October Stewardship Newsletter
 
October 2019 | Vol. 9
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Your Park Board Stewardship Newsletter

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Share Your Stories!

The newsletter was created as a platform to share updates from the Park Board and for our Park Partners and Stewards to learn about what is happening in our parks and connect with each other.

Send an email to parkstewards@vancouver.ca with any comments, feedback, and articles to be featured in the upcoming editions of the newsletter! To share your work and events, please be aware of the following dates:

- Featured articles must be submitted by the 15th*.
- Stewardship events must be submitted by the 26th* with event details.

*of the current month to be featured in the following month.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newsletter Survey
The Vancouver Park Board started the Environmental Stewardship Newsletter in February 2019 as a pilot to showcase the amazing work stewardship groups do year-round, share information and resources, and curate a list of events where anyone can become a steward.

We created this survey to obtain feedback and make adjustments that would better serve the needs and interests of those receiving and contributing to the newsletter.

This survey should take ~5 minutes to complete. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Park Stewardship Month!
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Vancouver is home to some of the world’s most beautiful urban parks. With the variety of ecosystems represented in our city, each park offers a unique opportunity to access nature. Environmental stewardship in parks can provide an opportunity to create a personal connection to the natural environment, while protecting and enhancing it at the same time. As a community, we can steward our parks and natural areas to increase their biodiversity and maintain our parks‘ ecological health.
We continue our celebration of Park Stewardship Month until Oct 20! This is part of a city-wide effort led by the Vancouver Parks Board to highlight and support local park stewardship, help grow the urban forest canopy and ultimately develop a diverse and resilient urban ecosystem.

Park Stewardship Month:
Vanier Stewardship Planting – Oct 3rd
Family-Friendly Planting at Trout Lake – Oct 5th
Everett Crowley Park Stewardship – Oct 12th
5th & Pine Pollination Stewardship – Oct 17th
Eastside Ecostewards – Oct 19th
Jericho Stewardship – Oct 20th

For more details on upcoming stewardship events in October, check out the list of events at the end of the newsletter.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall Tree Sale
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The Vancouver Park Board Fall Tree Sale took place last month on Sept 21st at the Nat Bailey Stadium parking lot. It was an opportunity for Vancouver residents to take home a variety of trees to plant on their private properties and contribute to the growth of Vancouver‘s urban forest.
 
Over 1,800 trees were sold! By October, the Park Board will have planted more than 125,000 new trees since 2010, enough to cover Stanley Park more than four times (~55% of the new trees were planted in streets and parks while the remainder were planted on private lands).
 
If you missed out on the fall sale, don‘t worry, there will be another sale next spring.

Subscribe to the stewardship newsletter to stay informed. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eagle Nesting Pole at Vanier Park
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In 2010, the Park board built a series of dirt jumps in Vanier Park in collaboration with the Vancouver Dirt Jump Coalition (VDJC).  Over the past decade, the VDJC have become stewards of both the dirt jumps and surrounding forested area – cleaning up garbage, maintaining the jumps and planting trees.
 
In late 2017, eagles built a new nest above the existing bike facility and in 2018, park staff postponed an expansion of this bike pump track to evaluate the possible impacts to eagle nesting in the area. Park staff worked closely with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO), the Hancock Wildlife Foundation and consulting biologist (EDI) to ensure that the expanded recreational area was mindful of wildlife habitat.  The aging alder and cottonwood forest provided few options for a stable eagle’s nest, therefore a permanent eagle nesting pole was installed in the Vanier Park forest last month during the approved work window (August 1 – September 15).  
We are optimistic the eagles will adopt this new platform for successful nesting into the future!  According to a community member, the pair of eagles returned to Vanier Park on September 29th  -  their return is 6 days earlier than last year!

Later this week, park staff will be hosting a public stewardship planting event to enhance the bird habitat around the new bike pump track and eagle pole.  Join us on Thursday, October 3rd from 4:00-6:00pm to plant a tree and learn more about this project! Gloves, tools, and pizza will be provided and everyone is welcome.
            
