City Nature Challenge 2022: Tri-Cities, British Columbia's Journal

We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who participated in the 2022 City Nature Challenge and submitted an observation. Projects like this are a great way to showcase the amazing nature we have in our cities, and highlight the importance of documenting nature all over the world.

Together, observations from the Tri-Cities contributed to 1,694,877 observations that were made in cities world-wide. Of the 445 cities participated this year, the Tri-Cities placed 130th for total observations. Compared to the 41 cities participating in Canada, we placed 9th for total observations. Not bad for our first year!

Breakdown of results for the Tri-Cities:
Total observations: 2790
Total species: 628
Total observers: 129
Most observed species: Salmonberry - 71 observations

Some notable finds in the Tri-Cities include a Rufous Hummingbird and American Bittern in Coquitlam, an Oregon Forestsnail, Barn Swallow and Great Blue Heron in Port Coquitlam, and Roell’s Bortherella Moss and Northwestern Salamander eggs in Port Moody.

Collaborative results from the City Nature Challenge can be viewed here: https://imgur.com/a/7qm6r75

Next year's challenge will be taking place from April 28 - May 1, 2023. We look forward to welcoming you to our events again next year.

We are collaborating with local stewardship groups, institutions and Metro Vancouver Parks to host free events and activities as part of the City Nature Challenge. Some activities require pre-registration. Details and links can be found at www.coquitlam.ca/naturechallenge, www.portcoquitlam.ca/naturechallenge and www.portmoody.ca/naturechallenge.

Events requiring registration:
•The Power of Citizen Science with conservation ecology specialist Dr. John Reynolds of SFU: April 20, 7 p.m. via Zoom. Webinar is hosted by Port Moody.
•Bats and Other Creatures guided walk and talk on the Rotary Loop Trail: April 29, 7:30 p.m. at Westhill Park, 203 Westhill Pl., in Port Moody.
•Minnekhada Ecosystems: April 30, 9 a.m. at Coquitlam’s Minnekhada Regional Park, Quarry Road parking lot. Join the Minnekhada Park Association to explore three park ecosystems.
•Little Naturalist Storytime: April 30, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at Pioneer Memorial Park, 275 Knowle St. Join Port Moody Library for a nature-themed outdoor story time.
•Heron Walk: April 30, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Port Moody Rec Complex tennis courts. Join local naturalists to learn about herons and help document the species.
•Insects of Noons Creek: April 30, 9 to 11 a.m. at Noons Creek Hatchery. Discover what insects live around Noons Creek with invertebrate experts from Port Moody Ecological Society.
•Mossom Creek: May 1, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Mossom Creek Hatchery in Port Moody. Learn about plants and animals and document them for the challenge.

Drop-in events – no registration required:
•Story Stroll (Self-guided): April 28 to May 6 at Pioneer Memorial Park in Port Moody.
•Learn about Beetles with the Institute of Urban Ecology: April 29, 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. at the Sol Garden at Douglas College, Pinetree Way and Town Centre Boulevard.
•City Nature Challenge Kickoff: April 29, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Gates Park. Drop by the tent to learn how to participate from Port Coquitlam parks staff.
•iNaturalist Challenge: April 29 to May 2, at Port Moody Public Library, operating hours. Show your uploads on the iNaturalist app to be entered in a prize draw.
•Scavenger Hunt: April 29 to May 2 at Port Moody Public Library, operating hours. Kids can search for local flora and fauna to be entered in a prize draw.
•Mundy Park Bioblitz: April 30, 1 to 4 p.m. at Mundy Park’s sand volleyball court, northeast of the field house. Interactive family-friendly activities with City of Coquitlam staff.
•Aquatic Life in Hoy Creek: April 30, 9 to 11 a.m. at Hoy Creek Hatchery in Coquitlam. Explore life in the water with Hoy/Scott Watershed Society.
•Children’s Storytime and Nature Literacy Event: April 30, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lions Park in Port Coquitlam. Enjoy nature-themed stories, talk about plants and the Nature Challenge.
•Intertidal Display: May 1, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park picnic area. Learn from a park interpreter then explore on your own.
•Colony Farm Nature Display: May 1, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Colony Farm Regional Park’s parking lot. Learn about the park’s species before exploring on your own.
•Native Plant Identification: May 1, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Citadel Heights Park. Learn about native species planted by Port Coquitlam’s Greener City Initiative.
•Tri-Cities Bear Aware Booth: May 1, 2 to 4 p.m. at Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park, PCT Performance Stage. Learn about bears and their food sources.
•Scavenger Hunt: May 2, 9 to 11 a.m. behind Hyde Creek Recreation Centre. Join City of Port Coquitlam Parks staff for a plant scavenger hunt.

We look forward to seeing you at these events!