Camosun Bog is located on unceded Musqueam territory. This field trip will guide students chronologically through the story of Camosun Bog, starting with the geomorphological history of the Lower Mainland and ecological formation of the bog. The ecological importance of bog ecosystems will be explored, especially as it relates to sphagnum moss as a keystone species and the value of bogs as carbon sinks. Discussion surrounding the classification of invasive and native species will follow, encouraging students to think critically about ecological classifications and consider the political factors that may also be at play. The Musqueam people have used Camosun Bog for millenias, yet major developments that nearly destroyed the bog mainly occurred in the last century, leading to an important discussion surrounding human uses and impacts on the bog. The field trip will end by highlighting the restoration work of the Camosun Bog Restoration Society, and stimulating thought about how humans’ changing social values on nature have influenced the physical environment of the bog.
Before going to Camosun Bog, please complete stop #1 from home or the computer lab. Stop #1 is a virtual tour of five bogs around the world using Google Earth that will give you the opportunity to understand the importance of bogs ecosystems on a local and global scale.
Location:
By bus- From the main UBC bus loop, take the 25 or the 33 and get off at 16th Ave & Camosun St. Walk south on Camosun (past Queen Elizabeth School) until 19th Ave, where you will see the entrance to Camosun Bog.
By car- Drive to 19th Ave & Camosun St, where you will see the entrance to Camosun Bog.
