by Lori Austin
At the June 8th committee meeting, the following items were discussed:
- BMN activities and communication during Covid-19 restrictions (Christina): Suggestions included starting a Bio-Blitz project Christina), regular Facebook posts and online presentations (Christina), a pop-up “Ask a Naturalist” tent in a city park (Liz), creating pollinator gardens (Lori).
- Northeast community centre development (Elaine, Victoria, Lori): The BMN executive and Ed/Con committee was invited to a presentation via Zoom by Coquitlam City staff. A follow-up list of questions was sent to the city and responses received. A small number (due to Covid restrictions) of BMN members will be invited to a guided onsite visit later this summer.
- Como Lake (Lori, Liz): Bird counts have continued and are posted on eBird each month. Part-time park hosts have had a positive effect on adherence to park rules. There has been reduced abuse of the fishing rules. People are spaced apart on the docks due to social distancing. Red-winged blackbirds nested this year! Pied-billed grebes have also been seen regularly. We hope to continue with invasive plant removal in the fall.
- Blakeburn Lagoons Park (John, Christina): John and Christina had a successful meeting with the parks department to discuss vegetation management. There is an urgent need to remove some of the willows that are crowding out other ecological zones. The park originally had many unique ecosystems in its design which attracted a wide variety of bird species. Advocacy is needed.
- Bear Aware (Jim, Judy): The TriCity Bear Aware program has had cut-backs but Wild Safe BC may support the program during Covid-19. Everyone is encouraged to leave natural forage (e.g. salmonberries) and remove bird feeders during bear season.
- Shoreline Park (Jim, Judy): The herons are under attack from eagles. There are only nine active nests left and 17 chicks.
- Beaver and fish management (John): John, Jim and Judy were asked by the City of Port Moody to help remove a small beaver dam. The beavers did not try to restore this small step dam. These same three volunteers helped with a City fish sampling to determine fish presence/absence in Suter Brook Creek. Species found included rainbow and cutthroat trout, coho salmon, and dragonfly larvae.