The Friends of Devonian Park have been recognized for tackling invasive species.
The Metchosin-based group received the Together in Action Stewardship Organization Award last week from the Invasive Species Council of B.C.
“This recognizes an incredible group effort over 13 years, and over 3,700 hours of work people have done to protect a very precious Garry oak ecosystem,” said Metchosin Coun. Moralea Milne, a member of the group. “It is what we do to help protect the park and return it to the natural flora and fauna.”
The group goes out every Sunday from November to March tackling the removal of broom, blackberry, daphne and ivy and has taken out tons of invasive plant growth since its formation.
“There is certainly many a cold Sunday I would rather have stayed in my warm duvet, instead of getting up, but we motivate each other to do this work,” Milne said.
“We have a good time and feel good about the work we do. Some people go to church on Sunday; we go to Devonian Park.”
In all, six Together in Action awards were handed out, recognizing leadership in invasive species research, education, prevention, management and control, as well as contributions from business leaders or organizations.