Category Archives: Nature

Business, Nature, Streamkeeping, Sustainability

Concerns about BC Tires Being Recycled into ‘Landscaping Mulch’

I saw a post from Tire Stewardship BC float by on my Facebook feed this morning, touting a new product they are producing from used tires — “landscaping mulch.”

When I commented on their post with concerns about 6PPD-quinone in tires, which is known to kill coho salmon, they just told me to watch their wonderful recycling video again.

A second query about 6PPD-quinone was ignored completely.

Runoff from roads contains 6PPD-quinone from tire dust. Wouldn’t this “mulch” also leach it? And what about all those other outdoor products?

Until potential 6PPD-quinone in “landscaping mulch” is addressed, we should keep an eye on this, and contact our municipalities about the potential impacts of such products. And, of course, federal and provincial environment/pollution/fish agencies.

Link to the recycling page here.

If you search “6PPD-quinone recycled tire products” you’ll find plenty of articles and studies with concerns about them.

UPDATE: Tire Stewardship BC has responded to my FB post, and basically are saying the Canadian and US tire industry associations are working on it. Yes, I know, I’ve spoken with reps from both associations over the years, and invited them to present to stewardship groups.

I responded that that still didn’t answer my concern that products being made from recycled tires are being promoted as “eco-friendly.”

Business, Food, Nature, Society, Sustainability

Tackling Food Security in BC Lower Mainland Urban Areas

It’s interesting and concerning to see more threads on food security on various social media channels. With drought hammering many regions around the world that billions rely on for vegetables and fruit, we need to bring this conversation home to BC and the lower mainland.

A key step, in my opinion, would be to halt all further “development” of green and agricultural spaces. All development, for whatever purpose, be it housing or commercial, should be limited to redeveloping areas previously used for such purposes.

And if we can reduce our footprint and re-green spaces, all the better.

We can keep building condo towers, office towers, malls, and warehouses, but what are all those who want to “live, work, and play” in our wonderful region going to eat as supply chains, er, dry up?

We need to dramatically improve our urban/suburban agriculture game.

All schoolyards should have gardens. Lawns should be replaced with a mix of native plants and edibles. Municipalities should support inititatives that match folks who want to grow gardens and fruit with homeowners who have land but who for various reasons cannot garden.

There are many things we could do if we set our minds and muscles to them!
Nature, Photography

Peregrine Falcon on Byrne Creek in Burnaby, BC

Interesting how perception works, and how your mind can filter what you’re seeing.

peregrine falcon byrne creek burnaby bc

I photographed this raptor on July 28 in an area between the tennis courts and Brynlor Dr. on the Byrne Creek trail in Burnaby, BC.

I remember thinking “some kind of hawk” and then forgot to post the photos anywhere. Well, now the iNaturalist hive mind points out it’s a Peregrine Falcon. Duh, looking again, the black cheeks are pretty obvious.

As I recall I’ve only shot a Peregrine once or twice before, one time being at Iona Beach Regional Park near YVR.

My mind just did not expect to see a Peregrine on Byrne Creek, eh?
Nature, Photography

Wildlife/Nature Photography Walk for Burnaby Parks

Here’s a handout I created for a nature walk/wildlife photography tour I led for the City of Burnaby Parks Dept. recently.

Paul Cipywnyk | @paulcip | cipywnyk.com/blog/

City of Burnaby Parks Wildlife/Nature Photography Walk

Ron McLean Park > Byrne Creek Ravine Park > Taylor Park

Saturday, August 13, 2022

Tips for Wildlife & Nature Photography

  • Take lots of photos!
  • Carry an extra battery
  • Carry an extra card
  • Use a monopod or tripod
  • Have a friend be a spotter
  • Listen
  • Take a slow pace
  • Study wildlife – read books on birding, tracking, mammals, reptiles, fish, sea life, etc.
  • Anticipate where you may see wildlife
  • Adjust your camera settings to your surroundings and lighting. For example, use a higher ISO early in the morning or evening, or in darker areas like forests
  • Even with Vibration Control, it’s good to keep ISO high enough to ensure a fast shutter speed, particularly with telephoto lenses
  • Don’t put yourself into dangerous situations
  • Be respectful of wildlife (Search “ethical wildlife photography” online)
  • Join iNaturalist to get help with ID, and share your observations

Explore different kinds of habitat

  • Streams
  • Rivers
  • Ponds
  • Lakes
  • Beach/Ocean
  • Forests
  • Meadows
  • Marshes
  • Transition zones between different kinds of habitat are wildlife hot spots

Some good areas in Burnaby

  • Burnaby Lake
  • Deer Lake
  • Barnet Marine Park
  • Fraser Foreshore Park
  • Central Park
  • Local streams

Some good areas in the lower mainland

  • Reifel Sanctuary
  • Stewart Heritage Farm
  • White Rock pier/beach, Crescent Beach
  • Centennial Beach
  • Boundary Bay
  • Check out Metro Vancouver Parks online for lots of great parks
  • Check out municipality parks department websites
Nature, Photography

Red-tailed Hawk in South Burnaby, BC

I’ve been nursing a sore foot, so Yumi headed out for a pre-dinner walk on her own. About three minutes later I got a text “Hawk by the hockey court at Ron McLean Park!”

So I grabbed a camera and hobbled over. Yumi was long gone, but I did take about 125 shots and some vid of the gorgeous raptor grooming in a tree.

Despite kids whacking balls around and loud music playing, the
hawk was completely calm. . .

red-tailed hawk burnaby bc

I didn’t even notice the Hummingbird checking out the hawk in this video until I was editing at home 🙂