By John Henigman
This month the Ecological Explorer takes you to an old-growth Douglas-fir
forest at Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver.
In addition to the ancient trees you will see spring wild flowers
and sea birds on the rocky shores. Lighthouse Park,
West Vancouver
• 500-year-old Douglas-fir forest
• 1.5-km loop
• Allow 2 hours at the park
• Easy walk on the trail and on the access road
• Good year-round
 Although
Vancouver is just north of the range of old-growth Douglas-fir (image
left), the Douglas-fir forest in Lighthouse Park, managed by the
district, is about 500 years old. In the future it will likely become
a western hemlock forest.
The park has many very large Douglas-fir (some two metres in diameter
and 60 metres tall) and western redcedar trees, with young hemlocks
growing underneath the larger trees.
You will also see arbutus (madrone), red alder, and bigleaf maple.
As well, shrubs and ferns abound.
 Passerine
(perching) birds, as well as woodpeckers (see right) and owls, are
best seen in spring; flycatchers in summer.
On the ocean, expect to see loons, grebes, alcids (sea birds), and
gulls.
You may also see various shore birds and other waterfowl. Douglas
squirrels are the most common mammals.
Trails
There are numerous trails throughout the park.
From the parking lot, walk down the gated paved road to the lighthouse,
watching for a few slippery sections on the road. Return to the
parking lot along a trail running parallel to the road just to the
east. This is about a 1.5-km loop distance.
As long as the trails are not soggy from recent rains, light walking
shoes are adequate for this walk. Picnic and toilet facilities with
potable water are available. The park is open daily 8AM–9PM.
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