Burns Blog

Sheep to Eagle, Three Degrees of Separation

2012-02-01T13:08:00.000-08:00

I can do it. Three degrees of separation from sheep to eagle.
Here goes.
I was thinking about Imbolc, today, Celtic festival, healing, fire of creativity, renewal. The name of the festival comes from words that are to do with sheep's milk.
So, sheep.
Because I was thinking about Imbolc, I looked up what the tree associated with this lunar month is in Celtic lore. 21st January - 17th February - the Rowan. I knew that, Rowan, Mountain Ash, which is deciduous, so is bare at this time of year.
I love the bare deciduous trees in the winter, and so do the eagles, they sit right at the top, watching us.
Well, probably not actually watching us, but it feels like their eyes are following us. We're not their prey, so they must just wonder about us. I think.
Still, Imbolc = sheep -> trees->eagles.
Random?
Probably.

Gaming Grant News Release

2012-01-14T13:38:00.000-08:00

This is a news release from Eliza Olson, who was described in a post on this very blog just last week. Eliza is the President and Volunteer Executive Director of the Burns Bog Conservation Society. This news release was done in response to the recent news conference and press release from the Provincial Government of BC on gaming revenues available for non-profit groups and charities.

From Eliza's Desk: Community Gaming Grant Review Report fails to answer key questions.

DELTA, BC, Jan 12, 2012

It’s unfortunate that the Premier’s Press Conference didn’t give more comfort to non-profits. The government using the argument that it is in debt and can’t give the non-profits their due implies that the government is building retractable roofs and highways at the expense of the non-profits and the people that depend on those services.

I am very disappointed that the Community Gaming Grant Review Report did not address the issue of whether or not the 1999 Memorandum of Agreement, signed between the Province of BC and the BC Association for Charitable Gaming, is legally binding or not. This memorandum clearly states that charities are to receive one third of gaming income.

Originally a judge was going to be appointed to oversee this review. I see why Premier Clark changed her mind. A judge would’ve had the expertise to determine if this memorandum was binding. Instead Skip Triplett former President of Kwantlen Polytechnic University was selected. By his own admission Mr. Triplett did not have the expertise to rule on whether this hugely important memorandum applied or not. And then the government failed to give him someone with that expertise to help.

Given his lack of a legal background, I think Skip Triplett did an admirable job. Apart from the reinstatement of environmental groups, animal welfare groups, and adult arts and sports, there is very little new in the Premier’s announcement.

The recent government releases state that $135.0 million of the $1.10 billion total net government gaming revenues has been allocated to non-profit community organizations. This distribution violates the standing agreement from 1999.

The money earmarked for non-profit community organizations equals 12.27% of the net gaming income for the province, a far cry from the 33.3% promised in the 1999 Memorandum which states: "...ensures charity entitlement to an amount, after accounting for retained bingo revenues, equal to 1/3 of ongoing government net community gaming revenue;".

Now the good part of reinstating these organizations' eligibility for funding is that they will be able to carry out their work more effectively. The challenge is that there are now more organizations applying for funding from the same size of pot.

Non-profit community organizations should be entitled to $366.3 million. Non-profits are having $231.3 million dollars stolen from them that is rightfully theirs. Then they're told that they're better off. It doesn’t make sense.

It reminds me of something I've heard when you talk about whole wheat flour and "enriched" flour. All enriched means is that nutrients were removed during processing and later some were added back in. This is like someone stealing twenty dollars from your pocket, feeling bad, returning ten, and then telling you that you're enriched.

Even if you use the argument that the Memorandum of Agreement only applies to revenues from casinos and community gaming operations like bingo, the $135 million for non-profits comes up short. It is only 16.6% and not the promised 33.3% of the $815.6 million realized from these specific gambling operations.

It's also unclear to me why the Premier designated $8 million of the $135 million directly towards the reinstated organizations. Does this mean that they will be receiving more funding individually or will it prevent them from receiving an equal share of the remaining money?

I agree that extending support to non-profits in the Interior of British Columbia is important. But I really worry that the increased number of charities eligible without increased funding will result in charities getting less money and a lot more stress.

So now we've got more good organizations competing for the same pot of money. Everyone gets less than they have in the past and likely less than they've counted on. Services in the Lower Mainland could be left struggling to maintain their programs.

Eliza Olson
President and Volunteer Executive Director
eliza@burnsbog.org

Eagle's Eyes

2012-01-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

Hi there,

I'm a new contributor here on the Burns Bog Blog. I'll be bringing you all the messages the Burns Bog Conservation Society sends out. News releases, notifications, newsletters and messages from Eliza, anything at all that catches my eye I'll bring to you.

I'm really looking forward to bringing you this all to you.

Be seeing you.

Wolf Moon

2012-01-10T11:57:00.000-08:00

The Celts, like North American First Nations, were observers of the natural cycles of the earth. They had names for the full and dark moons, and January's full moon was known as a wolf moon. I say known as, rather than called, because there were several descriptive names for each moon. Last night's howling high winds reminded me of the wolf moon.

High winds are one of nature's ways of clearing out some of the deadwood.
In the Delta Nature Reserve, the inner horseshoe trail has areas of paper birch close to the boardwalk.
Paper birch provided papery bark that First Nations people used for wrapping food, a soft wood that was easily worked into spoons and bows, and the sap was tapped and drunk medicinally.

Paper birch seeds easily, both pollen and seeds are spread by the wind. It is often found growing on the edge of the bog in areas succeeding to forest. But, as it grows quickly, so it dies young. The lifespan of a birch tree can be about fifty years, before it starts to be colonised by fungus, small invertebrates and other decomposers that return it gradually to the earth.

Wind storms can be dangerous times. Breaks in the narrow trunks can leave branches and broken shafts suspended in other trees, or bring them down, swiftly spearing the ground below. It is important to be very wary when walking through areas of birch when there have been high winds. Listen out for creaking, and watch for branches that look poised like the sword of Damocles, because this may be when that sword falls.

In Praise of Eliza!

2012-01-04T09:51:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to one and all. I hope it brings you contentment and fulfils all your needs.
I have some New Year's wishes for the bog too, but for now, I want to give a shout-out for our President, Eliza Olson.

Eliza has been the powerhouse of the Burns Bog Conservation Society since its early days. She has received numerous awards, such as the 2006 Earthday Canad'a Hometown Heroes award and the 2010 CBC's Canada's Champions of Change, but that's not what I wanted to focus on today.

Yesterday, Eliza sent out one of her 'Bog Bits' e-mails, praising and thanking all the volunteers and staff for the wonderful work.
But here's the thing.
Without Eliza's incredible energy and positivity, none of it would be possible, or at the very least, LITTLE of it would. Eliza soaks up new ideas, she lets us run with ideas that we have and welcomes them. And she really, truly believes in what we do here.

I'm telling you - if we could bottle Eliza's energy and sell it, we could easily achieve our cherished goal of an Interpretive Centre, in fact I reckon we could stop global warming and thus climate change in its tracks.

So, let's hear it for Eliza Olson - the Burns Bog Conservation Society's superstar and inspiration!
Go Eliza! Strength to Strength!!!

Milk and Cookies - the Final Frontier

2011-12-23T10:55:00.000-08:00

Many people make the mistake of thinking that the great 'Does Santa eat the goodies that are left for him?' question is a simple equation, 'Santa has a big tum, because he eats the treats.' Well, today I am here to tell you that this is far from the case, and far from a simple question.

Firstly, Santa's body shape is a choice he makes. Because he is the ultimate philanthropist, distributing pressies around the globe, he wants to present himself in the universally accepted role of kindly old fella, so he looks like a universal grandad.

Secondly, the question of the cookies to energy ratio. Now this is where it gets complicated and you might want to sit down and swig that Christmas cheer. HLS (High Level Science) gets easier in proportion to the level of Holiday Happiness imbibed.

Santa converts all of those cookies, mince pies, butter tarts, sherry, milk and eggnog into energy to be able to power his multi-dimensional journey around the planet on a single night. This is because of the little known (amongst the scientific community - very well-known amongst the not-so-scientific one) unit of energy called the IFU. (Imaginary Friend Unit). The IFU enables high calorie snacks in the so-called 'real world', to be converted into easily readily available energy in the IFW (Imaginary Friend World).

IFUs are extremely efficient and allow IFs to slay dragons on our behalf, save distant planets from interstellar wars, and of course, visit 26% of 7 billion people (see what I did there?) in a single night.

So, let's hear it for the IFU! Yay! The not-in-any-way-made-up unit of energy that powers an infinite number of universes from as little as a single cookie.

Now that you know about the IFU, on Christmas Eve, you can leave anything that YOU LIKE for Santa, safe in the knowledge that it will be imbibed and guzzled by someone who will put it to very good use indeed.

Have a safe and happy holiday from all of us at the Burns Bog Conservation Society!

The Great Reindeer Mystery

2011-12-21T11:18:00.000-08:00

Last year I found myself in the vaguely surreal (not really but looking back, a little) situation of sitting on a bus with a group from the Geography Alliance of Iowa in Fairbanks Alaska. A young man from Kansas was explaining to me in great detail, the difference between a Reindeer and a Caribou.

I admit, I wasn't taking it in, I was thinking, 'I didn't know people from the Mid-West could sound as though they come from the south.'

As a general rule, we tend to think that in Canada we have deer - red deer, black-tailed deer (picture)etc. and we have Caribou, and the Caribou are what are called Reindeer in Northern Europe.
Fortunately, the Arctic Wildlife website deals with this, although their opinion seems to be that the two are the same species, just with slight differences in appearance.

Another way of describing the difference is that Reindeer are domesticated Caribou, so you would expect the ones that pull Santa's sleigh to be Reindeer, since they have names, so he must be using the same ones each year rather than just rounding some up from a wild herd.

How about the antler situation? Well, both female and male Reindeer grow antlers, typically the males lose theirs in the late Fall, whereas females lose theirs when they give birth in the spring, but young males often keep them into the spring. Since, from a study of antlers on people's cars, I have noted that Santa's Reindeer clearly have velvet on their antlers, and the velvet disappears when antlers are fully grown, they must be young 'uns, so Santa could be pulled by a gender-balanced team.

And the flying? Well, I go for the generally accepted view. The original St. Nick was from the age that we normally refer to as the Dark Ages, and Shamanism was still widely practised in Europe. The red and white spotted Amanita Muscaria, Fly Agaric, whilst pretty poisonous, was used as an hallucinogen. European Muscaria are also said to be more so than North American ones, why this is I don't know. One of the toxic effects is supposed to be the illusion of flying.

So given the mix of Reindeer, Fly Agaric - nicely dried out from the Fall crop, flying and winter, I think we can join the dots on that one.

Disappearing Frogs

2011-12-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

“And what is there to life if a man cannot hear the lonely cry of the whippoorwill or the arguments of the frogs around a pond at night?” – Chief Seattle, 1854

Have You Heard a Rib-it Lately?

Did you collect frogs' eggs from the ditches and streams near where you lived as a kid? I did and my daughters did as well. I made them dump them in the pond up at Simon Fraser University when we lived on campus. I figured that they had a better chance of survival than if they were left in a bucket.

That was in the good old days before we knew better.

Frogs are both predators and prey, they live in water and on land, and are extremely vulnerable to environmental toxins. When something is going wrong in the environment then frogs will often be the first to show it. Because of this frogs are seen by many people as the "canaries in the coal mine" of the global environment.

Now, frogs are disappearing rapidly. Since 1980 up to 120 species have disappeared from Mother Earth. The normal rate of extinction is one species every 200 years! Yikes! Something must be terribly wrong.

Pollution, infectious disease, habitat loss, invasive species, climate change and over-harvesting are killing our frogs.

Roads are one of the worst causes of frog destruction. Our failure to take into account frog habitat when we are building roads creates real problems for them and us.

Locally the Sea to Sky Highway that runs from North Vancouver to Whistler kills rare and endangered frogs every spring. The government refused to move the road to save a wetland. Sometimes the shortest distance is not the best distance to a place.

In places like the United Kingdom and Australia when roads interfere with frog or toad migration traffic is stopped to let them cross. We need to follow their example. Better still, we need to take into account our frogs when we are planning roads and housing developments.

Hate mosquitoes? Then keep our frogs alive. They love insects. Frogs help stop the transmitting of diseases like malaria—not to mention that itchiness that makes life miserable.

Frogs are important for dragonflies, fish, snakes, birds, beetles, centipedes and even monkeys.

No, we don’t have any monkeys in Burns Bog. But we have birds (about 200 different species), snakes (garter snakes), and dragonflies. Imagine how many frogs or tadpoles they need to eat to stay alive.

One species of frog found in Burns Bog is the Pacific Tree Frog. It is a tiny creature with a big voice. They are the ones that make the rib-it noise.

Why not “Adopt a Pacific Tree Frog” and give it to a friend this holiday season?

Or buy a large bag of “Frog Friendly Coffee” from Yumii Foods, divvy it up into decorative packages or small jars and give it as stocking stuffers. Your friends will thank you. I know I would. I have a rule. “Don’t give me anything I have to wash, dust or polish unless I tell you differently.”

“Frog Friendly Coffee” is great—it is wild coffee, no frogs are harmed. An added bonus is that the harvesters are not forced to pick in an area where pesticides and herbicides are used.

What more can you ask for? Order your “Adopt a Pacific Tree Frog” today. It comes in a stylish folder with a fact sheet, a frameable certificate and a letter.

We take VISA, MasterCard, and American Express in person and over the phone (604.572.0373 or 1.888.850.6264) or you can order through our website (http://www.burnsbog.org/) using PayPal.

Rib-it, rib-it!

Oh Christmas Tree!

2011-12-17T09:57:00.000-08:00

This tree can be found on the inner trail of the Delta Nature Reserve. Someone has decorated it so that everyone can enjoy it as they walk through 'Skunk Cabbage Meadow' - or thereabouts.

This is a baby Western Hemlock, and if we get snow, it'll be the prettiest tree, robed in sparkling white. Hemlocks lose their needles very quickly when they are cut, however, so they don't make good indoor Christmas trees or boughs. This is a shame, since they smell so good. If you squish the needles, you can smell grapefruit, and the needles do contain a fair amount of vitamin C.

People often look at me with confusion when I tell them they can eat the needles of the Hemlock - especially the emerald green shoots in the spring. It's the name - people have heard of it as a poisonous plant. Socrates was made to drink Hemlock - this was how he was executed for sedition and subverting the youth of Athens - he encouraged them to think, you can see how that could go wrong.

But that type of hemlock isn't a tree at all, it's a herbaceous plant in the same family as parsley. It looks not dissimilar to the cow parsley or cow carrot we see lining the ditches in the summer.

Of the trees though, the Western Hemlock is the most common one around here. But we also have a lighter green Hemlock, more similar to the Mountain Hemlock that can be found at higher elevations.

There's only one with baubles on though!

The Endangering of the Shrew

2011-12-13T13:30:00.000-08:00

We were recently sent a photograph of this Pacific Water Shrew which, along with a mole, was found dead on the Pitt Polder Ecological Reserve.

There are Pacific Water Shrews in Burns Bog and this tiny rodent is endangered. Although it is the largest of the North American shrews, it is also a very rare one, and has suffered as a result of Habitat loss. Think about this - over the past thirty years, the human population in the Metro Vancouver area has more than doubled. As a result, natural areas have shrunk by twenty-four percent. This is catastrophic for many wildlife communities, and there's no end in sight.
In 1993, the Pacific Water Shrew was given 'red-listed' status, signifying an endangered species and one with a dependence on a shrinking habitat.

The Pacific Water Shrew has evolved to live by streams and in wetlands. They feed on insects and aquatic invertebrates, which they bring back to land to eat. They dive, and they swim well, air bubbles trapped in their fur helping to keep them warm. For short spurts, they can run on the surface tension of the water.

But as well as dangers created by human activities, there are natural threats. Mammals need more energy intake than cold-blooded creatures, simply because it takes fuel to keep their bodies warm. Warm bodies mean some can stay active all winter and live in a wider range of temperatures. At higher elevations, some mammals do hibernate, but Pacific Water Shrews do not, and this can be fatal. Sometimes, they simply freeze to death. It is not uncommon, and particularly in a bog, to find a body or two out in the open after a particularly cold snap.

These losses are just part of nature, habitat destruction isn't. We humans need to think creatively and find ways to make economic and environmental health parallel objectives.

Winter Solstice

2011-12-07T14:24:00.001-08:00

In many cultures around the world, Winter Solstice signifies re-birth. The return of the sun god or goddess.
In my last post, I talked about the standing still of the sun, that moment of peace. But human existence, to early peoples, was reliant on the sun. It was imperative to welcome it back. Only the return of the sun would bring new crops, new cycles of life.

The standing stones at Stonehenge in Britain, are associated with death, and are aligned so that when people came up the avenue into the circle, they would be facing the setting of the sun on the winter solstice.
This would in fact have been the day that the cattle and other livestock would have been slaughtered for the winter, and also the time at which beer and wine would have finished the fermentation process.

But at the point of despair, the shortest day and longest night, comes new hope, as the earth continues on its journey around the sun, and the days begin to lengthen.

The sun, in older cultures, often symbolises strength and steadiness. Whether the days are getting shorter or longer, it has always been our experience that night will turn to day - the sun always rises. Without the sun, the moon would not be visible to us through reflected light.
But it also is at the centre, so in human terms, for those who believe in such - the soul. To contemplate the sun is to contemplate the centre of our being, and when better to do so than at Solstice ?

There is a T'lingit First Nations' saying that 'The Sun and the Moon belong to Women'. Something to meditate on in any event.

The Pursuit of Happiness

2011-12-03T09:12:00.001-08:00

T'other morning, in amongst all the irritating advertising on the radio on the way into work, I heard the following line,
"Happiness is first light on the mountain and last light on the water," and I have to admit, that those two visuals did give me a feeling of contentment.

