What if I told you that this haven for birds, right in front of you, was once a thriving community of squatters? Imagine, a diverse group of artists, writers, and displaced loggers, drawn to the beauty of Maplewood Flats, seeking solace from the growing urban sprawl of Vancouver. Welcome to Maplewood Conservation Area, a place steeped in history, a sanctuary for wildlife, and a testament to community resilience. This 126-hectare conservation area, nestled in North Vancouver, holds a tapestry of stories waiting to be unveiled.
The flats, with their mudflats and salt marsh, have been a haven for nature and people alike for centuries. In the 1940s, a community of squatters, including the celebrated author, Malcolm Lowry, found a home in the dilapidated cabins along the intertidal zone. Lowry penned his famous novel “Under the Volcano” while living here, adding another layer of literary history to this already rich landscape. However, the squatting era came to a sudden halt in December 1971 when most of the cabins were burned down by civic authorities.
Yet, the spirit of Maplewood Flats persevered. In the 1980s, the area was designated a conservation area and, in 1992, it was leased to Environment Canada, managed by the Wild Bird Trust. Years of restoration efforts, including the creation of a freshwater marsh, brought the flats back to life. The natural architectural landscaping, a testament to the vision of Landscape Architect Patrick Mooney, has created a breeding ground for a wide array of bird species. In fact, you might see a wood duck, an American coot, or a red-winged blackbird right here.
Maplewood Flats is a haven for wildlife, a place where you can witness the ebb and flow of nature. Take a walk along the well-kept trails and marvel at the sheer abundance of life. You can spot a great gray owl, a Cooper’s hawk, or even a river otter gliding through the marshes. The area is a migratory bird hot spot, with over 246 bird species recorded here, drawing bird watchers from across the country.
Today, Maplewood Conservation Area is a sanctuary for nature, a place where the past and present intertwine. It’s a place to connect with nature, to learn about the history of the area, and to marvel at the beauty of the natural world. Take a stroll along the trails, sit and observe the birds flitting through the trees, and listen to the whispers of a history that still resonates through this unique and precious space.