Colwood, BC – A dedicated group of volunteers from the Greater Victoria Green Team transformed a section of Colwood’s Murray’s Pond Park on June 1st, taking a significant step towards restoring the natural habitat and creating a welcoming space for native plant species.
The event, coinciding with BC Trails Day and marking the start of the Society for Ecological Restoration’s Make a Difference Week, was a testament to community involvement and environmental stewardship.
Twenty-four passionate individuals, guided by the ecological expertise of the City of Colwood and financially supported by local developer GableCraft Homes, joined hands to tackle the pesky invasive plants that had been encroaching on the park’s natural beauty.
The team focused their efforts on removing Himalayan blackberry and Scotch broom, two invasive species known for their aggressive growth and tendency to crowd out native plants. The removal process was not only beneficial for the environment but also provided a unique opportunity for the volunteers to engage in hands-on learning about the ecological impact of invasive species.
Their dedication paid off, resulting in the removal of an impressive seven cubic meters of invasive plant material – equivalent to a whopping 44 bathtubs full. This significant effort revitalized a 200 square meter section of the park, opening up space for native plants to flourish.
The event wasn’t just about hard work; it was also about fostering a sense of community and fun. A friendly competition for the wackiest root extracted from the ground added a lighthearted element to the proceedings. Participants eagerly voted for their favorite root, with the winner receiving a coveted BC Trails Day hat.
The Greater Victoria Green Team’s efforts in revitalizing Murray’s Pond Park serve as a powerful reminder of the positive impact that community collaboration can have on the environment. Their dedication to restoring natural habitats and promoting biodiversity is an inspiration to others, and their success in Colwood will undoubtedly spark further environmental initiatives throughout the region.
The team is already looking forward to their next project, planning to tackle invasive species in Uplands Park, Oak Bay, this Saturday, June 8th. With their unwavering commitment to ecological restoration and their infectious enthusiasm, the Greater Victoria Green Team continues to make a tangible difference in the local landscape, one invasive species at a time.