There is something about Humanity's relationship with Nature that can either make us profoundly happy or sad. I thought about using 'soaringly happy' and 'profoundly sad', but I think that happiness can be a deeply seated emotion just as sadness can.

Last week, I wrote about how the bog impacts our physical health, but our emotional health is just as important. And of course, both physical and emotional health affect each other.
But I also contrasted the instantly breathtaking appeal of the sea and the mountains, with that of the bog. You just have to be there.

Being there.
As you walk the trail, and as you get further away from the traffic noise, there is a stillness, a calm that can make you want to stop and just be. I find it centring.I feel connected in a way that goes beyond the physical space and my human perception of time. I find it healing, and I find December a healing month.
In our part of the world, Nature is sleeping and regenerating.

In days gone by, our human activities too, would have changed. We would be sleeping more, living on the rewards of our summer's efforts. The dangers to our ancestors would have changed too, some of the animals we feared, like bears would themselves be wintering, sleeping, others, such as wolves would be hungrier than before. The weather would be something we had to protect ourselves from, and we would be trying to make our food last us through to the spring.
Early communities often killed and preserved as many of their livestock as they could, so that only necessary breeding stock would have to be fed through the winter months. This would also have meant a change in diet for the human population.

At Solstice, we both move into winter, and welcome the lengthening of the days. But there is that moment of standing still and reflecting. Of finding our centre and peaceful place.

The peaceful place both inside and outside of our being.
A moment of happiness outside of time.

Dam!

2011-11-26T09:40:00.001-08:00

Better than a dam in reality.
Here in the Lower Mainland, we are surrounded by simply breathtaking beauty. The mountains, the Fraser River, the Strait of Georgia, the forests and woodlands.

Going into the city of Vancouver, you crest the hill and suddenly you see the heart-stopping view of the mountains, or driving the Connector from Richmond to Delta or even taking the Alex Fraser bridge, there it is, in all its glory, the river, the cities, the mountains.
Beautiful BC.

And then there's Burns Bog. It is certainly a spectacular space, but you have to go into the Delta Nature Reserve and just BE there to enjoy it.
And yet, and yet....
It's what we can't see that is its greatest glory.

The bog acts as a natural dam, really, natural, as nature intended. Think of a human-made dam, how it holds back water and then releases it in a great flood when that water is needed.
Sorry to repeat myself, but the bog does the task nature's way. It holds water during the rainy and meltwater times of year. basically, Fall and Spring. It stops water loss, and filters out some of the nastier chemicals and bacteria from human activity.
Then throughout the summer, the dry season, it releases that water, clean water.

Another really important reason for conservation of the bog.

Old Wisdom

2011-11-24T12:23:00.001-08:00

Old Wisdom, you know it my friends. 'Red sky at night, shepherd's delight...' kind of thing, and so on.
This year, everywhere I see Holly, I see bright red berries, and lots of them. You all know what that means, a cold, cold winter's a-comin'.

Of course, I can't be seeing Holly berries on all Holly trees and bushes, because there are female and male plants and of course, only the females bear fruit.

I've noticed that quite often, people confuse Oregon Grape with Holly, as the leaves are a little bit alike. But the fruit of the Oregon Grape, or Mahonia, are dark blue, bitter, but edible, the berries of the Holly are bitter, but inedible, also red, of course they are unmistakenly red.

There is a small area of Holly in the Delta Nature Reserve. I find it interesting that this plant, holy tree of the Celts, so often gets into the forested area of bogs, it seems to find a quiet little corner and persuade some bird or small mammal to poop its seeds out there.
To Druids, the tree is sacred. I wonder whether the toxicants found in its berries were used ceremonially, to induce a shamanistic state, as was Fly Agaric, the red and white spotted mushrooms we know as Amanita Muscaria.

The leaves, on the other hand, are used medicinally for a number of respiratory ailments and rheumatism.
Holly traditionally wards off mischievous spirits, although between the winter solstice and the Celtic festival of Imbolc at the beginning of February, you should take Holly into the house to shelter elves and faeries, who will be kind to humans at this time of year. Be sure to take it out by the last night of January however, or no good will come of it!
You heard it here.
Just don't tell anyone you heard it here.
;)

Snow Day

2011-11-19T11:30:00.001-08:00

First snow this week. It was noticeable on the morning of the snow (Friday) that there was more snow visible in the bog area than in the part of the trail that is succeeding to forest. Partly, of course, this is due to the lack of canopy provided by the evergreens further in, allowing more snow to fall here, and partly because the bog holds the snow for longer than the forest floor.

Along the creek, I noticed that someone had stacked twigs and branches in a 'teepee', this may have been done intentionally, or it may be coincidence that the stacking took this form, but this shape allows extra shelter for birds during colder weather, and as I have mentioned before, when snow falls, it provides insulation for the creatures underneath the low brush.

The squirrels were very active, and very vocal. Their chirruping was perhaps also due to the snow. Squirrels are highly communicative, their sounds signal pleasure, danger, mating-readiness and social status. At present they are busily 'squirrelling' away food sources where they will likely not ever be able to find them again. If you see an oakling growing somewhere unexpected, chances are some squirrel planted it by accident. In the bog-forest, where there are not many acorns, they eat cones, particularly those of the Shore or Lodgepole Pine. You can find the nibbled remains, as though they'd been eating some miniature corn-on-the-cob, or cone-on-the-cob as we like to say.

Squirrels don't hibernate here in the temperate rain forest, it isn't cold enough. They remain active throughout the winter, even though they make their preparations.
We humans are a bit like that too. With our central heating systems and the year-round availability of everything we need, we really don't need to eat more in the winter, and yet, we do. The shortening days still strike us somewhere in the dark recesses of our collective memory, and we can't resist those hot chocolate drinks and extra carbs.

Do Bears Poop in the Woods?

2011-11-10T10:30:00.001-08:00

...well, good question, not in the winter is the answer. Down here in the temperate rainforest, some people say that bears don't truly hibernate, it really isn't cold enough for them, but they do 'den' in the winter, a bit like some of us really.

A bear's metabolism changes, and they experience a lowering of body temperature, respiration and heart rate. They come into a wakeful state a couple of times a day and move around a little, but essentially, don't do much more than that. They use the calories from their fat to survive, since they don't eat during this period.

And the poop? Well, bears eat lots of tree bark and other roughage, and during the hibernation or denning, their anus becomes stoppered with faeces, hair, and discarded cells from their bodies! Although they do produce some small amount of faecal matter during the winter, this is recycled, in fact the nitrogen produced when their bodies recycle urea, helps to make protein.

If only we could do what bears do, we'd end the winter with less body fat and more lean tissue. And all of that whilst sleeping, although eating tree bark - meh, leave that for the bears methinks.

Feathered Friends

2011-11-04T16:09:00.000-07:00

What a glorious Friday morning we had here in beautiful BC.
Idle free BC.
Out in the bog the birds too are preparing for winter. There are some, like the Rufous Hummingbirds, who have long since headed south, whilst their cousins the Anna's Hummingbirds have been seen to overwinter in BC.

Others, such as the Dark-eyed Juncos, who herald the approaching colder weather by coming down to Delta from the mountains, can be heard tzick, tzicking in the trees.

Then we have our homies, the Chickadees and Rufous-sided Towhees, both species stay here all year round. Even now, out in the trees on the edge of the bog, the male Chickadees, can occasionally be heard trying to attract a late mate with their hopeful 'Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger!' call.

Birds are warm-blooded, like mammals, but their normal body temperature is about two degrees higher than that of mammals. In the winter, the Chickadees will puff out their feathers to keep warm, giving them that cute, fluffy look. In extreme weather, they can lower their body temperature considerably for a while, thus conserving energy when their mixed food source of berries, seeds, spiders and insects becomes scarce. They also have been observed to huddle together in a nesting box or log.

The Towhees are ground-nesters and in the spring they spend a lot of time in the low-growth of the bog-forest floor, scratching around and kicking back the leaf-litter to find food. In the winter, they will shelter in the low growth to conserve warmth - the Salal is evergreen, so provides good cover. If the snow falls, and when it falls in the Bog, it stays longer, due to the refrigeration effect, the Towhees are even snugger, since the snow can act as an insulator, holding in the bird's body heat as in an igloo.

Fall Bog

2011-10-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

I'm trying not to fall in the bog.
Tough not to fall FOR the bog - the fall bog.

This week there has been a lot of rain, exactly what the greedy, thirsty bog needs, but the one morning of sunshine and crisp, autumnal temperatures, was the one morning I was there. And what was the temperature? 9.9° C. I know what you're thinking, seemed much lower.

The blueberry leaves are starting to change colour and fall.
The cedars too, drop some of their scaly needles as the fall progresses, and although the bog-forest part of the nature reserve seems to mostly be evergreen, there are enough plants losing their leaves to make the noise from the road seem nearer at this time of year.

For the past few weeks, we've been hearing Pacific Tree Fogs, tiny beasties with BIG voices. But not this week, this week, the frogs were quiet. Soon they'll be preparing to brumate, go into a dormant state for the winter. Some frogs are able to produce glycol or glycerol, that acts like anti-freeze in a car, as they hunker down in lovely leaf litter.

Ducks! Boots! Bog!

2011-10-21T11:12:00.001-07:00

HUH!

Have U Heard?

Ducks in the Bog!

Me and you, tomorrow, with our rubber boots on! Saturday 22nd, 10.00, Public Tour of the DNR $5.

Meet in front of Planet Ice!

Be there or be square a little bit rectangular:)

Come for the Run. Stay for the Fun!

2011-07-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 24, 2011

5km walk/run & 10km trail run

10388 Nordel Court, Delta BC

T-Shirts are only guaranteed if registered by Friday, July 8

This event is chip timed.

T-Shirts only guaranteed if registered by Friday, July 8

3 easy ways to register! Online Email or Mail By Phone @ 604-572-0373 Download the brochure.

What? Run through super natural Burns Bog. For all ages and abilities.

Why? Have fun and support the Burns Bog Conservation Society's education programs, maintenance of the Delta Nature Reserve boardwalks and outreach campaign.

Where? Starts at 10388 Nordel Court (map). Lots of parking available. Run through trails of the Nature Reserve (route map).

Schedule
8:00 am...............Registration opens
8:50 am...............Warm up
9:00 am..............5km and 10km start
10:00 am............Pancake Breakfast
11:00 am............Run Awards

"Come for the run, stay for the fun".

10:00 am - 3:00 pm........International Bog Days Celebrations with free entertainment, prizes and all day bog tours.

For more information call 604-572-0373 or email info@burnsbog.org

Is your house being invaded by books?

2011-03-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

Recycle them and support Burns Bog Conservation Society's Educational Programs.

Drop off your unwanted/space stealing books at our office:

4-7953 120th Street,
Delta, BC
604.572.0373

Only good shaped books less than 5 years old. No magazines, text books or Canadian Geographic.

Are you looking for books?
Our annual book sale is:
Wednesday, June 8 - Saturday, June 11
Scottsdale Centre
7031 120 Street, Delta, BC

Soft cover books will be priced at $1, while hard covers are $2, unless otherwise stated.

Save Canada's Green Emerald--Burns Bog!

2011-02-15T14:56:00.000-08:00

In 2004 Canadians paid $73 million for a rare emerald--Burns Bog. This rare jewel sits in the middle of urban development filtering water to the Fraser Rivier, wafting cooling breezes and fresh air from Delta to Nanaimo to the North Shore and beyond. How do I know this? Well, in 1996 a fire started in July. Very shortly offices had to close in Vancouver because people couldn't breathe. In September 2005 another fire started. This time people in Delta and all the way to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island suffered from the effects of the smoke. Burns Bog is part of that small 3% of the world's peatlands. Like other peatlands it stores 10 times more carbon than any other terrestial ecosystem. Right now this precious jewel is about to be crushed by the South Fraser Perimeter Road. Already farmland and bogland has been destroyed but it is not too late to tell Prime Minster Stephen Harper that as the seniour government it must stop the destruction of Canada's peatlands and move this road some where else or create other forms of transportation.

You are invited ...

2011-02-09T15:52:00.000-08:00

Great news! The Burns Bog Conservation Society launches its 10th annual Non-Gala.

If you are one of the lucky few, your invitation will be appearing in your mail box this week. You won’t be able to miss it. Your invitation is pink and it has its classic bulge, thanks to National Importers and Twinings Tea.

This year our Non-Gala will not be held at the Vancouver Olympic Village. Performers will not include Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones or The Beatles.

Your invitation didn’t arrive? Don't worry. Just click the blue CanadaHelps button and make your donation. Scroll down to option 6 for the Non-Gala.

$25 - you promise not to attend

$35 - neither you nor your companion will attend

$50 - your whole family promises not to attend

$75 - George Bush promises to stay away
$100 - BP oil executives promise to stay away
$250 - Sarah Palin won’t come – we’re Canadian we don’t carry guns
$___ - you will stay home, sip Twinings Tea and read a good book

You will get your teabag mailed to you right after you make your donation online for the Non-Gala.

Your non-attendance at our Non-Gala supports our education programs, maintaining the Delta Nature Reserve boardwalks and outreach programs.

We do not receive core funding from any government body. Your gift matters!

Burns Bog February 2011 E-News

2011-02-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

Burns Bog E-News

Show some love...for voles

When you think of Valentine’s Day you probably imagine cute cuddly animals like puppies and kittens. However, there are plenty of other animals that are just as worthy of your love. Although they may not be as cuddly, animals such as bats, bugs, snakes and spiders all play an important role in the environment.

This Valentine’s Day show some love for one of those less-than-glamorous animals, the Southern Red-Backed Vole. At 13 cm from head to tail, it is rare to spot one of these voles. And even more since these voles were considered extinct until they were discovered in Burns Bog (Miller 2004, Statement 20). Habitat destruction from human activities, such as the south-fraser perimeter road, is the main reason for their declining numbers. By symbolically adopting one of these critters from the Burns Bog Conservation Society, you are helping to ensure that the bog and all the animals that live here are saved.

Click to adopt a vole, or one of the other bog species for your loved ones today. All adoptions come with a personalized certificate and fun facts about the animal. (You also get a $30 tax receipt for your adoption.)

Happy World Wetlands Day!

2011-02-02T12:29:00.000-08:00

Here are three simple things you can do to celebrate with us

1. Visit your local wetland.
Click here for directions to Burns Bog. Or better yet, take a tour with one of our experienced interpretive guides. Next tour date is March 26. Email to register, click here for more tour date information.

2. Join an organization that saves wetlands today.
Click here to for more information on becoming a member of the Burns Bog Conservation Society.

3. Get Involved.
Click here to find out ways to get involved with the Burns Bog Conservation Society.

Forced to Move Sale

2011-01-30T17:42:00.000-08:00

Flea Market Fund Raiser
Support Burns Bog Legal Fund -
Stop the South Fraser Freeway from destroying Burns Bog and forcing wildlife to move from their current homes to find new habitat.

Date: Sunday, February 13
Time: 7:00am - 3:00pm
Place: Bridgeview Hall, 11475 - 126A Street, Surrey, BC
(10 minutes Walk From Scott Road Sky Train Station)

Best Buys and Bargains to Benefit Burns Bog. Includes our Famous Buck-a Bag Books and Clothes, Toys, Furniture and more

Volunteers and Donations are Very Welcome
Donations - contact Sonia 604-290-1705
Volunteers - contact Bernadette 778-867-6115

Are books taking over your home?

2011-01-28T16:50:00.000-08:00

Recycle them and help support Burns Bog Conservation Society's Educational Programs.

Drop off unwanted/space stealing books at our office:

4-7953 120th Street,
Delta, BC
604.572.0373

Please only good shaped books less than 5 years old, no magazines, text books or Canadian Geographic.

Book Sale is at Scottsdale Centre, Wednesday May 25 - Saturday May 28.
(7031 120 Street, Delta, BC)

Thousands of Birds Dropping Dead. What's Happening?

2011-01-13T11:13:00.000-08:00

5000 black birds drop from the sky on New Year’s Eve in Arkansas. Entire schools of fish float belly up on Chesapeake Bay. Tens of thousands of dead crabs wash up on the shores of England. Large numbers of penguins, turtles, even dolphins turn up dead.

These events are freaking us out. But what are we afraid of?

A recent article by Dr. David Suzuki and Dr. Faisal Moola from the David Suzuki Foundation stated that huge die-offs aren’t that uncommon. Sudden, large-scale deaths have been recorded in nature before, and even date back to the 19th century. One report from 1964 includes 100,000 king eiders (a large species of duck), perishing in the Beaufort Sea. It was discovered that the birds died of starvation when the sea suddenly re-froze.

Dr. Suzuki and Dr. Moola say we should be more concerned with the long-term effects human activity has on nature. Cutting down forests to stretch the borders of our cities, paving grassland for parking lots, and our greatest worry, draining wetlands for roads, all create the biggest threats to wildlife today: habitat destruction and climate change.

Unfortunately, these are silent killers. We don’t notice that 17,000 plants and animals are threatened by extinction. Or that the risk of species extinction will drastically increase in our children’s lifetime. I think I speak for all parents, present and future, when I say I want my kids to learn about Mother Nature by watching it live, not by reading history books.

Maybe this sudden bird die-off is a good thing. Maybe we needed an attention-grabbing introduction in order to really hear what we’re doing to our wildlife.

Well, now that nature has your attention, do your part.

Pay attention to the impact you’re having on plants and animals, pressure politicians to implement sound regulations for wildlife and habitat conservation, and help save wetlands like your own Burns Bog.

Learn more about the Bog in your backyard at http://www.burnsbog.org/

When I first heard about the birds falling from the sky, I instantly thought about the world ending, and what I was going to have for my last meal! What were your thoughts when you heard about the birds dying?

Leave a comment! We'd love to hear from you.

How Much of Burns Bog can you Destroy in 30 Days?

2011-01-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

Feds given extension to serve statement of defence. What damage is being done in the meantime?

