Greenway guide reveals natural treasure hidden in urban landscape

May 2 , 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Central Valley Greenway winds through ravines, following rivers, streams and lakes: a narrow band of natural riches pulsing through the heart of the Lower Mainland.

Now the Institute of Urban Ecology at Douglas College has produced a guidebook to help bring the greenway's hidden treasures to light.

Central Valley Greenway: A Natural History Guide highlights the natural history of this verdant ribbon. The guide is the brainchild of IUE Executive Director Val Schaefer.

"Greenways play a significant role in connecting greenspaces in Greater Vancouver, making our parks and protected areas much more valuable to biodiversity in the region," says Schaefer. "Educational publications like the Central Valley Greenway booklet draw attention to our natural areas and their importance."

The Central Valley Greenway is a 22-kilometre, multi-use pathway linking the False Creek Seawall in Vancouver, through Burnaby's Central Valley, out to the Fraser River in New Westminster. The project was developed by Better Environment Sound Transportation (BEST) and made possible by the first of Vancouver City Savings Credit Union's $1 million annual community grants.

Schaefer said the Central Valley Greenway complements the IUE's Green Links Project. The IUE plans to do plantings along the greenway starting this year in New Westminster and Schaefer thought an educational booklet about natural areas the greeenway connects would be a valuable contribution to the concept.

"The booklet is also a good way to involve our own students," says Schaefer.

The guidebook was prepared by Douglas College students Alicia Razutis and Tricia Kostuk, volunteers Kathleen Hebb and Jane Bachman, and Schaefer. Some 2,000 copies were printed and are available through BEST and the IUE.

The guide describes greenways as linear areas of land that are a mixture of different habitats. Usually located in natural corridors like streams or shorelines, they can also be found in manmade corridors like abandoned railways or utility rights-of-way. They serve as habitats themselves, but also as links to larger green spaces and natural landscapes.

Like most urban greenways, Central Valley Greenway contains trails, giving people access to a variety of habitats and making them the focal point for educating the public about natural, historical and cultural resources.

For more information, contact the Institute of Urban Ecology at 604-527-552.

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