On March 30, the Lower Mainland Green Team returned to Pitt Meadows for the first time in 2024 to engage the community in a fun habitat restoration activity in partnership with the City of Pitt Meadows.
It was the first of two events the team has planned for the spring in Pitt Meadows, with a native species planting coming on April 21 as a celebration of Earth Day and continuation of its efforts yesterday at Hoffmann Park.
“As well as gathering to connect with the community and strengthen our relationship with nature, we worked together towards a big goal: effectively remove invasive plants to create as much space as possible to plant hundreds of native trees and shrubs in celebration of Earth Day at our April 21 activity at this location,” said Andrea Robles, program coordinator.
She said everyone did an “amazing job” laying the groundwork.
“We can’t wait to see what we’ll be able to accomplish working together to continue improving this beautiful urban park,” added Robles.
Everyone’s dedication led to the removal of 15 cubic metres, the equivalent of 93 bathtubs, of invasive English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, and English holly.
Throughout the activity, participants were approached several times by local residents and passersby who thanked them for our efforts and hard work.
The team was able to share new educational plant signs with the Pitt Meadows community for the first time. Megan Walker, a Coquitlam youth who was hired as a program coordinator for the team, led this project with the goal of engaging and educating people at Green Team activities in a fun, artistic and accessible way. She worked with artist and illustrator Vicky Earle to create 10 unique signs.
The Lower Mainland Green Team is a program of the charity Green Teams of Canada, and works to empower diverse communities through hands-on outdoor activities.
Anyone wanting to get involved with the team can find activities at meetup.com. Sign up on the page, or by emailing andrea@greenteamscanada.ca.
The April 21 native planting activity at Hoffmann Park is currently full, but they welcome interested community members to join the waitlist for a chance to attend.
No experience is necessary and people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels are welcome.
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