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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.
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| Seen any aliens lately? Invasive alien species, that is? Invasive species occur outside their natural range and cause significant ecological, social and/or economic impacts. Their presence has implications for biodiversity, food security, recreation, housing and real estate, transportation, climate-change planning and many of our industries such as agriculture, horticulture and forestry.
There are many alien invaders in the Metro Vancouver region – some like giant hogweed are extremely toxic to touch and others like knotweeds damage the environment and infrastructure. Other species such as fire ants and European chafer beetles are wreaking havoc in our gardens and natural spaces.
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What is Being Done? What Can You Do?
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 | Role of the Vancouver Park Board The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation aims to provide abundant experiences with nature for all while protecting and enhancing our natural environments.
Strategies and plans such as the Rewilding Strategy, Biodiversity Strategy, Urban Forest Strategy, Bird Strategy, and Local Food Action Plan frame the work in environmental education and stewardship. Staff are currently implementing these strategies and collaborating with local stewardship groups to care for our parks and protect them for future generations.
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 | Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver (ISCMV) The Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver provides leadership in the region on invasive species management. The ISCMV is a non-profit society and one of many regional invasive species organizations across British Columbia. The ISCMV’s vision is for Metro Vancouver communities to be free of invasive species, with sustainable programs in place to contain, control, and prevent future introductions. The ISCMV works closely with land managers and other partners throughout the Metro Vancouver region on invasive species issues. The ISCMV office is located in the Adanac Fieldhouse in Vancouver’s Adanac Park and is proud to be part of
the Vancouver Park Board's Fieldhouse Activation Program.
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 | Role of Stewardship Groups Volunteer stewardship groups are vital to invasive species management in Metro Vancouver. These groups undertake ambitious, year-round programs that not only reduce the impact of invasive species, but effectively engage the public in environmental stewardship and volunteerism in every corner of our region with very little funds to support their work. These groups often fill a niche in the region by stewarding parks and green spaces that aren’t being actively managed but require significant restoration due to the impacts of invasive species.
The ISCMV offers support, consultation and technical training to stewardship groups. Contact the ISCMV at info@iscmv.ca to see if your group qualifies!
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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.
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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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Bear Walk - Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve (LSCR) and Lynn Canyon Park, North Vancouver Where Main entrance doors of Superstore, 333 Seymour Blvd., North Vancouver Description A joint field trip for Nature Vancouver and the North Shore Black Bear Society.
The focus will be on the behavior of black bears in their natural environment. You will have an opportunity to learn about the various natural foods preferred by our local black bears in two very different ecosystems; a forested area with a high level of coarse woody debris where bears forage for insects in rotten logs and stumps and an unforested berry-bush area. You will see the plant species foraged by bears and a number of bear signs such as scats, bear-marked trees, excavated rotten logs and a den.
Duration & length of walk: 2 to 3 hours.
Trip leader: David Cook 604-924-0147
Registration: Because of a need to limit the size of the group and because the event may be rescheduled due to weather, registration is required. Contact David at
cookeco2@yahoo.com.
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Beekeeping Workshop Where 566 Richards Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada Description Join Hives for Humanity at Cathedral Square for this beekeeping workshop!
Closed toe shoes and light coloured clothing is recommended. All beekeeping equipment will be provided during workshop.
This event is free to all and everyone is welcome!
Date: Thursday, August 1, 2019
Time: 12-1:30pm
Location: Cathedral Square (566 Richards Street) | | Add To Calendar | | |
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Vancouver's Community Gardens Meeting Where Riley Park Community Garden, Vancouver, BC, Canada Description Inviting community garden organizers and members in Vancouver for a meet-up, potluck and conversation. Join us as we share how our gardens address vandalism and security. Park Board Security Mangaer, Steve Kwok will provide knowledge on this subject matter. Share your experiences and let's collaborate on solutions.
Bring a dish to share if you can. Snacks are provided.
