Exploring North Shore Nature: A Journey to Lynn Canyon Park
This year’s New Voices Volunteers recently visited Lynn Canyon Park as part of the preparation for their upcoming exhibit that will focus on North Shore nature from a newcomer’s perspective
Members of the New Voices Volunteer Program taking photos on a recent visit to Lynn Canyon Park. Photo by Mohammad Mirzai.
By Babak Afzali, New Voices Volunteer Program
As part of MONOVA’s New Voices Volunteer Program, our team embarked on a transformative journey to Lynn Canyon Park on Sunday, November 26th. This immersive field trip was a pivotal moment for our diverse group of volunteers, offering us the opportunity to delve into the heart of North Shore nature, connect with the surrounding environment, and draw inspiration for our upcoming community exhibit.
Inspired by Nature
Our journey to Lynn Canyon Park began with a reflection of our individual stories—stories that have been inspired by nature. When we first began our journey, each participant shared their unique experience of arriving in Canada and the profound impact nature had on them. These narratives laid the foundation for our collective decision to center our exhibit on the theme of nature, particularly focusing on what North Shore nature means to each of us.
Photo by Babak Afzali.
The main objective of our field trip was to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of Lynn Canyon Park and gather inspiration for our community exhibit. We explored the diverse ecosystems within the park, identifying various trees, shrubs, and plants and learning about their interconnectedness in the forest. I would encourage others to pick up a copy of the self-guided tour available at the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre.
Photo by Babak Afzali
The Suspension Bridge added an extra layer of excitement to our adventure. As we traversed the bridge, we not only wondered at the breathtaking views but also appreciated the delicate balance of the ecosystem beneath us. The bridge became a metaphor for our journey as volunteers—connecting different perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds, much like the intertwining branches of the forest below.
Photo by Babak Afzali.
Indigenous Connections to the Land
As we immersed ourselves in the natural wonders of Lynn Canyon Park, we also took the time to learn about the Indigenous connection to the land. Before our trip, we met with Jordan Dawson, one of the museum’s Indigenous Cultural Programmers who inspired us and helped us to have a better understanding of how Indigenous culture is immersed and connected to nature. We also gained insights into the rich cultural history of the North Shore, recognizing the deep roots that connect the Indigenous communities with the surrounding landscape. This knowledge added a layer of appreciation for the land we were exploring and reinforced the importance of preserving and honoring its heritage.
What’s Next
Our field trip to Lynn Canyon Park served as a source of inspiration for the upcoming community exhibit scheduled to launch on February 19, 2024. The hands-on experience of exploring the local environment provided us with a tangible connection to the themes we aim to showcase.
Babak Afzali is a participant in the 2023-2024 New Voices Volunteer Program. The New Voices Volunteer Program aims to tell North Vancouver stories from a newcomer’s perspective. A group of 9 volunteers meet weekly for 16 weeks to plan, curate and launch a new exhibit at MONOVA – Museum of North Vancouver. This year’s project will feature an exhibit that is “inspired by nature” and will focus on North Shore nature from a newcomer’s perspective.
We rely on contributions, monthly or one-time gifts, to help MONOVA safeguard and expand our community’s archival and museum collections, build learning experiences and inspire future generations.
Donations are accepted through the Friends of the North Vancouver Museum & Archives Society, Registered Charity No. 89031 1772 RR0001.
