Introduction to Biodiversity monitoring

On October 18th, EarthWorks brought a group of students, staff and faculty from across the Capilano University campus on a day trip to introduce them to the Átl'ka7tsem / Howe Sound Biosphere and Biodiversity monitoring. Participants contributed to a pilot study on wildlife connectivity in the Squamish region by undertaking vegetation sampling and placing trail cameras in the forest between Loggers Lane and the Sea-to-Sky corridor. Cameras were retrieved on the 6th of December, and pilot data revealed that diverse mammals, including bobcats, live adjacent to the Sea-to-Sky Highway within the Squamish urban area. This work informs current planning for student-led research on wildlife habitat use and connectivity in the biosphere region that will inform how we manage development, resource use and recreation alongside sustainable biodiversity.

Field trip takes students to new heights.

Dr. Tom Flowers installing wildlife cameras

You can support place-based learning in Átl'ka7tsem / Howe Sound by helping us raise $2,500 toward transportation costs for Dr. Tom Flower’s Biology students from Capilano University to conduct monitoring in the Squamish area. The monitoring contributes to important biodiversity data gathering supporting our Wildlife Connectivity Project. Dr Flower's project will use trail cameras and remote sound recorders to explore what mammals. birds and bats are present, what habitat they prefer and which areas they use as corridors to move between patches. Maintaining such connections between habitat areas is essential to maintain healthy population genetics and demographics.

Videos of wildlife in the middle of Squamish between Loggers Creek and the Sea-to-Sky Highway captured during a pilot study on wildlife connectivity by Dr Flower.

CLICK TO DONATE - TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION WILL BE RECEIVED FROM THE CAPILANO UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION - BIOSPHERE FUND