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 15 2021-Nov 1 2024, Free the Fern:
- organized or attended 103 events
- had 1,269 event volunteers
- dedicated 4,551.25 volunteer hours
- removed 238,574 L (238.6 m3) of invasive plants
- planted 4,424 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.
In 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
– Everett Crowley Park Committee
– Environmental Youth Alliance
– Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation
– Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver
– National Healing Forest Initiative
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.