Ecosystem on the edge

Sidney Island, in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, protects rare coastal sand ecosystems, where marine and land environments meet. These habitats are typically kept open and everchanging because of frequent disturbance from wind and waves. In recent years, invasive plants, like Scotch broom and European beach grass, have been moving in and stabilizing the shifting sands. This change is threatening the ecosystem and the survival of several rare species, including the common nighthawk, the silky beach pea and the contorted-pod evening-primrose, which depend on an open sand habitat. Parks Canada is taking practical action to save this ecosystem and these species from going over the edge.