Lulu Island Bog--Richmond Nature Park

Ownership:  Municipality of Richmond

The Richmond Nature Park supports part of the Lulu Island Bog, a bog that was once rivalled Burns Bog in size.  Many typical bog species are found here, including bog rosemary (Kalmia polifolia), bog laurel (Andromeda polifolia), Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum), shore pine (Pinus contorta) and a variety of native blueberries, such as bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum).  Areas of slightly higher elevation support areas of hemlock growth.  However, significant invasion of the bog by hybrid paper birch has occurred.  Paper birch growth is denser towards the periphery of the bog, and is reduced in the wetter portions of the site.  Historical information (archival photos and surveyors notes) shows that paper birch did not occur in the Richmond bogs prior to settlement, but likely invaded following the introduction of European paper birch (Betula pendula) in local gardens, when the native species (Betula papyrifera) hybridized with the European species. 

In spite of these invasions, the Nature Park bog still provides a good, and accessible, example of relic bog habitat.  Efforts by park staff to remove blueberries have resulted in areas where the typical physiognomy of the bog can be observed.  The colourful display of bog rosemary and Labrador tea throughout the park makes this site well worth visiting.  The nature park is also an important site for bird species.   Recent bird sightings in the park include Pileated Woodpecker, Barred Owl and Short-eared Owl, and a breeding population of rufous-backed hummingbirds can be observed.  The site provides an excellent opportunity for scientific research and field studies.  In 2000, the vegetation of the park was mapped, and aerial photos of the site showing plant community succession over several decades are available on the Nature Park web site.    A description of the vegetation of the park is available.   Checklists of the flora and fauna of the park are also available on the web site. A comparative checklist of the vascular plants of the natural areas of Richmond is available.

An inventory of the Lulu Island Bog is now underway.

References:

Bell, Katie, 1981.  Richmond Nature Park Ecological Inventory.  Richmond Nature Park Committee.

Geography 448 web pages.  2000.  Pages Prepared by the Geog. 448 students of UBC Department of Geography.

Taylor, Terry, 1974.  The flora of the Richmond Nature Park.  Richmond Nature Park Committee

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Click here for detailed  information on the Richmond Nature Park.

Page maintained by Brian Klinkenberg