this slide show is a compilation of photos taken by BMN members, and that Ian is still seeking more photos. If you have photos to contribute, please send them to Ian at imcart@telus.net
This meeting will be held at
King of Life Lutheran Church
1198 Falcon Dr (SW corner of Falcon and Guildford)
Coquitlam BC
There is parking in the church parking lot, off the Falcon Drive entrance.
This is the 19th year of celebrating of the returning salmon to Hyde Creek. BMN will be there with our displays and children’s puzzles at this very popular (indoor) event. Hosted by the Hyde Creek Watershed Society and held at the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre. This is the last local community event of the season and provides excellent views of spawning salmon in nearby Hyde Creek and it’s free!
For more info, click here.
NOTE: The December meeting with be on Tuesday due to a scheduling conflict with the church.
The BMN Annual General Meeting will be a very short session in which officers for the coming year will be elected. The main event at this meeting is the annual BMN Silent Auction. Available at the silent auction will be items and gift certificates donated by local businesses plus items and baked goods donated by BMN members. Calendars from the Wilderness Committee will be offered for sale. There will be musical entertainment and festive beverages and goodies to enjoy. This year, the bulk of funds raised will be used to donate to the [to be determine]. Auction items come in a range of prices, and are ideal as gifts for people on your list or for yourself. Back this year is a 50/50 draw.
Everyone is welcome
NOTE: Doors open early at 7:00 pm for viewing and bidding.
This meeting will be held at
King of Life Lutheran Church
1198 Falcon Dr (SW corner of Falcon and Guildford)
Coquitlam BC
There is parking in the church parking lot, off the Falcon Drive entrance.
