Fraser Valley Conservancy

Mission Habitat Healers In-person Information Session
2023-03-25 14:00 - 15:30 UTC | Mission Library, 33247 Second Avenue, Mission, British Columbia, V2V 1J9, Canada
Do you want a happier and healthier neighborhood and community?
Are you interested in attending free workshops and hands-on training to learn how to support nature and wildlife where you live?
Do you want to make new, like-minded friends all while improving your physical and mental health through working with nature?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should come to our information session to learn more about a brand-new program we are launching in Mission!
Our Habitat Healers Ambassador Program provides you with the knowledge, tools, and support you need to conserve thriving and resilient ecosystems in your neighbourhood!
Be part of a movement that will provide clean air, water, soil, and habitats for all people, plants, animals, and fungi near you!
This in-person information session will take place from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 25 at Mission Library.
We will provide coffee, tea, and light refreshments for all attendees!
We have another virtual information session on the evening of Monday, March 27, go to our events page if that better suits your schedule!
If you are unable to attend either information session, but still want to be part of the Habitat Healers Ambassador Team, you are still welcome to attend our first workshop in April! Stay tuned for more details!
Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with all Habitat Healer events in your area!
For further questions about the Habitat Healers Ambassador Team, contact the Step to It Program Coordinator Andrea Sadowski

Mission Habitat Healers Virtual Information Session
2023-03-27 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | Online
Do you want a happier and healthier neighborhood and community?
Are you interested in attending free workshops and hands-on training to learn how to support nature and wildlife where you live?
Do you want to make new, like-minded friends all while improving your physical and mental health through working with nature?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should come to our information session to learn more about a brand-new program we are launching in Mission!
Our Habitat Healers Ambassador Program provides you with the knowledge, tools, and support you need to conserve thriving and resilient ecosystems in your neighbourhood!
Be part of a movement that will provide clean air, water, soil, and habitats for all people, plants, animals, and fungi near you!
This virtual information session will take place from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 27.
We have an in-person information session in the afternoon on Saturday, March 25. Go to our events page if you would rather meet us in person!
If you are unable to attend either information session, but still want to be part of the Habitat Healers Ambassador Team, you are still welcome to attend our first workshop in April! Stay tuned for more details!
Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with all Habitat Healer events in your area!
For further questions about the Habitat Healers Ambassador Team, contact the Step to It Program Coordinator Andrea Sadowski

Ryder Lake Residents - Nature Monitoring Event (Pond Check)
2023-04-06 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Ryder Lake, Chilliwack, British Columbia, V4Z 1G7, Canada
** This event is for Ryder Lake residents only**
Do you live in Ryder Lake? Are you interested in helping nature and wildlife in your neighbourhood? We have an event coming up that might interest you!

Join us as we explore a wetland in Ryder Lake, looking for amphibians and their egg masses. Learn ID skills and take this knowledge back to your own backyards!

Wildlife Monitoring Event – Pond Checks
The Work

Help us monitor amphibian breeding by joining FVC staff at a wetland in Ryder Lake.
You will be looking for frogs, toads, salamanders, and their egg masses!

Why it’s Helpful

As soon as the weather warms up, many of our frogs, toads, and salamanders will emerge from their winter brumination (the amphibian version of ‘hibernation’) and start their trek to their breeding pond.
You can help FVC observe these critters by joining us at a wetland to learn about amphibian breeding.
Take what you learn into your own backyards! Share your observations with us!
Your help in these surveys and collecting data will contribute to an ongoing amphibian monitoring dataset that will show us hotspots of amphibian activity. These surveys give us an opportunity to continue learning about the amphibian populations in the Ryder Lake area as well.

Responsibilities

Learn about egg masses, where to find them and how to identify them.
Helping the project coordinator with observational data collection.

Requirements

Be prepared to spend a few hours outdoors near a wetland/pond.
Requires access to a vehicle to travel to the meeting point in the Ryder Lake area.
Bring your own water or snacks.

Training/Safety

All training required will be provided on the survey day.
Dress appropriately for wet, cold, weather. Wear sturdy footwear (Rubber boots or hiking boots that can get a little muddy).
Safety vests will be provided (let us know if you want to bring your own!).

Location/Setting

Ryder Lake Neighbourhood in Chilliwack, BC.
The exact meeting location will be provided once registered.
Wetland on private property.
There is no shelter, nor bathroom facilities on site.

