Great For Blackberry Jam, Detrimental To This Sucker
Take Action Day At the Zoo – Be Here
Did you know that May is BC Invasive Species Month? Invasive species have a substantial effect on our ecosystems and the team at GVZoo has teamed up with GW Graham Middle School to help protect our native species in the salmon river which runs through the zoo.
With the experts from Langley Environmental Partners Society (LEPS) and Pearson Ecological to provide support and expertise on our local flora and fauna we are in for a make over a lifetime!
Your GVZoo is an active partner in conservation and educating our extended family of Junior Zoologists who visit the zoo daily. Which is why we’re thrilled to bring you along for the journey on our conservation efforts.
Let me breathe!
The Salmon River running through GVZoo has invasive blackberry bushes that continue to grow and destroy the habitat of the Salish Sucker, a native fish that is federally listed as an endangered species (SARA Schedule 1). While the Salish Sucker managed to survive continental glaciation by living in an ice free refuge in Washington State, it may not survive encroaching blackberry bushes which erode the river banks and alter shorelines.
The Salish Sucker isn’t the only species fighting to survive here, also found in the salmon river are Western Painted Turtles, Oregon Spotted Frogs, and the Oregon Forest Snail, all of which are endangered species.
It’s not all bad news for our salmon river! It’s also home to more than 12 species of fish including wild Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Coastal Cutthroat Trout and Steelhead.
Operation Pricklies Be Gone!
On May 9th, we will have a group of 15 volunteers from GW Graham Middle School volunteering their time to work with us to clear out the blackberry bushes and other invasive species on the shoreline.
What’s next? Like any make over, keep an eye open for the results of our improved local ecosystem we are maintaining for our endangered species so we can watch them thrive!
If you’re interested in learning more about how you might want to do your part in your own backyard for BC Invasive Species Month, you can also learn more at: BC Invasives Month
