Greenroof & Courtyard

The south bed reflects species found in our BC coastal forest edges. You will find such species here as:

The east bed reflects species found in BC interior forests. You will find such species here as:

In the central greenroof reflects species found in a wild meadow (but it went too wild and is now full of exotics). You will find such species here as:

NOTE: This area is partially mowed, feel free to walk in the roped-off areas, but leave the ropes in place. 

On the north walkway, a water feature helps manage rainfall runoff. You will find such species here as:

You can find more about what other organisms – mushrooms, insects, spiders, moss, birds, mammals and more have been identified at our iNaturalist website. 

You too can interact with this space in a variety of ways.

1. You can enjoy time outside on the greenroof having lunch or playing a game.
2. You can add to our iNaturalist web site
3. You can contact us about becoming a seasonal weed puller (spring – early fall) 
4. You can help out by pulling these top 5 ‘weedy’ plants (by the root please) and placing them on the tarp for compost pick up: 
   • large bindweed (Calystegia sylvatica)
   • field horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
   • curled dock (Rumex crispus)
   • tufted vetch (Vicia cracca)
   • hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta)

Other useful resources for engaging with the greenroof space for all age groups!

• Activities for any age!
• Read and enjoy the Campus Botanica signs
• Nature Club Plant Guide for some plants you will find on campus.
• Museum of Vancouver’s Indigenous Plant Guide[BN1] [BN2] 
• Invasives colouring page
• Human-Wildlife Interactions and iNaturalist
  Students will identify a plant or animal and post your observation to the citizen-science app iNaturalist. After you complete this activity, use the Human-Wildlife Interaction worksheet to explore the Beaty Biodiversity Museum. 

Download the lesson plan, colouring sheet

And of course, we know how much the outdoors is essential for our mental health. Learn more!

If you use this space for teaching, instruction or activity please let us know!

The first-floor windows in the southeast corner have an exterior painting applied to them to deter birds from making contact with the glass. The painting shows various research organisms studied by the BRC, and some other notable species. The east side was originally applied in 2017 and the south side in 2018. The window paint was renewed in 2023/2024 by Beaty Biodiversity Museum and BRC staff and students.

If you see any evidence of a window collision anywhere on the building, please enter it in our Bird Strike Database. Since the paint was applied, the number of collisions in the corner of the courtyard has decreased dramatically. A dot film has been installed on the south side of the museum atrium, and there are plans to expand the bird-friendly areas of the building.