Campbell River’s Tree-mendous Forests
It’s National Forest Week. This annual event is a weeklong celebration of Canada’s forests and all the environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits they provide.
Today is also National Tree Day, which always falls on the Wednesday during National Forest Week.
To mark both occasions, we’re sharing some information to help you get to know some of our local forests, like Beaver Lodge Forest Lands and Snowden Demonstration Forest. These two popular forests are well known for the recreational experiences they offer, including mountain-biking and hiking trails. Both areas are also home to a variety of plant and wildlife species. Did you know they’re both also sites for ongoing forestry research?
The research and work taking place at Beaver Lodge Forest Lands and Snowden Demonstration Forest provide insights into forest management and stewardship.
Beaver Lodge Forest Lands
Covering approximately 416 hectares in southwest Campbell River, Beaver Lodge Forest Lands is a forest in a city. The land was donated to the Province of British Columbia by the Elk River Timber Company in 1931, for the purpose of creating an experimental forest where reforestation and forest management could be researched. In fact, the Province notes that the first large-scale plantation in British Columbia was located here. Current research areas include managing forests in urban areas, forest health and climate change. Local students also study the forest to learn about topics such as recreation trail maintenance. An extensive network of trails offers residents and visitors a variety of recreational opportunities.
Snowden Demonstration Forest
Located just north of Campbell River, Snowden Demonstration Forest is part of the Sayward Provincial Forest. It was established in the 1980s. Spanning approximately 2,500 hectares, Snowden Forest is a working forest that’s managed by BC Timber Sales. It is also the site of forest research, such as the Silviculture Treatments for Ecosystem Management in the Sayward (STEMS) experiment, and is a popular destination for recreation and tourism.
Experience Campbell River’s Spectacular Natural Spaces
With more than 1,500 hectares of parkland and natural spaces within Campbell River’s city boundaries and two provincial parks on our doorstep, it’s easy to connect with nature just outside your front door.
Ready to go? The City has online maps and other resources to connect you with our exceptional parks and trails, and you’ll find lots of other ideas for enjoying the great outdoors on Campbell River’s official tourism website.
These online resources also have information and helpful tips to help you get to know some of the trees (and other plants) that grow here:
Greenways Land Trust offers a plant scavenger hunt you can print and take with you when you visit Beaver Lodge Forest Lands. How many can you identify?
Check out CIF-IFC’s Tree Terms brochure for more tips to help you identify—and talk about—trees.
You can also find information about identifying various types of trees in British Columbia on the BC National Forest Week Coalition’s website.
Find fun facts about bald eagles and Campbell River’s eagle nesting trees in the Eagles in Our Backyard brochure. (Did you know that a bald eagle’s nest can weigh more than a tonne? It takes a big tree to support a nest that large!)
Happy exploring!
Disclaimer
The City of Campbell River makes no representations as to the quality or accuracy of any information on external weblinks. External weblinks are provided “As Is” and without warranties of any kind, including implied warranties as to quality or accuracy. Neither the City nor its officers, elected officials, employees, volunteers or agents will be liable for any direct, incidental, consequential, indirect or punitive damages arising out of any persons’ access or use of information at an external weblink.