Burdwood Group Conservancy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Burdwood Group Conservancy |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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Humpback whale surfacing within Burdwood Group Conservancy
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 Burdwood Group Conservancy
Location in British Columbia
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| Location | Mount Waddington RD, British Columbia |
| Nearest city | Port Hardy |
| Area | 121 ha (300 acres) |
| Designation | Conservancy |
| Established | 13 March 2009 |
| Governing body | BC Parks |
The Burdwood Group Conservancy is a special protected area in British Columbia, Canada. It's like a park, but with extra rules to protect both nature and culture. This conservancy is made up of a group of islands and small land areas. It was created on March 13, 2009, by BC Parks. The main goal is to keep these unique islands safe. They are covered in forests and are found at the entrance to Tribune Channel.
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Where is the Burdwood Group Conservancy?
The Burdwood Group Conservancy is located in the Broughton Archipelago. This is a group of islands off the coast of British Columbia. The conservancy sits between two larger islands: Broughton Island and Gilford Island.
What are the surrounding waters?
The islands of the Burdwood Group are surrounded by several waterways. To the west, you'll find Raleigh Channel. Fife Sound is to the southwest. Hornet Passage is to the southeast. And to the north, there's Tribune Channel. These channels and sounds connect the islands to the larger ocean.
What kind of nature can you find there?
The Burdwood Group is a very important place for nature. It has a lot of different plants and animals, which is called biodiversity. The forests on the islands are a home for many types of birds that live near the coast.
What lives in the water and on the shore?
The areas along the shore, called the intertidal zone, are full of life. This is where the land meets the sea. You can find many butter clams and littleneck clams living in the sand and mud. These clams are a type of shellfish.
The ocean around the islands is also very rich. There are kelp forests under the water. Kelp is a type of large seaweed that grows tall like trees. These kelp forests are like underwater homes for many sea creatures. You might see different kinds of fish and marine mammals here. One of the most important fish species is the Pacific salmon.
What is the culture and history of the islands?
The Burdwood Group islands have a deep history. They are very important to the local First Nations people. These include the Mamalilikulla-Qwe’Qwa’Sot’Em and other groups. For thousands of years, these islands have been used by First Nations for living and gathering food.
What are shell middens and clam gardens?
On the islands, you can find special historical sites. One type is called a shell midden. These are ancient piles of shells, bones, and tools left behind by people who lived there long ago. They show us where people ate and lived.
Another important cultural feature is clam gardens. These are special rock walls built by First Nations people in the intertidal zone. They helped to grow more clams for food. These gardens show how clever and connected First Nations people were to their environment.
How can you visit the Burdwood Group Conservancy?
The Burdwood Group islands are a great place to explore. You can reach them by sea kayak or by boat. There are no special facilities like campgrounds or washrooms on the islands. However, you are allowed to camp there if you bring everything you need. Remember to leave no trace behind to help protect this special place.
