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Aad Hatter

A Douglas College Newsletter

  

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URBAN PARKS |

Most people try to avoid thistles. With their prickly leaves and attractiveness to bees, it's not surpris-
ing. But did you know that baked thistle roots can be both nutritious and good-tasting?

 

This little known fact about thistles is just one of the many unique recipes found in “A Nature Guide to
Urban Parks”, the latest project from the Douglas College Biology department.

Compiled by three students working under the Challenge '86 summer employment project, this 200-
page illustrated survey of local parks offers a wide range of fascinating ideas for turning any visit with
nature into a full-fledged adventure.

“It's the first time we've ever produced anything with real mass appeal,” says Biology Department
Chairman Valentin Schaeffer, one of two coordinators of this 12-week project.

“It was certainly an incredible amount of work in a short space of time.”

The students, Grant Beaton, Brigitta-Ann Kaps and Robert Major journeyed to 16 parks in Burnaby,
New Westminster, Coquitlam and Belcarra to discover what fun could be found. The results are 80
activities which only require the help of nature.

From making jams, tea, or lily pad popcorn to building miniature sculptures from common objects,
the book contains enough fun to keep a family busy for hours in any park they encounter.

Of course, the report also contains maps of how to reach all of the featured sites, and a listing of the
facilities and wildlife at each park.

“It was a lot of fun to put together,” says Kaps, a Surrey resident and one of the contributing students.

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Upcoming Events Charter of Rights & Freedoms
Career Seminars Sexual Assault Memo

Group Advising Sessions Learned Societies Conference