To the Editor,
We are writing to express our concern regarding the proposed “pollinator garden” for the Crippen Park Meadows. In our opinion, this is a commendable idea in the wrong location on Bowen Island. A few of our reasons for this follow:
• Native pollinators will be displaced by the clearing and development of a demonstration garden. These plants are already in place and provide valuable ecosystem services. Why displace them? If the intent is to educate about the importance of pollinators, why not put information kiosks about native pollinators in the area? There is no need to erect a demonstration garden for this function – it is already there!
• Displacement of the garter snake hibernaculum under the old foundation. One of the reasons many local garter snakes use this space to overwinter and breed because of its location – sunny, out of the way, and warm. If a demonstration garden is in the immediate vicinity – this will make this a less desirable location for the hibernaculum and negatively impact our native snake population. As well, this area is prime habitat for native rodents who provide food for rapture populations. Who amongst us hasn’t enjoyed the site of an eagle or hawk soaring over the meadows in search of food?
• The visual impact of a large area with a tall fence to keep deer and other animals out of the garden will have negative impact on the visitor experience in the meadows. The fencing and other infrastructure is inconsistent with the reason why many people enjoy walking in the meadows – to experience the open space which is ideal for wildlife viewing and other simple pleasures.
The current discussion about the meadows reminds us of another proposal for the meadows (and surrounding area) in Crippen Park (around 1990): that of putting the Bowen Island Golf course there. The Golf Course is now a much loved Bowen Island institution that found its home near Seymour Bay. It didn’t belong in the Crippen Park meadows and neither does the proposed pollinator demonstration garden. Please find another location for the garden purposes and respect the existing uses of the meadows by leaving that space as it is for all to enjoy.
DG Blair, M.Sc.
Blair Whitehead & Associates