For more information on the activities at Vanier Park click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community Garden Vacancies
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Still Creek Community Garden

There are 6 accessible plots and 4 non-accessible plots available at the Still Creek Community Garden (2750 E 29th Ave). Email stillcreekcommunitygarden@gmail.com for details. 
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Cottonwood Community Garden

The garden runs along the south perimeter of Strathcona Park on Malkin Ave, between Chess & Raymur Avenues. There are 145 plots and the fee for gardening is $15 per year plus a $5 membership fee.  

There are 17 plots available; 11 in-ground plots and 6 raised bed plots located in Cottonwood's accessible garden. 

If you're interested in a plot or want more information contact cottonwoodgarden@gmail.com.
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Volunteering in our parks? Remember to Make It Count! Use the forms below to track and record the growth of your events and community involvement. If you host numerous events a month, please contact us at parkstewards@vancouver.ca to receive the Stewardship Tracker spreadsheet.

Park Partners

Use the link below to keep track all of your stewardship, education, and research events!

Park Stewards

Use the link below to record your hours of involvement and activity in our parks!

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Upcoming Stewardship Events

 

 

 

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Environmental Restoration in Vancouver

Where

Mount Pleasant Community Centre, Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, Canada


Description

What role can citizens take in caring for public lands? In this program, we’ll visit 4 local sites where citizen groups are restoring habitats for birds, fish, and other animals.

We’ll also learn about the City of Vancouver’s plan to support stewardship initiatives and promote biodiversity.

Registration: Online at Vancouver Recreation, by phone at
604-257-3080 or in person at 1 Kingsway.
Ages:16+
Cost: $50.00

Date: Saturdays, September 21 to October 26 (6 sessions)
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Location: Mt. Pleasant Community Centre + 4 local sites

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Vanier Stewardship Planting Event

Where

Vanier Park, Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada


Description

Join Vancouver Park Board Staff to enhance bird habitat by planting trees and shrubs around the new bike pump track. We will provide gloves, tools and a pizza dinner!

Be prepared: Rain or shine - Please dress for the weather.

Date: Thursday, October 3, 2019
Time: 4:00 - 6:00pm
Location: Vanier Park Bike Pump Track

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Commons Work Party

Where

50 East 30th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada


Description

All welcome. There are no late-comers! Share in the planting, maintenance and harvest. All who participate receive produce. We are a food security project aiming to grow food for those in our community who are food insecure. Help us grow our garden and community.

Snacks Provided by Matchstick Riley Park (32nd Main).

Date: Saturday, October 5, 2019
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Riley Park Community Garden (50 East 30th Avenue Vancouver Canada)

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Family-Friendly Planting at Trout Lake

Where

Trout lake - Meet at the south side of the lake by the swimming beach


Description

All ages welcomed to help plant, prepare nesting boxes for birds and bees, and have fun! Gloves, shovels and light refreshments will be provided. Please dress for the weather and bring a water bottle.

Email admin@wildcoastecological.com if you have any questions or just come by October 5.

Date: Saturday, October 5, 2019
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Meet at the south side of the lake by the swimming beach

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UpCycling - Weaving Invasive Plants Workshop for Youth (ages 13 - 30)

Where

712 Lost Lagoon Path, Vancouver, BC V6G 2S1, Canada


Description

FREE Youth workshop in Stanley Park for ages 13 - 30! Join SPES and environmental artists from EartHand Gleaners for creative “upcycling” with invasive plants.

Learn core weaving skills for a habitat restoration project on Lost Lagoon using invasive plant species previously removed from Stanley Park forests and wetlands.

Please note, this event will take place outdoors in rain or shine so please dress for the weather.

Groups are welcome to register, please email stewardship@stanleyparkecology.ca for further information.

Date: Saturday, October 5, 2019
Time: 1:00-4:00pm
Location: Stanley Park Nature House on Lost Lagoon (712 Lost Lagoon Path Vancouver, BC V6G 2S1)

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Gardening with Lori Snyder

Where

401 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada


Description

Join us in bringing plants and medicines to the outdoor space at Carnegie Centre! Lori Snyder, Indigenous Herbalist and Educator, will guide us through caretaking the space and share knowledge about the traditional uses of plants and medicines.

Everything is free and all are welcome!

