Connecting communities to conservation is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect British Columbia’s natural world. On May 16, The Nature Trust was thrilled to host the Probus Club of Vancouver for a tour of Addington Point Marsh, one of our conservation areas located on the edge of Coquitlam. A group of nearly 30 retired or semi-retired businessmen joined The Nature Trust of BC for the tour, excited to learn more about local conservation initiatives and biodiversity in the area.
The Probus Club of Vancouver is a men’s club for retired and semi-retired professionals and businesspersons, former executives, and others. As a part of their membership, the club offers events, speakers, and activities to get more involved in their local community and increase awareness of various topical subjects. Following a talk from The Nature Trust of BC’s CEO, Jasper Lament, the club arranged for a tour of one of our nearby conservation areas. Participants enjoyed a guided tour led by Carl MacNaughton, Interior and Coastal Mainland Conservation Land Manager, supported by South Coast Conservation Field Crew members and a few employees from our headquarters in Vancouver.
“Connecting with community through events such as this are important to us. Without the support of community, all of our conservation efforts are in vain. By learning from each other, with our varied expertise’s and points of view, we can discover new and improved ways of doing what we do.” said MacNaughton.
Addington Point Marsh is a stunning 258.4 hectare conservation area that consists of a diked freshwater marsh in the Pitt River Valley. Acquired in 1977, this conservation area is adjacent to Minnekhada Regional Park and is managed as a part of the Pitt-Addington Marsh Wildlife Management area. The site, consisting of freshwater wetlands and riparian habitat, provides crucial wintering habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, passerine and upland species of birds. The Fraser estuary is a vital link in the Pacific Flyway, supporting over 1.5 million birds from three continents and 20 countries.
Additionally, Addington Point Marsh provides year-round habitat for native amphibians and fish, breeding and juvenile habitat for salmonids, and habitat for marine mammals. Throughout the tour, attendees enjoyed the natural soundscape of bird and frog calls!
Left: Scenic shot of Addington Point Marsh. Right: A Cedar waxwing perches in branches.
“During our almost two hour walk, we were accompanied by one of the land managers who talked to us about the objectives of the Nature Trust and the particular aspects of Addington Point Marsh that makes its preservation so important for the ecology of the area,” said Peter Scott, President of The Probus Club of Vancouver, “We also heard from several of the young field crew about the roles they play to preserve and maintain this beautiful piece of British Columbia.”
To support ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and restoration at our conservation areas across British Columbia, consider donating to our Land Management program today! 