Publications

Please contact us at urbanecologycanada at gmail.com if you’d like to purchase a hard-copy version of any of the books below. Trade discounts are available for booksellers and other merchants.

All materials are copyright © Val Schaefer. However, you may download a copy for personal or educational use of any publication where a PDF version is available. Any other uses require permission from Valentin Schaefer.

Books

  • Beyond the Pail: Discovering the Extraordinary in the Ordinary (pdf 22.7MB)
  • Victoria’s Urban Forest: A Walking Guide to Species of Interest. (pdf 4.6MB)
    Contact us for a print-on-demand copy ($25 + 5% GST).
  • Restoration Walks in Victoria: A Guide to Several Ecological Restoration Projects in Greater Victoria, BC. (pdf 16MB)
    Contact us for a print-on-demand copy ($25 + 5% GST).
  • Ogden Point Odyssey: Breakwater, natural history, people and activities . Purchase Ogden Point Odyssey online. Contact us for one or more softcover copies ($15 + 5% GST; trade discounts available).
  • Urban Biodiversity: Exploring natural habitat and its value in cities
    See Table of Contents and order from Captus Press.
  • Songbirds in the City: A celebration (pdf 35MB) 
    Contact us     for one or more softcover copies ($10 + 5% GST; trade discounts available) or purchase through Alibris.
  • City of Surprises: Discovering urban wildlife habitats
    Contact us for one or more softcover copies ($10 + 5% GST; trade discounts available) or purchase through Alibris.

Victoria Tree Walk Brochures

Professional Reports

Hebb, J. and V. Schaefer. 2018. University of Victoria Ecological Restoration Guide. University of Victoria. 315 pp.

Kathrens, L., Jennings, J. and V. Schaefer. 2016. University of Victoria Invasive Species Management Program. University of Victoria. 106 pp.

Schaefer, V., Kathrens, L. and J. Jennings. 2015. GOERT 2015: 11th Research Colloquium: Blank Slate Restoration. Proceedings. University of Victoria. 75 pp.

Orr, C.,Hernould, C. and V.H. Schaefer. 2015. Enhancing Rain Gardens as Bioengineering Strategies in Municipal Stormwater Management in Victoria. University of Victoria. 150 pp

Schaefer, V.H. 2013. Beaver Lake, Stanley Park, Restoration: Options for Biodiversity Action Plan. Part of submission to Vancouver Parks Board by AquaTerra Environmental Ltd.

Manton, C. and V.H. Schaefer. 2012. Invasive Species Management Strategy for Saanich.

Schaefer, V.H. 2009. The Urban EcoZonePlus. Background paper for: Ecosystem Status and Trends Report. Canadian Biodiversity Outcomes Framework. Canadian Council of Resource Ministers. Ottawa, ON

Schaefer, V.H. and A. Schaefer. 2007. Metro Vancouver Parks Natural Resource Management Program: Initial Steps. Prepared for Metro Vancouver Parks. Burnaby, BC. 57 pp.

Burton, C., V. Huff, R.J. Hebda and V. Schaefer. 2006 Grasses of Northern Interior British Columbia. Phase I: Report on current state of botanical and restoration knowledge. Prepared for the BC Ministry of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources, Oil and Gas Commission. University of Victoria. 105 pp.

Naujokaitis-Lewis, I. and V. Schaefer. 2005. Preserving Biodiversity through Connectivity in the Greater Vancouver Regional District: Implications for Vegetation Management in Utility Rights-of-way. Prepared for the BC Transmission Corporation. Douglas College. 80 pp.

Schaefer, V.H. 2005. National Recovery Plan for the Townsend’s Mole (Scapanus orarius). Prepared for Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Victoria. 26 pp.

Schaefer, V.H. 2004. Comments on : Screening-Level Risk Assessment 2 (SRA-2) Habitat Module – Assessment of Wildlife Habitat Prepared by SRA—2 Task Force of the Science Advisory Board on Contaminated Sites for British Columbia. 12 pp.

