TriCities Nature Challenge 2024
Friday April 26 to Monday April 29
Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam are collaborating with BMN and other groups to host free events and activities as part of the City Nature Challenge, a friendly global competition that encourages people to find and document wild animals and plants in their cities. Participants document their findings using iNaturalist. Join in on the many events planned, or go out and document nature in your neighborhood.
BMN members are leading several events, so you’re bound to see some familiar friendly faces!
See the following web pages for what is happening in each of the Tri-Cities
Coquitlam: https://coquitlam.ca/1151/City-Nature-Challenge
Port Coquitlam: https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/city-services/environmental-services/city-nature-challenge/
BMN Water Quality Monitoring Projects
Sunday April 28, 9:00 am – 10:00 am
The usual day for these sessions is the last Sunday of the month, but the date is weather dependent. Check with the leaders for meeting places, dates and times. New volunteers are welcome!
Monthly monitoring is done concurrently at two locations:
Como Lake – contact Liz Thunstrom (elizabeththunstrom@telus.net).
Lost Lake and Mundy Lake in Mundy Park – contacts: Chris & Evelyn Thomson (ecco@telus.net).
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When: Sunday, April 28, 2024 – 1:30pm to 3:00pm (2 hrs)
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Where: Mossom Creek Hatchery, Mossom Creek Dr (off Ioco Rd), up gravel road 1km
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What: Tour the beautiful and fully-accessible Mossom Creek Hatchery, nestled in the forest and recently gold-certified by the Rick Hansen Accessibility Foundation. Identify watershed plants and animals with an easy app (iNaturalist) and contribute to a global data base. Please dress for the weather, as this tour will proceed as scheduled rain or shine. Be sure to download the iNaturalist app for iPhone or Android in advance.
Ages 5+ welcome, registration required. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.Registration Required: Register here!Capacity: 15
This is a hike sponsored by the City of Coquitlam and registration is required.
This beginner hike will travel through the lush upper section of Miller Ravine while taking time to enjoy nature. Descend steeply into the forested area of the Chines before regaining elevation steeply, on a narrow trail, to make a loop back to the starting point. On a clear day, great views of the mountains to the north can be seen. Roundtrip distance is 4 km with a cumulative elevation gain of 130 m
Please contact Ian (604.939. 4039) for more info.
Below is a link to register and for other hikes and presentations.
Register or for information at 604-927-4386
Move the Dial at City Council: Growing Biodiversity in Local Communities
Saturday May 4, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Port Moody Ecological Society’s Fingerling Festival will be held in the Port Moody skating arena (300 Ioco Rd, Port Moody) and at the Noons Creek Hatchery. It’s a free, educational and fun day, especially for kids! Help release 40,000 young chum into Noons Creek and view displays from environmental groups in the lower mainland. Enjoy the music, children’s activities and food. BMN will be there with our displays. To volunteer, email BurkeMtnNats@gmail.com.
Everyone is encouraged to carpool, use public transit or cycle to the event as this is a green event, and parking is very limited.
This loop trip will travel on less traveled trails and on side roads through Coquitlam and Port Moody. The group will descend through a forested area into Port Moody before regaining elevation on undulating narrow and sometimes overgrown trails. The tranquil sound of Williams and Dallas Creeks can be heard along the way. We will then make our way back to the starting point via side roads. Roundtrip distance is 7 km with a cumulative elevation gain of 250 m. Meet at 6:00 pm. Return 8:30 pm. Please contact Ian (604. 939. 4039) for more info.
Move the Dial at City Council: Growing Biodiversity in Local Communities
SFU SCIENCE RENDEZVOUS 2024!
Welcome to SFU Science Rendezvous and International Astronomy Day 2024! We are back on May 11th, 2024 with a new line-up of exciting events, activities, and demos! Come back closer to the date for more information and registration.
2024 live event highlights:
- Magic Chemistry Show at SFU Science Theatre
- Trottier Observatory Drop-in Tours for Astronomy enthusiasts
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Science hands-on activities
- Stay connected! Follow us @sfuscience on Facebook for event updates.
Come out and enjoy a morning of exercise while helping the environment. We will be cutting the invasive plant Japanese knotweed as part of our ongoing work in controlling it. This is the first work party of 2024. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear as we will be working on the side of the dikes. Don’t forget water and, if it’s hot and sunny, the sunscreen. The Friends of DeBoville Slough work with the City of Coquitlam and we will supply tools but if you have a favourite pair of clippers or loppers feel free to bring them along. Meet at the kiosk on the north dike at DeBoville Slough Trailhead, 4100 Cedar Dr at 9:00AM. Please contact David (778.230.1509) for more info.
May Club In-Person Meeting: Wait, Mate, and Migrate – The Story of the Monarch Butterfly
Tuesday May 14, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
This presentation delves into the scientific wonders and beauty of the Monarch butterfly. We’ll witness the Monarchs as they overwinter, mate, and embark on an incredible, multi-generational journey from the mountains of Central Mexico north to Canada and back. The intricate ecological balance that sustains the majestic Monarchs and the urgency of protecting their habitat will also be explored. Nancy Furness holds a PhD in plant physiology and is part of the group ‘Wondrous Tree Fellowship’ and an active BMN member.
Held at Como Lake United Church, 535 Marmont St. Coquitlam. There is underground parking (enter from the lane behind the church, which can be accessed off Marmont or Gatensbury) and ample street parking.
This is a presentation sponsored by the City of Coquitlam and registration is required.
This is a slide show presentation and discussion, led by Ian McArthur, to learn about what you are seeing while walking and hiking in local forests. With over 35 years of experience hiking local trails, Ian will discuss ways you can enrich your outing by being able to identify native plants and trees. Geared towards beginner naturalists.
Please contact Ian (604.939. 4039) for more info.
Below is a link to register and for other hikes and presentations.
Register or for information at 604-927-4386
WORKSHOP 1: NEIGHBOURHOOD WALKABOUT
The first of three workshops, this workshop will review the science on climate change and regional climate projections for Metro Vancouver. You will then apply this to your neighbourhood and explore it’s greatest needs using the Citizen’s Coolkit.
Questions? Get in touch with us: Rotary Club of Coquitlam
Email: environmentcoqrotary@gmail.com
This is a hike sponsored by the City of Coquitlam and registration is required.
This intermediate hike will take in the power line right-of-way on Westwood Plateau to gain elevation into the wonderful forest of Ridge Park. There will be a chance for great views overlooking Coquitlam and beyond. This hike will be a combination of wide and narrow trails with some steep sections and one stream crossing without a bridge. There is at least one section where hands might be needed for extra balance. Roundtrip distance is 6km with an elevation gain of 245 m.
Please contact Ian (604.939. 4039) for more info.
Below is a link to register and for other hikes and presentations.
Register or for information at 604-927-4386
WORKSHOP 2: INTERACTIVE MAPPING AND VISIONING
The second of three workshops. Based on the needs identified in Workshop 1, held March 16, you will explore and prioritize practical local solutions via Coolkit mapping and visioning exercises.
Questions? Get in touch with us: Rotary Club of Coquitlam
Email: environmentcoqrotary@gmail.com