Did you know that the colder months are a great time to get involved with environmental stewardship? Many invasive species are cold-hardy, and nearby native deciduous plants will lose their leaves while invasive species stay green and strong. This makes them easier to spot and remove. Getting involved in an outdoor activity can also be a great way to stave off those gloomy, cooped-up feelings that many of us feel during Vancouver's long winters! Many of our environmental Park Partners are actively recruiting volunteers - give one of them a call and ask how you can get involved.

Despite the occasional "snowmageddon", community partners and staff have still been hard at work delivering environmental, arts and culture programming in parks in your community. Read on to learn about upcoming events and programming near you, and hear some updates from Park Board staff about what we've been working on.

In 2023, the TD Park People Grants will support 216 events in parks throughout Canadian cities. These $2,000 grants support the ongoing care and protection of green spaces through environmental education, sustainability and stewardship initiatives.

Applications are due February 20th, 2023. Click the "more info" button below to learn more and access the application.

LOCATION
Meet at the front doors of the Champlain Heights Community Centre (3350 Maquinna Dr, Vancouver, BC V5S 4C6). 

DATES
Saturday, February 18th,  10:00am
Saturday, February 25th, 10:00am
Saturday, March 25th at 10:00am

DESCRIPTION
Get dirty, have fun and help the environment! Join the ECP Committee for monthly stewardship events to remove invasive plants, to rewild native species, and to learn more about the unique history and ecology of Everett Crowley Park. Gloves, tools and light refreshments are provided. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy, close-toed shoes. Weather permitting.

To sign up, use the "Sign Up" link below or contact ECPC at ecpcstewards@gmail.com.

DESCRIPTION
Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES) has several opportunities for dedicated and occasional volunteers, ranging from invasive plant removal to wildlife monitoring, and more. Learn about local ecology and conservation issues, take part in hands-on stewardship, build leadership skills, and make an important contribution to habitat conservation and restoration in Stanley Park. 

The exploration and experiences in the Park continues for all ages with SPES’ public programs. Learn about ecology and enjoy walks, talks, webinars, and workshops on new topics each month. 

LOCATION
Online, with optional in-person field trips

DATES
March 27, April 3, 17 and 24, 7 - 9 PM. 

DESCRIPTION
Discover the Wonders of the Salish Sea through a series of education sessions presented by scientists, naturalists, and environmentalists. The program is a great opportunity to learn about the uniquely biodiverse Salish Sea ecosystem in which we live.

The conference is a "pay what you can" event with a suggested donation of $25, but no one will be turned away.

DESCRIPTION
Filmed and edited by artist Israel Seoane, this short documentary series reflects on the creativity, resilience and richness of artists and community working together through difficult times. Produced by the Arts, Culture & Engagement team, this “time capsule” documentary series features some of our artist residencies showing how community engaged art practices pivot and adapt. We focused on reflection of the creativity, resilience and richness of artists and community working together to demonstrate how artistic practice supports experimentation, connection and response, even in difficult times. 

The five films share stories from the following Park Board supported residencies:

Cedar Bark Hat Weaving at Britannia Community Centre | Arts & Health: Healthy Aging Through the Arts.  Sometimes called H.A.T.T.A., this Park Board initiative brings together seniors and Elders with professional artists for collaborative art projects of all kinds.
 
Collaborative Creative Dance for Older Adults is an Artist Residency at Aberthau/West Point Grey and Jericho Park. This workshop series encourages older adults to express their life experiences and knowledge creatively with dancer and choreographer Desirée Dunbar and emerging dance artist apprentices.
 
Still Moon Arts Society, Artist Residency at Slocan Park Fieldhouse. Still Moon Arts Society inspires vibrant and connected communities by creating artistic experiences and nurturing a passion for nature in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood.
 
Vines Art Festival is an artist residency at Pandora Park Fieldhouse. Vines Art Festival brings imagination into everyday spaces by presenting work for free on “earthstages” – populated and natural public spaces in Vancouver and throughout the province.
  
Echo Park Film Centre North is an artist Residency at Moberly Park Fieldhouse. Through free public workshops and screenings, neighbours and friends use organic materials grown in the community garden and surrounding area as ingredients to create eco-friendly films that celebrate growing, community, and connection to the urban landscape.
 

We are pleased to welcome four exciting new residencies in parks across the city as part of our much-loved Fieldhouse Activation Program.

Since 2011, we have repurposed former caretaker suites into active, creative community spaces. The program now includes 22 residencies, which form a vibrant network of arts, culture, local food, and environmental stewardship projects in parks and neighbourhoods across Vancouver.

These four new groups join 18 others already working in fieldhouses across the city. Fieldhouse space is provided in exchange for community-based creative engagement including arts, food, and environmental stewardship projects, workshops, community celebrations, and performances, totaling 350 hours throughout the year. The community-engaged work is centered out of the fieldhouse and surrounding parks. 

This public ecological art project brings attention to the interconnected environmental and social injustices of human displacement and habitat loss.

If you haven’t yet had a chance to admire this magnificent project in person, there are two FREE opportunities for you to get involved:

• Join Still Moon from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, February 25, at our site clean-up of the area around where the beaver’s lodging will be co-created.
• Watch the artists at work and help weave a branch or two at our Thursday drop-ins this Spring.

The Park Board recently acquired three properties at 1454, 1458, and 1462 E 18th Ave. Commonly known as "Gibby’s Field,” this site was once the meeting place of two tributaries of China Creek. As Vancouver developed, creeks were piped into sewers and buried. While relatively small and sloped, this park site offers potential for rainwater slowing and filtration, ephemeral wetland habitat, urban forest, and environmental education.

We are exploring options to enhance Gibby’s Field as a naturally-managed area and build on the community vision developed by residents through the Gibby’s Field Group and subcommittee. 

In 2022 we began working together with Nature Vancouver and the Port of Vancouver to restore a section of New Brighton Park that had become badly overtaken by invasive Scotch Broom, Himalayan Blackberry and Bull Thistle. 

Invasive plants were initially removed in late winter and replaced with 110 native roses and hundreds of perennials including Large Leaved Lupin, Douglas Aster and Goldenrod. There is still much more work to be done including removing more removal of invasive plants, weeding and transplant watering. Reach out to Nigel at nigel@naturevancouver.ca to learn about the project and get involved.