Volunteers plant 1,000 shrubs at Princess Park
It was a bright and crisp fall day — perfect planting weather.
Monica Woods-Marshall and her young daughter were among the 60 shovel-toting volunteers who planted shrubs and pulled invasive species at Princess Park on Saturday, November 18.
“We did this planting work in conjunction with a larger forest health restoration project underway in Princess Park,” says Woods-Marshall, the DNV’s Section Manager of Urban Forestry and Natural Areas and a nearby resident.
A diverse group participated in the DNV-hosted planting event, including members of the North Shore Streamkeepers, many residents, and a troop of Girl Guides, contributing approximately 150 volunteer hours.
“With the help of our volunteers, we have planted approximately 1,000 native plants that will help increase the area’s biodiversity and resilience,” says Woods-Marshall.
Some of the species planted were from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) Nation’s culturally significant plant list, other species had been in the park historically, and some new drought-resistant plants better suited to our changing climate were also added.
Forest health restoration
The restoration project at Princess Park, which includes hazardous tree removal, trail improvements, new fencing, and signs, will establish approximately two hectares of newly planted and protected areas.
Our crews will be continuing work in the southeastern portion of Princess Park, where there is significant erosion and forest degradation.
To offer safer and more sustainable options for those visiting Princess Park, we will be consolidating and better defining this area’s existing network of trails.
As the primary goal of this project is to restore ecologically sensitive areas while supporting and managing local park users' recreational needs, we ask everyone to stay on designated trails and keep dogs on leashes in the designated restoration areas.
These susceptible areas require ongoing care and protection to allow the new plants to grow and the forested area to reestablish.
“The improvements we are making will revitalize and greatly improve the ecological integrity of Princess Park, helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of the forested area. We are extremely grateful for the time and energy that so many volunteers have committed to helping us with this important work,” says Steffanie Warriner, Director, Parks.
Learn more about the project at Princess Park
Want to get involved?
The District hosts several of these planting and park improvement events annually, with volunteers helping to care for and maintain our trails, greenbelts, creeks and neighbourhood parks.
