The Sunshine Coast is home to unique sand ecosystems that are rare in British Columbia. A significant area that contains these ecosystems with sand cliffs and beaches is on the Thormanby Islands. A popular place to visit by boat is Buccaneer Bay Provincial Park located on the southern end of North Thormanby Island.
To raise awareness about this unique ecosystem, the South Coast Conservation Program (SCCP), in partnership with the Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society and BC Parks, is hosting a family-friendly event at Buccaneer Bay Provincial Park to celebrate the Sunshine Coast’s sand ecosystems.
Coastal sand ecosystems are a combination of sand and plants – with the plants often scattered in patches on beaches, spits and dunes. Tides, storm surges and ocean spray help to build and maintain these ecosystems. The variety of plant communities that result support a wide range of rare and interesting animal life. Coastal sand ecosystems are important as they contribute to B.C.’s biodiversity, provide recreational benefits for outdoor enthusiasts, and buffer inland areas from flooding or storm damage. However, these areas are fragile and vulnerable to human disturbances such as the spread of invasive plants like Scotch broom.
This is the third year of the event. Since 2012, the SCCP has been raising awareness about coastal sand ecosystems on the South Coast and working with local communities to reduce their threats. This has included Scotch broom removal activities, including on Thormanby Islands.
The 2015 Coastal Sand Summer Celebration takes place on Aug. 8, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities will include information booths, guided naturalist walks, learning about invasive species removal, a hot dog barbecue and nature games for all ages with prizes. For those needing transportation, water taxi service can be booked through Hiballer Transportation or the Buccaneer Marina water taxi.
For more information, see www.sccp.ca