Time

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (This event could go a little longer, maybe closer to 5:00 PM)
RAIN OR SHINE
This event may be rescheduled if the weather is particularily uncoorperative. The Program Coordinator will update everyone about schedule changes asap.

Click the “Register Here” link below to sign-up for the event!

Do you live outside of Ryder Lake but are interested in events like this? Click here to sign up for our volunteer program!

Agassiz Habitat Healers Information Session and Planting Event
2023-04-08 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | Agassiz Community Recreation and Cultural Centre, 6660 Pioneer Avenue, Agassiz, BC, V0M 1A3, Canada
Would you like to see more trees, native plants and biodiversity in your neighbourhood?
Would you like more habitat for songbirds to enjoy?
Would you like to improve your mental and physical health by working with nature?
Would you like to meet like-minded people in your community who also enjoy the outdoors?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, the Habitat Healers Ambassador Team is for you!

The Habitat Healers Ambassador Team is responsible for planting over 400 native trees and shrubs already along the Haig Highway walking path in November, 2022. We are currently recruiting more volunteers who want to learn more about how to be good stewards of the living world that surrounds them!

Please join us to learn more about this program at our information session at the Agassiz Community Recreation and Cultural Centre, followed by a planting event along the Haig Highway walking path.

Our Habitat Healers Ambassador Program provides you with the knowledge, tools, and support you need to conserve thriving and resilient ecosystems in your neighbourhood!
Be part of a movement that will provide clean air, water, soil, and habitats for all people, plants, animals, and fungi near you!

Come learn about our program to create a happier and healthier community in Agassiz and get your hands dirty by planting native trees and shrubs!

Here’s a rough outline of the event:
10:00 to 11:00 a.m. – Learn about the goals of the Ambassador Program and how you can get involved at the information session at the Agassiz Community Recreation and Cultural Centre
11:00 to 11:20 a.m. – Enjoy a break and some refreshments before the ten minute drive to the Haig Highway walking path.
11:30 to 11:45 a.m. – A quick safety talk and planting demonstration by the Fraser Valley Conservancy staff
11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Help plant a little over 100 native trees and shrubs along the Haig Highway walking path with a dedicated team of volunteers
1:30 to 1:45 p.m. Enjoy another break and some more snacks before heading out and enjoying the rest of your weekend!

If you are unable to attend this event, but are still interested in getting involved with our Habitat Healers Ambassador Team, or if you have any further questions about the event, please don’t hesitate to contact the Step to It Program Coordinator Andrea Sadowski

Introduction to Lane Creek
2023-04-30 10:00 - 13:00 UTC | Lane Creek, 33247 2nd Ave, Mission, British Columbia, V2V 1J9
Come to our first official Habitat Healers Ambassador Team session in Mission.
Fraser Valley Conservancy’s Habitat Enhancement Coordinator, Jon Blais, will give a tour of Lane Creek, which is a publically accessible trail situated behind the Mission library.

This interactive workshop will teach you all about the plants and animals that call Lane Creek home, both invasive species we are trying to manage, and native species we are trying to encourage the growth of.

We will teach you basic techniques of citizen science, including species identification and data collection using the iNaturalist app.

At the end of this workshop, you’ll be able to walk around your neighbourhood and tell your friends and family the names of all the different plants and animals you notice!

Gear needed: Please wear closed-toed shoes, long pants and a long-sleeve shirt, as we may be walking through a site with prickly plants like the Himalayan Blackberry. Bring your phone so you can take photos and participate in the citizen science part of the workshop.

Schedule:

10:00 a.m.: Meet near the back of the library’s parking lot
10:10 – 11:00 a.m.: Jon will give a tour of the site, introducing you to the different species of plants we see along the way.
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Jon will give a brief workshop on how to use iNaturalist and will send you on an iNaturalist scavenger hunt to practise your new citizen science skills.
12:00 – 12:15 p.m.: We’ll have snacks and drinks out to eat and do a prize draw for a $20 gift card to The Penny Coffeehouse
12:15 – 1:00 p.m.: Optional garbage cleanup along Lane Creek for those interested

More information will be sent to participants after registration! We look forward to seeing you there and kicking off Mission’s very own Habitat Healers Ambassador Team!

