Friday, December 6, 1991 — North Shore News — ENVIRONMENT Maplewood Flats: A North Shore sanctuary THE UNINITIATED hear the rumblings of the cedar mill and see the plumes of smoke from industry across the in- iet. The initiated hear the twitter- ings of kinglets and see the flocks of siskins winging in and out of the woodpile they’ve made their home. The uplands area of the Maplewood Flats consists largely of mixed forest area, rough .grasslands and wet meadows. "Once part of a stretch of wetiand haoitat that reached across the North Shore right to the Ambleside area, it now comprises the last 5% of estuary land re- maining on our banks. The uninitiated, walking through the area for the first time, might not notice that they are ’ treading on special ground. Their attention might be drawn more to the surrounding industries that inom large on the landscape. But even amongst chemical ES Peggy Trendell-Whittaker ECOINFO seabed right uplands before in front of the the plan was 4&6 The Maplewood Slats are home to over 200 species of birds, 12 species of mammals and a wide range of flora. 99 plants and cedar milis, nature has found a way to co-exist oa the ast - vestiges of the wetland habitat. The Maplewood flats are home to over 200 species of birds, 12 species of. mammals and a wide -range of flora. _ According to Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre naturalist Kevin ’. Bell, who escorted me around the cite a few weeks ago, development of the Uplands would mean the North Shore would lose a number of bird species, such as the com- mon snipe, Western meadowlark, -American kestrel, Northern shrike, Northern harrier, .Savan- nah sparrow, and short-eared owl. While the adjacent Maplewood mudfiat area has been protected by North Vancouver District, the Uplands, being Vancouver Port property, have not. Decades ago, the port’s plan for the area was the development of a deep water port. They went so far as to dredge a basin out of the scrapped, and this basin is now prime habitat for 18 species of seaducks, loons, grebes and cor- morants. At varicus times over the last decade or so, plans have included a marina, commercial port and housing.. But a group committed to saving the area as a wildlife sanctuary has steadfastly battled any such proposals. Walking through the uplands, Kevin Beil identified the songs of kinglets, chickadees, towees and flickers. He pointed out the red-iailed hawk in a close-by tree and told about the osprey that nested on a piling fast year and raised two young. Larger creatures that visit the uplands at various times of the year include coyotes, black bears and, last Christmas, a bobcat. As we walked, we met two other groups of uplands devotees and their families who were out enjoying the pocket of wildlife nestled so closely to urban con- cerns, The group fighting for preser- vation of the area is hoping to enhance it with the introduction of fresh-water marshes, ponds and interconnecting streams that would provide more habitat and feeding for wetland wildlife species. Bell also envisions areas for birdwatchers that could be hidden from the resident wildlife by “‘blinds.”” For any of this to happen, however, the Vancouver Port Corp. must decide to donate the land into trust for use as a wildlife sanctuary. While local port officials who could comment on the matter were unavailable to press time, it is hoped by local preservationists that such an announcement will be made soon. Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre staff offer walks through the Maplewood uplands and flats regularly. The next scheduled walk is on Sunday, Jan. 5 at 1 p.m., with participants asked to meet ai the Crab Shack on Dollarton High- way. Participants are asked to con- firm details by calling 987-5922 in advance. The ecology centre is also your contact for the 91st annual Audubon Society Backyard Bird Count, taking place on Sunday, Interested North Shore residents are asked to keep track of the number and type of birds they see out their window on that day. The results are combined with the Vancouver count, then sent to the Audubon society for North America-wide tabulation. If you'd like to be sent the nec- essary forms and information, call the ecology centre at 987-5922. The centre staff can also help you identify any mystery species you see on the 15th. eee If you’re starting to look around for a °92 calendar, put away your wallet and look no fur- ther. Being published again this year is the Going Green on the North Shore 12-month calendar, which will be distributed in the North Basket wrap your gifts this Christmas! 20 ot all Baskets | _ 3 largest selection of @ baskets on the 2 Up Open every day. f 1420 Fell Ave., North Vancouver (corner of Fell & Marine) North Shore to 509 % off selected wicker area items. 988-7328 Shore News during the week of The "calendar, sponsored by various governments and_ local businesses, will have a variety of ey 21 environmental tips for each month, an eco-calling guide, list of alternatives to toxic household Products, and lots more. Stay tuned! WRAP UP A CLOSET FOR CHRISTMAS Order b Dec. 6 fOr | Eliminate waste space and mess Create more useable space _in any closet INSTALLED OR DO IT YOURSELF re-Christmas instailation Custom Built Furniture for the home & office Offer ends Dec. 14, ‘97 SHOWROOM OPEN WION. - SAT. 9-5 CANADIAN CLOSET ‘A family owned business since 1984” 1385 Crown St. N. 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