Date: Saturday, October 5, 2019
Time: 2:00-4:00pm
Location: Carnegie Centre Patio (401 Main St)

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Mushroom and old-growth forest ecology walk in Cypress Provincial Park

Where

Entrance of Black Mountain Lodge of Cypress Provincial Park


Description

A joint event for Friends of Cypress Provincial Park Society (www.cypresspark.ca) and Nature Vancouver (www.naturevancouver.ca). Membership in those societies is not required.

Walk leader and Interpreter: David Cook.

Registration is required: Because of a need to limit the size of the group and because the event may be rescheduled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, registration is required. Contact David at cookeco2@yahoo.com to register.

Description of event: The walk will take us through the Yew Lake area and the old-growth forest grove where we will talk about wetland ecology and old-growth forest ecology. We will then proceed along the Pump-house Road to view plants such as sundew along a seepage area. Then part-way along the upper Sunset trail to look for the mushrooms that will be “blooming” at that time of the year.

Meeting time, duration and location: 11:00am at the entrance to the Black Mountain Lodge of Cypress Provincial Park. (NOT the new Cypress Creek Lodge). Approximately four hours. There is no bus service available so if you need a lift contact David and an attempt will be made to arrange a lift amongst other registrants.

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Walking with the Nettle

Where

Trillium North Park, corner of Malkin and Thornton St


Description

Stinging Nettle is a plant with many gifts to teach those willing to risk getting close. Urtica doica, the variety that grows both here and throughout the UK, has clothed our collective ancestors as have the other Urtica species that grow around the Northern hemisphere.

Join Sharon Kallis for a walking tour around the nettle patches in Trillium Park and learn the stories and knowledge Sharon has gained from both the plants and her many teachers over the last 15 years.

Rain or shine, after a short walk, time will be spent under-cover processing harvested nettle stalks. Dress for the weather.

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-with-the-nettle-tickets-72294475723

Date: Sunday, October 6, 2019
Time: 1:00-4:00pm
Location: Trillium North Park, corner of Malkin and Thornton St

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45th and Windsor Fall Planting

Where

Corner of East 45th and Windsor (beside South Memorial Park)


Description

Join the Pollination Pathway Team and the Parks Board to plant shrubs and trees at this new pollination park. We will provide gloves, tools and light refreshments!

Be prepared: Rain or shine - Please dress for the weather.

Date: Monday, October 7, 2019
Time: 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Corner of East 45th and Windsor (beside South Memorial Park)

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Healing Salve Workshop

Where

401 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada


Description

On October 11th, join us to make your own beeswax healing salve. Space is limited.

Please sign up at the 3rd Floor Program Office at the Carnegie Centre.

Date: Friday, October 11, 2019
Time: 1:00-3:00pm
Location: Carnegie Centre Patio (401 Main St)

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Everett Crowley Park Stewardship

Where

Everett Crowley Park, Kerr Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada


Description

Get dirty, have fun and help the environment!

Join us for monthly stewardship events to help remove invasive plants, plant tree/shrubs and learn more about the unique history and ecology of Everett Crowley Park. Gloves, tools and light refreshments are provided.

Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy, close-toed shoes. Weather permitting.

Date: Saturday, October 12, 2019
Time: 10:00am-1:00pm
Location: Meet at the entrance of Everett Crowley Parking Lot (8200 Kerr St).

Registration: https://ca.apm.activecommunities.com/vancouver/Activity_Search/everett-crowley-park-stewardship/235748

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Courtyard Planting Event

Where

Museum of Vancouver, Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada


Description

Join the Museum of Vancouver (MoV) and Vancouver park staff to plant the indigenous garden in the museums courtyard. Park board will provide gloves, tools and light refreshments!

Date: Thursday, October 17, 2019
Time: 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Museum of Vancouver

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5th & Pine Pollination Stewardship Event

Where

1696 W 5th Ave, Vancouver, BC, Canada


Description

Become a steward of Fifth and Pine pop-up park!

The Park Board is hosting a community stewardship event to tidy up the space and build on the existing pollinator habitat with more flowering plants and grasses. Come by for a few minutes, an hour, or the whole event. Bring your friends!

