ABOUT US
Free the Fern
Residents of South Vancouver had started to notice that ivy was spreading, threatening to climb and kill the local trees in the Champlain Heights Trail system. They became concerened about the impact that these and other invasive species were having on one of the last native forests left in Vancouver. So, in January 2021, a group of citizens decided to gather together and form a volunteer group. In August 2022, Free the Fern Stewardship Society officially incorporated as a nonprofit society.
Purpose
- To restore the ecology of the Champlain Heights Trail System by removing invasive plants and replanting native plants
- To promote environmental stewardship through community engagement and education.
Successes
Between Jan 15 2021-Feb 1 2025, Free the Fern:
- organized or participated in 117 events
- recruited 1,433 event volunteers
- dedicated 4,847.25 volunteer hours
- removed 246,294 L (246.3 m3) of invasive plants
- planted 4,503 native plants
- Planted the Douglas Fir Teaching Garden (2021)
- Planted a Food Forest (2023)
Diversity
Free the Fern celebrates diversity and inclusion. Just as the forest thrives through diversity, so do we as a society. We welcome people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities to participate in whatever way they are able and willing to do.
I August 2021, Free the Fern approved an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.
Support
Free the Fern is grateful to recieve support from:
Community Placemaking Program , David Suzuki Foundation, Everett Crowley Park Committee, Environmental Youth Alliance, Green Streets Program,, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Independent Grocery, Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver,, Kinross Creek Co-op, National Healing Forest Initiative, National Healing Forest Initiative, Neighbourhood Matching Fund, Neighbourhood Small Grants, Park People – Cornerstone Parks, Starbucks – Champlain Mall, Tree Canada
We are driven by values
> Community Building
> Environmental Stewardship
> Embracing Diversity and Accessibility
> Knowledge Sharing
Community Driven
Engaging residents of Champlain Heights in preserving green spaces. Providing tools and knowledge resources to help foster removal.
Deeply Committed
We want to work with you at your skill level and ability. However you can contribute, you are valued and we commit to helping you “green” your space.
Knowledgeable
We understand each member has expertise to share. Each volunteer brings new insights, techniques, and information. While we don’t know “everything” we’ll work together to find out.