Surrey Bend Conservation Property

The Nature Trust of BC owns a rare piece of wilderness in northeast Surrey.  Part of the Centre Creek watershed, the Surrey Bend property contains a significant variety of un-diked wetland habitats rarely found in the Fraser Valley lowland. The property includes floodplain forests, shrub thickets, marshes and bogs. This range of wetland habitat supports a diversity of wildlife.

Historically, Centre Creek was over 1000 meters long flowing from Fraser Heights down through Surrey Bend Park, out to the Fraser River. Unfortunately, over the past 20 years this creek has been impacted by intense development, and the upper reaches of the creek are now unsuitable habitat for salmon. The Nature Trust of BC property conserves the lower part of the creek and surrounding wetlands.

Photos from left to right: Egg mass; NTBC staff member Samantha Penner; Long-toed Salamander

Species

A wide variety of species are found in Surrey Bend. During a visit to the site on April 1, 2020 to survey amphibian egg masses, NTBC Field Technician, Sammy Penner spotted Long-toed and Northwestern Salamanders, a Northern Red-legged Frog, and a Rough-skinned Newt. Salmonid species rely on the wetland habitat for rearing and spawning. Coho, Chum, Chinook and Sockeye salmon have all been seen in Centre Creek.

The rich biodiversity of the Surrey Bend property is testament that conserving ecologically significant areas, even if they are relatively small and close to urban development can protect vulnerable species and ensure their survival for the future.