Be prepared: Rain or shine - Please dress for the weather.
What to bring: We have gloves and tools for everyone, but if you have favourite gardening gloves or tools, please bring them along. We‘ll also have light refreshments to share.

Date: Thursday, October 17, 2019
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: 1696 W 5th Ave, Vancouver, BC

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Eastside Ecostewards

Where

New Brighton Park, New Brighton Road, Vancouver, BC, Canada


Description

Eastside Ecostewards brings together members of Vancouver's community to care for our parks and wild spaces in a sustainable, community-oriented way. This event will involve removing invasive blackberry plants from New Brighton Park in northeast Vancouver. Our invasive species removal events are restricted to youth 14-18yrs and adults.

For more information on where to meet and to get a volunteer waiver form please contact us at es.ecostewards@gmail.com.

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eastside-ecostewards-invasive-species-removal-oct-19-tickets-64427499385

Date: Saturday, October 19th, 2019
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Location: New Brighton Park, V5K 0A1

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Fascinating Fungi

Where

Upper kiosk in the car park of Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver


Description

Fascinating fungi: Learn about the role of fungi in our forests and how to safely identify them.

A joint event for Lighthouse Park Preservation Society (www.lpps.ca) and Nature Vancouver (www.naturevancouver.ca). Membership in these societies is not required.

Walk leader and Interpreter: David Cook.

Registration is required: Because of a need to limit the size of the group and because the event may be rescheduled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, registration is required. Contact David at cookeco2@yahoo.com to register.

Meeting time, duration and location: 2:00 pm at upper kiosk in the car park of Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver. Approximately two hours.
For those travelling by bus use the 250 Horseshoe Bay bus and alight at the Marine Drive/Beacon Lane stop.

Terrain and elevation gain: We will be walking along well-maintained trails at a very slow pace looking for and talking about the mushrooms that we find. No significant elevation gain.

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Jericho Stewardship

Where

Meet at the bridge between the duck ponds (W 4th Avenue and NW Marine Drive, Vancouver)


Description

Join Jericho Stewardship Group's October work party on October 20th! Help make sure that Jericho Beach Park remains a healthy ecosystem for Vancouver!

• What we'll do
We will be removing overgrown invasive plant from the growing native plants in our parks.

• What to bring
Please bring sturdy shoes, and water. Tools and snacks will be provided.

• Important to know
The weather will be cool so dress for the weather!

Date: Sunday, October 20, 2019
Time: 9:30am-12:30pm

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Pandora Park Work Party (AGM)

Where

2325 Franklin St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1S2, Canada


Description

The Pandora Park Community Garden Society was formed in early 2009 by a group of people from the Hastings Sunrise area of Vancouver. We’ve been meeting since February 2009 and have a steady core group of nearly 15 participants.

They have regular work parties scheduled on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

Date: Sunday, October 27, 2019
Time: 3:00-5:00pm
Location: Pandora Park (2325 Franklin St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1S2)

Email pandoraparkcommunitygarden@gmail.com for more information or to get on the wait list.

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Still Creek Streamkeepers Meeting

Where

Slocan Hall, 2750 E 29th Ave


Description

Interested in the Health of Still Creek and the Renfrew Ravine? Join the Still Creek Streamkeepers for our monthly public meeting. Everyone is welcome! Light refreshments provided.

The Still Creek Streamkeepers are a group of neighbours and citizen scientists who help take care of Still Creek and Renfrew Ravine, with the support of Still Moon Arts Society. We monitor the health of Still Creek and run activities that help improve water quality and ecosystems. This includes water quality testing, garbage removal, invertebrate sampling, and removing invasive species and replanting with native plants.

Event Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/484662855429345/

Date: Monday, October 28, 2019
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Slocan Hall, 2750 E 29th Ave

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Spawner Surveys in Still Creek

Where

Bridge @ Cornett Road and Natal St


Description

Join us to conduct spawner surveys in Still Creek! Spawner surveys help provide information about the number of adult salmonoids in a creek. If there are no salmon in the creek, we may plan to visit another creek so we can see salmon!

Date: Saturday, November 2nd, 2019
Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm
Location: Bridge @ Cornett Road and Natal St

Sign up at: https://www.facebook.com/events/925235047833731/

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