The City of Richmond’s Terra Nova Rural Park combines wild areas, heritage sites and an urban farm. When we look at the care and detail involved in the city’s efforts to preserve, enhance and even recreate the natural landscape of the area during the project, we see inspired thinking and action that other communities can learn from.
Through all of the stages of the park’s creation, a lot of work has been done to preserve wildlife that’s currently on the site. As a former agricultural area gone fallow, the site is home to a wide range of species, including eagles, owls and at-risk blue herons, and planners wanted to ensure the birds and animals remained safe. To that end, some areas were fenced-off to keep people out. As well, work on restoring heritage buildings near the heron rookeries was put on hiatus during nesting season. And construction of walkways and other infrastructure along the waterfront only takes place during times specified by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, so as not to disturb wildlife there.
Restoring part of the land to agricultural use has also been an important part of the park’s plan. By creating an organic community garden, staff can introduce volunteers, schoolchildren and other members of the community to farming. This also teaches them about environmental science and the history of the site. Fruits and vegetables are grown and then donated to the local foodbank. Grain crops are also sewn, providing food for birds and enough left over to harvest and make bread for people in need. This kind of activity nurtures both a connection to the land and a sense of social responsibility.
Richmond has also taken major steps to bring a portion of the land back to the state it was in prior to the arrival of settlers 125 years ago. The city has restored a slough that had been covered nearly a century ago by farmers. To fill the waterway and recreate the habitat for fish and other wildlife, workers opened a section of a nearby dyke. This is a truly significant commitment to environmental restoration, considering that Richmond usually invests money in building dykes and removing water from land. The city demonstrated further innovation by using the debris taken from the slough excavation to rebuild a ridge. The rise had historically existed on the site prior to being removed to make room for agriculture. Rebuilding it allowed the ridge to act as a natural dyke for the newly re-opened waterway. It also meant that the city wouldn’t need to truck the rubble offsite through local neighbourhoods. This reduced environmental impact and nuisance to area residents. Additionally, native grasses and crabapple trees have been planted on the ridge to help return it to its natural state.
Rebuilding historic land features. Protecting wildlife currently residing in the area. Developing volunteer urban farming to learn about the area’s past and provide support to members in the community for years to come. The City of Richmond is bringing to life its motto of “respecting our past and living our future” for its Terra Nova Rural Park. Because of its dedication, BCRPA is pleased to award the city the 2009 Environmental Leadership Award. |
