Invasive plants were removed from Garry Point Park this weekend by the armful, with the object of making room for native plants to grow.
Organized by the Lower Mainland Green Team, 53 volunteers, including 41 from Richmond, removed 29 cubic metres – equivalent to 181 bathtubs full - of Himalayan blackberry plants, Scotch broom and other invasive plants. They also collected 12 pounds of litter.
“By removing these invasive plants, our volunteers made room for native plants to grow and ensure biodiversity in the ecosystem,” explained Ashton Kerr, program manager for the Lower Mainland Green Team.
“Excellent teamwork” was on display, Kerr added, especially in removing the “extra large, stubborn blackberry roots.”
The cleanup party took place on Sunday, and Kerr noted 21 of the volunteers were pulling out invasives for the first time.
The Lower Mainland Green Team organizes cleanup events around the region, with a focus on introducing people to environmental stewardship.
“By introducing community members to local parks and engaging them in activities that restore local habitats, we are helping instil environmentally responsible behaviour beyond our activities - which is a huge win,” Kerr said in a press release.
The Green Team received an environmental enhancement grant from the City of Richmond to help organize the event.