Schaefer, V.H. 2002. Townsend Mole (Scapanus townsendii) Status Report – update. Committee on the Status of Endangered Species in Canada (COSEWIC). Ottawa. 45 pp.

Schaefer, V.H. 1994. A New Environmental Applied Program for Douglas College. Discussion Paper. Prepared for the Dean of Human Resources and Program Development. 75 pp.

Schaefer, V.H. 1991. Observations and recommendations to the Vancouver Urban Landscape Task Force. 4 pp.

Schaefer, V.H. 1991. Transportation and the future quality of life. Discussion paper for Visions 20/20 Program – environmental curriculum materials for BC Grade 11. 8 pp.

Schaefer, V.H. 1989. Wildlife Viewing Plan for Stamp Falls Provincial Park. Prepared for BC Ministry of Parks to be submitted to the BC Ministry of the Environment, Wildlife Viewing Program. 44 pp.

Schaefer, V.H. 1989. The Quality of Bottom Sediments in Port Moody Inlet: Recommendations and Analysis of Study Deficiencies. Prepared for the Mayor’s Office, Port Moody. January. 3 pp.

Schaefer, V.H. 1984. Report concerning the development of BC’s offshore petroleum resources. Written submission to the Environmental Assessment Review Panel on the Ministry of the Environment. November. 15 pp.

Schaefer, V.H. 1978. The possible effects of the proposed port expansion at Roberts Bank on the ecology of salmon, waterfowl, benthic organisms, and crabs in the area. Supplemental written submission by the Canadian Society for Pollution and Environmental Control (SPEC) to the EARP hearings on the Roberts Bank port expansion. October. 16 pp.

Curriculum Guides Developed

Reports Authored or Edited

Hebb, J. and V. Schaefer. University of Victoria Campus Restoration Guide.

University of Victoria Reports Supervised

Harrop-Archibald, H. 2009. The Value of Second Growth Forests to Biodiversity

Duncan, S. 2009. Northern Mountain Caribou Population Dynamics Peace River Region

Harrop-Archibald, H. 2008. University of Victoria Campus Tree Inventory (Phase II) outside Ring Road. University of Victoria Facilities Management. Unpublished Document. Victoria, British Columbia.

Harrop-Archibald, H. 2008. University of Victoria Natural Features Study Phase Two. CJVI Property, Garry Oak Meadow and Camus Meadow Area, Finnerty Ravine, Haro Woods, South Woods, Lower Hobbs Creek/Mystic Vale. University of Victoria Campus Planning. Unpublished Document. Victoria, British Columbia.

Harrop-Archibald, H. 2007. University of Victoria Natural Features Study Phase One. Bowker Creek, Cunningham Woods, Upper Hobbs Creek/ Mystic Vale. University of Victoria Facilities Management. Unpublished Document. Victoria, British Columbia.

Harrop-Archibald, H. 2007. University of Victoria Campus Tree Inventory (Phase I) within Ring Road. University of Victoria Facilities Management. Unpublished Document. Victoria, British Columbia.

Theses

Douglas College Institute of Urban Ecology

Publications Supervised by Val Schaefer

Books and Reports (Presented in chronological order)

A Biological Inventory of the Coquitlam Northeast Sector BC Hydro Right-of-way. 2004. 24 pp by Ilona Naujokaitis-Lewis and Tamsin Dunbar A description of the plant associations and bird life.
Status Report of the Delta Heritage Airpark Habitat Enhancement Recommendations

