Mayor Kobayashi celebrated Earth Day in Colwood with the Friends of Colwood Parks and the 5th Juan de Fuca Cubs and Scouts, who were keen to learn about and help tackle invasive plants in Lagoon West Park.
Volunteers and Scouts teaming up
The Friends of Colwood Parks is a community stewardship group that brings people together to remove invasives and restore natural areas in Colwood. They took the lead on this Earth Day activity, bringing together more than 50 Cubs, Scouts and Scout leaders for two events at Lagoon West Park.
Tackling a truckload of invasives
Together they removed 8 cubic metres of invasive plants. So much that the City Parks team will need to bring in a backhoe and fill an entire City truck!
The groups learned about and removed five different types of invasive plants, including Scotch Broom, Daphne, English Holly, English Ivy and Himalayan Blackberry.
Allowing native plants, trees, and ecosystems to thrive
By removing invasive plants, they are allowing a diverse range of native plants to thrive, protecting the natural ecosystems, and maintain safety and accessibility in the park. Clearing out the invasive species that were crowding the orchard at Lagoon West Park will also improve the health of the apple trees.
And what an amazing job they did! Thanks to all the Cubs, Scouts, Scout leaders and Friends of Colwood Parks volunteers who are great role models for all Colwood neighbours to care for our natural environment on Earth Day and every day.
Learn more and get involved
Interested to learn more about invasive plants in our area? There is some information and links to resources at www.colwood.ca/Invasives
Want to join a group of amazing people who get together to care for our parks and natural areas while enjoying the benefits of exercise, fresh air, and social connection? Reach out to the Friends of Colwood Parks today! Stephan and the other members would be thrilled to answer you questions and welcome you to an upcoming event.