Bog water drains from Burns Bog into the Fraser River

Imagine what is happening to Burns Bog while the federal government takes another 30 days to serve a statement of defence for the lawsuit launched by the Burns Bog Conservation Society.

The feds were recently given an extension on their deadline to serve a statement of defence to the Society. Meanwhile, Preload sand continues to be loaded onto the Bog. Bog water continues to drain into the Fraser River. Wildlife habitat is being forever lost. In this case, time is of the utmost importance; a sense of urgency from the government would be nice.

When the 30-day extension is up, we need to be ready. Please give to the fight to move the South Fraser Perimeter Road out of Burns Bog. Don’t be like the federal government, act now to save Burns Bog.
Click here to give.

Check back often to get first-hand updates before everyone else on what's happening with the lawsuit. Got questions or thoughts? Comment on this blog to have your voice heard and we'll get back to you ASAP.

Thanks to all the supporters of the fight to move the South Fraser Perimeter Road.

What about the animals

2010-12-16T11:16:00.000-08:00

The proposed South Fraser Perimeter Road route through Burns Bog will have crippling effects to the bogs hydrology (water table) and other highly scientific issues.

BUT... What about the animals? Burns Bog is home to hundreds of nature's creatures who can't speak for themselves. What will the animals go through if the South Fraser Perimeter Road cuts through Burns Bog.

THE CRANE:
The Greater Sandhill crane, the oldest bird on Earth still in existence, is under huge threat from the road. While the bird's numbers across North America are increasing steadily, the number of cranes nesting in Burns Bog is plummeting from habitat degradation. The South Fraser Perimeter Road would cut through the birds' nesting grounds. Mother cranes would have to walk their flightless chicks across a four-lane highway, surely leading to their tragic, preventable demise.

FRAGMENTATION:
A term that refers to breaking lands into smaller pieces is what would happen to Burns Bog if the South Fraser Perimeter Road goes through the Bog. Habitats of larger animals like the Black-Tailed deer and Black bear will will be limited further since they prefer larger areas to rome through.

DRYING OUR WETLANDS:
Animals that rely on wetlands for their survival will be forced to move elsewhere because in order to build a road on peatlands, you first have to drain it.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:Save our animals in Burns Bog by symbolically adopting a Burns Bog animal today. For a $33 gift to Burns bog Conservation Society, you get an official Burns Bog certificate of the adoption with great pictures of your animal, a fun fact sheet about your animal, and a thank you letter from Burns Bog.

Click here to adopt a bog animal now

Top 10 Champions of Change Candidate Eliza Olson

2010-11-15T17:58:00.000-08:00

Go to this link http://www.cbc.ca/change/2010/10/eliza-olson.html
to vote for Eliza now. You can vote again every 24 hour period.

Become a facebook fan of Eliza Olson as Canada's Champions of Change

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eliza-Olson/171031952925526?v=page_getting_started

Profile by --Leah Macpherson

Age: 71
Volunteers in: Delta, B.C.
Category: Canada - Environment
Organization: Burns Bog Conservation Society

ABOUT THE CANDIDATE:
Leading the fight to save on of North America's largest peat lands.

As a child, Eliza Olson witnessed the destruction of a local pond. A family of ducks was displaced--a chilling experience that would one day lead to a passion to preserve the country's wetlands.

In 1988, Olson learned that part of the bog near her home, in British
Columbia's Lower Mainland, was slated for destruction to make way for a golf course. Horrified at the lack of concern about the eradication of the local peat lands, Olson created the Burns Bog Conservation Society as a forum for local residents to meet, discuss and strategize ways to preserve Burns Bog, the largest raised estuarine peat bog on the West Coast of North America--and the only bog of its kind.

The group successfully blocked plans for the golf course and has since been working to preserve the peat lands and educate people about the local ecosystems for more than two decades.

A retired teacher, Olson spends more than 40 hours a week at the Burns Bog Conservation Society. Carol LeVasseur, a fellow volunteer, notes: "Since 1987, Eliza has donated countless hours for the preservation of Burns Bog. Her degree in education has enabled her to skilfully educate others on the importance of saving the bog. At last count, the Burns Bog Conservation Society is the largest B.C. organization focusing on educating people about peat lands and one of the largest [of its kind] in Canada." Olson is passionate about the bog and its important role in offsetting global warming.

Over the last 22 years, she has overseen the construction of boardwalks that make the area more accessible, as well as the creation of internship programs, student programs and walking tours. The Burns Bog Conservation Society also partners with local scientists to research the peat lands and help develop preservation strategies.

Currently, the society is fighting to stop the South Fraser Perimeter Road from passing through a part of the bog that falls just outside the conservation area. Concerned that the road will block local endangered species, such as black-tailed deer, cranes and the southern red-backed vole, from accessing feeding grounds on Burns Bog, it hopes to either stop the road altogether or move it elsewhere.

Olson's long-term vision is to build a world-class education and interpretive centre, and to improve education and communication programs. "The goal is to have the building itself be something people would come to see, have a wide range of activities that are related to the bog and its wildlife, and to raise rare and endangered cranes. We want to be part of a worldwide movement to save peat lands."

Go to this link http://www.cbc.ca/change/2010/10/eliza-olson.html to vote for Eliza now.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: FURTHER INFORMATION AND LINKS

Sign the petition to stop the South Fraser Perimeter Road online by visiting http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/stopsfpr/

Sign the petition to designate Burns Bog a UNESCO World Heritage Site by visiting http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/burnsbogunesco/

Donate quickly and securely online through CanadaHelps.org
http://www.canadahelps.org/public/content/Donate/DispCharityProfile.asp?cid=38788&lang=e

For information about how you can help out, contact Katie at 604.572.0373 or email mailto:info@burnsbog.org

Website: http://www.burnsbog.org/

Go to this link http://www.cbc.ca/change/vote2.html to vote for Eliza now.

Savee money on entertainment and support Burns Bog Conservation Society

2010-11-12T09:22:00.000-08:00

Save Money on Entertainment Books

While Supporting

Burns Bog Conservation Society!

Our group, Burns Bog Conservation Society is participating in a 2011 Entertainment book fundraiser and thought you might be interested in supporting us while saving on the things you do everyday. If you purchase the 2011 Entertainment book and support our group, you will save $4 off the retail price and receive offers for:

• Up to 50% off at your favorite restaurants

• Great deals on travel

• Big savings on shopping, services and entertainment

• PLUS Bonus Cards in each Entertainment book membership providing straight dollar-off discounts requiring no minimum purchase!

Call our office 604.572.0373 to reserve yours today

NEW to burnsbog.org - Adopt a Bog Animal

2010-11-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

Figuring out what to get someone for a gift during the holidays can be hard, and at times, can drive you a little crazy; you start talking to yourself: "What would they like? What do they need? For cryin' out loud they already have everything!"

Now, Burns Bog Conservation Society has a great solution. Brand new to burnsbog.org is Adopt a Bog Animal. For a gift to the Society of $30 plus $3 shipping and handling, you get an official Burns Bog Certificate of Adoption with fun facts about your bog animal and a picture.

There are six adorable bog animals to choose from:

The cute and fuzzy Southern Red-backed vole (endangered)
The multi-coloured Painted turtle (endangered)
The fascinating Greater Sandhill crane (endangered)
The cool and quick Pacific Tree frog (at risk)
The majestic Barn owl (at risk)
A Black-tailed deer fawn (spots included)

These symbolic adoptions on behalf of that special person who cares about animals is a perfect holiday gift. The certificate can be framed and put on a wall or proudly displayed in any room of the house.

Just visit us at burnsbog.org and choose which animal you would like to save today!

Affordable Entertainment and Helping Burns Bog Conservation Society.

2010-10-28T13:49:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has ever purchased an Entertainment Book knows that they are a great vaule. For only $46 ($4 off the retail price of $50), the book pays for itself quickly. You receive up to 50% off for fine dining, family dining, fast food, travel, entertainment such as movies, Vancouver Aquarium, bowling and coupons for everyday needs like groceries and clothing.

So get your 2011 Vancouver & Fraser Valley edition Entertainment Book today before they sell out. All proceeds go to Burns Bog Conservation Societys educational programs.

Call Sonia 604.572.0373 to reserve your book today.

Help your car and Burns Bog Conservation Society at the same time!

2010-10-23T17:01:00.000-07:00

How you ask? Referred Auto Repairs (RAR) "Easy giving support program."

Burns Bog Conservation Society has teamed up with Referred Auto Repair. When you go to a auto repair shop that is part of the program 3% of your bill will go to the Society.

Click here to find out more. You can register on-line or call RAR 1-888-539-4662 if you have any questions regarding this program or need help navigating the support page.

Once RAR receives your information, they will mail you a card. Once you get your card, you go to a recognized RAR affiliate, you show your RAR card and tell them that you are supporting Burns Bog Conservation Society and 3% of your repair cost/service fee goes to the Society.

Giving made easy.

Volunteers Needed

2010-10-06T13:55:00.000-07:00

Get down and dirty in Burns Bog! November 13th from 10am until 2pm. Wear your rubber boots and join us for a day of hands-on help. Contact Katie or Michael at 604-572-0373 or info@burnsbog.org to sign up.

Burns Bog Conservation Society Annual Raffle Prize Winners

2010-10-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

Thank you all who took part in our annual raffle draw. Proceed from the raffle go to our educational programs. Below are this years winners.

1st Prize: Christine Mohamed
25,000 Aeroplan Miles (Value: $675, Donated by: Aeroplan)

2nd Prize: Hanah Truong
Ladies Gold Ring (Appraised Value: $375, Donated by: Ray Barnes)

3rd Prize: Sharon Gardner
Canucks shirt signed by Alex Burrows (Value $50, Donated by Vancouver Canucks)

4th Prize: Alice Lee
Discover Burns Bog Book (Value $25, Donated by Burns Bog Conservation Society)

Start spreading the news Ray is coming to town!

2010-09-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

I am sure you don't want to miss out on a chance to hear Ray Zahab speak at Burns Bog Gala http://www.burnsbog.org/gala/

If your not sure who Ray is read about him through the links below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Zahab or
http://rayzahab.com/awareness

Ray, after years of smoking and poor diet, decided to start a journey toward a healthier lifestyle. Ray quit smoking and took up running. Ray kept on challenging himself and became an ultra-marathon runner. Ultra-marathoning took him around the world.

When his running brought him to the Sahara desert he started noticing how even a few droplets of water can be so much to someone who has none. Ray began to see the relationship between clean water and it's importance to all when witnessing first had a water crisis and malaria epidemic in Africa. This is when Ray decided to be the change he wanted to see and decided that his future running adventures would include raising awareness to causes he believed in.

That is why Ray is coming to speak at Burns Bog Gala Friday September 24 and is going to run around Burns Bog Sunday September 26 http://www.burnsbog.org/jog4thebog/index.htm he believes Burns Bog is important and needs to be protected.

Another reason to stop building the SFPR

2010-08-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

No relief for commuters under Fraser mouth
New ring road won't ease congestion
By Brian Lewis, The Province

To read the original article in full please visit.
http://www.theprovince.com/business/relief+commuters+under+Fraser+mouth/3435146/story.html#ixzz0xdcYauru

{This posting has been edited}

If you commute daily through the George Massey Tunnel and think that the $1.2-billion South Fraser Perimeter Road will ease the 51-year-old crossing's congestion when it opens in 2013, you'd better think again.

Government figures show that current truck traffic through the tunnel stands at about 15,600 per day but, on completion of the SFPR, is estimated to drop to 15,000 daily trips.

A reduction of about 600 trucks daily isn't going to do much for commuters who use the tunnel, especially when you consider the population growth now under way in many communities south of the Fraser.

"Even when I was on Delta council a few years ago, we knew the proposed SFPR wasn't going to do much for traffic congestion at the tunnel," says Guy Gentner, the NDP MLA for Delta North, who was a Delta councillor between 1999 and 2005.

"So, yes, there have been lots of alternatives to building the SFPR, but the government simply didn't do its homework," he adds.

Gentner agrees with other critics that, given coming population growth in Delta and Surrey, there's far more need for another Fraser River crossing or expansion of the Massey Tunnel. Both these options would serve all sectors of the community, rather than spending just over $1 billion to build a freeway through fertile Delta farmland next to the highly sensitive Burns Bog preserve, simply to accommodate container trucks serving Deltaport.

"The SFPR is going to be a bloody mess," Gentner predicts.

blewis@theprovince.com

© Copyright (c) The Province

Read more: http://www.theprovince.com/business/relief+commuters+under+Fraser+mouth/3435146/story.html#ixzz0xdUbQnqA

When will the insanity stop?

2010-08-19T19:05:00.000-07:00

"So bleak is the picture... that the bulldozer and not the atomic bomb may turn out to be the most destructive invention of the 20th century". ~Philip Shabecoff, New York Times Magazine, 4 June 1978

As I am reading and hearing different information regarding South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR) I get more and more lost in the insanity of cost of construction and the cost of loosing wildlife and natural habitat.

First off the governments involved have you believe that the cost involved is to help stimulate the economy. Whose economy? The contractor is not only out of province they are out of the country? So who is the company going to hire? Will they be bringing in their own employees from Spain or where ever else they have their headquarters?

Secondly, Shirley Bond will have you believe in her statements that this road will take trucks out of communities. This will never happen. I know in Surrey the residents of Whalley thought the SFPR would take trucks off 140th, 108th, 104 and several other roads until someone (like a person who really understands the reason for the road) asked Jaime Boan, Transportation Manager for City of Surrey to confirm the truth and told them that those roads would still be truck routes. Also, owner operators will take the shortest way to get anywhere to keep his cost down.

Thirdly, cost keep on increasing. They are building this road along the south bank of the Fraser and bulldozing homes (and not recycling any of the material, it is all going straight into the dump, which is another story), cutting through sensitive ecosytems and paving over some of the best farmland in the world (what about food security). To help mitigate the impacts to all this destruction they have to spend even more money for enhancement for the loss of habitat and agriculture land.

Finally, the road is not needed. We don't need to buy junk that is imported and coming through the ports. They could use the existing rail lines to take all of it out. Delta Port has stalled building the new berth because port traffic has slowed down.

So if the road is stopped, more money will be available for things we need. Education, health care, housing, homes for seniors ......

Food Security

2010-08-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

With highways going through some of the world's best farmland in Delta, and people starving because of floods and fires around the world. Why would Corporation of Delta want to take more land away from farming designation?

Tonight’s meeting (7:00p, Annacis Room, Delta City Hall) is a critical step in the process of determining the future of the Southlands. Please make it a priority to attend so that Council and the TAPC realize that the public is still aware of the process and hasn’t become complacent. Much of the latest information being distributed attempts to pacify the public into thinking that this issue is decided – from what has been happening the meeting tonight may result in a last-ditch effort to push through a change to the Southlands designation even though it’s clear the people don’t support it. This is unacceptable and must be stopped!

It should be interesting and contentious…

When Kids get it!!!! Do you?

2010-08-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

To: ramsar@ramsar.org
Cc: eliza@burnsbog.org; championsoftheearth@unep.org; executiveoffice@unep.org; unepmedia@unep.org; worldenvironmentday@unep.org; alex.kaat@wetlands.org; post@wetlands.org; info@rithetsbog.org; G.Boccardi@unesco.org; M.Rossler@unesco.org; k.rao@unesco.org
Subject: Burns Bog in Delta British Columbia, Canada

Dear Ramsar Secretariat,

My name is Eric Velestuk, I am only 11years old and I live in Delta British-Columbia Canada.

Thank you for offering us the Ramsar International Designation for Burns Bog.

I think it’s sad that you were turned down.

The Mayor of Delta, Lois Jackson, said that she will include another parcel of land to

the Burns Bog before she accepts the Ramsar Designation.

She’s been saying that for SIX YEARS!

I believe that she WILL NOT add this land to the Burns Bog, that SHE WILL NOT take

the steps necessary to protect Burns Bog from development, and the Ramsar

International Designation will never be accepted UNLESS SHE IS FORCED TO DO SO.

SHE WILL DEVELOP IT INSTEAD.

PLEASE DO SOME THING BECAUSE IT IS NOT HER FUTURE IT IS MINE AND MY GENERATION`S FUTURE.

Here is the email address for a lady that runs the Burns Bog Society: eliza@burnsbog.org
and I am sure she can answer any questions you have about this.

Sincerely,
Eric Velestuk

____________

So when are you going to write your letter?

Have you bought Burns Bog raffle tickets yet?

2010-08-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

Buy your Burns Bog raffle tickets now!

Burns Bog Conservation Society are selling raffle tickets, all proceeds go to the Society's educational programs.

1st Prize: 25,000 Aeroplan Miles (Value: $675, Donated by: Aeroplan)
2nd Prize: Ladies Gold Ring (Appraised Value: $375, Donated by: Ray Barnes)
3rd Prize: Canucks shirt signed by Alex Burrows (Value $50, Donated by Vancouver Canucks)
4th Prize: Discover Burns Bog Book (Value $25, Donated by Burns Bog Conservation Society)

Tickets are $2 each or 3 tickets for $5.

Click here for more raffle information or Click here for the order form.

Or you can also come to our office (4 7953 120th Street, Delta, BC) to pick up your tickets or call us 604.572.0373

Click here for office location map

All proceeds to benefit the Burns Bog Conservation Society’s education programs

Tickets sold from June 29, 2010 to September 29, 2010
Tickets will be drawn on September 29, 2010 at 4 PM
at Burns Bog Conservation Society Office:
4-7953 120th Street, Delta, BC.

New battle over Burns Bog

2010-07-30T19:44:00.000-07:00

"In the absence of another champion, we [Delta] will have to be the champions." Mayor Jackson http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/99635154.html

I consider Burns Bog Conservation Society as one of the champions for Burns Bog? Mayor Jackson never seems to want to mention the Society and all the hard work they do to make sure people are aware of the significance of preserving it.

The Society has invited Mayor Jackson to speak at International Bog Day this past Sunday July 25 at the Delta Nature Reserve. She said no, and never even bothered sending someone in her place to speak out about the importance of the bog.

