Vancouver Park Board
News Release
March 1, 2018
There’s a new destination for birds and birders in Vancouver!
Officially opened today at VanDusen Botanical Garden, the Backyard Bird Garden offers an enhanced
habitat for resident and migratory birds.
“The
Backyard Bird Garden demonstrates how anyone with a yard or balcony can
create habitat
for birds with the right selection of plants and shrubs to provide food,
shelter and nesting habitat,” said Park Board Chair Stuart Mackinnon.
More than 85 bird species have been recorded at VanDusen Garden.
Sure
to bring the birds flocking, colourful nectar-rich perennials such as
anise hyssop will
be a source of food for hummingbirds, goldfinches, and other small birds
native to North America. Deciduous trees such as vine maple grow well
in containers, and provide food and open branches for perching.
Evergreen shrubs such as salal offer cover and a safe
place to nest.
The
new garden was a collaborative effort developed and funded in
partnership with
the Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association, a charitable organization
which jointly manages VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory
with the Vancouver Park Board.
An anonymous gift of $10,000 from a private donor was used towards constructing a child-sized
birdhouse in the Backyard Bird Garden.
To celebrate the opening, up to two children get in free with each paid adult, senior or youth
between March 1-29 at both VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory.
Family friendly bird walks, talks and activities—free with admission—will be hosted on weekends
in March at VanDusen.
At
drop in workshops Saturdays from 10 am to 2:30 pm, children can join
VBGA Education staff
to investigate bird nests and predict which birds built them, explore
the functions of feathers, and learn how to preen like a bird.
Any day of the week young birders can enjoy the Junior Birder Challenge while exploring the
garden and receive a junior birder button upon completion.
A bird themed spring break camp “Citizen Science: The Birds in your Backyard” takes place
Friday, March 23. More information at vandusengarden.org.
The Backyard Bird Garden will be a highlight for visitors and their families during the Vancouver
International Bird Festival and 27th International Ornithological Congress,
both held in Vancouver August 19-26, 2018.
The Backyard Bird Garden supports the VancouverBird Strategy and ParkBoard’s Biodiversity Strategy.
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Media contact:
Vancouver Park Board
604-257-8699
Facebook: facebook.com/ParkBoard
Twitter: @ParkBoard
Instagram: @VanParkBoard
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