Upcoming Events
Free the Fern + Wild Outside Youth Event
March 26 + March 27, 11am-3pm
Join WILD Outside and Free the Fern,
for a 2-part youth event focusing on restoring
the ecology of Red Alder Trail in
Champlain Heights. The first day will be focused on invasive removal and the second will be focused on native planting.
Open to youth 15-18 years old.
Invasive Pull
Saturday, April 6, 10am-12pm
Join us and help remove invasive plants along Red Alder Trail, South Vancouver. Tools, gloves, and refreshments provided! All ages welcome!
Events Calendar
Upcoming Free the Fern events are posted in our calendar below.
To see information about past Free the Fern events, including videos, please scroll down below the calendar
Past Events
Cedar Bracelet Weaving
Saturday, March 16, 10am-12pm
xwmәθkwәy̓әm cedar weaver and natural wool dyer, Rita Kompst, taught us how to make a woven cedar bracelet. Rita shared how weaving can be an act of healing.
Invasive Pull
Saturday, March 2, 10am-12pm
16 volunteers helped invasive plants along Red Alder Trail, South Vancouver. We succeeded in clearing 2400L of invasive ivy, blackberry, and Daphne.
Douglas Fir Watercolour Workshop
Saturday, February 24, 10am-11:30am
Artist, Marisa Phal, led a free Douglas Fir Watercolour Workshop. Together, we practiced the art of noticing and explored painting as a way to tune into the present moment. Beam paint supplies were provided.
Invasive Pull
Saturday, February 3, 10am-12pm
20 volunteers gathered for an Invasive Pull + planting on the Red Alder Trail. We removed 7 city green bins (2,160 L) of invasive plants and planted 25 native shrubs.
Buds, Branches & Bark Walk
Saturday, January 20, 10am-12pm
BCIT Forest Resources Faculty, Julia Alards-Tomalin, led a winter walk along the Red Alder Trail. Julia shared tips on native plant ID from her award-winning work.
Invasive Pull
Saturday, January 6, 10am-12pm
17 volunteers gathered to remove invasive plants along the Red Alder Trail. We removed 2,760 L of invasives and planted 22 native plants.
Light up the Night in Champlain Heights
Sunday, Dec 17 , 6:30pm-7:30pm
Approximately 125 locals gathered on the Red Alder Trail for our third annual Light up the Night in Champlain Heights. 10 artists partnered to create lanterns along the trail. The Carnival Band led a procession. Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies (baked by local volunteers) were enjoyed by all.
Jar Lantern Workshop
Saturday, Dec 9 , 1pm-3pm 8001 Curate Wynd, Vancouver
14 participants learned how to make a lantern, using a jar, tissue and glue! All supplies were provided for this free workshop.
Led by Free the Fern Executive Director, Grace Nombrado.
Globe Lantern Workshop
Saturday, Dec 9 , 10am-12pm 8001 Curate Wynd, Vancouver
Together, 9 participants learned how to make a globe lantern, using a balloon, tissue and glue! All supplies were provided for this free workshop.
Led by artist, Kiki Nombrado.
Invasive Pull
Saturday, Dec 2, 10am-12pm
16 volunteers helped remove 1560 L of invasive ivy, spread 50 wheelbarrows of mulch, and plant 33 native plants!
Mushroom Walk
Saturday, Nov 18, 10am-12pm
Mycologist, Cody Labossiere, lead a Mushroom Walk on the Red Alder Trail in South Vancouver. 25 participants learned how to identify local mushrooms and then enjoyed some mushroom tea together.
Artist Collaboration
Wednesday, Nov 15, 7-9pm
10 artists gathered to build lanterns in preparation for our Light up the Night in Champlain Heights, winter lantern festival. Lead by artist, Joshua Ralph
Invasive Pull + Planting
Saturday, Nov 4, 10am-12pm
21 volunteers helped remove 1440 L (4 green bins) of invasive plants. We also planted 70 native plants (tall Oregon grape & ferns)
South Vancouver Harvest Festival
Saturday, Oct 28, 11:30am-2pm
Free the Fern participated in Harvest Festival, organized by South Vancouver Neighbourhood House outside David Thompson School (1755 East 55th ave)
Native Food Forest Planting
Saturday, Oct 21, 10am-12pm
58 volunteers help us plant 690 plants to create a Native Food Forest. We were also honoured with a performance by the Coastal Wolf Pack.
Invasive Pull
Saturday, Oct 7, 10am-12pm
We had 16 volunteers volunteer and we removed 1,200 L of invasive plants.
Weed & Feed
Saturday, September 16, 10am-12pm
We had an invasive pull followed by a complimentary lunch. This event was funded by Neighbourhood Small Grants.
Invasive Pull
Saturday, September 2, 10am-12pm
Help us remove invasive plants on the Red Alder trail in South Vancouver in preparation for our fall Native Food Forest Planting.
Annual General Meeting
Wed, Aug 23, 7pm Via Zoom
Join our Free the Fern Annual General Meeting. Here about our successes in 2023, elect our board of directors, and connect with others in our community who care about the environment.
Champlain Heights Summer Fair – June 17
The Champlain Heights Community Center ran their annual Summer Fair on Saturday, June 17, 2023
Free the Fern had a table set up with native plants and a craft activity.