Mayor Jackson appears to ignore the Society. On the Delta Burns Bog website there is no mention of the Society at all and all the hard work the Society has done to help preserve Burns Bog and the education programs they have in place to make people aware of the consequences if the bog is disturbed. Nor do they mention the Boardwalk that was put in the Delta Nature Reserve by the Society so people can enjoy the park and to mitigate damage to the bog.

Time is "Running" Out! Act fast. Avoid your registration fee increase.

2010-07-26T18:07:00.000-07:00

Pun fully intended.

Greetings!

I hope that the sun has been kind to you, and that you've soaked up your year's worth of Vitamin D.

Vitamin D has been proven to cheer you up, and fight against Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Pun intended.

You know what else makes people happy? Endorphins.

What's the best way to get endorphins flowing? Running.

Where's the best place to run? Burns Bog.

When can you do it? Sunday, September 26.

2009 Jog for the Bog

Our annual Jog for the Bog is a walk, jog or run for you and your friends.

This year, Ray Zahab, a world-renowned ultramarathoner (and buddy to actor Matt Damon) is coming to run with YOU.

Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Save up to $10 on your registration fee if you sign up before Sunday, August 1, and receive a free T-shirt if you register before Wednesday, September 1.

Better still - beat the dreaded HST. Get your friends to sponsor you.* They get a tax receipt and you get the satisfaction of beating the tax man.

This is a fun event for the pro's, joe's, kids, tweens, teens and adults. Sign-up NOW because spots are "running" out. (Sorry, I can't help it!)

Click HERE to register.

*Check out www.jogforthebog.org for more details regarding prices, race categories, and pledges.

Remember that raffle tickets are on sale! Enter for a chance to win 25,000 Aeroplan miles, a Canucks T-shirt signed by Alex Burrows, and more!

Click here to see the prizes, and here to order your tickets.

Sincerely,
Kevin Liminsang

Burns Bog Conservation Society

July 25 - 19th Annual International Bog Day Festival

2010-07-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

If the weather people our correct it looks like a great day to be part of a festival. The forcast calls for 20 degrees with a few cloudy periods. It should be a perfect day for a family outing.

And what would an outing be without food. Rainbow Ice-cream will be available, the concession at Planet Ice will be open.

And how could we call it a festival be if we didn't have popcorn? Also to have a festival you would need entertainment. We have a whole roster of entertainers booked for the entire day so you'll never ever miss a moment of fun.
• Dog House - Celtic Folk Band

• Go Go Bonkers - Children singing group

• Adrian Michael Combo - A young local jazz band

• Imagine That Artworks - Face painting and balloon toy twisting

• Bhangra Dancers - An inspiring local dance group

Don't miss out on our public tours. For this event, tours will only be 5 dollars per person. And what's even better is that you can print off a 2-for-1 coupon for the tour, what a deal! If going on a tour is not your thing, you can enter the coupon for a draw to win a prize. The a draw will be around 3:00, so stick around, if you want to claim your win!

For more information about this event, call Kiran 604.572.0373 or email events@burnsbog.org.

We hope to see you all there!

Cheers,

Sandy

Contest! Create a new tagline for Burns Bog and Win

2010-07-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

"Protect, Provide, Educate." We've been using this tag line for years. Although it just about sums up what we do, we're looking for something new. We need YOU to write us a new one.

Can you imagine the prestige of being the author of our new tagline? We're a world-famous organization... we're known to a lot of people! Beef up your resume, gain bragging rights, and become a star!

The winner receives $100, a Burns Bog prize pack, and recognition in one of our newsletters.

Get your creative juices flowing. Submit your tagline with your name and telephone number to info@burnsbog.org.
Maximum words: 8 or less.
Contest deadline September 1, 2010.

Bonne Chance!

Get work on your car and help Burns Bog Conservation Society at the same time!

2010-07-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

How you ask? Referred Auto Repairs (RAR) "Easy giving support program."

How easy is it? You can go directly to RAR Burns Bog Conservation Society's support page when you click here. Fill out your information and a card will be mailed to you. Once you get your card, you go to a recognized RAR affiliate you show your RAR card and tell them that you are supporting Burns Bog Conservation Society and 3% of your repair cost/service fee goes to the Society.

If you have any questions regarding this program or need help navigating the support page give RAR a call at 1-888-539-4662
or email funding@ReferredAutoRepairs.com

Help your car and Burns Bog Conservation Society at the same time. It's giving, made easier!

Buy your Burns Bog raffle tickets now!

2010-07-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

Burns Bog Conservation Society are selling raffle tickets, all proceeds go to the Society's educational programs.

1st Prize: 25,000 Aeroplan Miles (Value: $675, Donated by: Aeroplan)
2nd Prize: Ladies Gold Ring (Appraised Value: $375, Donated by: Ray Barnes)
3rd Prize: Canucks shirt signed by Alex Burrows (Value $50, Donated by Vancouver Canucks)
4th Prize: Discover Burns Bog Book (Value $25, Donated by Burns Bog Conservation Society)

Tickets are $2 each or 3 tickets for $5.

Click here for more raffle information or Click here for the order form.

Or you can also come to our office (4 7953 120th Street, Delta, BC) to pick up your tickets or call us 604.572.0373

Click here for office location map

All proceeds to benefit the Burns Bog Conservation Society’s education programs

Tickets sold from June 29, 2010 to September 29, 2010

Tickets will be drawn on September 29, 2010 at 4 PM

at Burns Bog Conservation Society Office:

4-7953 120th Street, Delta, BC.

Discovery Workshops in Burns Bog

2010-06-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

Discovery Workshops in Burns Bog

Date: Saturday, July 10, 2010
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Location: 10388 Nordel Court, Delta, BC (Great Pacific Forum/Planet Ice)

View Larger Map

9 am - 11 am BIRD WATCHING
take an exciting walk through the Bog while being shown all the best BIRD WATCHING techniques from Tom Bearss, the President of the Delta Naturalist Society.

11 am - 1 pm FIRST NATIONS culture
treat your children to session with seasoned educator Roberta Price, a seasoned educator, on FIRST NATIONS culture, as well as the importance of their own heritage while completing a craft to take home.

1 pm - 3 pm PHOTOGRAPHY
join Ursula Easterbrook, a member of the Delta Naturalist Society, for a lesson on ‘environmentally conscious’ PHOTOGRAPH and take your new skills for a test drive in the Delta Nature Reserve. This workshop is great for youth to adult amateur to professional.

3 pm – 4 pm ‘HEALTHY, WEALTHY & WISE ’
join Dr. Holly Fourchalk for a ‘HEALTHY, WEALTHY & WISE ’ seminar. With a simple and effective style of providing innovative leadership, Healthy Wealthy & Wise provides a number of integrative options to maximize each of these important aspects of life.

*There is no set fee for these workshops; however, a minimum $10 donation is requested. To register call 604-572-0373

Registration form:
http://www.burnsbog.org/events/Participantregform.pdf

Concerns @ Delta council and their staff regarding comments?

2010-06-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

(My comments are in brackets, .{not the Delta Optimist either}

(Apparently) {Delta council members and Corporation of Delta staff had concerns over a Community Comment column published in the June 9 edition of the Optimist (and written by Debbie McBride, I think the article held lot of truth).

{Specifically, they took objection to the contention the municipality is standing in the way of a Ramsar designation application for Burns Bog. Municipal officials say they are committed to ensuring the bog obtains the highest possible protective designation} (that is why they took out some land parcels out because it was disected out of the area by the Gateway Project).

the rest of this middle section is Delta Optimist below: My comments are in ()

(As you may know) Metro Vancouver (chair Mayor Jackson) recently granted a request by Delta (Mayor Jackson)to hold off on the Ramsar application as the municipality is attempting to add 435 hectares/1,074 acres to the more than 2,000 hectares/5,000 acres of Burns Bog that are already part of the conservation covenant. Civic officials recently met with federal counterparts in Ottawa to discuss the inclusion of the additional acreage.

Delta supports submitting a Ramsar application after the additional properties have been included in the covenant (wouldn't sooner be better? Enough talk already).

The Optimist apologizes to Delta council members and Corporation of Delta staff and is dedicated to setting the record straight (could it be they were afraid of losing advertising revenue?).

-----------
Talk about spin doctors! Delta has some of the best.

Corporaton of Delta put a one page ad in June 20th edition of The Delta Leader (second page) Obviously they want all the glory, they don't mention Metro Vancouver Park staff going after Ramsar status and told to hold. Mayor Jackson was quoted on this? (By Sandor Gyarmati, The Delta Optimist June 2, 2010. Now they say it was their own Chief Administrative Officer that requested for Ramsar status back in March, but only after the addition of more Delta properties to the Conservation Covenant.

Also, they forget to mention the wonderful people who fought to save Burns Bog from Development (again, even after I had sent Mayor Jackson an open letter regarding no credit to countless number of people including Eliza Olson?) No mention of Burns Bog Conservation Society. Talk about patting your back for work and effort of others!!!!

Below is my comments that the Delta Optimist never put in to my response to Sandor Gyarmati article in the June 2 Delta Optimist edition:

http://www.delta-optimist.com/travel/Burns+proposal+hold+Metro+board/3102113/story.html

Thursday, June 3, 2010
What are the real reasons behind the hold by Metro Vancvouver for Ramsar status

This week Sandor Gyarmati wrote an article in the Delta Optimist. The headline read "Burns Bog proposal put on hold by Metro board".

As I am getting to know more about the history of Burns Bog, and have been an attendee to some events and dialogue with the Corporation of Delta and Metro Vancouver, I would like to know the real reasons behind Mayor Jackson’s decision regarding Ramsar Wetland of International Significance status.

Could it be that she does not want international attention brought to her regarding the poor management by both Corporation of Delta and Metro Vancouver of Burns Bog (or all four levels of government for that matter)? Why has the conservation covenant not been used to stop the South Fraser Perimeter Road from winding its way along the lagg of the bog?

Mayor Lois Jackson, who chairs the board, says that Metro Vancouver's park people are not following the conservation covenant and seems to do what they want without concurring with all parties. Is she not talking about herself? I have a hard time not assuming that if she sits on Metro Vancouver's board as chair and is mayor of Delta, would she not be concurring?

I guess I just have to sit back over a glass of Arrogant Frog wine, help fund Burns Bog Conservation Society as I sip (proceeds of Arrogant Frog sales in June go to the society's education programs) and contemplate what Mayor Jackson wants. If it is a legacy Mayor Jackson would like to leave, she is not going to accomplish it this way.
-----

So you can see Debbie McBride, you are not alone. I am sure there are others out there too, that feel the same way about Corporation of Delta's council and staff. We have the courage to write it, and speak it, because we believe in the freedom of speech (and opinion).

Discovery Workshops in Burns Bog

2010-06-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

Be part of Burns Bog Conservation Society's 19th Annual International Bog Days and attend some Discovery Workshops.

Date: Saturday, July 10, 2010
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Location:In Burns Bog/Delta Nature Reserve
10388 Nordel Court, Delta, BC
(Planet Ice/Great Pacific Forum)

Sign up to take part in Burns Bog Workshop Adventures on July 10th, 2010!

9am-11am:
take an exciting walk through the Bog while being shown all the best BIRD WATCHING techniques from Tom Bears, the President of the Delta Naturalist Society.

11am-1pm:
treat your children to session with seasoned educator Roberta Price, a seasoned educator, on FIRST NATIONS culture, as well as the importance of their own heritage while completing a craft to take home.

1pm-3pm:
join Ursula Easterbrook, a member of the Delta Naturalist Society, for a lesson on ‘environmentally conscious’ PHOTOGRAPHY and take your new skills for a test drive in the Delta Nature Reserve. This workshop is great for youth to adult amateur to professional.

3pm-4pm:
join Dr. Holly Fourchalk for a ‘HEALTHY, WEALTHY & WISE ’ seminar. With a simple and effective style of providing innovative leadership, Healthy Wealthy & Wise provides a number of integrative options to maximize each of these important aspects of life.

For sign up forms and more information, email the Burns Bog Conservation Society at event@burnsbog.org or visit us online at www.burnsbog.org/events for more information! Have more questions? Call Kiran at 604-572-0373. Remember to invite your family and friends so they can all take part in the fun (a suggested MINIMUM DONATION of $10!)

See you at the Bog!

Debbie McBride "Politicians stand in the way of international bog designation"

2010-06-17T06:40:00.000-07:00

By Debbie McBride, The Delta Optimist June 9, 2010

You should be outraged to learn that Delta has cut off its nose to spite Metro Vancouver.

It's no secret our mayor and council have been at odds with Metro Vancouver over its control of what happens with green space under the new Livable Region Strategy and Metro Vancouver's reluctance to build waste-to-energy garbage incinerators to burn our garbage. I have attended meetings where I have heard our mayor and Coun. Scott Hamilton slag not just Metro but also the communities in the lower Fraser Valley that are reluctant to have the pollution from the incinerators.

Whatever your position is on those two issues, there is a far more important and frankly disturbing power play being used here. An environmental issue of international importance is being used as a pawn in this game and should be a concern to those of us in Delta worried about how our municipal government is representing us.

After 20 years of lobbying, a proposal to finally and formally request Burns Bog receives a Ramsar designation was before Metro Vancouver's board of directors. Yet, surprisingly, this proposal was put on hold at the vehement insistence of our very own mayor who is chair of the Metro board.

A Ramsar designation is hugely important in raising the international profile and recognized importance of an area. It provides long-term protection in a way no other can.

Ramsar is the name of the town in Iran where in 1971 the first of modern global intergovernmental treaties that became the framework for national and international cooperation for the conservation and protection of wetlands was agreed upon.

It's not a designation that is easily obtained and for obvious reasons, governments are often reluctant to invoke it. The designated area is protected from development and any side deals that may harm it, like changing the designation of Delta-owned land in Burns Bog from environmentally sensitive to industrial.

Sounds like it's a perfect fit for Burns Bog, doesn't it, and yet there was our mayor standing directly in the way of that designation. Why?

Her actions absolutely boggle the mind, especially after hearing Lois Jackson tell us how she has worked so hard to protect Burns Bog. In fact, a lot of people have worked very hard to get this Ramsar designation, no one more so than Eliza Olson of the Burns Bog Conservation Society. She and many others have worked diligently for 20 years to get this formal request brought before government and they are shocked at the actions taken by our mayor.

Jackson is using the bog conservation covenant as an excuse to block this designation, yet at a meeting attended by Olson in March, Delta refused to invoke the covenant to block the construction of the South Perimeter Fraser Road.

So here we are: Delta uses its muscles to block something residents have been begging for and would put the bog in a state of absolute protection, so it can say to Metro, "You're not the boss of me." Outrageous.

© Copyright (c) Delta Optimist

Read more: http://

www.delta-optimist.com/Politicians+stand+international+designation/3131350/story.html#ixzz0r7KYagiH

Arrogant Frog Presents: Save Burns Bog!

2010-06-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

Join us today at 39th & Cambie Signature Tasting Room to try out Arrogant Frog wine.

Start: Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Proceeds from June sales of Arrogant Frog will benefit the Burns Bog Conservation Society, we will be on site at this special tasting to explain our efforts to protect Burns Bog, a natural wildlife habitat.

Ribbit!

Don't Despair! Here's 7 Ways to Avoid Disappointing Your Father.

2010-06-16T07:05:00.000-07:00

Here's a sample of ideas for this year's Father's Day. I have put together a list of surefire gift ideas that will give your father a very special gift this year.

1. Give a symbolic hectare of Burns Bog. Doesn't have to be dusted, watered or polished! Call us at 604-572-0373.

2. Ignite his senses. Arrogant Frog is French wine with attitude. Pick up a bottle or two for your dad at selected BC liquor stores! An added bonus is that for every bottle you buy in June, the Arrogant Frog gives $0.50 to the Society.

3. Send a disadvantaged child to camp in your dad's name. Wetland Adventure Summer Camps offer children a week of nature-themed games and activities. We will send your dad a card with all the details. Call 604-572-0373.

4. Spend time with your dad. Register you and your dad for a Bird Watching, Photography or 'Healthy, Wealthy and Wise' workshop in Burns Bog on July 10. We ask for a minimum $10 donation. Register here or call 604-572-0373 for more details. No fee. We ask for minimum $10 donation.

5. Inspire your dad with motivational speaker Ray Zahab. Buy tickets for you and your dad for the Burns Bog Gala. September 24. Click here to order your tickets, or call us at 604. 572. 0373.

6. Make Dad run with Ray. Walk, jog or run with international sensation Ray Zahab! Register him for Jog for the Bog, www.jogforthebog.com.

7. A Memorial Gift to the Society A great way to remember your father. Click on the donate button on the top-left of this page, or send your gift directly to the Society. Get a tax receipt almost immediately.

Any one of these ideas are guaranteed to boost your father/child bonding. Contact me at 604.572.0373 and tell me which one you like the best.

Katie Bianchin
Burns Bog Conservation Society
604-572-0373

info@burnsbog.org
www.burnsbog.org

Are you prepared? It will be here sooner than you think.

2010-06-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

Yes, Father's Day is approaching faster than you think. Are you prepared? On Sunday June 20, don't give him another dust collector, gift card he will lose, another tie to add to his collection or socks (they look so horrible in sandals).

Make your father proud of your choice by giving him something "Green" and do something for yourself at the same time. Give him a symbolic share of Burns Bog. He gets a great looking certificate and you get a tax receipt (or you can put the tax receipt in his name and give him two gifts in one).

Follow this link to get your father his symbolic Burns Bog share today:

If investments are not your style and your father prefers to indulge in a glass of wine, you could get him a bottle or two of Arrogant Frog wine. During the month of June, proceeds from sales of Arrogant Frog wine in BC Liquor stores go to Burns Bog Conservation Society's educational programs

CREATE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE AND RUN WITH RAY

2010-06-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

Put on your running shoes and join Ray Zahab, Canada's ultra - marathoner and adventure athlete, for 'Jog for the Bog' on September 26th 2010. If your unable to run, jog or walk, then join Ray for dinner at Burns Bog Gala on September 24th 2010.

