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Peninsula boasts glorious greenery
Friday, May 30th, 2008 by GetawayBC.com
You don’t have to look far to find evidence that green matters on the Peninsula.
No matter how many developments crop up in White Rock and South Surrey, an escape into nature and away from the hustle and bustle is never far away.
Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest is perhaps one of the better-known examples of ‘green’ initiative. The 130-hectare natural second-growth forest – bordered by 148, 144 and 140 Streets, and 28 and 20 Avenues – is home to birds, coyotes and black-tailed deer, as well as a wealth of plant life.
Twenty years ago, community effort resulted in its dedication “as an unspoiled urban forest park for the peaceful and perpetual enjoyment of all who walk its trails.”
Today, it boasts a plethora of trails used by walkers, runners, dog-walkers and cyclists. It is also the focus of ongoing plantings, maintenance and monitoring; efforts many in the community have taken to heart.
A more recent, yet no less significant, green milestone was the City of Surrey’s purchase of the 5.6-hectare Kwomais Point.
The former church camp – it operated as a children’s camp from 1910-2004 – was bought from the United Church last September.
For the church, the $20-million sale marked the conclusion of years of discussion and debate over how to rejuvenate its ailing B.C. camping ministry. Money from the camp’s sale will fund major capital improvements at other UC camps in the province, as well as benefit an endowment fund. For Surrey, the purchase of Kwomais was described as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” and “perhaps the most significant step forward in parks acquisition in many years.”
The city has pledged to keep the 1367 128 St. property in a natural state. It is arguably the most prestigious piece of undeveloped land in Surrey, home to mature forests found in only three other areas of the Lower Mainland: South Surrey’s Crescent Park and Sunnyside Acres, and Lighthouse Park in North Vancouver.
A master plan that will guide the park’s future is in the works.
Other projects worth noting for their green appeal include work to expand Sunnyside Park, efforts to fix habitat damage caused by development in the Little Campbell Watershed and ongoing work at the A Rocha field study centre, where the focus is on restoration work and scientific studies of the Little Campbell Watershed and Boundary Bay. A Rocha also has a demonstration garden which they also use to promote sustainable agriculture. More subtle green initiatives include the Semiahmoo Library/South Surrey Community Policing office and White Rock’s operations building, both of which are LEEDS-certified for their environmentally friendly design.;