Over the weekend, the Greater Victoria Green Team (GVGT) and the Township of Esquimalt collaborated on an environmental stewardship event, with 43 volunteers turning up to help restoration efforts in Esquimalt Gorge Park.
The goal of the restoration efforts on Saturday, May 28th, were to remove invasive species such as English ivy and Himalayan blackberry, and to plant native species of plants in their place.
In total, the GVGT says that around 9.5 cubic metres of invasives were removed—the equivalent of approximately 60 bathtubs full.
In the place of these native species, 25 native shrubs were planted, including salmonberry, red flowering currant, pacific ninebark and ocean spray.
This effort to in planting native species will help to increase the health and biodiversity of the area, according to the GVGT.
“Under warm spring sunshine and fresh air and surrounded by beautiful birdsong, community members of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels became one with nature as they stepped into the forest to liberate many native trees from the invasive plants and plant native species,” said Kaitlin Warren, Interim Partnerships Manager with the GVGT, following the event.
“While revitalizing this park, community members were also able to form connections with one another and nature, resulting in meaningful impacts like a stronger sense of belonging, improved mental health, a sense of pride, and empowerment to take further action for the environment.”
The GVGT was able to organize this environmental stewardship activity with financial support through the local grants program from the Township of Esquimalt, and with help from the Esquimalt Parks staff.
There are several GVGT restoration and stewardship events held throughout the year. To find out about future volunteer opportunities with the organization, sign up for their newsletter.