Ray has competed in adventure racing challenges all over the world including the grueling 250km Gobi March and Libyan Challenge as well as expeditions to Baffin Island, Tunisia and the South Pole. In 2007, Ray's love of running brought him to the Sahara Desert.

Witnessing first hand the water crisis and malaria epidemic in Africa, he decided to devote his future to raising awareness and funding for causes that he supports and believes in. Ray is on the Board of Directors of the Ryan's Well Foundation. He is the ONExONE organization’s official Athletic Ambassador and he is a representative of SpreadTheNet. Ray founded impossible2Possible (i2P) in 2008. i2P is an organization that aims to inspire and educate youth through adventure learning, and inclusion and participation in expeditions

Ray will be participating in this year's Jog for the Bog, showing his support to conserve and protect Burns Bog, by running the 40km bog race route. All race participants will be able to run with Ray for the last 10km of the race and a few lucky runners who are able to raise $2,000 in pledges will get the opportunity to run with Ray for the entire race.

Ray will also be sharing his inspirational stories and experiences at Burns Bog Gala, taking place September 24th, 2010 at 7778-152 St. (Eaglequest Coyote Creek Golf Course) Surrey, BC. Tickets are $75 (a portion of price is tax receiptable) and includes a dinner based on the 100 mile diet, a silent auction and entertainment. Proceeds go to the Society's educational programs.

For more information on:

Jog for the Bog race visit: http://www.jogforthebog.org/

Burns Bog Gala dinner visit: http://www.burnsbog.org/gala

or contact Katie Bianchin info@burnsbog.org

Ph: 604-572-0373

What are the real reasons behind the hold by Metro Vancvouver for Ramsar status?

2010-06-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

This week Sandor Gyarmati wrote an article in the Delta Optimist. The headline read "Burns Bog proposal put on hold by Metro board".

As I am getting to know more about the history of Burns Bog, and have been an attendee to some events and dialogue with the Corporation of Delta and Metro Vancouver, I would like to know the real reasons behind Mayor Jackson’s decision regarding Ramsar Wetland of International Significance status.

Could it be that she does not want international attention brought to her regarding the poor management by both Corporation of Delta and Metro Vancouver of Burns Bog (or all four levels of government for that matter)? Why has the conservation covenant not been used to stop the South Fraser Perimeter Road from winding its way along the lagg of the bog?

Mayor Lois Jackson, who chairs the board, says that Metro Vancouver's park people are not following the conservation covenant and seems to do what they want without concurring with all parties. Is she not talking about herself? I have a hard time not assuming that if she sits on Metro Vancouver's board as chair and is mayor of Delta, would she not be concurring?

I guess I just have to sit back over a glass of Arrogant Frog wine, help fund Burns Bog Conservation Society as I sip (proceeds of Arrogant Frog sales in June go to the society's education programs) and contemplate what Mayor Jackson wants. If it is a legacy Mayor Jackson would like to leave, she is not going to accomplish it this way.

Sonia Nazar

Looking for an excuse to indulge in some wine this summer?

2010-05-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

Looking for an excuse to indulge in some wine this summer? Look no further because Burns Bog Conservation Society is teaming up with Arrogant Frog wines Proceeds from June sales of Arrogant Frog will be donated to the Burns Bog Conservation Society. Why not pick up a bottle or two and refine your palette and support this great cause.

"A fun, educational and free tasting featuring dazzling wines paired with delicious food."

When: Wednesday June 16th, 4-6 pm.
Where: 39th & Cambie Signature Tasting Room (BC Liquor) 5555 Cambie Street
What: Free wine tasting, 19+

Come check out the free tasting event on June 16th at the 39th & Cambie Liquor Store Tasting Room. With a variety of wines to choose from including Ribet Red and Sauvignon Blanc, and with Best Buy awards from Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator, how can you go wrong? Arrogant Frog is French wine with attitude.

Hope to see you there.

Ribbet!

Are books taking over your home?

2010-05-15T12:33:00.000-07:00

Are books taking over your home?

Recycle them and help support Burns Bog Conservation Society's Educational Programs.

Drop off unwanted/space stealing books at our office:
4-7953 120th Street,
Delta, BC
604.572.0373

Book Sale is at Scottsdale Centre, Wednesday May 26 - Saturday May 29.
(7031 120 Street, Delta, BC)

Clean up Burns Bog

2010-05-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

Burns Bog participates in the 2010 Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup on September 18! Register now. http://shorelinecleanup.ca/en/cleanup/event/2010/burns-bog

Earth Day Inspiration

2010-04-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

Did you know?

BC residents have returned enough beverage containters to return-it depots in the past 15 years to fill BC place stadium twice!

By redusing, reusing, recycling, repairing and refusing you help to keep garabge out of the landfill and out of Burns Bog. Thank you!

Calling all teachers, parents and students!

2010-04-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

We are searching for a class or group of students to paint a mural in the Delta Nature Reserve on (or around) Earth Day. The project will be supervised by a professional artist and organized by staff from the Burns Bog Conservation Society and the Wilderness Committee. No artistic ability needed, just willing participants.

We require a group of 10-25 elementary students. If you are a parent, teacher or student who is interested please call Katie at the Burns Bog Conservation Society at 604-572-0373.

Image from: http://sunflowerschoolcapecod.com/images/Children_Painting_Small.jpg

Fill the sky with cranes

2010-03-24T15:07:00.000-07:00

Burns Bog is one of only two remaining habitats for Sandhill Cranes in the Lower Mainland. The Bog is threatened by the development of the South Fraser Perimeter Road, located beside the staging habitat of these magnificent creatures. Burns Bog must be protected. Make your voice heard.

Get involved! Create your own origami crane and send it to Burns Bog Conservation Society.

Write your name along with a message on the crane;s wings about why you want Burns Bog protected. The cranes will be gathered and sent to the Premiers' Office along with petitions and letters against the South Fraser Perimeter Road.

Click on the image below for instructions on how to make your crane, and for mailing directions.

Fill the sky with cranes

2010-03-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

Fill the sky with cranes

2010-03-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

Get involved! Create your own origami crane and send it to Burns Bog Conservation Society.

Write your name along with a message on the crane;s wings about why you want Burns Bog protected. The cranes will be gathered and sent to the Premiers' Office along with petitions and letters against the South Fraser Perimeter Road.

Click on the image below for instructions on how to make your crane, and for mailing directions.

Farmers to protest South Fraser Perimeter Road

2010-03-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

Join SFPR opposition Wednesday to unveil a new symbol of the growing resistance!

What: Delta farmers unveiling a large billboard protesting the South Fraser Perimeter Road, beside Highway 17 in Delta.

When: 11 am, Wednesday March 24, 2010

Where: Loranda Farms, 6053 28 Avenue, Delta, BC

Who: Local farmers and supporters. Richmond City Councillor and Agricultural Land Reserve co-founder Harold Steves will be available for comment. Steves told a packed crowd at a town hall meeting in January that the SFPR's destruction of local farmland is a crime against humanity.

Why: To draw attention to the potential loss of farmland caused by the South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR). Loranda Farms is one of the farms directly impacted by the SFPR and stands to lose valuable land to the freeway project.

Getting there: Take 64th street south from Highway 10, and turn right on 28th Ave. (From Tsawwassen take Highway 17 northbound and turn right on 28th Ave.) Search Loranda Farms on Google Maps. Call 604-588-4203 if you get lost or need help with directions.

Lower Mainland unites for Pilgrimage to Burns Bog

2010-03-10T16:07:00.000-08:00

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Experience the sacredness of Delta’s globally unique ecological wonder, Burns Bog on April 25, 2010. Join hundreds of others who have already signed up to meet at 640 Chester Rd. (in front of Quiznos) on Annacis Island for a Pilgrimage to Burns Bog, a free event hosted by various environmental and faith groups.

Like in previous years, the annual event plans to bring together hundreds of people from all over the Lower Mainland and beyond to connect with the environment on a personal level.

Burns Bog is a raised peat bog in Delta, British Columbia. As North America’s largest wilderness area in an urban setting, the Bog is home to hundreds of species of plant and animal wildlife. Many of these are threatened and endangered. The Bog stores millions of tonnes of carbon, helping to reduce climate change. Its preservative properties make it a special place of archaeological importance.

Despite the Bog’s significance, many people are unaware of its real value. The Pilgrimage bridges that gap by helping people experience for themselves the “lungs of the Lower Mainland.”

The crowd is gathering at Quiznos (640 Chester Road) on Annacis Island, Delta at 1:30PM on Sunday, April 25, 2010. Walkers and bikers alike will proceed over the Alex Fraser Bridge to the Delta Nature Reserve (the only area of Burns Bog open to the public).

There will be talks, entertainment and displays. Guest speakers include Greenpeace co-founder Rex Weyler and Copenhagen youth delegate Alexandria Mitchell. Musical performances by First Nations group Daughters of the Drum, and Singers of the Sacred Web.

This Pilgrimage is organized by the Pilgrimage to Burns Bog Committee. Participating groups include Burns Bog Conservation Society, Vancouver Unitarians, the Wilderness Committee, Adam v’Adamah, Anglican EcoJustice, Be the Change Earth Alliance, Environmental Ministry Team of Canadian Memorial United Church and Centre for Peace, Global Clergy Association, Global Hindu Foundation, Kairos, Multifaith Action Society, Voters Taking Action on Climate Change, and Zero Waste Vancouver.

To confirm attendance or for more information you can visit the Facebook event page at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=277522476339and the official website at http://www.pilgrimage2burnsbog.org/. Contact Karl Perrin for more info at info@pilgrimage2burnsbog.org or Cecilia Hudec at 604-272-4779.

Many BC charities doomed as Gaming Grants dwindle

2010-03-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

Help get BC Gaming Grants reinstated to the levels they once were. In just one decade, funding went from 1/3 of all BC gaming profits down to only 19%! Schools had their Gaming Funds slashed in half, and several charities were forced to close their doors because of the cuts.

Click here to sign the petition to reinstate all Charitable Gaming Grants in BC.

In 2009 all charities who applied that year for a grant were denied. Only grants already promised to charities from previous years were honoured. Community Services, the Arts (ie. Delta Arts Council), environmental organizations, and sports groups are all affected.

The province justifies gambling because the proceeds allow the goodwill work of these groups to continue. Without Gaming Grants, many more charities will collapse, and the necessary work they do to keep our society's values and morals in check will cease.

You can help. Sign the petition being circulated province-wide before the budget is being addressed on March 2, and/or support the Burns Bog Conservation Society today.

For more information you can visit the British Columbia Association for Charitable Gaming's website and the province's Gaming Policy website.

Free event tonight to learn about the plight of BC's salmon

2010-02-23T09:46:00.000-08:00

The Pure Salmon Campaign is hosting a FREE event TONIGHT (Feb 23rd) at 7PM to help encourage and teach the community about the importance of removing Salmon Farms from BC's coast, and saving our wild Salmon Stocks.

Come one, come all, to the Ladner Community Centre at 4734 - 51st Street tonight!

Guest speakers include Alexandra Morton, Biologist and Wild Salmon Advocate; John Cummins, MP; and Chief Bob Chamberlain, First Nations Chief.

For more info please contact Shannon Ellis by phone at 604-765-3300 or email shannon_b_ellis@hotmail.com.

Delta passes bylaws to pave over biodiversity

2010-02-15T10:09:00.000-08:00

On February 8, 2010 Delta Council & Mayor Lois Jackson unanimously voted to pass Bylaws 6827 and 6828 at Monday night’s Council Meeting. Three parcels of fragile Burns Bog land designated Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) will now be re-designated Industrial and Heavy Industrial to accommodate the South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR).

The Corporation of Delta publicly states on its website, “it has become increasingly important to preserve Delta's remaining natural assets. A system of designated Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) can provide assurances that Delta's environmental values are secured in the future,” yet Monday’s decision contradicts such statements.

The meeting agenda, the three subject properties are within the SFPR's "zone of influence" as defined in the Environmental Assessment for the SFPR, and will be subject to habitat fragmentation.

This development of Burns Bog will disrupt the ecological integrity of the land. Mary Taitt, an internationally known vole expert, voiced her concern about the impact the bylaws will have on the endangered Southern Red-backed vole. The vole, once considered extinct, was found in 1999 in the area. Now that transitional habitat is open to be paved over and blocked by a freeway.

The Mayor tried to soften the re-designation by suggesting any money coming in from the sale of the lands be used to purchase bogland for conservation. Anita den Dikken of the South Fraser Action Network, questions whether this idea was brought up merely to entice councilors to vote in favour of the bylaws by easing their consciences.

In the weeks leading up to the meetings and hearing, Burns Bog Conservation Society sent out updates encouraging public participation against the bylaws, garnering wide opposition to the re-designation. Atypical of Delta Public Hearings, on January 26, 2010, many seats were filled with concerned residents voicing their objections to the bylaws. Mayor Lois Jackson said all the questions raised at the hearing had to be answered before Delta Council could make a decision on the bylaws.

At the following Council meeting on February 1, 2010, the bylaws were not yet on the agenda.

Eliza Olson, president of Burns Bog Conservation Society states, “until Burns Bog is properly protected, beginning by immediately ceasing construction of the needless SFPR freeway, BC can not claim to be the greenest province. 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity yet our government insists on paving over the endangered Southern Red-Backed Vole’s only known habitat in the Lower Mainland. It’s absurd.”

South Fraser Witness Trail opening this weekend

2010-01-28T13:18:00.000-08:00

Join the Wilderness Committee and Surrey Environmental Partners this weekend for the opening of a beautiful new hiking trail - the South Fraser Witness Trail near the Port Mann Bridge. There will be a short ceremony and guided hike on Saturday, January 30th at 11 AM.

Come out and enjoy nature, and see first-hand what is at stake with South Fraser Perimeter Road construction.

The trailhead is located on 168 St., 400 meters northwest of the intersection of 168 St. and 108 Ave., in Fraser Heights. You can take the C74 bus from Surrey Central Skytrain, by getting off at 168 St. and 108 Ave. and walking northwest on 168 St (past 108A Ave). Click here for a map with the trailhead marked.

The terrain is rugged in places and water resistant footwear is recommended. Lunch and water should be brought along on the hike.

For more information please call 604 683 8220, email ben@wildernesscommittee.org or visit the Facebook event page.

Video Tour of South Fraser Perimeter Road

2010-01-25T09:54:00.000-08:00

On November 20, 2009 a group of concerned citizens organized a bus and boat tour of the South Fraser Perimeter Road to show interested parties the extent and effects of the destruction it will cause. This billion dollar freeway project, part of BC's Gateway Program, is said to provide a new container-truck link between Deltaport and Hwy. 1, ease congestion and create new jobs. What many people don't know, however, is the detrimental effects it will have on Burns Bog, the Fraser River, farmland, heritage homes, and all of their countless residents.

Watch below a video highlighting key points along the tour.

For more information please visit http://burnsbog.org/resources/perimeter.shtml and www.gatewaysucks.org

Video available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AXqnuiUJpU

Direct Action Needed January 26th

2010-01-22T13:00:00.000-08:00

Attend the Public Hearing at Delta Municipal Hall.

Where? 4500 Clarence Taylor Crescent, Delta, BC V4K 3E2

When? Tuesday, January 26 at 7PM

Why? To discuss the rezoning of 8348 River Way and 7480 80 Street from Environmentally Sensitive Area to Industrial to accomodate the South Fraser Perimeter Road.

Show your support for preserving Burns Bog and protecting the endangered Southern red-backed vole found in this area.

Delta Council's failure to uphold bylaws has silently given the Provincial government the impunity to ignore Delta's bylaws, allowing for this rezoning.

Don't let them get away with it.

Your presence shows Council you are watching. Your presence tells Council they cannot hide from public scrutiney. Wear green in solidarity with the Society's campaign.

If you can not attend, write a letter to Delta Council or email mailto:mayor-council@corp.delta.bc.ca opposition to Bylaws 6827 and 6828. State these are publicly owned, environmentally sensitive Burns Bog lands that should be added to the Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area - NOT REZONED INDUSTRIAL! Be sure to copy in the Society (communications@burnsbog.org).

For a template letter you can simply sign your name to click here.

Over a hundred people gathered Saturday to discuss the social, environmental and economic impacts of the South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR) at a townhall meeting in Delta. People voiced their frustration with the lack of leadership by Delta Council grabbing widespread media attention thanks to all of you for attending and forwarding the message about this important meeting.

Loss of farmland, loss of bogland and alternatives to the road were discussed throughout the course of the afternoon, but it all boiled down to two points: The road is not needed and it can still be stopped.

We need your continued support. Help stop the SFPR by coming to this meeting.

For more information check out the Bylaws by clicking here.

Let's make a difference together.

10 Ways to Get Green

2010-01-21T14:07:00.000-08:00

Thinking of going green? Here are 10 things you can do to help be more environmentally-conscious and reduce your carbon footprint.

Visit a Local Park
British Columbia is home to many beautiful parks. Whether you like to walk, run, hike, bike or sit back and relax, there is a park for you. The Delta Nature Reserve is the only area of Burns Bog open to the public and has a beautiful 2.9km trail of boardwalk and gravel road intertwining through indigenous bog and forest flora.

If you would like to visit the Delta Nature Reserve click here for directions. The Burns Bog Conservation Society hosts public tours every second Saturday during late Spring and Summer months and on International Bog Days: Saturday, July 24 & Sunday, July 25.

Discover walking and hiking trails throughout North America at http://www.trailpeak.com/ . To learn more about all of the Metro Vancouver parks or to book a tour with a Metro Vancouver Park Interpreter visit http://www.metrovancouver.org/.

Compost
Ever thought about composting? Composting is a great way to reduce up to 30% of household waste! Check out our article form last month The Dirt on Indoor Composting.

