NEAR SIDNEY - On the outer edge of the southern Gulf Islands, just a short boat ride from Sidney lies a blip on the map that is full of life. Anniversary Island and the Belle Chain Islets are home to a sensitive eco-system and a variety of native plant species. The tiny islands are part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve which was established in 2003.
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Parks Canada www.pc.gc.ca |
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| Anniversary Island |
The Reserve safeguards a portion of British Columbia's southern Gulf Islands archipelago. These islands are representative of the Strait of Georgia Lowlands, one of the most ecologically at risk natural regions in southern Canada. In May 2010 I joined Parks Canada staff and volunteers as they removed invasive species from Anniversary Island near Sidney.
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| Black Oystercatchers |
This small park reserve includes 36 square kilometres of land and marine area on fifteen islands, numerous islets and reefs which provide valuable habitat for seals and nesting shorebirds. Oystercatcher populations are vulnerable to natural and human disturbances because they are confined to a narrow band of shoreline habitat. The black Oystercatcher is an important indicator of rocky intertidal community health and is part of the Parks Canada Ecological Integrity Monitoring Program.
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| River Otter |
Parks Canada and student volunteers are working to save threatened plants in the area. It is part of an extensive conservation program designed to protect the plants for future generations. Many plants in the Gulf Islands are at the northern extreme of their range, and are not found elsewhere in Canada. Garry oak associated-ecosystems support many of Canada's species at risk
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| Sea Lions on adjacent Islet |
