
ABOUT US

Free the Fern
In January 2021, Free the Fern was formed when a group of South Vancouver residents became concerned about the spread of invasive plants along the Champlain Heights Trail system. 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
Since January 2021, Free the Fern has:
- organized 33 events
- dedicated 1415 hours
- recruited 147 volunteers
- planted 1,309 native plants
- removed 125,940 L of invasive plants
- raised $26,888 from grants & donations

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.

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.