Mission Statement
Conservation through education by
- …protecting the world’s peatlands by educating people on the importance of Burns Bog, a globally unique ecosystem due to its chemistry, form, flora, fauna and size as one of the world’s largest undeveloped ecosystems in an urban area.
- …proving opportunities for people to interact with this natural environment through interpretive tours, educational materials, supporting controlled access to the main Bog area, and maintaining the boardwalks to provide access for all members of our broader community.
- …advocating for ecologically responsible governance of Burns Bog and other peatlands worldwide at the local, provincial and federal levels of Canadian government and by working with peatland organizations and scientists worldwide.
History
Twenty concerned citizens founded the Burns Bog Conservation Society in 1988. They along with other members of the community had successfully stopped a major development that would have seen Burns Bog put under 20 feet of landfill and converted to commercial, residential, industrial and one square mile scooped out for a deep-sea port.
The founders realized that they had won “the battle but not the war” to protect Burns Bog. In order to ensure long-term protection they felt they needed to continue to educate people about the ecological benefits of the Bog and raise awareness about the need to protect it for future generations.
The Society is a registered society in British Columbia (S-24249) and a registered Canadian charity (BN 12916 6682 RR0001).
What we do
Conduct educational programs including interpretive tours, fieldtrips, summer day camps.
Obtain funding to build and maintain the boardwalk system in the Delta Nature Reserve (Burns Bog) so you can enjoy this ecological gem without damaging the sensitive vegetation. The boardwalks are stroller and wheelchair accessible.
Network with leading scientists to provide and distribute accurate and up-to-date information on peatlands. In 1995 Dr David Bellemy discovered that Burns Bog was regenerating after the peat harvesting and told the Society that, “ you have proved by accident in Burns Bog the theory that the bog will regenerate within 40 years!”
Publish peatland education material for all ages.
Attend and encourage others to voice their concerns on behalf of Burns Bog at all levels. These include everything from the Peatland Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland to local city council meetings.
Partner with other environmental organizations and acedemic institutions.
Host awareness events such as International Bog Days, Jog for the Bog, Burns Bog Gala, and the Pilgrimage to Burns Bog.
Receive the Cultural Diversity Award in 1997 for its work to reach a broader community by translating its Quick Guide to Burns in Punjabi and Mandarin and its inclusiveness in the workplace.
*See* – Photos from our education programs and outreach events
Future Plans
Continue to advocate for Burns Bog and encourage government and others to protect the remaining 500 acres (227 ha) that is considered important to the survival of Burns bog.
Build and expand on its successful education programs.
Set up a foundation (the Burns Bog Conservation Foundation BN 86456 5841 RR0001) which includes an endowment fund and a capital campaign fund to build a world-class interpretive or education centre.
Publications
A Quick Guide to Burns Bog, 1996 (later translated into Punjabi and Mandarin), 1996
A Teacher’s Guide to Burns Bog 1996 now in revision
Family Favourites & Wild Gourmet cookbook, 1997
A Teacher’s Resource Guide to Sandhill Cranes, 1998
A Comprehensive Guide to Burns Bog, 2004
Camper’s Manual, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010
Alternatives to Peat Moss: A Gardener’s Guide, 2006
Indirect Benefits to our community
Inspired students to go into advanced education in the field of peatlands.
Collaborated with author Bill Burns to produce, Discover Burns Bog, a brief history of Burns Bog.Worked with the British Columbia government to set up the Ecosystem Review of Burns Bog, 1999-2000. This is the only review that was not driven directly by a land development proposal.Collaborated with Mary Bissell to produce A Bog in My Backyard for her masters in communication at Simon Fraser University
A former volunteer represents the youth at the British Columbia Government’s inauguration of the Year of the Volunteer.
Provided teacher from across Canada, the USA up to Alaska with educational material to supplement their teaching programs on the environment.
Provides the community with a research library that is available during office hours.
Works with local groups to provide volunteer opportunities for people with disabilities.
Funding Sources
The Burns Bog Conservation Society receives no core funding from any government body. It relies on gifts from our members and donors (our membership is open to anyone who shares our commitment to protecting Burns Bog).
In addition it seeks grants from foundations, sponsorships from corporations, project funding, sales of environmentally friendly products, direct access gaming funds, in-kind donations and proceeds from special events.
Donations can be made through www.CanadaHelps.org or through the mail by cheque, VISA, MasterCard or AMEX. Do not fax or email your credit card information for security reasons. (back to top)
Thank you to our Volunteers
Our volunteers are invaluable to carrying out our projects and programs. We could not do the work we do without them. This includes our board members who set policy and direction for the Society to our janitor and to all our many helpers who fold and stuff envelopes for us. Thank you for all you do.
