Last spring, we shared details about parks that were impacted by extreme weather and flooding in 2021. Parks are still dealing with lasting impacts We wanted to take this opportunity to update the status of some of the parks that were initially damaged in 2021. The atmospheric river events still have lasting impacts. Although access …
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 …
by Mackenzie Clark (BC Parks Community Engagement Intern, summer 2021) At BC Parks, we are committed to serving British Columbians by protecting natural features and providing diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation for current and future generations. BC Parks benefits tremendously from the contributions made by volunteers and in collaboration with other fantastic organizations. I’m Mackenzie, …
The historic heatwave of late June/early July has brought the realities of climate change home to British Columbians. Sudden deaths, the loss of a community, wildfires, loss of flora and fauna, and impacts to agricultural and shellfish sectors, the list is long making it difficult to grasp our unknown future with a new and dangerous …
Each year, BC Parks invites volunteers and community partners to apply for project funding from the Park Enhancement Fund (PEF). This regional PEF funding is intended to support community engagement projects and partnerships across the province. From volunteers to local scientists, regional PEF funding is a wonderful way to support our local parks partners. $240,000 …
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 …