Get Involved in an Environmental Clean-up or Restoration Project
There are several clean-up and restoration projects happening throughout the year. Two that I recommend are the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup (http://www.vanaqua.org/cleanup/home.php) and invasive plant pulls with the Invasive Plant Council of BC (http://www.invasiveplantcouncilbc.ca/).

Go Online
Save paper by stopping delivery of bank statements, newspaper, and other mail to your home.

Buy Local Produce
Support local farms and reduce your carbon footprint by purchasing local produce. To learn more about the benefits of eating local food visit http://www.getlocalbc.org/en/.

Don’t know where to buy? Visit farmer’s markets during the summer months. Ladybug Organics is a local organic grocer with an excellent selection of fresh organic produce (http://www.ladybugorganics.com/). When you purchase produce from supermarkets look for “Grown in BC” on signs and labels. .

Get Your Voice Heard for at Least One Environmental Issue
Write to your MP on an environmental issue that you care about, or get involved in a friendly environmental demonstration. See the Upcoming Events section for more information about the Pilgrimage to Burns Bog.

Install LED or Compact Florescent Bulbs in Your Home.
Do you still have energy-sucking incandescent builds throughout your home? Replace your old bulbs with LED or compact florescent bulbs. They may cost more at first but you will save money and energy in the long run. To learn more about the benefits of using environmentally friendly light bulbs visit http://ecoregen.org/tag/eco-friendly-light-bulb/.

Reduce Carbon Emissions by Changing Your Driving Habits.
Take transit or carpool whenever possible. For short trips try walking or riding your bike.

Buy Used Clothing
Each step in the clothing manufacturing process has potential for a negative environmental impact. Help reduce demand by purchasing used clothing. Both the planet and your wallet will thank you.

Don’t Forget Your Re-fillable Water Bottle and Re-usable Shopping Bag
Why pay for bottled water when tap water is both free and safe to drink? The environmental impact of producing plastic water bottles, shipping the water, and disposing of the bottles is huge. Save money and the environment by using a re-fillable water bottle. Don’t like the taste of tap water? Get a water purification filter and fill your re-usable water bottle with it.Plastic shopping bags are crowding our landfills. Purchase a reusable shopping bag. They generally cost anywhere between $1-$5, and are often given out for free. Some grocery stores will even offer you a discount for not using their plastic bags.

Opportunity to speak up against the SFPR

2010-01-15T12:26:00.000-08:00

Fed up with the South Fraser Perimeter Road? Looking to have your say? Or have you just started hearing about this and want to learn more? Well, here is your chance.

The South Fraser Action Network has organized a townhall meeting in Delta to address the many environmental, social and economic impacts of the road.

Join us on Saturday, January 16 at the Sundance Banquet Hall, 6574 Ladner Trunk Road to learn all about it and have your say. The meeting will take place from 1-4PM and everyone is welcome to attend. The more there, the louder our voice is!

Guest speakers include Harold Steeves, co-founder for the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), Stephen Rees, transportation economist and planner, Eric Doherty, transportation planning consultant, and Alexandria Mitchell, Copenhagen Climate Change Conference delegate.

For more information please contact Anita den Dikken at 604.948.0139.

Map of South Fraser Perimeter Road - click image to enlarge

Opportunity to help advise Delta Council on environmental issues!

2010-01-14T12:40:00.000-08:00

Volunteers are needed to help Mayor Lois Jackson and Council serve on various committees through Council appointments.

Help advise Council on issues such as climate change by sitting on the Environment Advisory Committee. Meetings are on the second Thrusday of each month at 7pm.

If you are interested please submit resume, cover letter, why you want to serve, and any other applicable experience and knowledge to:

The Office of the Municipal Clerk
Delta Municpal Hall
4500 Clarence Taylor Crescent
Delta, BC V4K 3E2

fax 604.946.3390
email clerks@corp.delta.bc.ca

Appointment terms are one year.

*****Applications due January 15, 2010******

For more info contact Sandra MacFarlene, A/Deputy Municipal Clerk at 604.952.3175

(ad from the Surrey/North Delta Leader)

Newfoundland takes step back away from sustainable energy

2010-01-08T15:39:00.000-08:00

A new year is a time for new beginnings: correcting our mistakes, and moving forward with a clean slate. The province of Newfoundland, however, seems to disagree. A press release issued in November by Peat Resources Limited, a Toronto-based peat fuel-producing company, states the company has been asked to help Newfoundland’s provincial government to devise an Energy Innovation strategy for their Energy Plan using peat for fuel. A recent UN report blames the destruction of peatlands for releasing over three billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually - equivalent to 10% of global emissions from fossil fuels. Peatlands are the most efficient terrestrial ecosystems in storing carbon, and with numerous environmentally friendly energy production methods available, there is no good reason for the continuation, let alone increase, in peat extraction. At a time such as now, when the need for environment conservation is at its peak, innovative green solutions need to be prioritized – not replaced with centuries-old destructive practices.

With the changes in global temperatures, peatlands will be amongst the hardest hit. Most peatlands are located in northern high latitudes where temperature changes will be higher, causing significant increases in CH4 (methane) and CO2 (carbon dioxide). Increased temperatures cause melting permafrost, increased fires and peat decay rates, raising CH4 and CO2 emissions and reducing the carbon storage and sequestration capacity of peatlands. The increase in temperature will also cause rising sea levels and heavier rainfall, leading to peat erosion. By destroying peatlands for fuel, Peatland Resources Limited and the province of Newfoundland are helping to seal the deal on climate change, instead of fighting it.

While some may argue that the more environmentally friendly energy solutions, such as wind, tidal, and solar, are too costly, we must consider what climate change will cost us if more sustainable measures are not taken. The total damage from Hurricane Katrina is estimated to be USD $81 billion. Imagine how much it will cost when entire coastal areas are flooded over. And what will Newfoundland do once all the peat is gone? Only 3% of the earth’s surface is covered with peatlands, and peat only grows at approximately one millimeter per year!

Some sustainable energy solutions may be expensive at first, but the more mainstream a process becomes, the more affordable it becomes through the refinement of processes and competitive pricing. For example, in the 1950s when the first solar cells were available commercially, it cost about $300 per solar cell of 1 watt. Nowadays you can get it for less than $1. With the advances in technology, increases in human intelligence, and necessity for wiser governance of our planet, why is Canada still struggling to move forward with energy production?

Newfoundland needs to get on board with the movement to a more sustainable future. Nations with large proportions of peat, such as Ireland and Germany, are moving away from peat fuel due to its negative environmental impact, so why aren’t we? If Newfoundland chooses to adopt peat fuel for their energy plan, Canada will also be moving away – away from an environmentally sustainable future.

You can help Newfoundland get on track with green energy solutions by contacting the following government representatives. Tell them that peat should not be used for fuel. Be sure to copy in the Society on your correspondence (communications@burnsbog.org, 4-7953 120 Avenue, Delta BC V4C 6P6). Write your own letter or sign your name to our template letter available by downloading it from http://www.mediafire.com/?jt2fgy4yv3b

Jack Harris, MP, St. John’s East
Harris.J@parl.gc.ca

613.996.7269

342 Freshwater Road, St. John’s, NL A1B 1C2

Siobhan Coady, MP, St. John’s South – Mount Pearl
Coady.S@parl.gc.ca

613.992.0927

860 Topsail Road, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 3J7

Danny Williams, Premier, Newfoundland and Labrador
premier@gov.nl.ca
709.729.3570

Confederation Building, East Block
P.O. Box 8700, St. John's, NL A1B 4J6

Climate Change: The Greatest Threat to Plants

2010-01-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

Learn about how plants will be affected by climate change at a free seminar tonight. Hosted by the Native Plant Society of British Columbia (NPSBC), this informative meeting is being held tonight at 7pm at Van Dusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver.

For more information please visit http://npsbc.org/

Start the New Year off right with a plan!

2010-01-05T10:42:00.000-08:00

A new year is a time for new beginnings. And what better time to get your business - and yourself - on track? George Watson, Certified Business Coach, is holding a one-day Business Planning seminar to help you make 2010 your best year yet!

The session will take place on Wednesday January 20, 2010 from 9am - 5pm. Participation fee is $100/person, with all proceeds going to support the programs of Burns Bog Conservation Society. Registration is limited so secure your place now. Call 604.805.4446 or email george@revcoaching.com to register today.

For more information please visit http://www.revcoaching.com/

Burns Bog Boasts Top 10

2009-12-31T14:28:00.000-08:00

Below you will find our top ten achievements from 2009 - ten achievements you have helped us attain, and ten reasons why you should donate now to ensure our Top 10 are even better in 2010!

10. Surviving the financial crisis
Thanks to your support Burns Bog Conservation Society celebrated its 21st anniversary on November 14, despite these harsh economic times.

9. Extending our message to a wider audience
Thanks to support from ECO Canada, we are now able to embrace online social media tools. Your positive feedback tells us we're on the right track as we have greatly increased the scope of our reach.

8. Providing disabled individuals access to secure employment
In return for their contribution to our work, the Society helps to develop skills and social networking to over 50 individuals, some of whom have barriers to employment.

7. Being recognized for environmental leadership
Society president Eliza Olson was honoured with the award for Environmental Leadership from Vancouver Island Human Rights Institute.

6. Growing and expanding the project
Thanks to JDQ 3Spheres of Reciprocity, we are fine tuning business practices to expand into new projects such as an Interpretive Centre and capital campaign development.

5. Familiarizing more people with Burns Bog
In 2009 your support allowed us to take almost 3000 people on a tour of Burns Bog, and pre-registeration for our Summer Day Camps doubled!

4. Inspiring action to stop South Fraser Perimeter Road
You helped make our Stop SFPR campaign successful allowing us to mobilize hundreds of people into action protesting the South Fraser Perimeter Road.

3. Moving Burns Bog closer to UNESCO World Heritage Site Designation
MP Sukh Dhaliwal presented the petition to designate Burns Bog as a UNESCO World Heritage Site to the House of Commons.

2. Growing international support
Two interns came from Germany to work at the Society, and Burns Bog is featured on International Mire Conservation Group's homepage.

1. Burns Bog battles climate change
Thanks to your suport, the Society fought global warming by showing support at Global Day of Action events, and distributing information and petitions to delegates at Copenhagen Climate Change Conference with the help of BCEN.

Please add protecting Burns Bog to your Top 10 by clicking here to donate today.

Thank you for your support and all the best for the New Year!

People take action to stop freeway

2009-12-18T14:53:00.000-08:00

Early this morning concerned citizens took action to try to stop the South Fraser Perimeter Road. The billion dollar freeway construction project will run along the south side of the Fraser River from from Deltaport Way in Southwest Delta to 176th Street (Hwy 15) in Surrey, with connections to Highway 1, 91, 99 and to TransLink's new Golden Ears Bridge connector. It is being said to reduce congestion and improve the quality of life for businesses and residents, but at a cost more valuable than money. Running along the lagg of Burns Bog, it will have devastating impacts on the bog's ecological integrity. It will cause serious health problems for surrounding residents. And it has already torn up countless homes and farmland. Thankfully there are many concerned people and organizations that are trying to put a stop to this, yet another unecessary freeway. Gatewaysucks, an organization dedicated to stopping Gateway projects such as the South Fraser Perimeter Road, mounted large signs today with strategically placed messages in protest against the project. Below are some images taken this morning by me and my colleagues here at Burns Bog Conservation Society.

Home on River Road demolished to make way for freeway

To see more photos visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/43367159@N07/sets/72157622798719051/

You can also help stop this "Freeway to Destruction." Sign the online petition at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/stopsfpr/ Speak with your local government representative. Attend a protest. There are many ways that you can help stop this.

For more information please visit http://www.burnsbog.org/, http://www.gatewaysucks.org/, and http://thereisanotherway.com/

Maybe Scrooge is just misunderstood

2009-12-14T16:15:00.000-08:00

So you may say “Bah, humbug” to the title alone, but perhaps Mr. Dickens was onto something more than just a famous Christmastime tale. Don’t we all value saving a little money? Keeping the temperature down in the office is an excellent energy saving tactic that saves money and also helps reduce greenhouse gases. Working by natural candlelight does too. From this story we can take away new meaning from its lesson of generosity and sharing. Make this holiday season one of giving back. Not just to friends and family, but also to the planet who has given so much to you.

Get a head start on that pesky New Year’s resolution to reduce your carbon footprint this holiday season by using some of these helpful tips.

Buy Less, Give More
Christmas is the time for giving, but giving doesn’t have to be wasteful, nor does it have to be expensive! Re-gift those two identical juicers you got as wedding presents in the summer. Or how about that painting in the basement your aunt Sue just adores that you have just as a space filler? Got a great old armoire that just needs a little sanding? I bet your niece who recently started university would love that refurbished piece for her bare-bones student apartment. Struggling to find an adequate Secret Santa gift for that boss who already has everything? Make a donation in his/her name. Your mother ‘s shelves about to collapse with all the dust collectors she’s been receiving over the years? Give her the gift of experience. Send her to the spa for the day, or treat her to a snorkeling lesson in the summer. Services make great waste-free gifts for just about anyone.
Come Boxing Day and you’re ready to head to the mall in hopes of exchanging the 10th wool sweater you got without a receipt? Why not let that sweater make someone else’s day? Donate unwanted gifts to charities in need.

Keep it Simple, Be Creative
Strapped for cash this year? Or simple sick of long holiday line-ups at the mall? What better time to get in touch with your creative side! Why not make all-natural beauty products like face masks and hair conditioner? Google is your best friend for quick, simple and cheap recipes that are eco-friendly and not tested on animals. Or make a DVD for grandma with a slideshow and some music featuring the adorable grandkids she hasn’t been able to see all that much this year. There are many easy-to-use programs like Microsoft Movie Maker or Apple’s iDVD, which most computers already have installed. Get the perfect finishing touch by making homemade wrapping paper, creating personalized cards, and using old VHS and cassette tape as ribbon (the vintage look is so in!) instead of scotch tape. Making your own paper sound like too much work? How about wrapping your gift in clothe? I bet you have an old flannel shirt you haven’t worn since the 60s. Cut off the sleeves for a unique wrapping look or use the material to make a cloth bag that can be reused year after year!

Save More Than Just Money
Helping the environment is an excellent way to really get into the Christmas spirit. This year send a message to the world that you care about saving our planet. Instead of chopping down a tree, rent a carbon neutral Holiday Tree from carbonsync.ca. Carbonsync, a local business, will deliver and pick-up the beautiful potted live tree and then replant it in a habitat restoration project where they will not get cut down. Buy local products like an organic free-range turkey and organic wine, which not only reduces C02 emmissions, but also boosts rural industry. Set the mood by using less light, and burning soy, beeswax or vegetable-based candles, as they are biodegradable and made from renewable resources. Or keep it minimal with LED lights and battery-free gadgets and toys. There is lots you can do!

Imagine a world without the beautiful smell of fir trees, without the pristine white snow blanketing your lawn on Christmas Day. Imagine no chestnuts to roast on an open fire, no mistletoe to kiss your loved ones under. Christmas just wouldn’t be the same. Consider me your Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Embrace these eco-friendly Christmas practices today so we can continue to enjoy the holidays as they are, and carry on Tiny Tim’s legacy for many more years to come.

Take action against climate change

2009-12-11T16:38:00.000-08:00

The planet, YOUR planet, is in a dire state and needs your help. You can stop climate change. Will you accept the challenge?

With the drastic increase of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, the earth has warmed to a dangerous level. A warmer earth means melting glacier ice, causing warmer waters, causing the death of coral reef, and the death of coral animals. It means exascerbated natural disasters. It means extreme drought and water scarcity. It means loss of habitat to wildlife. It means the world as you know it is quickly falling apart. The ferocious ripple effect is having a devastating impact that, if not stopped soon, will be irreversible. The world as you know it will cease to exist.
Our world leaders are currently meeting in Copenhagen, Demark at the annual United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, trying to establish a new emmissions reduction agreement. The fear among many, however, is that not all parties, especially developed nations such as Canada, will commit to the level of action that is so desperately needed.

This is where your help is needed.

Tell Stephen Harper that you want your country committed to stopping climate change. Saturday, December 12, 2009 is Global Day of Action where concerned citizens worldwide band together to show their united support of world leaders taking real and immediate action to fighting climate change.

This year candlelight vigils will be held all throughout the globe to demonstrate solidarity against climate change. Bring a candle and attend one of the many events to show your support. There are many throughout the Lower Mainland including:

SurreyFriday, December 11, 2009 5:30pm - 6:30pm at Holland Park (corner of King George & 100 Street).

LadnerSaturday, December 12, 2009 5:30pm at Westham Square (in front of Johnny's Store at the corner of Elliott Street and Ladner Trunk Road).

VancouverSaturday, December 12, 2009 11am - 9pm at Vancouver Central Library downtown.

You can also battle climate change by giving a gift to Burns Bog Conservation Society. We work to conserve Burns Bog and peatlands worldwide. As a recent UN report states, "Degradation of peatlands is a major and growing source of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon dioxide emissions from peatland drainage, fires and exploitation are estimated to currently be equivalent to at least 3,000 million tonnes per annum or equivalent to more than 10% of the global fossil fuel emissions."

For more information about Global Day of Action and how you can participate please visit www.globalclimatecampaign.org and www.350.org

For more information on the United Nations Climate Change Conference please visithttp://unfccc.int/2860.php

Paving over the answer to climate change

2009-12-05T16:01:00.000-08:00

Burns Bog is being drained of its lifeblood – water. Precious farmland is being covered by preload, heritage homes are being demolished, the Fraser River ecology is being disrupted, and wildlife habitat is fragmented.

And for what? Yet another unnecessary freeway.

The South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR) runs from DeltaPort Way through Delta’s richest farmland, through bogland along the south side of the Fraser River, cuts through the banks of the Fraser in North Delta destroying heritage homes, then through Bridgeview in Surrey where the destruction of homes has left people homeless. It finally connects to 176th Street (Hwy 15) and stops near Barnston Island in Surrey.

