ABOUT US
Free the Fern
In January 2021, Free the Fern was formed when a group residents became concerned about the spread of invasive plants along the Champlain Heights Trail system in South Vancouver. In August 2022, Free the Fern Stewardship Society officially incorporated as a nonprofit.
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 2021-Jan 2024, Free the Fern:
- organized 78 events
- recruited 808 volunteers
- dedicated 3,769 volunteer hours
- removed 192,532 L (68 tons) of invasive plants
- planted 3,388 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.
Support
Free the Fern receives support from:
- Environmental Youth Alliance
- David Suzuki Foundation
- Gardenworks
- Green Streets Program
- Independent Grocery
- Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver
- Kinross Creek Co-op
- National Healing Forests
- Neighbourhood Matching Fund
- Neighbourhoood Small Grants
- Park People
- 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.