Vancouver Voyager: Preserving the Grounds

The Burke Mountain Naturalist Society is a group of 300 community members in the Tri-Cities area that works to introduce the public to Riverview’s natural beauty and ecological values. Formed in 1993, this group led tours of the ground on Riverview, took part in TreeFest each year, created brochures for Riverview's natural habitat and advocated for the protection of Riverview's lands. Many of the photos and paintings of Riverview's landscape, which have been featured at art shows, were created by members of the society.

“The natural values of Riverview are found wherever trees have been planted, grassy meadows established or streams allowed to flow, i.e., wherever the forces of nature have been allowed to dominate. Over 80 species of birds have been identified at Riverview. They utilize both native and non-native trees as a food sources, as nest areas or roost sites. The extensive open meadows and grassy fields of Riverview provide excellent habitat for field mice and meadow voles. In turn, these small creatures attract birds of prey such as owls and hawks. Open streams and wetlands attract some waterfowl as well as great blue herons.”

From The Riverview Hospital Site: Respecting its Past, Realizing its Future Burke Mountain Naturalists, August 2004

In 1996, the Colony Farm Park Association was formed. The Burke Mountain Naturalists, Wildlife Rescue Association of BC, Douglas College Institute of Urban Ecology and FarmFolk/CityFolk united to manage Colony Farm Regional Park in partnership with Metro Vancouver.

These groups have worked together to plan and implement wildlife enhancement projects. They've set up a community garden, organize community events and improved the trail system to provide greater access to people who use mobility aids. The Colony Farm Park Association organizes an annual heron survey, offers public walks in the park and hosts events such as Earth Day Celebrations. One day, I want to get out there and visit this important piece of lower mainland history.

In the late 1990's, Riverview played an important part in research and education. It was a major teaching hospital.

The Office of Research was established in 1996. Their aim was to support, coordinate and promote research activities at the hospital. Riverview continued to be a training ground for students from many disciplines.

“No one in western Canada does more than Riverview in providing real clinical experience for post-secondary students preparing for careers that will see them dealing with people who have a mental illness. Among future professionals receiving hands-on instruction from RVH staff are: nurses, physicians, social workers, pharmacists, psychologists, dietitians and physical, occupational and recreational therapists. The number of student training hours: more than 45,000, plus 35,000 hours of in-service training for staff.”

From 1999-2000 Riverview Hospital Annual Report