For more information, email Joanne joanne_mackinnon@lmnhs.bc.ca
Date: Thursday, August 1, 2019
Time: 6:00-9:00pm
Location: Riley Park Community Garden (50 East 30th Ave, Vancouver, BC)
Click here for more information and to RSVP
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/vancouvers-community-gardens-meetup-tickets-65044230043 | | Add To Calendar | | |
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Commons Work Party Where Riley Park Community Garden, Vancouver, BC, Canada Description All welcome. There are no late-comers! Share in the planting, maintenance and harvest. All who participate receive produce. The Riley Park Community Garden is a food security project aiming to grow food for those in our community who are food insecure. Help us grow our garden and community.
After the Work Party, stay for lunch. Join Lori Snyder at 1pm for her Native Plant Walk and Artful Expressions session.
Snacks Provided by Matchstick Riley Park (32nd Main).
Date: Saturdays (Aug 3 - 31)
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Location: Riley Park Community Garden (50 East 30th Ave, Vancouver, BC) | | Add To Calendar | | |
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Small Fish Trapping and Water Quality Testing in Still Creek Where Cornett Road and Natal Street Description Join the Still Creek Streamkeepers on a trip into Still Creek to get a sense of small fish populations. We will be on the look out for stickleback, coho and much more! We will also test pH, dissolved oxygen and salinity of the creek.
Rubber boots are recommended for going into the creek.
We will be sampling at the portion of the creek that is across from the Canadian Tire at Cornett Road and Natal Street - close to Rupert Skytrain Station.
Date: Saturday, Aug 3, 2019
Time: 10:30am-12:30pm
Location: Cornett Rd and Natal St
To sign up visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/878678249174674/ | | Add To Calendar | | |
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Queen Alexandra Community Garden Where Queen Alexandra Elementary School, 1300 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC Unceded Coast Salish Territory Description Please join us in taking care of our community garden. We are growing food for the community and school. As well we are rewilding and caring for the Indigenous plants and teachings that live in the garden.
Also seeking volunteers to share a watering schedule throughout the week.
Date: Wednesdays (Aug 7- 28)
Time: 3:00-5:00pm
Location: Queen Alexandra Community Garden (1300 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC)
To register please contact Jolene Andrew: jandrew@mpnh.org
604.879.8202 ext 139 | | Add To Calendar | | |
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Vines Art Festival - Opening Ceremony Where Jericho Beach Park, Point Grey Road, Vancouver, BC, Canada Description SENAQWILA WYSS, CHRISTIE LEE CHARLES & OCEAN HYLAND – Opening Ceremony
6:30 PM
The opening ceremonies of Vines Art Festival will have welcoming and knowledge sharing by 3 local Indigenous women.
SENAQWILA WYSS – Plant Walk
As we move between events, Senaqwila Wyss will guide participants on a walk, describing medicinal and traditional uses of plants we encounter along the way.
TYLER JACOBS – Community Pow Wow
7 PM
Enjoy a performance from our all-ages community class series which offered our community an introduction to the different styles of Pow Wow.
RAVEN SPIRIT DANCE – The Gift
7:15 PM
DALANNAH GAIL BOWEN
7:30 PM
WELCOMING FEAST
7:30 PM
Date: Wednesday, August 7, 2019 (entire festival is from Aug 7 to Aug 18)
Time: Starts @ 6:30pm
Location: Jericho Beach Park
(3941 Point Grey Road)
For more information: http://vinesartfestival.com/all-events/openingceremony/ | | Add To Calendar | | |
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Queen Bee Biology Workshop Where 4747 Dunbar Street, Vancouver, BC V6S 2H2, Canada Description Join us at Dunbar Community Centre for this workshop!
Closed toe shoes and light coloured clothing is recommended.
All beekeeping equipment will be provided during workshop.
This event is free to all and everyone is welcome!
Date: Thursday, August 8, 2019
Time: 2:00-3:30pm
Location: Dunbar Community Centre (4747 Dunbar Street, Vancouver, BC V6S 2H2, Canada) | | Add To Calendar | | |
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Resurfacing History Events Where 1 Example Street, City State Country Description Friday August 9th: Cease Wyss, working with Fir Pitch and Oregon Grape juice and other yummy natural sweets
Saturday August 10th: Leonard Williams, Cedar weaving, Our Baskets are NOT just decorations!
