What is the central research question you want answered?
What are the objectives of your project?
Where are the different Invasive species in Stanley Park located and what is their extent in the Park?
The objectives are to:
1) Map invasive species in Stanley Park using GIS techniques
2) From this map, set priorities for Invasive species management
3) Use this information to help create and Invasive Species management plan for Stanley Park
Size of Project (Number of pages, minutes, cm, etc.)
This project can be as large as the students are willing to undertake, but it should be no less than 4-5 hours per week.
Project Description (Use this space to further elaborate on the project)
The Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES) currently runs an invasive species removal program in Stanley Park. Our program is popular and educational but it needs to be integrated into a more comprehensive invasive species management plan for Stanley Park. SPES receives some support from the Vancouver Park Board to deal with the invasive species problem in the Park and this need has become even greater in light of the effects of the windstorms that hit the Park last December.
We are currently looking for 1-2 dedicated individuals who are willing to work with SPES staff and volunteers to create an up-to-date invasive species map of the Park that will serve as a basis for a new invasive species management plan. We can provide access to GIS software and GPS unit, background information, and basic training in GIS and survey techniques. Students will be expected to conduct field surveys and create maps using GIS software to determine priority areas and needs for current and future invasive species management activities undertaken by SPES in the Park.
How do you plan to use the results of this project?
The maps created by the students will help to determine priority areas and needs for current and future invasive species management activities undertaken by SPES in the Park.
What larger goal is served by undertaking this project?
This important project will serve as a critical basis for a new invasive species management plan being created by SPES and will help to preserve and restore biodiversity in Stanley Park.
What community do you represent or work with?
Mainly Vancouver but we also run programs all over the GVRD.
We are Park Partners of the Vancouver Park Board.
What is your organization/group's goal or mandate?
SPES has been actively promoting urban ecological conservation and stewardship since 1988. Our mission is to promote awareness of and respect for the natural world by playing a leadership role in the stewardship of Stanley Park through collaborative initiatives in education, research and conservation.
Two of our Goals:
1) Undertake research in collaboration with others that provides the basis for informed decisions for our education and conservation initiatives
2) Preserve and restore the ecological health and biodiversity of Stanley Park’s ecosystems
Smaller (One semester)
If you know the duration more specifically, please indicate here
The project could last longer than one semester, but the student would only be required to work on it for one semester.
What are the specific deliverables that you expect of the student?
- Work with SPES staff and volunteers to understand the parameters and objectives of the project and to receive training and support.
- Work will be undertaken in, and office space is available in Stanley Park.
- Survey the forest and other areas in Stanley Park for invasive species
- Identify, mark locations and record data about invasive species in the feild
- Create a database and map of invasive species locations and area using GIS software.
- Do some analysis using the map to set priorities for invasive species management, based on criteria such as size, location, spread and isolation of invasive patches.
-Write up a short report for SPES on the project including a data summary, maps, results of the analysis and recommendations for priority invasive removal locations.
Estimated time commitment per week
4-5 hours per week would be ideal, but we are flexible
Liaison Name
Robyn Worcester
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Liaison Position
Urban Wildlife Program Coordinator
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Liason Contact Info (If different from above)
How much time per week will the
liaison be available to the project?
The liaison will be available to meet students during the days they are working in the Park and for meetings if requested. (Sun-Thurs)
How will the liaison provide direction and support to the project?
The liaison will meet with students in the beginning to clearly set the goals and methodology for the work, and to provide GIS/survey training as needed. The liaison will be available to help in all aspects of the project for guidance and support but will rely on the students to get the work done. She liaison works in Stanley Park and will be available for meetings in the office or the field. The liaison can also help students format the report to ensure that all the necessary information is passed on.
Student area of study/experience
-Resource Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Biology, or Geography education
-GIS, habitat restoration, and/or plant ecology experience preferred but not required
Student skills/attributes
-GIS mapping and habitat restoration skills preferred but not required
-Interested in working with community based organizations and projects
-A self motivated person who works well independently and also as part of a team
-Willing to do field work in all weather conditions
-Comfortable working with computers
-Report writing
Student related interests
- A passion for environmental issues and positive change
- Conservation projects and initiatives
- Plants and wildlife
- Computers and mapping
- Community Organizations
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