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Conservation Programs - Mapping
The Stanley Park Ecology Society only recently initiated mapping projects in Stanley Park. Thanks to the support of the Vancouver Park Board and Pitney Bowes MapInfo we currently have GIS mapping software and many different base layers of Stanley Park with which to work with.
After the December 2006 windstorm, SPES began gathering information on Species at Risk, Environmentally Sensitive Areas and invasive plant species in Stanley Park to advise the Vancouver Park Board Restoration Plan, as well as to guide our own conservation and educational programs.
Our mapping programs is currently gathering and compiling information on:
- Invasive plants
- Wildlife values: nests, dens, sightings, habitat
- Habitat values: Species at Risk habitat, Environmentally Sensitive Areas, veteran trees, wetlands, etc.
- Cultural values: interpretive opportunities
GPS survey volunteers hard at work
(L to R) Rob O., Britta N., Nathan L., and Angela B.
Thanks to the hard work of our GPS survey volunteers, we currently know more about sensitive habitats and invasive plant species in the Park than ever before.
GIS volunteers create and update layers with data gathered by survey crews
Ettiene O. GIS volunteer, and Robyn W. Conservation Programs Manager
At SPES we rely on dedicated volunteers who have experience in GIS (Geographical Information Systems) techniques to help us create and add onto existing map layers.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas in Stanley Park, Vancouver, British Columbia
The Environmentally Sensitive Areas map of Stanley Park is currently being updated with new information gathered during the restoration process to reflect changes resulting from the windstorm.
Since the 2006 windstorm, we have not only developed a GIS program at SPES but we have created at least 10 new layers for the Park. The map pictured above was our first attempt at delineating sensitive areas in the Park, and will ultimately be used as a basis for further research, to inform our educational programming, and to guide recommendations for management.
If you would like to get involved, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at vols@stanleyparkecology.ca
