Solander Island Ecological Reserve, Ecological reserve off Vancouver Island, Canada
Solander Island is an ecological reserve off Vancouver Island featuring grass-covered terrain with low-growing plants such as salmonberry and hairy goldfields. A weather station maintained by Environment Canada sits on the island to monitor conditions in the region.
The reserve gained protected status in 1971 and takes its name from Swedish botanist Daniel Carlsson Solander. Before this designation, the island was known by different names reflecting its rocky character.
The island serves as a vital breeding ground for seabirds that return each season to raise their young. Visitors can observe from a distance how different bird species nest on the rocks and depend on this remote location.
Access to the island is restricted to protect nesting seabird colonies and prevent disturbing the wildlife. Visitors should view the reserve from a boat at a safe distance to respect the protected habitat.
The island serves as a seasonal gathering spot for marine mammals including Steller sea lions, California sea lions, and sea otters. These animals use the rocky island as a resting place during their yearly movements.
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