What does conservation look like in a region home to millions? Mention “Vancouver’s North Shore” and many people might picture industrial waterfronts, craft breweries, the SeaBus, and steep concrete streets. But this urban landscape is also interwoven with pockets of rich ecological stewardship.
At its core, conservation means protecting something so it can thrive into the future so that generations to come can learn from it, enjoy it, and help it endure. Environmental conservation seeks to safeguard the natural world from the impacts of human growth and development. And despite the North Shore’s proximity to a bustling city, you don’t have to look far to find meaningful efforts at work.
Here, conservation shows up in many forms: in bird-watching havens tucked between neighbourhoods, in the sharing of Tsleil-Waututh knowledge that deepens our understanding of these lands and waters, and in initiatives that protect wildlife and their habitats through education, partnership, and ecotourism.
Birding and local conservation efforts naturally go hand in hand. Here are a few places to explore while you’re on the North Shore.
Maplewood Flats Conservation Area
Just east of the second narrows bridge, next door to Tsleil-Waututh First Nation reserve and on the shores of the Salish Sea, sits the Maplewood Flats Conservation Area. Spanning more than 300-acres of mudflats, salt marsh, mixed forest, rough grassland and freshwater wetlands, this vibrant site is host to more than 250 species throughout the year.
Managed by the non-profit Wild Bird Trust since 1993, the Maplewood Flats Conservation Area is a strong example of collaborative conservation management. Since 2017, members of the Wild Bird Trust have been working to strengthen their relationship with their closest neighbours the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation, the traditional custodians of these lands and waters. Today, Maplewood Flats reflects years of effort towards a more respectful, connected future. Indigenous knowledge of wild birds and Coast Salish culture is woven throughout the park with the intention to share and honour local ways of knowing in culturally appropriate ways.
Despite being surrounded by BC’s busiest metropolitan areas, the Maplewood Flats is a haven for Vancouver’s bird watchers. It features 3 kms of well maintained trails, viewing platforms, a recent-sightings board, and nest boxes for Purple Martins. (Read more about the Purple Martin success story here.)
The park’s ecological diversity and its position along the Pacific Flyway mean you’re likely to see a wide range of wildlife, from Varied Thrushes, Red-tailed Hawks, Ospreys, and Purple Martins, to crabs, shrimp and otters.
Be sure to stop by the greeter hut for a detailed site map, or download a self-guided tour to learn about the history, ecology, and stories behind the 12 marked stops. And don’t forget to check the recent-sightings board before you head out.
Raptors Ridge at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
If you’re looking for a more up-close and personal experience with birds of prey, consider a visit to Raptors Ridge at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of Vancouver’s best known attractions, with a history dating back to 1889. The iconic bridge anchors a diverse park filled with activities, including daily guided talks, the Treetops Adventure canopy walk, and Raptors Ridge — a daily raptor program led by knowledgeable animal handlers.
Operating from spring through summer, Raptors Ridge offers daily demonstrations featuring local hawks, owls and falcons. The birds rotate their participation and never perform more than one day at a time. When note at the park, they live in an open-air environment where they can stretch and fly.
Raptors Ridge is dedicated to public education about raptors and wildlife conservation. Beyond their work at Capilano, they offer outreach programs for schools, youth groups, and community events throughout the region. Learn more about Raptors Ridge and their educational initiatives here.
Looking for more birding adventures in the region? Check out the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Region, or check out the Vancouver’s North Shore Bird Trail.
Want to learn more about conservation efforts in BC? Check out our blog on Conservation in Vancouver Island.
