On September 16, members of the community will have a chance to explore Apodaca Park without having to hike in or approach the park on water. The Bowen Island Conservancy is partnering with B.C. Parks to host a trip that is part of a getting to know local parks program. Owen Plowman, president of the Bowen Island Conservancy, explained, "Apodaca Park is the only provincial park on Bowen and some people don't know it. We want to offer them a chance to see the park that is usually only accessible by water. The outing is partially funded by B.C. Parks the Conservancy contributes the other portion of the cost."
Apodaca Park covers eight hectares on the central eastern shoreline of Bowen Island and there will be two options of getting to the park on September 16. One group will hike, another will be taken to the park by boat. "The limit for going by boat is 35 people and we can probably take 30 to 40 people on foot," says Plowman, adding that the hikers will have to cross private land and that the Conservancy has obtained permission from the landowners.
"There is no easy access in," Plowman said. "So this is an opportunity for people who don't have a boat or kayak that allows them to get there under their own power." The trip will also offer a glimpse of the park for people with mobility issues. "If you want to stay on the boat, you can," Plowman said.
Two presentations will shed light on different aspects of Apodaca Park. Alan Whitehead will speak about the land in terms of ecology, flora and fauna. Adam Taylor is going to bring his diving gear and talk about the marine portion of the park. Whitehead said that he plans to bring a bullhorn so that people who choose to stay on the boat will be able to follow the presentations. "Apodaca Park is not a very roomy place and the bullhorn will allow us to be heard by everyone," he said.
The trip to Apodaca Park is just one of the Conservancy's efforts to educate islanders about the natural surroundings and Plowman said that much of the organization's focus is on Fairy Fen. "We are working on improving access to Fairy Fen and thinking about putting in a boardwalk," he explained. "That will take most of our attention as we are trying to accomplish everything with grant money." Plowman added that the trip to Apodaca Park may provide a good model for organizing a trip to Fairy Fen as well.
On September 16, participants will meet at 9:30 a.m. "The boat leaves at 10 sharp, so we are asking people to be at 9:30 on the south dock," Plowman said. "The hikers will meet at the same time and carpool to the tail head."
The trip will approximately run until noon and a light refreshment will be served in the park.
Because space in the boat as well as for the hiking group is limited, Plowman stressed the need to register by emailing [email protected]. More information about the Bowen Island Conservancy is available at bowenislandconservancy.org.
Plowman added that a commemorative video will be produced by Turtlebox Production that will be posted both on the Conservancy's and B.C. Park's website.