August 15th: Senaqwila Wyss, visit at the EartHand Gleaners to have some hands on West Coast Textiles!
Please RSVP by emailing Jolene Andrew at jandrew@mpnh.org
AFTER you RSVP, details for times and location will be sent out a couple days before the event. Please remember as well, we don‘t shape the land, the land shapes us! Sometimes we have to change our discussion or workshop topic to suit what the land provides. Also see upcoming dates for the rest of August and Sept.
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Registration Open - Ecological Restoration in Vancouver Where Mount Pleasant Community Centre, 1 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5T 3H7, Canada Description What role can citizens take in caring for public lands? In this 6 week program, we‘ll visit 4 local sites where citizen groups are restoring habitats for birds, fish, and other animals. The 2 indoor sessions will focus on the City of Vancouver‘s plans to support stewardship initiatives and promote biodiversity. Outdoor sites are Trout Lake/John Hendry Park, Jericho Beach Park, Still Creek, and Everett Crowley Park. These sessions will offer opportunities for hands-on experiences. All fitness levels welcome.
Saturday, Sept. 21 to Oct. 28. 10:00 am to 1200 pm.
Mt. Pleasant Community Centre
Cost: $50.00
Ages: 16+.
Registration starts Aug. 10, online at Vancouver Recreation, by phone 604-257-3080, or in person at 1 Kingsway. | | Add To Calendar | | |
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Eastside Ecostewards - Invasive Species Removal 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.
Date: Saturday, August 10, 2019
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: New Brighton Park (3201 New Brighton Rd, Vancouver, BC V5K 0A1)
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eastside-ecostewards-invasive-species-removal-aug-10-tickets-64426860474
For more information please contact Josh at es.ecostewards@gmail.com.
Please complete a wavier form: http://hastingscc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Excel-Spring-Waiver-Form-2017-Adult.pdf | | Add To Calendar | | |
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Corn Boil Potluck Where Riley Park Community Garden 50 East 30th Avenue Vancouver Canada Description We provide the corn on the cob (from Mandair Farm at the Riley Park Famers Market), you can provide other dishes using corn. Let‘s explore dishes from around the world made with corn.
Date: Saturday, August 10, 2019
Time: 12:30-1:30pm
Location: Riley Park Community Garden (50 East 30th Avenue Vancouver Canada) | | Add To Calendar | | |
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Youth Power - Vines Art Festival Where Pandora Park, 2325 Franklin Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada Description A workshop dedicated to writing about trauma in ways that do not retraumatise ourselves and performing about trauma in ways that do not traumatise our audiences.
Be wowed by the talents of this year‘s roster of youth from the Vines Art Festival Youth Program. A multidisciplinary performance from some of the lower mainland‘s most promising youth. There will be installations, performances, and more!
Date: Saturday, August 10, 2019
Time: 12:30-5:00pm
Location: Pandora Park (2325 Franklin Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada)
Vines Art Festival Events: http://vinesartfestival.com/all-events/ | | Add To Calendar | | |
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A Stroll through Vancouver‘s Geological History in Stanley Park Where Concession stand, Third Beach parking lot, Stanley Park Description A free joint event for the Geological Association of Canada (Cordilleran Section) and Nature Vancouver.
This will be a low-paced walk along the sea-wall of Stanley Park to learn about the geology of the Vancouver area. The distance will be 4 km return.
Trip leader: David Cook.
Duration: 3 to 4 hours. There is a parking fee so allow time for the return walk.
Registration: Because of a need to limit the size of the group and because the event may be rescheduled due to weather, registration is required. Contact David at cookeco2@yahoo.com.
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Jericho Park August Work Party Where W 4th Avenue and NW Marine Drive, Vancouver Description Join Jericho Stewardship Group's July work party on August 11th! 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, August 11, 2019
Time: 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Meet at the bridge between the duck ponds (W 4th Avenue and NW Marine Drive, Vancouver) | | Add To Calendar | | |
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Fall Planting Planning Meeting Where Corner of East 45th and Windsor (beside South Memorial Park) Description Join the Pollination Pathway Team and the Parks Board to steward this new pollination park and plan the fall planting together. We will provide gloves, tools and snacks.
