On Sunday, September 20th the Greater Victoria Green Team headed to Nymph Point Park in North Saanich to pull Hedera helix or, as it is more commonly known as, English Ivy. Hedera helix is a smothering invasive introduced to North America from Europe and western Asian during colonial times. Since its debut, the ivy has flourished, needing little light and water to thrive. As it spreads, English Ivy creates a monoculture ground cover of thick ivy mats that suppresses and excludes other vegetation, overwhelms native plants, prevents natural seedling succession, and debilitates trees. Removing English Ivy helps protect the biodiversity of British Columbia and the native species already competing for limited resources.
THANK YOU
Thank you to our volunteers: Arthur, Rosanna, Mieka, Tuma, Taishir, Roger, Joan, Anni, Adam, Roger and Alex. Your work makes a huge difference in what we are able to accomplish as a community. Thank you.
Thank you to North Saanich for continuing to support and contribute to GVGT programs. It is because of your support and belief in our work that it is possible for us to continue doing what we do!
A Photo Albums from the day are found here: 1st Session & 2nd Session!
Group Photos!
Highlights
- In total 13 GVGT volunteers came out to help remove English Ivy, totalling more than 28 hours!
- 2 cubic metres of invasive plant matter was removed from an area of 100 square metres! (That’s a lot of ivy!)
- 7 people were introduced to Nymph Point Park and 4 people had never pulled English Ivy!
- Volunteers reported feeling welcomed and appreciated as well as safe and left feeling accomplished.
- Thank you to our in-kind sponsors who donated thank you gifts to our community: EarthRated dog poop bags, tea lights from Honey Candles, Lush hard perfume and West Coast Seeds.
