Colwood Creek Park is looking a little greener this week thanks to the helping hands of dozens of volunteers who gathered over the weekend for the annual TD Tree Days event.
On Saturday, October 18th, three dozen volunteers spent the morning planting 180 native trees and shrubs throughout the upper section of the park.
The group added everything from Bigleaf and Vine maples to Douglas fir, Salmonberry, Oregon Grape, and Red-flowering currant, helping restore important habitat in the area.
The event was hosted by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and the Greater Victoria Green Team, with guidance from the City of Colwood.
Together, they’ve spent the past few months working to remove invasive Himalayan blackberry plants from the park, setting the stage for the new trees and shrubs to thrive.
“It was inspiring to see so many community members come out and do their part,” said one volunteer, Shawn.
“When anxiety about the future of the environment is channelled into action, it makes a huge difference,” said Chloe who said she finds the work grounding.
“Every time we come out, I’m amazed at how different the site looks by the end of the day.”
For more than a decade, TD Tree Days has brought together volunteers across North America to help green urban and rural spaces.
Since the program began in 2010, more than half a million trees and shrubs have been planted.
In Colwood, this weekend’s effort builds on several years of restoration work by Green Teams of Canada and the City.
