On Saturday, June 19th 2021, the Greater Victoria Green Team and the District of North Saanich joined forces to remove invasive English Ivy from HMS Plumper Park!
We had a wonderful group of community members come out to help tackle the English ivy which had taken over many parts of the park. We helped liberate some of the trees it had a hold on! One new GVGT volunteer, Megan, reminded me of a quote I love:
“Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead
This was our first time removing English ivy at this site. We look forward to being back to continue removing it, as environmental stewardship is an ongoing and long-term practice. Following the current COVID-19 restrictions, this activity had two sessions and implemented the safety measures outlined in our COVID-19 Safety Plan.
THANK YOU!
Thank you to Louise, Megan, Chloe, Richard, Julian, Aaron, Tiago, Sarah, and Dante for their hard work, and for the great conversation and connection we shared.
A huge thank you to the District of North Saanich for seeing our value and supporting the work that we do! Our partnership with the District of North Saanich has been ongoing since 2016 and we very much look forward to continuing our work in the community with you. Also a big thanks goes out to Jim Nelson, the Parks and Building Maintenance Supervisor, for being our main contact and for suggesting this awesome little park!
Photos from the first session can be found HERE, second session HERE!
First Session Group Photo
Second Session Group Photo
Highlights
- In total 9 GVGT community members participated and contributed 22.5 hours total!
- 8 community members had never been to HMS Plumper Park before
- 5 cubic metres of English ivy was removed
- 3 community members were new to GVGT
- Richard and Julian might be in first place for the longest ivy vine ever pulled out intact – it was 30 ft or more! (See Action Shots below)
- Some community members biked and took the bus all the way out to the tip of North Saanich to be a part of it – thanks!
What Volunteers Said
- “The coordinator brought everything we needed to do the job. The information provided in advance prepared me for the activity. Quality tools, keen volunteers and a lovely setting made for a nice volunteer experience.“
- “It was my first time volunteering with GVGT and I had an excellent time, met lovely like-minded people, got to visit a park I’d never been to before and help to restore and care for our beautiful region. Cassandra was great, knowledgeable and helpful answering any questions. The snacks and drinks were definitely much appreciated after a warm day pulling ivy too! Will definitely volunteer with GVGT again soon. :)”
- “This program not only helps to care for our local parks, engaging in ecological restoration also helps us feel more connected to the land and our community. I could hear passersby asking questions and saying they’d love to get involved, so it’s increasing awareness as well.”
- This program “Promotes the value of the natural areas in our community to a wide variety of people. Allows locals to get together and take stewardship of their green spaces. Reminds us all that we have a role to play and if we join forces, more can be done with a little effort.”
Before and After
