By Jennifer Kardynal, BC Parks Community Liaison Officer (South Coast) This year, one of the community engagement projects supported by the BC Parks License Plate Program was an immersive learning experience in a popular marine park near the Lower Mainland at Porteau Cove. Students in the Aya7Ayulh Chet (Cultural Journeys) program at St’a7mes School visited Xwawchayay (the …
In March 2022, BC Parks and the Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly Recovery Project released a record 5,400 Taylor’s Checkerspot butterfly larvae in Helliwell’s coastal bluff meadow over a three-week period. There is great hope that this will give a big boost to establishing a self-sustaining population. In 2020, 800 larvae (also known as caterpillars) were released, …
The BC Parks Living Lab Program has been supporting researchers to monitor climate change impacts on local plant phenology – the timing of seasonally reoccurring events such as bud break, leaf size, flower development, and ripe fruit – in Bowser Ecological Reserve and Koksilah River Provincial Park on southeastern Vancouver Island. By monitoring the phenological …
A new study in the Journal of Climate Change and Health revealed – perhaps not surprisingly – that extreme weather events caused by climate change pose a risk to mental health. Illustrating this reality, the study estimated the impact of the 2021 North American heat dome (June 25th, 2021 – July 1st, 2021) on climate …
It’s been 5 years since the partnership with ICBC and BC Parks started in January 2017 with the launch of the BC Parks Licence Plate Program! There is no doubt that the support of British Columbians who have purchased these plates have made this program a resounding success. BC Parks is very grateful for your …
The BC Park’s iNaturalist project is wrapping up its third year and has grown considerably since its launch in May of 2019, thanks to the help of park visitors and iNaturalist crews. The project has racked up over 470,000 observations to date, an increase of 58% from the end of summer 2020! Community scientists representing …
Maleen, Olivia and Julie are three of 86 youth who were employed in the BC Parks Student Ranger and Youth Employment Programs across the province this year. The Student Ranger Program is now in its fourth year and employs student ranger crews. The Youth Employment Program is in its second year and took a new …
More than 14 million hectares of provincial parks and protected areas in B.C. have been established in large part to help protect the province’s stunning biodiversity. Of all the provinces and territories in Canada, B.C. has the most diverse species and ecosystems (or biodiversity), and it also has the most protected land. To help understand …
Picture this, you’re a new hire to the 2020 Student Ranger Program and are about to meet your crew for the first time. After introductions, you all load into the BC Parks truck and set out to the B.C. lower mainland to participate in a six-day training course. You’ll learn safety considerations and safe practices, …
Are you… a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident or individual granted refugee status in Canada; between 18 and 30 years old; a fulltime student within the past six months; inspired to conserve B.C.’s parks and protected areas; and able to work outdoors and camp overnight with a diverse team? … then this could be the job …