Field Visit 1: September 20, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. on a sunny, 23 degree Celsius day.
Glenbrooke Ravine Park (“GRP”) is a municipal park located in a dense residential area of New Westminster B.C. and one of few intact natural areas in the city. The park is a relatively narrow ravine corridor with very steep sides, orientated northwest to southeast, the length is approximately 600 m and the total size park size is 11.2 ha (p 5. ). It is a forested area with deciduous trees and well-developed native shrub community. Predominant invasive species appear to be English ivy (Hedera helix; Hedera hibernica) and Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus). The Glenbrooke stream was culverted and a small amount of storm water run-off flows through the ravine. There is a maintained trail extending the length of the ravine with several side trails to allow various access points. At the southern end of the park there is a garden and pond adjacent to the amenities building and parking lot. Single-family and multi-family residential buildings line the park boundary and the park is frequented by walkers and runners. There are active restorations activities taking place in the park, including slope stability, invasive plant removal, and tree planting. Bird houses and beetle traps were also present.
September 20, 2022 field observations and questions
- There are several anthropogenic disturbances which may be influencing the distribution of invasive species in the park. The following patterns emerged:
- The presence and abundance of invasive species is greater on the north eastern ravine slope. Is this due the difference between anthropogenic influences on the north eastern shore when compared to the south western slope?
- The presence and abundance of invasive species appears to increase on the south western slope from south to north. In the southern section, sword ferns appear to be abundant, how has ivy removal contributed to the success of the sword fern?
- Sword ferns appear to be present in the vicinity of mature tree’s. Does the canopy cover influence the success of sword fern populations?
- Alders and maple trees are the dominant tree species. What has limited the success of coniferous trees?
