Serpentine
Fen
The Serpentine Wildlife Area (SWA)
King George Highway and 44th Avenue
Surrey, BC
Tel: 604-582-5200
Location:
King George Highway and 44th Avenue. Located at the east end of
Mud Bay in Surrey. Watch for a tall wooden observation tower that
stands out on the east side as Hwy 99 passes over the Serpentine
River. Farther east you can see yet another of these. Exit Hwy
99 at Crescent Beach and head north on Hwy 99A (King George Hwy)
for a short distance to 44th Ave. A garden nursery is located
at this junction. Turn left and drive in to the parking lot and
picnic area. The towers aren't hard to find because they are the
tallest structures on the fen.
General Information:
The Serpentine Fen Nature walk is a wildlife sanctuary with marshes,
water-filled meadows. Two observation towers are located at the
Serpentine Wildlife Management Area, where Ducks Unlimited released
260 Canada geese in 1972. A series of trails loops around ponds.
The refuge provides sheltered nesting grounds for the fat ducks
and geese that winter locally. A grove of trees protects several
picnic tables from the breeze that often blows in off nearby Mud
Bay.
Age Group:
Great for all ages! Bring the whole family, stroller however is
only recommended if the weather has been “dry”.
Hours
of Operation:
Always open to public I believe, would not suggest going after
dusk, limited lighting.
Cost:
(Currently)
No Cost FREE
*Note that hours and admission prices are subject to change without
notice.
What is there to Do and See?
Bring your bird book and binoculars and head out for a bird watching
and tracking adventure! You can walk or even bring your bikes
and cycle along the river dyke. The fen includes many different
types of habitat in its 150 hectares, and is home to more than
130 different bird species. September and October is the busiest
birding season. In the winter months, many birds shelter in the
fen where there is open water and a good, natural food supply.
Other animals live here also keep your eye out for rabbits, harbour
seals and frogs.
Keep an eye out to see: Great Blue Heron, Cormorants, Waterfowl,
Owls, Hawks and Eagles, Shorebirds, Songbirds, Muskrats, Coyotes,
Harbour Seals, and Frogs
Tips:
1. Trail Round Trip: Approximately 3.5 km. Allow 1 1/2 hours.
2.
A good pair of binoculars and a bird guide
3.
Comfortable walking or hiking shoes, waterproof is even better
4.
Appropriate dress for changing weather conditions
5.
Pack bug repellent in case its that time of year!
6.
Boots so little feet won’t get wet
7.
Strollers are not suggested unless the weather has been dry
8.
Bring food and beverages for snack or a picnic!
9.
Bring bird seed if you would like to feed them!
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