Date: Monday, July 8th, 2019
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Location: Corner of East 45th and Windsor (beside South Memorial Park) | | Add To Calendar | | |
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Geology of the North Shore Where Capilano Branch Library - North Vancouver District Public Library, 3045 Highland Blvd, North Vancouver, North Vancouver, BC, Canada Description An illustrated lecture by David Cook, P. Eng, FGAC, Geologist.
The natural attributes of Vancouver make it one of the most beautiful cities in North America. Many have chosen it as their home on the basis of its magnificent setting. The jewel in the crown of that setting is the backdrop of spectacular mountains on the North Shore. We tend to think of those mountains as static, but in terms of geological time, the forces that created them are immense and have taken place over periods of time difficult for us to understand in relation to our short time on this Earth.
Date: Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Time: Starts at 7pm
Location: Capilano branch library District of North Vancouver 3045 Highland Blvd, North Vancouver
Register online https://nvdpl.ca/event/geology-north-shore-0 or by phone 604-987-4471 extension 8175. |
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July Stewardship at Trillium Where Trillium North Park, Thornton St @ Malkin Ave, Vancouver, BC V6A 2E5, Canada Description Sessions are led by Jaymie Johnson and are drop in opportunities to become familiar with the crops growing at both Trillium North and Means of Production Garden. Time is spent primarily on seasonal stewardship tasks from planting, harvesting and weeding with fun diversions into the studio potential that the various crops offer. Some dates overlap with other programs, creating opportunity for collaborations and show and tell of what is happening in the gardens! Jaymie is an artist with an education in both Permaculture and Fine Arts and has been working with Cameron Cartiere (BorderFree Bees) and Sharon Kallis in developing her own community engaged practice that brings these two worlds together.
Date: Saturday, July 13, 2019
Time: 1:00-4:00pm
Location: Trillium North Park (Thornton St @ Malkin Ave)
Sign up at:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/july-stewardship-at-trillium-tickets-54312751903?aff=erelexpmlt
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Colour Me Local Dye Garden Work Party Where Renfrew Ravine Park @ Renfrew St and 24th Avenue Description Join us at a work party! Help weed and water, and learn about different dye plants and how they make natural dyes. We need many hands to maintain the garden full of plants for dyes, medicinal uses & supporting pollinators. No experience is necessary and everyone is welcome.
The Colour Me Local Dye Garden was installed by Still Moon Arts and the community installed in April 2019 as part of the Alder Eco-Arts Hub residency at Slocan Park Fieldhouse. The garden will support pollinators, natural dye programs, and medicinal plant programs with Resurfacing History. It has plants that can be used to create a range of vibrant colours for dying natural materials such as cotton, linen, wool, and silk. Different parts of these plants can be used to create dyes, including roots, stems, bark, leaves, flowers and fruits.
Date: August 14 & 28, 2019
Time:
6:00-8:00pm
Location: Renfrew Ravine Park @ Renfrew St and 24th Avenue
To sign up visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/834207876965099/ | | Add To Calendar | | |
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Circle Talk - Vines Art Festival Where Pandora Park, 2325 Franklin Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada Description Join us for a facilitated discussion on urgent and pressing topics. Share your perspective, and come away with new strategies for implementing your power in a shifting social, cultural, and environmental landscape.
Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Time: Starts at 6:30pm
Location: Pandora Park (2325 Franklin Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada) | | Add To Calendar | | |
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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, August 15, 2019
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: 1696 W 5th Ave, Vancouver, BC
Registration: https://www.meetup.com/Vancouver-Environment-Meetup/events/263490537/ | | Add To Calendar | | |
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Off-trail nature walks in the Old Growth Conservancy, West Vancouver Where Hi-View Lookout on Cypress Bowl Road Description Starting on a short trail, participants learn about the characteristics of an old-growth forest and see the giant trees firsthand. The second part of the tour ventures off-trail into the apex of the Conservancy where the forest is least impacted.
