VN #032: Cardiff Mountain Ecological Reserve
Posted June 30, 2024
Cardiff Mountain
An Ecological Reserve in the West Chilcotin
Ecological reserves protect special natural ecosystems, and support research and education. Generally, they are not intended for any outdoor recreation; however, this reserve is open to hiking and photography.
Cardiff Mountain
This reserve was established to protect its symmetrical, vertical columns of basalt, reputed to be the finest examples in British Columbia. So striking and distinct, they can be seen from some distance.
A wonderful example of line, texture, and colour
Lava that rose toward the heavens many millions of years ago
Having spent two years photographing basalt columns for the book Motherstone: British Columbia’s Volcanic Plateau, nowhere have I seen beautifully shaped intact columns such as these of Cardiff Mountain.
A study of composition based on tension and a sense of balance
An ancient map of the land
Each column consists of 20 or more blocks 30-40cm in depth, each having five to eight straight sides. Crustose lichens give the columns a magnificent orange tinge.
These basalt columns are painted with a deeper orange than anywhere else in central BC
In 2014 the Tsilhqot’in Nation was granted aboriginal title to this land. BC Parks is currently working with Indigenous Peoples to better reflect the history and cultures of special places such as Cardiff Mountain.
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