Ilona Naujokaitis-Lewis

 Follow-up on 2001 wildlife management plan.
Development and Application of a Blended Sample Street Tree Inventory Technique in Coquitlam, BC. 2004. 60 pp. by Nadine Pinnell A combination of orthophotograph interpretation and field sampling techniques used to quantify street trees in Coquitlam. Includes a net cost-benefit analysis of street trees to the city.
Comparison and Evaluation of Different Biophysical Inventory Methods for Urban Parks. 2003. 125 pp. by Nadine Pinnell and Julie Scott-Ashe A look at various approaches to managing urban green space in Surrey and the information requirements needed.
Lost streams of Vancouver found within City of Vancouver parks. 2003. 20 pp. by Leah Efford An assessment of the presence of streams historically found in areas now dedicated as parks in Vancouver.
Dutch Elm Disease Survey of the Corporation of Delta. Douglas College Institute of Urban Ecology. 2003. 25 pp. by Amanda Carr A look at elm trees in Delta, assessing their overall health.
Changing Places: Challenges in Green Space Management. Symposium Proceedings. 2003. 75 pp. by Nadine Pinnell and Aaren Warner Presentations by the municipal and regional governments and NGOs on initiatives to manage urban green space.
New Westminster Environmental Almanac. 2002. 72 pp. by Greg Norton An overview of the natural environment in New Westminster and resources available to citizens interested in environmental stewardship.
Delta Heritage Air Park Biophysical Inventory. 2002. 103 pp. by Nicole Lee A biophysical assessment of a 25 acre air park and recommendations for managing the site for wildlife.
Biophysical inventories of nine special land use areas in the Greater Vancouver Regional District. 2002. 120 pp. by Rosalie Aguilar A look at cemeteries, golf courses and institutional grounds as important elements of a comprehensive biodiversity conservation strategy.
The Use of Indicator Species for a Biodiversity Conservation Strategy in the Greater Vancouver Regional District. 2002. 150 pp. by Nicole Lee and Hillary Rudd An exploration of appropriate species to target for conservation efforts that would also maximize urban biodiversity. Includes fact sheets on 11 major urban ecosystems.
Urban Biodiversity: Exploring Natural Habitat and its Value in Cities. 2002. 149 pp. by Valentin Schaefer, Hillary Rudd and Jamie Vala A description of natural habitat in the city and the environmental benefits of small scale plantings.
A Study of Hedgerow Quantity and Composition on Farmland in Delta, BC. 2001. 125 pp. by Jamie Vala A biophysical inventory of hedgerows in Delta measuring linear distances of trees and shrubs and hedgerow composition.
Clear Water Initiative for the Coquitlam River Watershed. 2001. 78 pp. by Hillary Rudd. An assessment of water quality in creeks of the Coquitlam River Watershed and an analysis of what can be done to reduce turbidity from nonpoint sources.
Mural Madness: A Guide for Creating a Nature Mural. 2001. 27 pp. by Erika Momeyer, Explains how to design and paint nature murals with the participation of school children, parents, teachers and staff.
Port Moody Environmental Almanac. 2001. 60 pp. Edited by Naomi Tabata. An overview of the natural environment in Port Moody and resources available to citizens interested in environmental stewardship.
A Biophysical Inventory and Wildlife Habitat Management Plan for the Delta Heritage Air Park:. 2001. 96 pp. by Nicole Lee. A biophysical assessment of a 25 acre air park and recommendations for managing the site for wildlife.
Vital Signs of Progress: A Symposium on Monitoring the Results of Habitat Restoration. Proceedings. 2001. 73 pp Tabata, N. Ed. Examining the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches to measuring the effectiveness of habitat restoration projects.
Planting for Paradise. 2001. 72 pp. by Valentin Schaefer, Jamie Vala and Hillary Rudd. The ecological and financial benefits of greening urban environments.
Creating a Backyard Habitat. 2001. 45 pp. by Karlee Zelmer. A guide to creating wildlife habitat in backyards.
Native Plant Habitat Enhancement: A Guide for Community Plantings in the Greater Vancouver Regional District. 2000. 32 pp. by Jennifer Eakins, Katherine Mikes and Sheryl Webster A how-to guide for conducting community plants to create wildlife habitat in the city.
A Study of Hedgerow Quantity and Composition on Farmland in Delta, BC. 2000. 67 pp. by Jamie Vala A biophysical inventory of hedgerows in Delta measuring linear distances of trees and shrubs and hedgerow composition.
Greening the Gravel. Symposium Proceedings. 2000. 75 pp. Edited by Amanda Carr. A forum for ideas on environmental Engineering, habitat restoration and reclamation in the aggregate mining industry.
The Basics of Mapping with GPS. 2000. 32 pp. by Rachel Botting and Geoff Senichenko A guide to using Trimble Pasthfinder Office 2.0 software and Trimble GeoExplorer II GPS receiver in conducting biophysical inventories.
Coquitlam River Watershed Almanac. 1999. 77 pp. by Lisa Zosiak An overview of natural areas within the cities of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam and a reference to stewardship groups and environmental resources.
Working Toward Conservation: A Symposium for the Coquitlam River Watershed. Proceedings. 1999. 34 pp. Edited by Jennifer Eakins. A symposium on the natural environment and stewardship min the Coquitlam River Watershed.
Creating Bird Habitat in Small Places. 1999. 25 pp. by Amanda Carr. A guide for balcony, roof top, window box and wall plantings using native plants to attract birds.
Songbirds in the City: A Celebration. 1999. 132 pp. by Valentin Schaefer and Leanne Paris. A look at songbird habitat and environmental stewardship in the city, along with poetry and drawings.
Native Plant Propagation Program. Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Curriculum Guide. 1999. 105 pp. by Valentin Schaefer A description of the Lower Mainland bioregion and urban biodiversity. Also discusses the use of native vegetation in habitat restoration
Native Plant Propagation Program Techniques Manual. 1999. 84 pp. by Maya Levy, Valentin Schaefer and Kelly Fujibayashi Written as a Teacher’s manual for a class program to raise native vegetation from seeds and cuttings for habitat resyoartion
City of Surprises: Discovering Urban Wildlife Habitats. 1998. 122 pp

