Volunteers are coming out in droves to help plant some trees and take climate action.
The Greater Victoria Green Team (GVGT) and the Township of Esquimalt are hosting a TD Tree Days event at Saxe Point Park.
Over 50 volunteers have signed up thus far to plant over 200 trees and assist in removing invasive species in the park this Saturday from 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The GVGT say this climate action is beneficial for participants’ mental and physical health and the event is open to people of all ages and backgrounds. No prior knowledge to trees, tree planting or invasive species is necessary.
“In order to allow the trees and shrubs we plant to thrive, we will be removing invasive plants from the areas we will be planting. English Ivy is extremely prominent within the forest,” said Interim Program Manager, Maria Varem.
“We have a wide variety of native species ready to plant, including Douglas Fir, Grand Fir, Western Yew, Scouler’s Willow, Red Alder, Salal, Dull Oregon Grape, and Sword Fern.”
In regards to the invasive species in Saxe Point Park she said that typically similar forests will get invaded by English Holly and Daphne in addition to ivy.
Organizers recommend volunteers wear clothes they don’t mind getting dirty with long sleeves and long pants, bring a refillable water bottle, your own gardening gloves, tools, safety glasses (We provide them if you don’t have your own), sturdy closed toe shoes/boots, a hat and sunscreen if it’s sunny and a rain jacket in case it rains.
The GVGT will provide snacks and refreshments halfway through.
The event will go forward rain or shine and organizers ask that volunteers register prior to attending.
TD Tree Days is a climate action initiative created to plant over 1,000,000 trees by the year 2030.
According to TD, they are well on their way to achieving that goal with 466,000+ trees and shrubs planted to date.
Plant Native Trees & Remove Invasive Ivy at Saxe Point Park
- Where: Saxe Point Park
- When: Saturday, October 1st from 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