Tours take 3 hours or longer. While the walking is slow-paced, much of it is off-trail including steep terrain, fallen trees and underbrush. Therefore, sturdy footwear, long pants and a long-sleeve shirt (for brush and bugs) are recommended. Please bring water, a light lunch and optionally a hiking pole for stability.
Date: Aug 17, 21 and 24
Time: 10am-2:00pm
Location: Hi-View Lookout on Cypress Bowl Road
These walks are by registration in order to limit the size of the group. Registration can be accomplished by emailing your preferred date to ogcs.wv@gmail.com. |
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Colour Me Local Dye Workshop Where Alder Eco-Arts Hub at 2750 E 29th Ave Description Curious about plant-based dyes for fabric? Still Moon Art Society is hosting a workshop to learn about mordanting, shifting the colour with pH and temperature, and dye plant identification. Each participant will get a strip of the raw silk to dye, or bring your own pre-mordanted fabric. Beginners and experts all welcome.
Cost: $40
Date: Saturday, August 17, 2019
Time: 11:00am-4:00pm
Location: Alder Eco-Arts Hub (2750 E 29th Ave)
Please register here: https://ca.apm.activecommunities.com/vancouver/Activity_Search/colour-me-local/225461?fbclid=IwAR16xikCr0D-VVUG_FOm4aHMKo6_nL1XCVImHhRmOMKwMlSAbJJCEEuyfq8 | | Add To Calendar | | |
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Open Studio Sessions Where Trillium North Park, Thornton St @ Malkin Ave, Vancouver, BC V6A 2E5, Canada Description Come and connect, get into the flow of conversation with your hands, and maybe get a good tip or suggestion from a neighbour.
Summer Evenings to come hang out and work on personal projects, be creatively inspired and get technical advice from your peers. Picnic dinners encouraged.
Date: August 19 & 26
Time: 6:00-9:00pm
Location: Trillium North Park (Thornton St @ Malkin Ave, Vancouver, BC V6A 2E5, Canada) | | Add To Calendar | | |
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Summer Abundance Forager's Feast Where Slocan Hall, 2750 E 29th Ave Description Did your summer speed by or are you savoring every moment? Come savour a moment (and some delicious homemade dishes) with us at the Summer Abundance Forager's Feast! This community potluck welcomes everybody to bring a dish to share that contains at least one ingredient that was ethically foraged or grown by the maker.
Date: Thursday, August 22, 2019
Time: 5:30-8:00pm
Location: Slocan Hall (2750 E 29th Ave)
Registration is not yet open, but watch the Still Moon Arts Society Facebook Page for more info forthcoming: facebook.com/StillMoonArts | | Add To Calendar | | |
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Pandora Park Work Party - BBQ Where 2325 Franklin St Vancouver, BC V5L 1S2 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: Saturday, August 25, 2019
Time: Afternoon
Location: Pandora Park (2325 Franklin St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1S2)
Email pandoraparkcommunitygarden@gmail.com for more information or to get on the wait list. | | Add To Calendar | | |
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Still Creek Streamkeepers Meeting Where 2750 E 29th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5R 1V6, Canada 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.
Date: Monday, August 26, 2019
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Slocan Community Hall (2750 E 29th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5R 1V6, Canada)
To sign up visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1205480916301002/ | | Add To Calendar | | |
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Lovin' the Earth Climate Action Fair Where Riley Park Community Garden 50 East 30th Avenue Vancouver Canada Description Join us for a family-friendly event on climate action! There will be many opportunities to LEARN and DO at this event, so bring everyone down and be part of the action. The event will be organized into 5 thematic pillars: Food, Energy, Transportation, Waste and Resilient Neighbourhoods.
There will also be events in the Community Garden this day, like tours of the garden and the Renewable Energy Shed, so stay tuned for more information on these!
Date: Saturday, August 31, 2019
Time: 10:00am-3:00pm
Location: Riley Park Community Garden (50 East 30th Avenue Vancouver Canada) | | Add To Calendar | | |
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