by Renata Cacik and Valentin Schaefer.

 Descriptions of 37 urban habitats with food webs and questions for thought
WEL-USE Feasibility Study. 1998. 75 pp. by Ian Parfitt Feasibility study report on web-based environmental land use databases in GIS format. Includes an inventory of existing databases
Green Links Burnaby Design Charette. 1998.  36 pp. by Lee-Ann Locker, Kathleen Grainger and Denise Buchanon A description of a design charette to green 16th Avenue in Burnaby between Byrne Creek Ravine and Robert Burnaby Park.
Prince Charles Elementary School’s Nature Mural. 1998. 34 pp. by Janet Stevens A description of the plants and animals in the nature mural. Includes 14 nature games and some eco-quotes.
Green Links. 1998. Educators Guide. 76 pp. by Tracy Hetherington, Candice Rutter and Sarah Farina Curriculum to teach urban biodiversity, the use of native vegetation in restoration, and the value of ecological connectivity
Green Links. 1998. Vol. 4.  Burnaby Demonstration Project. 176 pp. by Valentin Schaefer and Marty Sulek. A description of the Burnaby, BC,  Green Links Project, including a design charette exploring the use of a street and yards to establish a corridor
Green Links. 1998. Vol. 5. Surrey-Delta Demonstration Project. 159 pp. by Valentin Schaefer and Marty Sulek. A description of the Green Link through Surrey and Delta, BC.
Green Links. 1997. Vol. 1 Coquitlam Demonstration Project. 143 pp by Valentin Schaefer and Marty Sulek. An overall description of the Green Links Project and the first demonstration link in Coquitlam, BC
Green Links. 1997. Vol. 2 Implementation, Enhancement and Community Action. 320 pp. by Valentin Schaefer and Marty Sulek. A collection of brochures, booklets and other materials used in conducting the Green Links Project
Green Links. 1997. Vol 3. Additional Data and Documentation for the Coquitlam Project. 124 pp. by Valentin Schaefer and Marty Sulek. Additional enhancement plans, a comparison of diversity indices and mapping considerations in connectivity analysis
Green Links Symposium Proceedings. 1996. 106 pp. by Kathleen Grainger. The proceedings of a symposium to examine green spaces and connectivity in the Greater Vancouver Regional District.
Mapping Urban Forests: A Community Comparison. 1996. 63 pp. by Renata Cacik A study of street and yard trees present in Surrey, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Burnaby and Vancouver BC based on original research
Environmental Information Systems: Learning How to do Environmental Research Online. 1994. 170 pp. by Valentin Schaefer and Tidewater Research and Communications A how-to guide on how to do online environmental research
Perspectives on the Environment:

