My observations were of the Lost Lake area of Mundy Park, in Coquitlam B.C. The topographical coordinates of it which are 49°15’23.7″N 122°49’05.5”W. Observations occurred and will occur between 9 AM and 10 AM. The initial visit, was hot (26°C), dry and sunny, in spite of the time. Mundy Park is the largest city park in Coquitlam (400 acres), but Lost Lake is a very small portion of it. The lake has a perimeter of approximately 430m. The park has incredibly popular walking trails and is well maintained by the city. Lost Lake specifically is unique in the park, as it sits just outside the dedicated off-leash dog trails (most of the park is off-leash from dawn until 10 AM, but these specific trails are off-leash full time), but is also an ecologically protected area. Specifically, it is under observation by the Coastal Partners in Conservation Society under their Coastal Painted Turtle Project. The south shore – closest to the off-leash dog area – is fenced off with a wooden fence and park benches located on the path side. In the past, I have observed residents feeding bird seed to ducks from the fence. On the lake side of the fence before the rocky shoreline, there are tall grasses (possibly crabgrass) moss, and algae. The south shore is rocky, but like the rest of the lake, is not a gradual beach, but a quick drop-off. The sunny, unshaded south side, has the most visible lily pads and other water flora. The rest of the shore is forested immediately up to the water. On the observation day, I was able to spot 3 turtles (possibly Western Painted Turtles) swimming at the surface and 2 female mallard ducks. The turtles did not leave the water to bask. I am very interested in the relationship between the endangered turtles and their proximity to the road, popular walking trails, and the off-leash dogs (for disclosure’s sake, this is my favourite morning walk for my large Irish Setter X, and I am curious about my impact on local wildlife, particularly endangered ones).
Questions from my observations:
- Would turtle activity change based on time of day, specifically in reference to the off-leash dog hours?
- Would duck activity affect the turtle activity (humans feeding the ducks etc)?
- Would the fence, while likely placed with ecologically protective intentions, affect shoreline flora?
The City of Coquitlam. “Parks and Facilities – Mundy Park.” Coquitlam, www.coquitlam.ca/404.aspx?aspxerrorpath=/facilities/facility/details/Mundy-Park-59. Accessed 1 Aug. 2022.