The government argues this freeway is necessary to reduce congestion and will improve the quality of life for businesses and residents.

But will it? As the SFPR snakes its way through Delta and Surrey it passes fifteen private and public schools. How can increased noise and air pollution improve their quality of education?

The government reports state there will be increased jobs in the health industry due to increased respiratory and cancer related illnesses caused by pollutants from the road. Is that a worthy trade-off to you?

Is this how you want your taxpayer money spent?

You already paid $73 million to protect the bog. Now you’re going to be paying over a billion dollars to ruin it. This freeway will ruin the bog and ruin our chances of reducing climate change.

Burns Bog, located in Delta, British Columbia, and other peatlands worldwide, play a large role in reducing climate change. Peatlands, such as Burns Bog, are massive carbon sinks, storing as much carbon as all terrestrial biomass, twice as much as all global forest biomass, and about the same as in the atmosphere (UN report, 2007). The 2007 UN report continues to state that, “degradation of peatlands is a major and growing source of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon dioxide emissions from peatland drainage, fires and exploitation are estimated to currently be equivalent to at least 3,000 million tonnes per annum or equivalent to more than 10% of the global fossil fuel emissions.” Despite these frightening statistics, the destruction of Burns Bog continues.

It is not too late. We can still stop this atrocity but we need your help. Sign our online petition here, and send a letter to your government representative telling them you oppose this freeway. Better and cheaper alternatives have been made and ignored. Building a 4-lane highway is not the way to go “greener.” Write your own thoughts or use the letter template provided below. Simply sign your name to it. No postage required.

Download the letter template by clicking here.

For a list of government officials names and addresses click here.

For more information on the South Fraser Perimeter Road please visit http://www.burnsbog.org/, http://gatewaysucks.org/, http://www.thereisanotherway.com/ and http://www.gatewayprogram.bc.ca/

View photos of the construction already underway on Flickr by clicking http://www.flickr.com/photos/45258465@N05/

People find South Fraser Perimeter Road appalling

2009-12-04T09:58:00.001-08:00

The results are in. November's survey featured on this blog asked readers how they feel about the massive freeway construction project already underway in Surrey and surrounding areas, the South Fraser Perimeter Road. 87% of voters oppose the freeway with 55% of those appalled by it. Only 4% support it and 9% said they are ambivalent.

Help Burns Bog Conservation Society stop construction of this unnecessary atrocity. It is not too late. Sign the petetition online at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/stopsfpr/ and write a letter to your government officials. A pre-written letter that you can simply sign your name to is available at http://www.mediafire.com/?ljjeonzd2zh. For a list of government contacts visit http://www.mediafire.com/?zyntu1x4taq. No postage is required. Simply write O.H.M.S. in place of a stamp.

Be sure to also copy in the Society on any correspondence as we would love to see your support. Our address is

Burns Bog Conservation Society
4-7953 120 Ave.
Delta, BC V4C 6P6

Save Energy. Save Money

2009-12-01T10:13:00.000-08:00

As we quickly approach the end of 2009, why not get a jump start on your New Year's resolution to be more environmentally friendly? During these harsh economic times it may not always be easy, but thanks to this excellent info featured in a Home Depot advertisement, here is one way to help you save energy AND money at the same time!

1. SWITCH TO CFL LIGHT BULBS

Switching all your incandescent bulbs to CFLs wil result in a 75% - 80% savings in your lighting energy costs.

2. INSTALL TIMERS, INSIDE AND OUT

Timers are one of the easiest ways to cut down on outdoor lighting costs. By programming your timer to run lights for only a few hours nightly you are able to easily reduce your energy bills and increase efficiency.

3. CHANGE YOUR FURNACE FILTER

Change your furnace filter every 3 months to improve the air quality of your home and improve the efficiency of your furnace.

4. INSTALL WEATHER STRIPPING

Air leakage accounts for 30% to 40% of total heat loss. Sealing up those little spaces where cold air creeps in and warm air slips out with caulking and weather stripping can save up to 20% on your heating and cooling bills.

5. INSTALL LIGHT DIMMERS

Dimmers are a great lighting control that will reduce the wattage output of your lights. This will increase the energy-efficiency of your home and will save you money.

6. INSTALL A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT

The average household can save about $180 a year by properly setting your programmable thermostat and maintaining those settings.

7. INSTALL A CELING FAN

Energy Star ceiling fans with lights are about 50% more efficient than conventional fan/light units. Installing an Energy Star ceiling fan with a light can save you more than $15 per year on your utility bills.

8. CHOOSE ENERGY STAR MAJOR APPLIANCES

Choose Energy Star qualified major appliances and save up to $80 a year in energy costs.

9. REPLACE YOUR WINDOWS AND DOORS

About 30% of a home's heat loss occurs through the windows and doors. Installing Energy Star qualified windows and doors will reduce the energy required to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

10. PROPERLY INSULATE YOUR HOME

Installing insulation with a higher R value can reduce energy use for space heating by up to 15% and will cut energy costs by as much as 50% to 80%, quickly offsetting the cost of installation.

For more energy saving projects visit homedepot.ca/saveenergysavemoney

The Dirt On Indoor Composting

2009-11-25T15:19:00.000-08:00

By Katie Bianchin
Education Development Officer
Burns Bog Conservation Society

http://www.wormdirtbynature.com/_/rsrc/1233514635253/Home/WormComposter.png

The Vancouver Landfill is the final destination for garbage from 45% of Metro Vancouver and it is located directly in Burns Bog. Last year alone over 1,250,000 tonnes of garbage were dumped into the Landfill adding another level to the seemingly endless mound.

Composting is an inexpensive and easy way of reducing up to 30% personal household waste. There are two main types of compost: indoor and outdoor. If you want to learn more about outdoor compost please click here. LINK TO (http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/solidwaste/grownatural/composters.htm) Indoor composting, also known as vermicomposting, is the perfect solution for apartment living, workplace or classroom settings, or for anyone who doesn’t have the space for a backyard system. This method uses worms to break down organic waste. The result: high quality soil. Worried about the smell? It is practically odourless! Click here for my simple 4 step process.

This is a great project for teachers or parents to do with children. Children have a natural curiosity about worms and this is a fun way to introduce them to the concept of composting and nutrient recycling.

Little maintenance is required after the initial setup. Just continue feeding the worms kitchen scraps. They eat almost all fruits, vegetables, tea and even coffee grounds. Do not feed your worms meat, dairy, grease or cooked grains like pasta and rice. Eggs shells are great for neutralizing a worm bin that is high in acidic foods (coffee, citrus and tomatoes). For a complete list of foods or trouble shooting you can download a copy of MetroVancouver’s Worm Composting Guide here.

When your worms have created enough castings, in other words, the bin is full of worm poop, feed the worms on only one side for a week. The worms will migrate to the side with food, allowing you to harvest from the other side. The castings will look like dark black soil. Rich in nutrients, the casings make an excellent addition to garden or potted plants.

If you have any questions please email into@burnsbog.org or use MetroVancouver’s guide to worm composting (http://www.metrovancouver.org/about/publications/Publications/wormcompostbrochure.pdf).

There are 4 simple elements:

Container
The container houses your worms. Anything from a Rubbermaid container to an old barrel makes a great container. I recommend a Rubbermaid 53 L. The container has a lid and handles; it is light, cheap, easy to drill and fits nicely under my sink.
1. If you reuse wood make sure there is no toxic paint or varnish as it will leech into your worm bin.
2. A shallow container is best as worms will not go lower than 20-30 cm.
3. If your container is covered drill ventilation holes in the upper half.
4. You could also drill holes into the bottom of the bin. If you do then you will need a collection bin underneath.If you decide to not put holes into the bottom you will need to make sure the bin stays damp, not wet, by aerating every week or so.

The container cannot be see-through as light will stress the worms. Do not use an aquarium as your container.

Bedding
Shredded newspaper or white paper makes perfect bedding.
1. Thoroughly wet the material. The bedding should be moist but not soaking wet. Make sure there are no pools of water at the bottom.
2. Check the moisture content of your bin once a week and add more water or more dry bedding accordingly. Make sure your bedding does not dry out as worms require moisture for respiration.
3. Once you get started the moisture from the food should keep the levels balanced by itself.
4. Be sure to turn the bedding once a week or so to aerate it.

Sand
Worms require sand or fine gravel to break down their food. Sprinkle a cup of sand into the bin. I raided a cup of sand from a local playground.

Worms
You need to get red wiggler worms as they are fast composters, prolific breeders and will live happily in the worm bin conditions.
1. You can get worms from a friend’s compost bin, from compost piles or you can call Vancouver Compost at 604-736-2250 to ask where you can buy local worms. You do not need many as they reproduce quickly. You can also order worms online and get them shipped right to your door. I purchased half a pound of worms from a local worm farm for $20. This is a one-time investment.
2. Dump the worms in your bin and they will burry themselves into the bedding.

Happy composting!

For Metro Vancouver's worm composting guide click the link below
http://www.metrovancouver.org/about/publications/Publications/wormcompostbrochure.pdf

People want their green space

2009-11-23T16:09:00.000-08:00

Survey shows majority are against commercial development of agriculture land

The Burns Bog Conservation Society recently sent out a survey in response to the proposed commercial development at 10555 – 64 avenue at the 64th & Highway 91 interchange in Delta. The results indicating a mass objection to the plan, not surprising to the Society, will however cause some concern to developers. Hundreds of surveys were returned to the Society stating people’s opposition to the plan, in addition to their intention of bringing up such opinions to their local government officials.

Currently zoned as agricultural land, this area has been proposed by EarthKing Investments Ltd. to be re-zoned to allow for retail, office and industrial spaces. The potential development has raised a lot of concerns amongst concerned citizens and environmentalists alike. The area is located within Burns Bog, a globally unique ecosystem and the “lungs of the lower mainland,” keeping massive amounts of carbon out of the atmosphere. It is also within close proximity to many residential neighborhoods. As the survey results indicate, many people are concerned about the increase in traffic, loss of green space, and destruction of the bog the development will inevitably cause.

“We have lived in the area for 18+ years and moved here because of the ‘green areas’ and do not want this property rezoned,” says Peter Jakes, a Delta resident. Peter is one of many area residents who strongly oppose the development. For them, it is a personal issue. As Deborah Jones says, “we taxpayers have spent a lot of money trying to preserve Burns Bog. It’s galling and tragic to see our huge environmental investment put at risk due to the greed of a few individuals.”

The people are worried. They are worried about the implications the development will bring. They are also worried that their concerns are not being addressed. As one survey respondent asks, “will the government ever get the message that Burns Bog is worth saving and that the people of this community want it (all of it) saved?!”

Though developers continue on with the application process for re-zoning, one thing is for certain: the land will not be re-zoned easily as many people have already banded together, taking action against the proposal. With passion, J. Baker concludes, “the land will not be given up without a fight.”

If you would like to have a say, write a letter to Delta Council. Be sure to also copy in Burns Bog Conservation Society. Visit http://www.burnsbog.org/ for more information.

Destruction of peatlands problem in Indonesia

2009-11-21T15:19:00.000-08:00

Read about how lack of peatland protection in Indonesia is having a devastating impact on climate change. Below is a really interesting article found in the Vancouver Sun on November 20, 2009. Find it online at http://www.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/viewer.aspx

Peat is burning problem
Country is the third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions

By Andrew Higgins

TARUNA JAYA, Indonesia — Across a patch of pineapples shrouded in smoke, Idris Hadrianyani battled a menace that has left his family sleepless and sick — and has wrought as much damage on the planet as has exhaust from all the cars and trucks in the United States. Against the advancing flames, he waved a hose with a handmade nozzle confected from a plastic soda bottle.

The lopsided struggle is part of a battle against one of the biggest, and most overlooked, causes of global climate change: A vast and often smoldering layer of coalblack peat that has made Indonesia the world’s third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases after China and the United States.

Unlike the noxious gases pumped into the atmosphere by gas-guzzling sport-utility vehicles in the United States and smokebelching factories in China, danger here in the heart of Borneo rises from the ground itself.

Peat, formed over thousands of years from decomposed trees, grass and scrub, contains gigantic quantities of carbon dioxide, which used to stay locked in the ground. It is now drying and disintegrating, as once-soggy swamps are shorn of trees and drained by canals, and when it burns, carbon dioxide gushes into the atmosphere.

Amid often acrimonious debate over how to curb global warming ahead of a critical UN conference next month in Copenhagen, “peat is the big elephant in the room,” said Agus Purnomo, head of Indonesia’s National Council on Climate Change. Dealing with it, he said, requires that the world answer a vexing question: How to make protection of the environment as economically rewarding as its often lucrative destruction?

Carbon trading was meant to do just that by allowing developing countries that cut their emissions to sell carbon credits. But this and other incentives for conservation developed since a UN conference in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997 have done nothing to protect Indonesia’s abused peatlands.

Less than a quarter of a century ago, 75 percent of Kalimantan — which comprises three Indonesian regions on the island of Borneo — was covered in thick forests. Gnawed away since by loggers, oil palm plantations and grandiose state projects, the forests have since shrunk by about half. Each year, Indonesia loses forest area roughly the size of Connecticut.
Fires, meanwhile, have grown more frequent and serious.

How dirt became so dangerous — and why reversing the damage is so difficult — is on grim display here in Central Kalimantan, inhabited by about two million people and a rapidly dwindling population of orangutans. Economic logic here is firmly on the side of those wrecking the environment.

For example, Hadrianyani, the firefighter in Taruna Jaya, also has another job: He clears peatland of trees and scrub for cultivation — a task done most easily by burning.
Across Kalimantan, logging and palm oil companies deploy formidable economic, and real, firepower against environmental activists trying to protect the fragile peat. On a recent afternoon in Lamunti, a desolate Central Kalimantan settlement crisscrossed with fetid canals, the rival camps faced off. On one side of a wooden barrier at the entrance to PT Globalindo Agung Lestari, an oil palm estate, stood a dozen or so out-of-town environmental activists with a bullhorn. On the other side stood company security guards, local police officers and Indonesian soldiers with automatic weapons.

Estimating carbon emissions from deforested peatland is a highly complicated and inexact science. Even when not burning, dried peat leaks a slow but steady stream of carbon dioxide and other gases.

In 2006, according to Wetlands International, a Dutch research and lobbying group, Indonesia’s peatlands released roughly 1.9 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide — equal to the combined emissions that year of Germany, Britain and Canada, and more than U.S. emissions from road and air travel.

Highway Pollution and its Devastating Impacts on Local Communities

2009-11-17T15:21:00.000-08:00

From http://www.greenandsave.com/green_news/green-blog/highway-pollution-its-devastating-impacts-local-communities-5382

By Adrian Martinez, Project Attorney, Southern California Air Team, NRDC, Santa Monica Posted on Thursday 12th November 2009

A new study about the staggering impacts of highway and ship pollution was released by a team of scientists and academics, including some of the most pioneering researchers on issues of health related impacts from degraded air quality. The study provides a localized look at the impacts of air pollution, especially from freight facilities. Using the health indicator of childhood asthma, the study examines how much proximity to traffic and pollution from ship emissions drive asthma incidents. The communities chosen were Long Beach, an area that has long been on the front lines of the battle to protect community health from the massive quantities of air pollution spewed by the nation's two largest ports (the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach), and Riverside, a community that has become home to sprawling warehouses that serve as magnets for thousands upon thousands of diesel trucks rumbling through this community each and every day. The results of this study should be a wake-up call to the enablers of massive freight expansion who don't deal with all the negative consequences.

Rob McConnell, principal investigator on the study and professor of preventative medicine at the USC Keck School of Medicine, noted recently that:

The traditional approach to estimating the burden of air pollution-related disease has markedly underestimated the true effect...Our results indicate that there is a substantial proportion of childhood asthma that may be caused by living within 75 meters (81 yards) of a major road in Long Beach and Riverside. This results in a much larger impact of air pollution on asthma symptoms and health care use than previously appreciated. This is also one of the first studies to quantify the contribution of ship emissions to the childhood asthma burden.

In fact, NRDC, East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice, the Coalition for a Safe Environment and the Endangered Habitats League are currently mired in litigation against the Environmental Protection Agency, the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Southern California Association of Governments on the issue of protecting the 1.5 million near highway residents in the Los Angeles area from harmful air pollution impacts. Read more about that effort here.

The study also found that 21% of all asthma incidents in Long Beach were caused by the contribution of nitrogen dioxide levels from ships. As shipping interests have fought relentlessly against efforts to clean up their filthy engines and fuels over the decades, this fact becomes even more disturbing.

This study reminds us that unfettered economic exploitation of an area can have immense consequences on local health, including our most important populations--children. Freight and public health protections can coincide, but we need to end the industry obstructionism and lack of forward thinking that is currently infecting our decision-makers. Efforts such as pushing forward with alternative transportation systems championed by the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles and the South Coast Air Quality Management District's push for electrification of our rail lines are the types of efforts we need to keep moving forward. Highway widening projects (e.g. the proposed 14 lane expansion of the I-710 and the State Route 47 project, which creates a new diesel highway in the City of Wilmington) that ignore these near-highway communities should not be given so much attention.

All in all, the study ended with some very useful commentary on the application of the results of this study. It stated--

Our results demonstrate that the burden of asthma prevalence and exacerbation caused by traffic proximity can be substantial in communities with large numbers of homes in close proximity to major roadways. There is an urgent need for more detailed evaluation of the health consequences both of large-scale transportation infrastructure development and of port-related air pollution in areas that already have a high burden of disease associated with air pollution.
This should provide a call to action for all transportation planners that seek to expand freight facilities (e.g. the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, the California Department of Transportation, and other agencies). Agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the California Air Resources Board, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District must also implement policies to protect these most vulnerable near-highway communities from the deleterious impacts of air pollution. Business as usual is not working, and if we are going to expand, these projects must embrace modern low pollution technologies. If we fail in this respect, our future generations will end up spending too much time sucking on inhalers and in the hospital instead of schools. This is an untenable result.