If you are unable to attend this event but are still interested in getting involved with our Habitat Healers Ambassador Team, or if you have any further questions about the event, please don’t hesitate to contact the Step to It Program Coordinator Andrea Sadowski

Spring Native Plant Sale 2023
2023-05-13 08:00 - 13:00 UTC | British Columbia
Again this year, the Spring Sale will be an event!
Where: West Abbotsford (you will receive the exact location details once you purchase)
When you make your plant purchases, you’re invited to spend time with us on Saturday, May 13th!

Ask our staff plant expert all of your must know questions.
Learn about our programs and how you can get involved.
Missed out on buying a species online? We’ll have limited stock there on the day-of for you to purchase!

The store is open until midnight on May 7th.
We can’t wait to see you all in person!

Ryder Lake Residents - Temporary Fencing Removal
2023-05-18 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Vancouver) | Ryder Lake – Mailboxes at Elk View Rd. and Ryder Lake Rd., Canada
** This event is for Ryder Lake residents only**
Do you live in Ryder Lake? Are you interested in helping nature and wildlife in your neighbourhood? We have an event coming up that might interest you! Join us and help the Fraser Valley Conservancy remove the temporary fencing installed on Elk View Road.
In late February/early March, the amphibians return to their important breeding wetland in Ryder Lake. There is a crossing structure called the “Toad Tunnel” that runs under Elk View Road. The installed fencing helped guide amphibians to the crossing structure in March and April. Now the fencing is ready to be removed until it is needed again in June/July for the migration of baby toads back to the forest.

Wildlife Protection Event – Temporary Fencing REMOVAL
We need your help to remove the 150 meters of silt fencing along Elk View Road!

Why It’s Helpful

In late February/early March, the amphibians are travelling to their important breeding wetland. There is a crossing structure called the Toad Tunnel that runs under Elk View Road.
The fencing helps guide amphibians to the Toad Tunnel so they can safely pass under the road.
In May, we need to remove this previously installed temporary fence!

Responsibilities

Be prepared to spend a few hours outdoors alongside a road.
Help remove the fence using tools like shovels and staple removers.

Training/Equipment

All training and gear required will be provided on the day of the event

Safety

Dress appropriately for warm or wet weather (check the forecast ahead of time!)
Wear sturdy footwear and bring your work gloves. We will have some available if you need them.
Safety vests will be provided (let us know if you want to bring your own!).

Setting and Location

Outdoors in the right-of-way adjacent to Elk View Road.
Ryder Lake Neighbourhood.
Parking: The mailboxes on Elk View Road.
There are no shelter or bathroom facilities on site.

Commitment

Thursday, May 18th, 2023
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM.
RAIN OR SHINE
This event may be rescheduled if there is too much rain. Jenn, the Project Coordinator, will update everyone about schedule changes ASAP.

Click the “Register Here” link below to sign-up for the event!

Do you live outside of Ryder Lake but are interested in events like this? Click here to sign up for our volunteer program!

Nature Stewardship School: Stewardship 101
2023-05-18 18:00 - 20:30 UTC | All Saints Hall, 33077 2nd Ave, Mission, British Columbia, V2V 1J7, Canada
Space is limited so register now!
This workshop will walk you through the basics of how to effectively steward the natural world that surrounds you. We will discuss what exactly is “stewardship”, what elements make a healthy habitat for local wildlife, and practical strategies on how you can engage in stewardship right outside your front door!

This Nature Stewardship School is taught by Aleesha Switzer, project biologist at the Fraser Valley Conservancy, and Tamsin Baker, stewardship coordinator at the Fraser Valley Conservancy.

This is also the second official session of our Mission Habitat Healers Team, a local community stewardship team dedicated to learning about and caring for green spaces in Mission.

Schedule of Events:
6:00 – 6:30: Doors open and pizza is served!
6:30 – 8:30: Nature Stewardship School Workshop

What to bring: All the nature-based questions you can think of and your appetite, as we’re serving pizza before the presentation starts!

If you are unable to attend this event but are still interested in getting involved with our Habitat Healers Ambassador Team, or if you have any further questions about the event, please don’t hesitate to contact the Step to It Program Coordinator Andrea Sadowski

Nature Stewardship School: Stewardship 101
2023-05-23 18:00 - 20:30 UTC | Agassiz Friendship House, 7272 Morrow Road, Agassiz, British Columbia, v0M 1A2, Canada
Space is limited so register now!
This workshop will walk you through the basics of how to effectively steward the natural world that surrounds you. We will discuss what exactly is “stewardship”, what elements make a healthy habitat for local wildlife, and practical strategies on how you can engage in stewardship right outside your front door!

