Invasive Species Removal at Knockan Hill Park, View Royal, April 30, 2022

The Greater Victoria Green Team spent the day engaging 22 community members at Knockan Hill Park.

We primarily removed English Ivy, Daphne Laurel and Bur Chervil. We have had a consistent presence in Knockan Hill, along with the Friends of Knockan Hill Park, and it is amazing to see the progress we have had in eradicating the invasive species! English Ivy can grow up to 9 feet in a year, and can grow up to 40 ft vertically on a tree or building! The plant spreads by propagation, so if a stem fragment finds soil, a new section of ivy can grow. Seeds are also spread by seeds by birds! By removing the invasive plants, we are helping the native vegetation regenerate. Some of the native species we saw in the area were Oregon Grape, Trailing Blackberry and Indian Plum! Some of the native species we saw in the area were Oregon Grape, Camas (in bloom!), Snowberry and Oceanspray!

THANK YOU

Thank-you to everyone for participating: Zahra, Ramisa, Nisa, Jordan, Marianne, Deanna, Aaron, Daniel, Andrew, Chloe, Tristan, Annie, Joe, Miki, Lori, Chenxi, Deanna, Greg, Nancy, Teresa and Andre!

Thank-you very much to the Town of View Royal for partnering with us and contributing to our Green Team activities and for recognizing the importance of collaboration in community engagement and ecological restoration!

Group Photo!

Highlights

  • In total 22 community members participated and contributed to 57 volunteer hours!
  • 20 volunteers were introduced to Knockan Hill, while 4 volunteers had never removed invasive species before!
  • We removed 9.5 cubic metres of invasive species, and cleared 48 metres sq. of land of invasives!
  • The Camas were in full bloom, so the Garry Oak meadows looked stunning!

Before and After Photos

This activity not only benefitted the environment, but also the participants themselves. By being out in nature doing something positive as a team, our community members:

  • Develop a sense of belonging to community and place
  • Have improved mental and physical health
  • Connect to nature, which leads to environmentally responsible behaviour
  • Learn about local environmental issues and actions they can take
  • Learn the value of bringing together people to work towards a common goal
  • Become leaders in their communities
  • Increase confidence, resilience and perseverance

Volunteer Testimonials

“It is always good to feel that I am giving back” – Greg

“I enjoyed the satisfaction of removing so much ivy from this lovely park.This program has a big impact because as the saying goes many hands make light work.” – Barbara

A beautiful Camas flower

Action Shots

Volunteers Enjoying In-kind Gifts from Tru Earth, Abeego, Salt Spring Coffee and Swedethings!

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