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WELCOME TO THE
True or False Creek
Walking Game 3.7 KM
The Game promotes understanding of sustainability & experiencing community in this place!
Follow 6 signs between Science World & Fishermen’s Wharf.
The trail takes you to 2 community centres, an artisan’s studio & a cooperative marina also.
BE A DETECTIVE AND FIND ALL 6 QUESTIONS:…
CONCEPT: Alexa Bailey. Thanks to participating groups who provided questions & answers.
Thanks also to those who act as stations for this Walk, posting our signage. You all make it possible!
In 2009, an estimated kilometre of herring spawn was suddenly discovered one March afternoon in False Creek.
Photo Credit: John Harper (Habitat Island’s spit with herring spawn & snacking seagulls)
TRUE
John Harper, marine scientist, was assessing a shoreline modification program in front of the soon to open Athletes Village site when he made that huge discovery. Based on Fisheries and Oceans online records, he said there was no official record of similar spawns – not in our modern era.
Take Time to Consider…Why is this important?
Any evidence of herring returning to a site of artificially-restored habitat can be a major environmental success story!
Pacific herring deposit their jelly-like spawn in shallow water. It often sticks to seaweed and kelp fronds. That’s where Harper found it, clinging to seaweed that had grown on the rocks & gravel of the artificial island. (Find a question about mudflats at another Game Station!)
Photo Credit: John Harper (Close-up photo of herring spawn with finger to show scale)
So why this island? Why here?
Yes, it’s beautiful. It provides habitat for animals on land & in the water; it includes walks. And…it turns out the City of Vancouver built this tidal island at the end of a constructed wetland you see in Hinge Park that can treat storm runoff from the nearby lands.
Did You Know…
Herring is one of the most important food fishes for humans & many other animal species including: salmon, sea lions, seals, porpoises, eagles, gulls, mergansers, cormorants and other diving birds. Herring roe on kelp fronds is a traditional delicacy for Indigenous Nations along the coast. Have you had herring roe on sushi?
Drawn from an article by Stephen Hume in the Vancouver Sun April 1, 2009
THANK YOU
Thank you to Doug Swanston for this contribution & to the Streamkeepers & Fishermen’s Wharf support, who carry on key work in fostering habitat for herring to spawn in False Creek. See more about special panels at Fishermen’s Wharf and even how to get involved.
Thank you also to the Station Host, Creekside Community Centre.
We gratefully acknowledge that False Creek is located on the traditional and unceded territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and Səlí ̓ lwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
HOST: False Creek Community Centre
Clue for Next Question
GOING WEST
Find the next question where plates and bowls are made. Then continue to walk in the same direction until you have a full view of False Creek again.
GOING EAST
Find the next question in the window near the gift store in the building with the dome (aka Science World). (Note you don’t have to enter to get the question. Just walk along the outside.)