Lulu Island Bog--DND Boglands airphoto 1           airphoto 2

Ownership:  Department of National Defense

Like the Richmond Nature Park bog, this portion of relic bog is part of what was once the much larger Lulu Island Bog, a domed or raised peat bog that was representative of Richmond and the Fraser Delta prior to settlement.  Unlike the nature park, however, hydrology, differential drainage and fire disturbance in the DND property, have resulted in a more natural bog site that supports large populations of key bog species. Several important native bog species are abundant in the DND property, including cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus), native bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), native cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccus), round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) and bog laurel (Andromeda polifolia).

In addition to this excellent example of  relic bog, the DND site also supports a small fen area and several fen pockets, with a small stream (with summer draw down) where white beak sedge (Rynchospora alba) carpets the area.  To our knowledge, there is no other such fen area remaining in Richmond.   In addition, the relic bog in this site is more of a quaking bog than the nature park bog and, even at the end of July at peak summer heat, it is wet to walk on.  Large Sphagnum hummocks and pools are also abundant.

Much of the condition of this section of the Lulu Island Bog is a direct result of three main factors. First, this is naturally wetter site. Second, based on air photo assessment, the site was completely cleared of tree and shrub cover in the early seventies.  And, finally, a continual patchwork fire history is prevalent on the site.  There is abundant evidence of several fire sequences on the site, and this is discernable in the varying age classes of dominant species such as Labrador tea, bog rosemary, and bog blueberry.  Visible evidence of fires is present, and anecdotal evidence exists for fires in the site as recently as one year ago.

Hydrologically and biologically the Richmond Nature Park and the DND boglands are remnant examples of the same ecosystem.  Urban and agricultural development around these lands has essentially resulted in "bog islands" in a sea of landscape alteration.

Access to this site is restricted.

A brief reconnaissance report has been prepared for this site.

An inventory of the Lulu Island Bog is now underway.

See photo gallery, DND site.

Return to the Natural History of Richmond home page.

Return to the Natural Areas of Richmond page.

Visit the Richmond Nature Park  info page or the Richmond Nature Park web site.