NANOOSE NATURALISTS TRIP TO RATHTREVOR PARK
The January 27th Rathtrevor Beach outing started at the park’s administration office with an informative talk by the park’s manager, Carol Beaupre. [tel: 248 9460; e-mail: opo@telus.net
Carol explained how her employer, Osprey Parks Contracting Ltd., had been awarded the contracts to administer 40% of the island’s provincial parks, after the government changeover in 2001. Resultant changes included the introduction of parking/usage charges and adjustments to the parks’ information and education programmes. Carol emphasized the need for volunteers to help with tours during busy periods and the need to assist at the Nature House’s children’s summer programmers. She would welcome inquiries and volunteers.
Carol advised that no parks’ employees have become ill from the cryptococcus spore in spite of recent media scares. The staff does not need to take protective measures to prevent breathing in the spores.
Osprey has recently used low cost labour, [that is, prisoners], to cutback and remove the recent extensive damaged trees and shrubs.
Carol provided us with a handout on the park’s trees and vegetation. There was, however, no explanation for an unusual thick concentration of branch and needle growth on one of the grand firs, which we encountered on our walk. If you go on the walk, look for it – it is very interesting. During our walk, in addition to the common feeder birds, some less common birds seen were golden crowned kinglets, Bewick’s wrens, pileated woodpeckers and black oystercatchers.
Approximately 15 members attended this outing. Although some of the trails were flooded we all enjoyed the outing.