The Institute of Urban Ecology The Douglas College Institute of Urban Ecology is a community-based institute that promotes better understanding of nature in the city, and works to enhance natural environments in urban areas by linking people and nature. Our mission is to sustain the quality of life in urban areas by preserving and enhancing the natural environment we share. We work in three main areas: -Ecological research -Environmental education -Habitat restoration Native Plants Burnaby We use native plants, which are plants that occur naturally in our region, as they thrive in local conditions and therefore benefit the environment without the need for harmful pesticides or fertilizers. Because native plants have adapted to local soil and climate conditions, they require less watering than introduced species, and can tolerate periods of drought. In addition, indigenous vegetation has evolved with local wildlife species, and therefore provides habitat and food for native butterflies, birds, mammals, and insects. Green Links Projects Green Links The Green Links projects build upon the idea that “linking up” habitats and green spaces promotes a healthier environment. Because plants and animals depend on relationships with other species to sustain their populations, the connections are vital to their survival. After identifying environmentally sensitive areas in the Lower Mainland, the Institute of Urban Ecology has identified specific areas to work on, including areas in Coquitlam, Delta/Surrey and Burnaby. Vancouver Everett Crowley Park Kerr St & South East Marine Drive Riley Park Community Center 50 East 30th Avenue Fraser River Park West 75th Avenue & Angus Drive Riparian Plantings Upland Plantings Brunette River Watershed Eagle Creek Fraser River North Arm Schoolgrounds Miscellaneous Sites The Institute of Urban Ecology does plantings in various areas around the Lower Mainland. Site locations include Burnaby, Vancouver, Chilliwack, New Westminster, Maple Ridge and Port Coquitlam. Terminus Park Graham Park Hilda Park 16th Avenue/5th Street Lord Kitchener Elementary 4055 Blenheim Street, Vancouver Thomas Haney Legacy Garden Douglas College Thomas Haney Campus, Maple Ridge John Robson Elementary School 120 Eights Street, New Westminster Second St Community School 7502 Second Street, Burnaby Miscellaneous 14 Backyard enhancements between Byrne Creek Ravine and Graham Park, Burnaby Oasis Grocery, Burnaby Sto:lo Nation Botanical Garden, Chilliwack Other Green Links Projects: Surrey/Delta Link The Delta/Surrey Link is based upon the BC Gas / BC Hydro utility corridor and it is the longest link of the three. The link runs through Tynehead Regional Park and Green Timbers, continues west through North Surrey and into North Delta and ends along the northern edge of Burns Bog. Tynehead Regional Park is the beginning of the Delta/Surrey Link. The Coquitlam Link The Coquitlam Link is based upon the BC Gas/ BC Hydro utility corridor running north-south from the BC Hydro relay station in the Port Moody Ecological Reserve, through Coquitlam's city center and south to the Coquitlam and Fraser Rivers. Sponsors The Institute of Urban Ecology at Douglas College gratefully acknowledges the support of our sponsors with the Green Links Projects: BC Hydro BC Gas BC E-Team Vancouver Foundation Fisheries Renewal BC EJLB Foundation BC Habitat Conservation Trust Fund BC Public Conservation Assistance Fund VanCity Envirofund Shell Environmental Fund How You Can Help The success of Green Links projects depends on the interest, support, and cooperative efforts of community members. The Institute of Urban Ecology is always looking for volunteers to come out and help with plantings, do bird surveys, maintain our nursery, deliver educational workshops, and help out in the office. To find out more about Green Links activities in your area, contact: PO Box 2503 New Westminster, BC V3L 5B2 Phone: 527-5522 Fax: 527-5095 iue@douglas.bc.ca www.douglas.bc.ca/iue Miscellaneous Green Links Sites