Creating a Sustainable Society.

1994. Vol. 1. 239 pp. Edited by Valentin Schaefer.

 Using the Lower Mainland, BC, as an

example, examining social perceptions, consensus building, solid waste, liquid waste and toxic chemicals.
Perspectives on the Environment:

Creating a Sustainable Society.

1994. Vol. 2. 224 pp. Edited by Valentin Schaefer

 Using the Lower Mainland, BC, as an

example, examining air quality,

environmental law, economics, marketing and

environmental citizenship
Bird Survey of Noon’s Creek, Port Moody. 1993. 93 pp. by Sidney Waskiewich Original research on birds found in Noon’s Creek, Port Moody, BC
Growth Management and Urban

Ecology. 1993. Vol. 1.

Queensborough – A Case Study. 171

pp. by Valentin Schaefer, Mona Aston, Renata Cacik, Joseph West and Patrick Whalen

 A description of the natural environment and development issues surrounding this floodplain community on Lulu Island in the Lower Mainland, BC
Growth Management and Urban Ecology. 1993. Vol. 2. Urban Habitat Classification. 194 pp. by Valentin Schaefer, Mona Aston, Renata Cacik, Joseph West and Patrick Whalen An attempt to highlight urban biodiversity by defining and describing 34 urban habitats
Urban Ravines. Vol. 1. Byrne Creek – A Case Study. 1992. 198 pp

by Valentin Schaefer, Mona Aston, Nicolle Bergstresser, Janet Gray and Peter Malacarne

 A description of the natural, social and geological environment of this ravine in Burnaby, BC
Urban Ravines. Vol. 2. B.C. Lower Mainland Urban Ravines Inventory. 1992. 248 pp. by Valentin Schaefer, Mona Aston, Nicolle Bergstresser, Janet Gray and Peter Malacarne An inventory of 140 ravines including general dimensions and a topographic map for each
Biodiversity in Greater Victoria. 1992. 126 pp. Edited by Valentin Schaefer. A description of urban biodiversity and its value in Greater Victoria, BC. Includes a biodiversity map based on five categories of urban development
Sustaining Victoria – Exploring Urban Lifestyle Options. 1991. 272 pp. Edited by Valentin Schaefer. An overall review of urban living and its environmental impacts with local examples of more sustainable options
Environmental Issues in Greater Victoria. 1991. 190 pp. Edited by Valentin Schaefer. A documentation of issues such as air and water quality and liquid and solid waste management
Interpreting Nature: A Primer for

Understanding Natural History,

Vol. 1989.  267 pp. by Valentin Schaefer and Jude Grass

 A review of plants explaining general anatomy, taxonomy and ecology
Interpreting Nature: A Primer for

Understanding Natural History,

Vol. 2. 1989.  291 pp. by Valentin Schaefer and Jude Grass

 A review of  animal groups explaining general anatomy, taxonomy and ecology
Protecting the Environment: What

