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September 2, 2022
Hello Park Ambassadors, Members, and Friends
In this newsletter you'll find:
- DRBIPA Book Club - New!
- 2022 Big Bog Restoration Cleanup
- Community Appreciation
- Dragonflies vs. Damselflies at Derby Reach and in BC
- FAQ: How Does Invasive Ivy Wipe Out Towering Trees?
- Archaeology in the Township
- Regional Parks Highlights: Once Upon A Field
- DRBIPA Members Recommend...
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Want to learn more about nature and discover some great authors? Fiction and non-fiction alike, all about nature, ecology, and conservation. Join us for our new quarterly DRBIPA Book Club! Register for the book club by emailing us at outreach@drbipa.org or replying to this newsletter.
We'll be reading a book each quarter and getting together in Fort Langley (and in the parks during warmer weather!) near the end of each quarter to discuss what we've read:
- October - December 2022: Finding the Mother Tree: Uncovering the Wisdom and Intelligence of the Forest, by Suzanne Simard. Group Discussion: Saturday, December 10th @ 10am
- January - March 2023: At Home in Nature: A Life of Unknown Mountains and Deep Wilderness, by Rob Wood. Group Discussion: Saturday, March 25th @ 10am
For more information, book draw details, and reading list, recommended by DRBIPA Members, visit our website here: www.drbipa.org/bookclub
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Big Bog Restoration Cleanup
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The park association works on special bog projects in Langley Bog, such as water monitoring and invasive species removal. Last year was our first big public bog restoration cleanup. 80 nature-loving volunteers passionate about conserving our local bog removed 5.2 tonnes of debris from the bog area. We got rid of plastic, tires, metal waste, treated wood...and there is more to do!
Want to get involved? Join us September 17th and 18th for bog cleanup events. Please register to be added to the list of volunteers for this project by emailing us at outreach@drbipa.org. Let us know what shift you want to join:
- Sept 17th 9:30am — 5 of 15 spots left
- Sept 17th 1:30pm — 1 of 15 spots left!
- Sept 18th 10:00am — 10 of 15 spots left
We are working to reduce the input of contaminants to help restore the unique PH of the bog wetlands at Derby Reach.
Find full details HERE.
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We are so thankful to all our community supporters in Fort Langley, Walnut Grove, and beyond!
Special acknowledgements go to Ace Hardware Walnut Grove for a generous donation of biodegradable green waste bags for our invasive species removal events throughout 2022. Thank you to the team at ACE Hardware — nationally known, locally owned.
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Dragonflies vs. Damselflies
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Late summer is a fantastic time for dragonfly watching at Derby Reach, especially around the open fields at the Heritage Area and Muench Bar. Did you know that British Columbia is home to 87 species of dragonflies? And 23 of these are considered rare or at risk.
Can you spot the differences between dragonflies and damselflies?
- Both have two sets of wings but they have different shapes. Dragonflies hind wings are bigger at the base and the front set of wings are smaller. Damselflies have wings that are the same size and shape for both sets, tapering and narrowing where they connect.
- Take a look at the position of the wings when the insect is at rest. Damselflies fold their wings up and hold them together across the top of their backs when resting and dragonflies hold their wings out perpendicular to their bodies when resting.
Dragonfly species that can often be found around Derby Reach during spring and summer include the 8 Spotted Skimmer (pictured below), 4 Spotted Skimmer, Hudsonian Whiteface, Western Pondhawk, California Darner, Common Whitetail, and the Blue Dasher. Damselflies found in the area include Swift Forktail and Pacific Forktail.
Dragonfly populations are at risk. This is mainly because of the elimination or alteration of their freshwater habitats. Checkout this provincial guide HERE for more information about rare dragonflies of BC.
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FAQ: Invasive Ivy and Towering Trees
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The park association works on removing invasive species from the parks whenever we can, such as ivy, scotch broom, and lamium; we also map invasive species in the parks, such as English ivy and holly. A question we frequently get asked: how does ivy damage or wipe out big trees?
Ivy damages the bark as it climbs trees, big and small. Even the tallest and healthiest trees around can get taken down by ivy. The weight of the ivy weakens branches and stops the sunlight from reaching leaves. Preventing photosynthesis from taking place and creating risk of trees falling during stormy weather. The trees also become more vulnerable to problems like pests and disease. English ivy causes unsuitable forage availability and poor habitat for our local wildlife, too. It is important to keep ivy away from our gardens, forests, and trails to prevent the spread of this invasive plant.
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Archaeology in the Township
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In British Columbia, archaeological sites are automatically protected under the Heritage Conservation Act, administered by the province in consultation with First Nations. Archaeological sites must not be investigated, damaged, or altered without a permit issued by the BC Archaeology Branch.
To ensure that archaeological sites are documented and protected as required, Archaeological Chance Find Guidelines for Residents have been prepared outlining what to do if intact or disturbed artifacts or human remains are uncovered during routine land altering activities. Find more information and resources from the Township of Langley HERE.
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Regional Parks Highlights
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Once Upon A Field at Campbell Valley Regional Park is happening Saturday, September 10th, 11am-3pm. Registration is free but tickets are required.
Get your tickets HERE.
Peer into grasslands that once were fields to discover the stories of the furry and feathered animals that live and hunt there. Walk like a coyote through a grass maze to find prey, or swoop into a heritage barn to learn how barn owls live. Enjoy fun activities with community partners, dance to live music and munch at a food truck.
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DRBIPA Members Recommend...
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Here are some events, resources, and information DRBIPA Members want to share with others. Click the links for more details:
Are you a DRBIPA Member who wants to share a resource about nature or our local community with others? Get in touch with us and we'll add it to our list of Member Recommendations!
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