Photo-synthesis

A pictorial collection of TWU’s eco-initiatives

Photography & Research by Mike Rathjen ’04, Text by Amanda Smith Regier

Crow’s Nest Ecological Research Area

Plant Ecology students in Professor David Clements’ Biology 316 class examine a giant Douglas fir at TWU’s 72 acre Salt Spring Island property.
Three rustic cabins, one composting toilet, and a covered cookhouse accommodate students on study trips to the area, lasting from two days up to 10 weeks.
Though considered an ‘at risk’ species, the larvae of the Propertius Duskywing—with its distinctive pale green body and black head—thrive in Garry Oak meadows like the ones at Crow’s Nest.

Langley Bog

Peat-mining operations and cranberry farms have depleted much of Langley’s 500 hectares of bog land along the Fraser River. Eighty-nine hectares of the bog are now protected by Metro Vancouver in the interest of conservation, and TWU faculty and students are leading the way; studying and aiding the bog’s natural recovery process. Grants from NSERC and Pacific Parkland Foundation have accelerated their progress.

Sphagnum moss (or ‘peat’) retains the water and air essential to sustaining the bog.
Students measure species diversity on one-square-metre samples of the bog.
Students measure species diversity on one-square-metre samples of the bog.
The bright colours of the Cinnabar moth caterpillar warn predators that it is unpalatable.
The carnivorous Sundew plant, native to the bog, attracts its prey with a glistening bud of nectar.
Chicks of the water-wading Killdeer bird are ‘precocial’—able to see and forage right after hatching.
Students take readings to monitor and map water depth, temperature, and nutrient levels important to the bog’s recovery.

Salmon River Ecosystem Study Area

TWU’s Ecosystem Study Area (ESA), part of the Langley campus, is a diverse habitat, dedicated to study and proper management of the environment. The ESA contains one of the Lower Mainland’s top salmon producing rivers, along with a vast range of fungi and mosses that flourish in the shade of the area’s big-leaf Maples. It is also home to the endangered Oregon forest snail, which faculty and students are studying to protect. In 2007 the program was boosted by an NSERC grant.

Every year, students from elementary schools around Langley participate in the Salmon in the Valley program. ESA Manager, Chris Hall, plays a mad scientist as he educates them about the delicate ecosystem.

Maintenance Initiatives

In 2008/2009 TWU’s Maintenance team removed 3,000 energy-sucking bulbs from campus buildings. By switching to low energy light bulbs, TWU will conserve 500,000 kilowatt hours, reduce CO2 output by 351,534 kg, and save up to $25,000 annually. TWU installed 212 high-efficiency shower heads, 200 faucet aerators and 40 dual flush toilets—making for an annual reduction of 7,273,744 litres of water.

Across campus, motion sensors control lights to ensure no power is wasted when rooms are empty.
This January the changes earned TWU a BC Hydro rebate cheque for over $40,000.
47.5 tonnes of paper and cardboard were recycled—each ton saves 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, and 11 barrels of oil.
47.5 tonnes of paper and cardboard were recycled—each ton saves 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, and 11 barrels of oil.

photography & research by Mike Rathjen '04
text by Amanda Smith Regier