Earth Day Partnerships Blooming

One of Fraser Valley Conservancy’s (FVC) mandates is to promote the acquisition and preservation of areas with ecological and historic values in the Fraser Valley. A newly acquired land-in-trust offered a perfect opportunity to celebrate Earth Day while partnering with other environmental organizations to highlight the need for protecting and enhancing natural areas.

To kick-off the National Earth Day weekend we partnered with the Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition (FVWC), a group working on promoting healthy watersheds in the Fraser Valley, and Mission’s Adopt a Block society, an organization that delivers an anti-litter program, to restore a section of Windebank Creek held within our land-in-trust. Prior to the event, the site was infested with invasive Himalayan blackberry that was choking our native plants. Approximately 1,000 m² of blackberry was cleared in order for native species to be planted. Armed with thirty volunteers, litter was removed from the creek, which included several shopping carts, a mattress, and clothing; while 550 native potted shrubs and trees and 125 willow whips for a total of 675 native species were planted into the ground! Community support and involvement was exceptional, and all ages and abilities were welcomed!

With the initial planting and restoration works complete, (more restoration plans are in draft for 2013, monitoring and maintenance works ongoing) we hope this site will provide suitable habitat for wildlife using this natural corridor. We also hope that stream bank erosion will be reduced andthe stream will become well-shadedto improve the quality of aquatic habitat for our aquatic life and wild salmon.

We would like to recognize and offer thanks to our partners Mission Adopt-a-Block Society and the Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition, the District of Mission, RBC’s Blue Water Grant, TD Friends of the Environment, and Tim Hortons Community Cruiser.

- Submitted by Natashia Cox, Project Coordinator, FVC