Date: August 28, 2022, 11:00 AM
Location: Buttertubs Marsh Park
Coordinates: 49°10’15.60″N, 123°58’16.02″W
Weather: Sunny & Dry, 20° C, Summer
Description of Area: The park is an urban municipal wildlife sanctuary that is situated in the centre of the City of Nanaimo, British Columbia. The park covers 46 acres and is relatively flat in topography. Combined with private lands, the total marsh area is approximately 100 acres, however the study area will be limited to the park’s boundary. The park has a 2 km walking trail loop that is popular among locals, as well as a viewpoint tower that looks over the marsh. The marsh is home to the endangered Western Painted Turtle, as well as various birds, mallard ducks, and beavers. There are various points around the marsh with park benches where I observed locals feeding ducks. The north shore of the marsh has had some ecological restoration recently completed, with signage and fencing surrounding the habitat of the Western Painted Turtles. The south shore is densely vegetated, whereas the eastern side of the marsh backs on to nearby residential developments. The western side of the marsh is located out of the park, but is visible from the main path through the park. I observed the marsh itself containing various reeds, cattails and lily pads. The shoreline vegetation consisted of reeds, grasses, and small shrubs and trees. I was not able to spot any turtles, however I did see multiple Mallard ducks and Redwing Blackbirds. Since this park is a popular trail, I am curious on how human impact has affected the ecology of the marsh, and what factors contribute to this.
Questions from my observations:
- Would I be able to notice any visible changes in flora or fauna within the habitat restoration area over the course of my study?
- Would the highly trafficked areas of the park contain different birds than the quieter sections of the park?
- Would I be able to observe the turtles throughout the marsh or only within certain areas, and if so, what factors influence this?
The City of Nanaimo. “Buttertubs Marsh Park”. Nanaimo, https://www.nanaimo.ca/parks-search/parks/177-Buttertubs-Marsh-Park. Accessed August 29, 2022.