Human beings have an amazing capacity for altering landscapes.  Sometimes the results are intentional, but sometimes the result is unanticipated changes to habitats and ecosystems. Metro Vancouver Parks invests in many projects intended to restore habitats to their natural condition.

Which habitats is Metro Vancouver working to restore?

Field management for raptors

To support populations of hawks and other raptors, fields have been managed to encourage the small mammals that these birds feed on. The grass is left to grow and invasive species are removed manually.

Stream habitat for salmon

Many Metro Vancouver parks contain salmon bearing streams. Efforts focus on streamside plantings to reduce erosion and provide shade and shelter for young salmon in the creek.

Wetlands

This habitat type has been drastically reduced over the last century. However, many species of plants and animals are dependant on wetlands for survival. Migrating waterbirds, amphibians such as frogs and salamanders and small mammals like mink and muskrat all depend on wetlands for survival. Wetland plants are also some of the best at removing airborne pollutants.

Why habitat restoration?

Many different influences can degrade local environments: Pollution, invasive species, human overuse or damage. Degraded habitats support fewer species. Previous efforts which focused on animal rehabilitation – raising young in captive environments to improve survival rates – had only minimal results. Species at risk are now thought to be best supported through habitat restoration efforts.