Founded in 1918, as Vancouver Natural History Society, Nature Vancouver offers a “variety of activities with a focus on nature education, and enjoyment and conservation of natural environment.” Since February 2021, Nature Vancouver member, Nigel Peck (in partnership with Vancouver Parks Board, Port of Vancouver, & Hastings Community Centre) has been leading a volunteer effort to remove invasive Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry from New Brighton Park. Every Wednesday and Saturday, volunteers gather to help with the removal. The plan is to replace these invasives with native plants in the spring. Native plants will include: nodding onion, pearly everlasting, wooly sunflower, and four varieties of roses.
On Saturday, February 26, 2022, I had the pleasure of volunteering with Nature Vancouver at New Brighton Park . Approximately 14 volunteers gathered to help with the invasive removal effort. Volunteers worked together in teams of 4-5 individuals to remove Scotch broom. Each of us had a specific task. One volunteer used a pickaxe to break the soil around the Scotch broom, while another volunteer used a lopper to cut the roots. After the soil was loosened, 2-3 volunteers used an extractigator tool to help pry the Scotch broom from the ground. Together, we managed to remove a large area of Scotch broom within the interior property of the Port of Vancouver, bordering New Brighton Park. It was a lot of hard work, but very satisfying.
The event was very well organized by Nature Vancouver members. All volunteers signed in and completed a volunteer waiver. Each volunteer was provided with tools, gloves, and protective eyewear. Half way through the session, everyone took a break and enjoyed cups of tea and fresh cinnamon buns. Volunteers went away feeling tired, but proud of what they were able to accomplish as a team.
I look forward to seeing Nature Vancouver’s continued restoration work in New Brighton Park, and their eventual spring planting in the area.
