Finn Slough
The wetlands of Finn Slough--located on the south arm of the Fraser River at the junction of Finn Road and Dyke Road, and bound on the north edge by a rip-rapped dyke and on the south by Gilmore (Whitworth) Island--support one of the most interesting natural areas in Richmond. Within the tidal reach of the Fraser, Finn Slough is vegetated primarily by slough and bottomland plant communities established on muck and alluvial sediments. A small cattail marsh is located near the junction of the slough and the river. Willow thickets dominate Gilmore Island, and cottonwoods line the river bank.
At high tide, the slough is inundated by a mix of salt and fresh water, leading to the establishment of plant species tolerant of brackish water. Several rare or uncommon plant species are present, such as Henderson's checker-mallow (Sidalcea hendersonii), marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), northern bog orchid (Platanthera dilatata), cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis), and black lily (Fritillaria camschatcensis). Inthe spring, the slough is carpeted with the bright yellow flowers of the skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus).
The island and adjacent slough is home to a variety of birds, and other wildlife. Birds species which nest in the slought and adjacent willow thickets include Bald Eagle, Black-headed Grosbeak and Yellow Warbler.
The historical fishing village of Finn Slough is located at the west end of the slough, and consists of a variety of "shanty town" homes and float homes, and includes the picturesque Dinner Plate Schoolhouse. Several active fishing boats are moored here. This site is an excellent example of how human habitation can co-exist with a natural area with minimal impact. However, there is pressure now for removal of the shanty town, and the development of larger homes in the vicinity of the slough. The impact of such a development on the slough would be significant.
