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July 30, 2022
Hello Park Ambassadors, Members, and Friends
In this newsletter you'll find:
- Heat Warning Information
- Call for Volunteers - September Langley Bog Restoration Cleanup
- Volunteer Celebrations
- 3 Natural Ways to Repel Mosquitoes
- UN Declares Healthy Environment a Human Right
- Regional Parks Highlights: Meteor Shower Watch
- DRBIPA Members Recommend...
- Donations Welcome - Support the Park Association
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Most of BC is under a heat emergency warning. It's important to keep cool while adventuring outside. Heat-related illness happens when the body heats up faster than it can cool itself down. This can usually be prevented by keeping cool, finding shade, and drinking water before you get thirsty. HERE is a list of symptoms and treatments for heat-related illnesses.
When it’s too hot outside, many public places and municipal buildings will offer places to cool down. Find a list HERE of places to keep cool in Langley.
As of summer 2022, heat events in B.C. are put into 2 categories:
- Heat Warning: when conditions are very hot and there is a moderate risk to public health.
- Extreme Heat Emergency: when conditions are dangerously hot and have a very high risk to public health.
You can find more details about heat emergencies HERE on the HealthLink BC website.
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September Langley Bog Restoration Cleanup
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The park association works on special bog projects, such as water monitoring and invasive species removal. Last year was our first big public bog restoration cleanup. 80 nature-loving volunteers passionate about conserving the Langley Bog at Derby Reach removed 5.2 tonnes of debris from the bog area in shifts spread out over 3 days. We got rid of plastic, tires, metal waste, treated wood...and there is more to do!
Want to get involved? Join us September 15th or 17th or 18th for bog cleanup events. Please sign up to be added to the list of interested volunteers for this project. Reply to this newsletter email or contact us anytime. If you are part of a large group that would like to volunteer together on a weekend or weekday, please let us know.
We are working to reduce the input of contaminants to help restore the unique PH of the bog wetlands. Bogs are ancient and irreplaceable ecosystems formed by glaciers during the ice age. Bogs help combat flooding and are capable of so much more. One of the most amazing things about bogs, is how bog moss has the ability to absorb and hold accumulated CO2 from the atmosphere. And as the planet continues to warm due to high levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, protecting and restoring peatlands, such as the Langley Bog, is more important than ever. Huge thanks and appreciation go to everyone involved in helping to restore and conserve our Langley Bog.
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We are so thankful to the DRBIPA Orchard Committee for all their hard work and dedication. The Orchard Committee has been working hard to maintain the heritage apples and pears near the barn at the Derby Reach Heritage Area. Monitoring, pruning, watering, and more! The team has also been working on planting more apple trees at Derby Reach and monitoring our small pollinator garden at the Heritage Orchard. Way to go team!
Park Ambassadors are volunteers at the heart of what we do and why the park association is here — community members taking action together in order to protect and preserve our beloved green spaces for current and future generations. Thank you to all volunteers involved with DRBIPA and the work we do to foster stewardship of the land and education within the parks.
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Natural Ways to Repel Mosquitoes
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This has been one of the worst year's in some time for mosquitoes in Langley and along the Fraser River. About three years worth of mosquitoes hatched this summer all at once. The good news so far has been "there is no concern about them causing illness" (read more HERE.)
While out on the trails this month we've been seeing the effects of this outbreak. So much itching and scratching! Common chemical repellents found at the store are a great option, DEET and picaridin give the greatest protection and are safe when used correctly. But it's good to consider how often you're using these on your skin.
There are a few other natural ways to help keep mosquitoes at a distance. Here are what DRBIPA Members and other park users have said work for them:
- Wearing loose fitting light colour clothing can make a big difference.
- Using a mesh head net or body suit helps when working long hours outside or doing activities such as bird watching.
- Diluted essential oils work well. Such as citronella, tea tree, lavender, lemon eucalyptus, mint.
At least there is lots of food for the bats at Brae Island and Derby Reach right now. Thank goodness for bats who love mosquitoes!
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Healthy Environment A Human Right
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The United Nations General Assembly declared July 28th that everyone on the planet has a right to a healthy environment.
"In a resolution passed Thursday morning at UN headquarters in New York City, the General Assembly said climate change and environmental degradation were some of the most pressing threats to humanity's future. It called on states to step up efforts to ensure their people have access to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment." Find the full details HERE.
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Regional Parks Highlights
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Explore the Perseids meteor shower and other mysteries of the night sky at Aldergrove Regional Park on August 13th.
Chat with astronomers and space enthusiasts whose telescopes will be aimed at the skies. Continue your space odyssey with a unique planet walk on lantern-lit trails, enjoying activities including blacklight skits. Bring a blanket to lay back and watch ‘shooting stars’ and learn how to find constellations.
- All ages welcome
- Event entry free or by cash donation
- Drop by anytime
- Camp overnight to extend your stargazing experience. ($20 per tent or RV for camping)
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DRBIPA Members Recommend...
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Here are some events, resources, and information DRBIPA Members want to share with others. Click the links for more details:
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Donations made through Pacific Parklands Foundation's DRBIPA Giving Page are tax deductible and support many of our educational, conservation, and stewardship events.
To make a donation to support the park association please:
- Visit the DRBIPA / PPF fundraising page: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/DRBIPA
- Select the amount of the donation and choose “One Time Donation”.
- Under “Please direct my gift to” choose the “Derby Reach/Brae Island Regional Parks” option or the "Heritage Apple Day 2022" option from the drop down list.
- Complete all the donor and payment information, confirm and submit the transaction.
- Tax receipts will be issued by email automatically at the time of the donation.
Thank you for making donations of any kind, big or small, if and when possible. Our grassroots nonprofit park association is so appreciative of community support towards our mission to foster stewardship of the land and education within the parks.
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