* * * This post originally appeared on NRDC's Switchboard.

Adrian Martinez serves as a project attorney for The Natural Resources Defense Council’s Southern California Air Team in Santa Monica, Calif. NRDC is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the environment, people and animals. NRDC was founded in 1970 and is comprised of more than 300 lawyers, scientists and policy experts, with more than one million members and e-activists.

Learn More About the Gateway Project

2009-11-13T13:23:00.000-08:00

Looking to learn more about the Gateway Project? There are many options available!

1.
Come on a bus and boat tour to see for yourself the devastating impact the South Fraser Perimeter Road will have. A group concerned about the effects of this massive contruction project have organized an informative tour this Friday, November 20, 2009 to show others the side of the story so many people are sadly not yet aware of. Tour to begin by bus at the Ladner bus loop at 9:45am. Then at noon from the New Westminister dock, the tour will continue by boat. Tour will last approximately 5 hours so please pack a lunch. Cost is $70 per person. Space is limited so please contact Anita Den Dikken at 604.948.0138 to confirm or to get more information.

2.
Pre-Copenhagen UBC Forum on Gateway and Ecological Impact - Monday at 5pm
A Gateway to What?!?Climate Changing Development and the Impacts on Life in our Region
A Forum at UBC that will:
a) Explore the Gateway Program: an estimated 10 billion dollarproposal of extensive highway and port expansion, happening right in our own backyard that would drastically increase global warmingemissions
b) Evaluate the potential environmental impact of this project,particularly upon crucial ecosystems of the region, including BurnsBog: the ‘lungs of the Lower Mainland’
c) Investigate alternatives to Gateway, with an emphasis uponsustainability and smart planning.
Guest Speakers:Ben West (Wilderness Committee), Pamela Zevit (Biologist), Michael Barkusky (impact on Fraser River), Patrick Condon (urban design)
When: Monday November 16th 5pm - 7pm
Where: UBC Student Union Building (SUB) 205
Why: To better understand the cause and effect of climate changing activity in our back yard
Cost: Free
Organized by Poli Sci 449 and the Wilderness Committee

3.
Attend A UBC Forum that intends to. . .
• Inform about the Gateway Program: an estimated $10,000,000 provincial proposal of extensive highway and port expansion, happening right in our own backyard
• Evaluate the environmental impact of such an expansion, particularly upon crucial ecosystems of the region, including Burns Bog: the ‘lungs of the Lower Mainland’
• Investigate alternatives to Gateway, with an emphasis upon sustainable development and city planning.
Guest Speakers: Ben West, Pamela Zevit, Michael Barkusky, Patrick Condon
Monday November 16th, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
UBC - SUB Room 205
Price: Free!
For more info visit the Facebook event invitation here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=200401728091&ref=mf

For more information about the Gateway Project visit
http://www.gatewaysucks.org/
http://www.thereisanotherway.com/
http://wildernesscommittee.org/gateway

2010 Burns Bog Gala

2009-11-06T11:00:00.000-08:00

Celebrate British Columbia's environmental successes at the 2010 Gala hosted by the Burns Bog Conservation Society. Enjoy in a magical evening of live music, fine art, local and organic cuisine, and inspirational speakers to recognize some extraordinary people who help keep our planet healthy.

The Burns Bog Conservation Society is proud to announce that the annual Celebrating Women and the Spirit of the Cranes Gala has been changed to the Burns Bog Gala. This development has made the Gala more inclusive and for the first time recognizes both men and women who have contributed to the environmental movement. The 2010 event will be held at the stunning BCIT Aerospace campus in Richmond. The night will feature entertainment, a recognition ceremony, art exhibition, silent auction and an elegant dinner buffet.

Gala venue: BCIT Aerospace Centre

Nominations are now open. If you know someone who exemplifies a community leader, eco-artist, green business professional, environmental educator or successful young environmentalist please nominate them by clicking here.

Want to get involved? We are currently looking for artists, performers, sponsors, volunteers and donations for this event. If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity please contact me at communications@burnsbog.org or phone 604.572.0373. If you would like to be a sponsor you can download the sponsorship package here.

For more information visit www.burnsbog.org/gala

Society President Calls for Your Help to Stop the South Fraser Perimeter Road

2009-11-04T16:06:00.000-08:00

Dear readers,

I am Eliza Olson, one of the founders of the Burns Bog Conservation Society 20 years ago. Burns Bog has been classified as the only estuarine raised peat bog found in a Mediterranean climate. It is also considered the largest raised peat bog on the west coast of the Americas. Burns Bog was originally 10,000 to 12,000 acres (or 4000 ha to 4100 ha). In 2004 we were successful in getting about half of Burns Bog (2000 ha) placed under a conservation covenant. Unfortunately, this covenant is not being taken seriously.

The British Columbia Government is proposing to put a road through unprotected bogland right next to the conservation area. There are some areas where the road is planned, which according to one person who is familiar with the area says, they will have to go down 200 metres before hitting a clay bed for any stability.

Another problem is that the unprotected areas contain habitat for rare and endangered species. These include the Southern Red-backed vole. When it was discovered in 1999, it was the first time it had been seen in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia for something like 53 years! The loss of the forested area near the garbage dump is believed to have a negative impact on the small flock of Sandhill cranes. One observer believes that the road will cut them off from their traditional feeding areas and impact their ability to fool predators like the coyote by using the trees to deflect their calls and thereby fool the coyotes as to where they are.

In the 1970s Dr. David Bellamy, a renowned peatland expert, visited Burns Bog and thought that it was too degraded to survive. In 1995 when he returned at our invitation, he was delighted to discover that a great deal of the cutover bog was regenerating. He even went for a swim in a cutover created pond that had the red fuscum sphagnum growing on its banks.

In 1996, Dr. Bellamy invited me to attend the Peatland Congress in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was the keynote speaker and spent the last 1/2 hour of his speech talking about Burns Bog and the need to protect it.

Following the congress, resolutions were passed calling for Burns Bog to be either purchased or expropriated and declared a Ramsar site.

Now the future of Burns Bog is being threatened again. It is listed as an "area of concern" on the International Mires Conservation Group's website. http://www.imcg.net/.

In the last 20 years we have managed to change people's attitudes towards Burns Bog and peatlands in general in the Lower Mainland. Since we started, other peatlands in the area have been protected. Words like "lagg" and "acrotelm" and "catotelm" have become part of the vocabulary of local scientists and non-scientists alike. We have done this by producing educational material for elementary, secondary and post secondary teachers.

But it is not enough.

We are very small organization funded by individuals. We do not receive funding from the Federal, Provincial or local governments for our work.

Here are some websites for more information about the South Fraser Perimeter Road that we are fighting to move.
http://www.burnsbog.org/
http://www.thereisanotherway.com/
http://www.gatewaysucks.org/
http://www.livableregion.ca/
http://www.sunburyneighbourhood.ca/
www.wildernesscommittee.org/gateway
http://www.savedelta.ca/
www.stephenrees.wordpress.com/category/gateway

It is becoming increasingly critical that we receive international support to stop or change this road if we are to save Burns Bog for future generations. With the downturn of the economy, the federal and provincial governments are talking about approving such infrastructures as roads to stimulate the economy. The most recent approval of the Provincial government to remove farmland from the Agriculture Land Reserve to build the road, opposition from international sources is vital.

Dr. Catherine O'Connell of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, believes that the building of this road places Canada in contravention of several international protocols, including the Convention on Biodiversity and Climate Change.

Peatlands are little understood in Canada and especially in British Columbia, as the focus has been on protecting the majestic forests while ignoring the Lilliputians of nature.

You can stop this. Contact your MP, educate others about what is happening, organize a demonstration, or donate to the Society.

Thank you for your consideration of this dire matter and I look forward to your support. I cannot put it more simply, I need your help.

Sincerely,

Eliza Olson
President
Burns Bog Conservation Society

Petition for Burns Bog to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site Presented to the House of Commons

2009-11-03T09:46:00.000-08:00

On September 30, 2009 MP Sukh Dhaliwal presented the petition for Burns Bog to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site to the House of Commons. See the video here:

Nominate Eliza Olson for 2010 Sophie Prize

2009-10-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

Inspiration and facilitator for environmental protection and sustainability, Eliza Olson makes global impact with a local cause. Embracing current conditions and realistically powerful approaches, she is creating future leaders and inciting those already at the forefront to push even further. Eliza has raised the bog, elevating its protection, reputation and water table alike.

Society President Eliza Olson

Established to motivate continued work towards sustainability, the Sopie Prize is awarded to those who have done extraordinary work in environment and sustainable development. Eliza Olson is one of those people. Nominate her today for this most prestigious award. Visit http://www.sofieprisen.no/Nomination_Guidelines/index.html to download the nomination form, and/or email me for more information (communications@burnsbog.org).

Recognizing at a young age the significant ecological, cultural, and historical impact peatlands have worldwide, Eliza Olson dedicated her life to advocating for and educating others about these undervalued and often overlooked gems. She is the Voluntary Founding President and Executive Director of Burns Bog Conservation Society, which works to protect Burns Bog, a globally unique ecosystem in Delta, Canada.

Despite the fact that peat bog preservation and restoration can reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 10%, and their exploitation release approximately 3 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, bogs had not been acknowledged in BC school curriculums until Eliza came along. One of only two organizations dedicated to peatland conservation, Eliza’s work is groundbreaking. Inciting educators, scientists and environmentalists worldwide to take a serious interest, bogs are now gaining global recognition for their important ecological value.

Thanks to the work of Eliza and her team, in 1988 a massive development of Burns Bog was turned down. Later in 1999 she convinced the Environmental Assessment Office to conduct an Ecosystem Review of the bog – the first non development-driven assessment they had ever done. Then in 2004, she was pivotal in getting four levels of government to purchase over 5000 acres of privately-owned bogland and place it under a conservation covenant.

Winner of the 2004 Canadian Geographic Silver Award for Conservation and 2007 Yves Rocher Foundation, Women of the Earth, Eliza, though happy, is still weary she “won the battle but not the war.” Though a large portion of the bog is now protected, it is still under threat with commercial development in the lagg and privately owned areas. She continues to persevere however, devising innovative ways of capturing new audiences.

After eighteen years of bringing people out to experience the bog first-hand, in 2010 Eliza plans on bringing the bog back into the classroom to address a missing audience of those unable to visit. For a cause with global impact, Olson recognizes she must also implement global methods. The new project, a Mobile Interpretive Centre, aims to make information accessible to a wider audience, with interactive and multi-lingual web-based experiences. As Olson frequently says, “we have to embrace the reality of the situation. These things are happening right now. The protection of the environment is not just necessary for future generations. It is necessary right now, for all of us, and we need to stand together and make it happen.”

For more information about Eliza and the work that she does, visit our website at http://www.burnsbog.org/

For more information about the Sophie Prize, visit their website at http://www.sofieprisen.no/

Support us with a simple click of your mouse!

2009-10-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

The Burns Bog Conservation Society is creating a Mobile Interpretive Centre to extend our education programs to a wider local and global audience. The project will begin by providing interactive materials to bring the bog into the classroom for those unable to personally visit the bog due to financial, time or geographical restraints. WIth the targeted launch date in 2010 we are still soliciting for support and need your help.

All it takes is one click!

The Aviva Community Fund is awarding a shared $500,000 for the most popular community project. Help make our project a winner. Vote now at http://bit.ly/2s2PPy

Thanks for your help!

Tree Cutting Taking Place in the Bog!

2009-10-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

Could this mean an imminent large development?

Article featured on the front page of the Delta Optimist. Check it out http://www2.canada.com/deltaoptimist/index.html

Read the full story here: http://www2.canada.com/deltaoptimist/news/story.html?id=71005592-1b55-4339-962c-230ccc428f18

Let's Stop Climate Change Together

2009-10-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

The tsunami in Thailand. Hurricaine Katrina in the US. Typhoon in the Phillipines.

Massive flooding, extreme forest fires, widespread drought, deadly heat waves, tragic tropical storms, shattering earthquakes, devastating volcanic eruptions. Do we really want to continue letting these things happen?? I even experienced a tornado this past August in Toronto of all places!

We need to band together to stop climate change.

Yes you are one person, but adding yourself to a group, you are one of many. And many people can make significant impact on even the world's biggest challenges.

Linked by UNFCCC, every year since 2005 many countries come together to discuss what can be done to solve the problems of global warming. This year's meeting will be focused on creating a new climate treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.

December 12, 2009 is the global day of action. On this day people from all over the world band together to call on their world leaders to take action against climate change and make real progress at the UN talks.

This weekend, on Saturday October 24, Burns Bog Conservation Society is participating in Bridge to a Cool Planet. Taking place at Cambie Street bridge and Science World in Vancouver, this event is one of many leading up to global day of action to garner support and raise awareness of this most important issue.

You can make a difference too. See a video of what people did in London at the last event, and how one person really got through! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8vp6o1HfCA

Yes, climate change is an international issue. But that includes you too. Do you like wine? Ski vacations? Christmas trees? Seafood dinners? Swimming in the ocean? Unless something is done now these things we take for granted will no longer be available to us.

It affects you everyday. And unless somthing is done to stop it, it will get worse and worse, and you will feel it more and more. Do you really want that?

For a interesting list of 100 ways that climate change will affect you, read this:
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2007/09/climate_100.html

For more information on this topic visit:
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
http://unfccc.int/

How you can participate:
Global Climate Campaign
http://www.globalclimatecampaign.org/

Bridge to a Cool Planet (event we're attending this Saturday)
http://www.bridgecoolplanet.ca/en/

Hiring Administrative Assistant

2009-10-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

Organization: Burns Bog Conservation Society
Job title: Administrative Assistant
Work hours: 37.5 hours per week, subject to funding
Tuesday–Friday 9-5, Saturday 8:30-4:30
Reports to: President, Eliza Olson
Salary: Commensurate with experience

About the organization:
The world's only major raised peat bog found in a Mediterranean climate, Burns Bog is the largest urban carbon sink in North America, and is also a haven for many rare and endangered plants and animals. Located in Delta, British Columbia, the Burns Bog Conservation Society is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of this bog through education and advocacy.

Why work for us?
Gain experience working with an environmental non-profit, knowledge about peatlands and their role in our environment, team building skills, working on special events, office administration, working independently, learning to supervise volunteers with a wide range of skills and abilities, knowledge of CRA rules regarding charities, BC Gaming rules and regulations, diverse computer sills, fundraising skills including grant writing and direct mail, working with board members, and volunteers with challenges. Most importantly, it is an opportunity to do good.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Office Administrator is a supportive role for all staff and volunteers, and the organization in general. Primary responsibilities include office administration, bookkeeping, and volunteer coordination. Responsibilities range from data entry, financial management, member relations, volunteer activity planning and supervision, organizational development, marketing and communications, event planning, and any other task deemed necessary by the President for the further betterment of the organization. Specific duties are outlined below.

1. Database Entry
· Input membership gifts into the Society’s database and make any name/address changes
· Process incoming cheques, and create daily ledger of deposits
· Prepare thank-you letters (new members, memorials, etc.)
· Prepare mailing lists and labels for reports and other mailings as required

2. Financial Management
· Preparation of bi-weekly payroll and employer source deduction remittances
· Maintain accurate records of all financial transactions
· Prepare and process cheque requests and invoices
· Prepare purchase orders/packing slips with proper documentation for approval
· Reconcile all bank accounts, investment accounts, event balances, petty cash account, and
others as required
· Prepare billing invoices
· Issue receipts, including annual tax receipts, receipts for donations, membership fees, etc.
· Preparation of project funding reports
· Preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements
· Prepare GST/HST reports according to Revenue Canada, and all other government
remittances as required
· Budget forecasting
· Prepare and make regular bank deposits
· Prepare year-end working papers as requested by auditors and Treasurer
· Prepare reports for BC Gaming
· Adhere to GAAP principals

3. Membership Development
· Assist with grant research and writing
· Assist with development and implementation of direct marketing solicitations and
membership mailings

4. Office Administration
· General reception duties (answering telephone, greeting visitors, etc.)
· Maintain office filing and storage systems
· Monitor and order office supplies
· Distribute and file all incoming mail
· Oversee maintenance and management of office space
· Coordinate effective operation and upkeep of office equipment such as the photocopier, fax
machine, printers, computers, and telephones.
· In consultation with the President, ensure that adequate insurance is in place for all
property, equipment, and organizational liability, and liability for staff, volunteers, and the
Board of Trustees
· Perform daily operations errands as and when needed, at the discretion of the President

5. Staff and Volunteer Coordination
· Coordinate and supervise the daily activities for general volunteers
· Maintain an up to date database of staff, volunteer and Board contact information
· Keep updated Board contact list and assist President with Board mailings
· In conjunction with the President, administer personnel files (holidays, sick, personal time,
etc.)
· In conjunction with the President, administer staff benefit plan
· Assist with preparation and updates of Board Manuals for Board Members
· Orient new staff to organization protocol and ensure all administrative needs are met

Qualifications and Skills:
REQUIRED:
· 1-2 years minimum experience working in an administration-based role
· 1-2 years minimum experience managing finances
· Previous experience in an office setting
· Excellent organizational and record keeping skills (attention to detail a must)
· Good computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, Simply Accounting, and
Quickbooks
· Good oral and written communication skills
· Positive attitude
· Proven ability to prioritize tasks

DESIRED:
· University degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, related field, or
related experience.
· Experience working for a charity
· Experience working in the environment sector

Contact: Eliza Olson, President - eliza@burnsbog.org

Please submit your application via email and include all of the following documents:
· Covering letter outlining your interest and experience for this position
· Resume listing all relevant paid and unpaid experience
· Contact information for three (3) references

Start Date: Immediately

Closing Date: Open