One Person Can Do. 1989. 107

pp. by Heidi Anderson, Cathy Schofield, Valentin Schaefer and Adrienne Peacock

 An overview of environmental problems and individual lifestyle choices and alternatives to address them
A History of the Federation of BC Naturalists. 1988. 106 pp. by Barabara Black A description of the history of the origins and activities of the Federation of BC Naturalists from 1965-1988.
A Nature Guide to Urban Parks.  1987. 217 pp.  by Adrienne Peacock, Valentin Schaefer, Grant Beaton, Brigitta-Ann Kaps and Robert Major Brief descriptions with maps of 16 parks in Burnaby, Coquitlam, Belacarra and New Westminster, BC with 4 nature activities for children described for each
Belcarra Regional Park: Subtidal and Intertidal Inventory. 1986. 215 pp. by Caroline Hardon, Herb Herunter, Selma Low, Mike Magee, Gwyn Shipman and Heidi Sutherland An inventory of subtidal and intertidal plant and animal marine life in this area of Burrard Inlet, BC
Biophysical Inventory of Burnaby Lake Regional Park. 1985. 165 pp. by Glen Porter, Abby Schwarz, Heidi Suterland and Vera Vukelich An inventory of terrestrial and emergent vegetation with maps based on original research of this lake in Burnaby, BC
The Natural History of New Westminster. 1985. 83 pp. by Dana Anderson, Joel Hagen, Tracy Rapanos and Rhonda Zimmermann Inventory of 19 sites, not designated as parks, with maps and descriptions intended to enable people to explore nature close to home
The Natural Environment of Deer Lake. 1984. 180 pp. by Beth Scott A comprehensive description of Deer Lake in Burnaby, BC reviewing both aquatic and terrestrial plant and animal life with original research

Books and reports are paperback in-house photocopies and cerlox (coil) bound. unibind (plastic cover) or stapled. City of Surprises, Urban Biodiversity and Songbirds in the City is paperback commercially printed with perfect bind.

Videos

Greening the Gravel for Fish and Wildlife (38 minutes) Habitat restoration techniques used in the aggregate mining industry.
Greening the Gravel (27 minutes) A look at the fate of gravel pits after they are closed. Many are turned into parks, schools and shopping centres.
Green Links. 1996. (20 minutes) A description of a project to enhance urban biodiversity by strengthening natural connections been urban green spaces
Urban Ravines: A Hidden Community Asset. 1992.  (17 minutes) A description of the natural, social and geological characteristics of urban ravines
Ideas for the Naturalist. 1989. (30 minutes) Presentation techniques for nature education, a puppet show on marine life and a performance piece of a freshwater food web

Brochures

  • The Working with Nature series:

Butterflies

Lichens in the City

Zooming in on Fungi

Environmental Benefits of Small Scale Plantings

Native Plants and your Garden

Gardening with Balconies

Birds in your Backyard

Building your own Bird House

Bats of the Lower Mainland

Building your own Bat House

  • Green Links series:

Green Links: Envisioning a City – Home to both People and Nature

Burnaby Green Links

Coquitlam Green Links

Surrey/Delta Green Links

How to Compost in the City

  • Creating a Wildlife Habitat at Home series:

Backyard Wildlife

Backyard Birds

Beneficial Insects for Your Garden

  • Community Safety Issues
  • The City of Surprises: Yaletown Nature Walk
  • You Can Help Save Deer Lake
  • Burnaby Lake: Yours to Enjoy and Protect
  • Discover Belcarra’s Marine Life
  • Discover New Westminster Natural History
  • Trail Map of Byrne Creek Ravine
  • Douglas College, New Westminster, Tree Walk
  • Moody Park, New Westminster, Tree Walk

Booklets

  • Web-based Environmental Land use GIS for the Lower Mainland, BC: Existing Data Spreadsheets
  • Creating Bird Habitat in Small Places: A Guide for Balcony, Roof Top, Window Box and Wall Plantings Using Native Plants to Attract Birds
  • Native Plant Habitat Restoration: A Guide for Community Plantings
  • Tips on Creating Backyard Wildlife Habitat
  • Ecological Walking Guide to Surrey/Delta, BC, Utility Corridor
  • Safety Audit Guide for Green Spaces

Newsletters

The Green Link (quarterly since 1997)

  • 1-3

RNS Student Technical Paper Series Catalogue