Cuthbert Holmes Park in Saanich sees dozens of new native trees and shrubs planted

A successful environmental grant has given Saanich youth and new residents the opportunity to connect with local parks and ecosystems. 

Specifically, Cuthbert Holmes Park has seen dozens of native trees and shrubs planted by volunteers and District of Saanich staff through the the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation grant.

The grant was won in 2025 on the condition that the funding would go towards Saanich’s Pulling Together Program. 

This ecological restoration program has community members organize to remove invasive plants in their neighbourhood parks, restore natural areas and enhance local biodiversity.

Volunteer opportunities were given to students from Colquitz Middle School, as well as new residents of the capital region through the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA). 

Together, these students and new Saanich residents were encouraged to exchange knowledge from their unique backgrounds and lived experiences, learn about Indigenous cultural practices that shape and sustain ecosystems, planted native trees and shrubs and removed invasive plants at Cuthbert Holmes Park.

“Providing community members of all backgrounds with a chance to care for nature where they live, through hands-on stewardship, was a tangible way to help people connect with the land and build a sense of empowerment and belonging,” said Renee Cenerini, Saanich Parks Environmental Education Coordinator. 

“I was struck by the gratitude that participants expressed and was deeply moved by the stories they shared about plants and gardening in their homelands. By planting trees and shrubs in their new, adopted home, participants strengthened their connection to the future well-being of the place they now call home.”

Thanks to the efforts of these volunteers, and this successful program, over 100 native trees and 60 native shrubs and ferns were planted in an area previously overrun with invasive plant species.

“Our partnership with the District of Saanich at Cuthbert Holmes Park has been invaluable for ICA,” said Todd Kitzler, Associate Director of Adult Learning, Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria. 

“It provides our newcomers and refugee clients with hands-on opportunities to explore and connect with nature, which supports their learning, emotional and mental well-being, and helps them develop meaningful interactions with the larger community.”

He added that opportunities like this fosters a sense of belonging for the ICA’s clients.