Go Beyond the Beach and Explore BC’s Amazing Wetlands This Summer
As summer break nears and campsites begin to fill up for the season, there’s a quieter, less-travelled way to reconnect with nature: the wetlands. Often overlooked in favour of mountain peaks or oceanfront paths, BC’s wetlands offer a surprisingly immersive and ecologically rich escape for those willing to slow down and listen.
I spoke to Sarah Nathan, the Manager of Provincial Operations for British Columbia at Ducks Unlimited Canada, and she describes the wetlands as “biodiversity hotspots.” And she means it. “Many of the wildlife species in British Columbia, as well as plants and invertebrate species, use wetlands at least at some point in their life cycle,” she explains. Whether it’s frogs breeding in shallow pools, moose looking for a snack or red-winged blackbirds staking out nesting territories, wetlands are buzzing with life in the summer.
But the value of these landscapes extends far beyond wildlife viewing. According to Nathan, wetlands are nature’s multitaskers: they filter water, store carbon and protect against the negative effects of floods and droughts. Picture a drop of water travelling from a mountaintop snowpack toward the ocean, says Nathan. As it passes through a wetland, “it slows down. Dense wetland vegetation filters out pollutants, improving water quality.” In other words, wetlands act like Earth’s kidneys or sponges, as Nathan puts it, because they quietly clean up the mess.
They’re also invaluable in this period of climate change. Nathan points to the role of wetlands as carbon sinks, especially in salt marshes along the BC coast. Their soils store carbon, and their vegetation absorbs it. Equally important, she says, are the adaptation benefits: they mitigate extreme weather by absorbing excess water during floods and releasing it during dry spells. For instance, during the 2017 fire in Elephant Hill, BC, one of the most devastating wildfires that year, “They had fire trucks showing up and filling up their water reserves from [nearby] wetlands.” Nathan recalls. As such, wetlands provide a sort of “immediate climatic buffering.”
For outdoor adventurers, that means these landscapes are not only worth protecting—they’re worth exploring. Whether it’s a morning paddle through the quiet waters of the Boundary Bay Salt Marsh or canoeing along the Columbia Wetlands Outpost, wetlands offer solitude and surprise in equal measure. Wildlife watching is a popular activity, especially for children. Birding is one of the best ways to engage, says Nathan. “Right now it’s spring, so birds are migrating back and starting to arrive on their nesting grounds, so lots more birds in the northern hemisphere right now than there would be over the winter.” Nathan’s favourite sound is the song of the red-winged blackbird. “You’d be hard-pressed to visit a wetland in BC and not hear one.”
If you’ve got kids who love Pokémon Go, Nathan suggests birdwatching as the real-life equivalent—only instead of screens, you’re scanning treetops and reeds. And the rewards are just as thrilling: spotting a muskrat or even a moose in the interior, catching a glimpse of a frog or newt in the shallows, or watching a kingfisher dive for its lunch.
Beyond recreation, the wetlands also contribute to personal wellbeing. “There’s quite a big movement around the ‘Parks Prescriptions,’ in terms of the health benefits of being in nature.” says Nathan. “The same goes for a wetland. It’s very calming. You feel connected. You belong here, too.”
But these spaces are fragile. To enjoy them responsibly, Nathan recommends sticking to marked trails and boardwalks. No unsanctioned fires or cutting down vegetation, keep dogs leashed—especially during nesting season—and avoid loud music or disturbing vegetation. “It’s sort of like a give-and-take,” she says. “I get to immerse myself in this environment and also be part of it in a nice, respectful way.”
Some Major Threats to Wetlands:
- Habitat loss due to human activity: Industrial development, urban expansion and agriculture often means draining, filling or paving wetlands. Wildlife and, historically, people settle near wetlands for access to water and fertile land, which becomes limited due to increasing human activity.
- Climate change: Rising temperatures and prolonged droughts lead to shrinking or drying wetlands. When wetlands lose their ability to hold water or recharge groundwater, their ecological functions suffer dramatically.
- Invasive Species: Plants like Yellow flag iris and cordgrasses have taken over, slowly transforming wetlands into dry land. Even invasive fish released into ponds can disrupt food webs by preying on native species like frogs and smaller fish.
- Pollution: While wetlands can filter out some pollutants, excess runoff or industrial waste entering these ecosystems can overwhelm their natural buffering capacities.
How Can You Help?
- Reach out to your MLA: Voice your support for wetland protection policies in BC to help prioritize environmental issues at the governmental level.
- Raise awareness: Share your experiences and photos of wetland explorations on social media. Communicating how nature improves physical and mental well-being can inspire others to value these areas.
- Volunteer Locally: Organizations like Ducks Unlimited Canada offer programs such as Marsh Keepers, where volunteers can monitor wetlands, report invasive species and assist in light maintenance.
- Use apps: Platforms like eBird and iNaturalist allow users to log wildlife sightings, contributing valuable data for scientists. There’s even a Report Invasives app for tracking non-native species.
- Support stewardship groups: Look for local environmental or conservation organizations in your area. These groups often organize clean-ups, educational events and restoration projects.
