Dust off the work gloves and dig out your pruners, there’s a work party happening this Saturday (June 11) at Havenwood Park in Colwood.
“There are three at-risk species that can be found in the park,” said Alanah Nasadyk, Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT) community and development co-ordinator. “Considering the size of the park, it’s quite important.”
HAT, the City of Colwood, Friends of Havenwood Park and the Greater Victoria Green Team are partnering to restore Havenwood Park, which hosts a number of at-risk species and ecosystems, including Garry oak mossy rock outcrops and the rare propertius duskywing butterfly.
In an effort to help protect some of the native species, the focus of Saturday’s event is on removing invasive species and providing a clearly marked trail for people to use. “We’re working on a part of the park that was previously degraded,” Nasadyk said. “We just want to make sure people and wildlife can enjoy the park.”
Getting community members involved in the restoration efforts helps create a stewardship, she added. “A lot of us use parks all the time and don’t think about how we can get involved.”
Events like this one are a great way for people to participate and take ownership of their local parks, she said. “It’s (also) a really good opportunity for people to visit Havenwood that haven’t been there.”
The volunteer group is asked to meet at the trail entrance off Veterans Memorial Parkway shortly before 10 a.m. for a quick safety lesson. The session is expected to last until abut 2:30 p.m. and lunch, tools and training are provided.
katie@goldstreamgazette.com