Stanley Park Environmental Art - Ephemeral Works

Ecological response

provided by Robyn Worcester of SPES for Fringe

Shirley Wiebe during the installation of Fringe on August 14, 2008
Photo: Paul Colangelo

The ephemeral work you are describing would not have a big negative impact ecologically, and I think that aside from birds being able to use the hair for nesting material, there are not many significant positive impacts that I can think of. The only negative ecological impacts I can foresee is that Ravine Trail is likely used by bats and birds as a travel corridor (from Beaver Lake to the seashore), and if the horse hair is blocking the entrance to the underpass they may feel restricted by it. From your description, it seems like this might be the case as it is eight feet wide. Also, since this riparian corridor is one of the most ecologically sensitive areas of the Park, I would like to see that there is as little disturbance done to the surrounding environment as possible during the installation. This sounds like a very interesting art installation and I am grateful for being allowed input on this project.