This Nature Stewardship School is taught by Aleesha Switzer, project biologist at the Fraser Valley Conservancy, and Tamsin Baker, stewardship coordinator at the Fraser Valley Conservancy.

This is also the second official session of our Agassiz Habitat Healers Team, a local community stewardship team dedicated to learning about and caring for green spaces in Agassiz.

Schedule of Events:
6:00 – 6:30: Doors open and pizza is served!
6:30 – 8:30: Nature Stewardship School Workshop

What to bring: All the nature-based questions you can think of and your appetite, as we’re serving pizza before the presentation starts!

If you are unable to attend this event but are still interested in getting involved with our Habitat Healers Ambassador Team, or if you have any further questions about the event, please don’t hesitate to contact the Step to It Program Coordinator Andrea Sadowski.

Lane Creek Work Party
2023-05-27 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | Lane Creek, 33247 2nd Ave, Mission, British Columbia, V2V 1J9
Come join us on the last Saturday of May to help beautify Lane Creek! We’ll feed you pizza if you help us remove some invasive plants from this beloved trail!
We will be joined by the Fraser Valley Invasive Species Society (FVISS) who will give a brief workshop on invasive species and lead an invasive species removal.
We will provide all necessary equipment, as well as refreshments. However, if you have your own gardening gloves or garbage pickers you would rather use, please feel free to bring them!
Please dress in closed-toed shoes, long sleeves and long pants, as we may be removing prickly plants, like the Himalayan Blackberry.
Children are welcome as long as they come with parental supervision!
We’ll be meeting at the back of the Mission library parking lot at 10:00 a.m.

Show Us Your Plants Contest
2023-06-01 - 2023-07-29 | British Columbia
Share a photo of native plants in your garden to win!
ENTER NOW

Ryder Lake - Guided Nature Walk
2023-06-09 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Ryder Lake, Chilliwack, British Columbia, V4Z 1G7, Canada
** Chilliwack Event**
Do you live in Ryder Lake or Chilliwack? Are you interested in helping nature and wildlife in your neighbourhood? We have an event coming up that might interest you! Join us for a plant-focused Guided Nature Walk in Ryder Lake.

Guided Nature Walk – Plants
The Event

Join us for a guided nature walk in Ryder Lake!
You will be learning from Jon Blais, the FVC’s Habitat Enhancement Coordinator, about native and invasive plants in the area.
Take what you learn into your own backyards! Share your observations with us!

Responsibilities

Learn about native and invasive plants to keep an eye out for!
Learn to identify common plants in Ryder Lake.
Learn what to plant instead of invasive plants to provide better habitat for native wildlife.
Bring your plant questions and learn from the experts!

Requirements

Be prepared to spend a few hours outdoors in a forest or open grassy field.
Requires access to a vehicle to travel to the meeting point in the Ryder Lake area.
Bring your own water or snacks (some will be provided).

Training/Safety

All training required will be provided at the event.
Dress appropriately for warm, hot weather. Wear sturdy footwear (hiking boots) and a hat.

Location/Setting

Ryder Lake Neighbourhood in Chilliwack, BC.
The exact meeting location will be provided once registered.
Walking outside on private property.
There is no shelter or bathroom facilities on site.

ReminderThis event will take place on private property. The site will not be accessible to the public outside of the event time.
This event may be rescheduled if there is too much rain. Jenn, the Project Coordinator, will update everyone about schedule changes ASAP.

Click the “Register Here” link below to sign-up for the event!

Do you live outside of Ryder Lake but are interested in events like this? Click here to sign up for our volunteer program!

Invasive Species 101 Workshop
2023-06-10 10:00 - 12:30 UTC | Agassiz Library, 7140 Cheam Ave, Agassiz, British Columbia, V0M 1A0, Canada
Are you battling Himalayan blackberry in your yard? Do you wish you knew what to do with that dreaded morning glory? Curious about the increase in stink bugs lately? Learn from experts Kathy Ma Green, Executive Director of the Fraser Valley Invasive Species Society, and Allison McCabe, Senior lead of outreach at the Invasive Species Council of BC. They will touch on both regional and provincial perspectives about the best ways to identify and manage invasive species you may have in your backyard, neighbourhood and community.

After the presentation at the Agassiz Library, we’ll go on a walk-and-talk in a local park so you can get on-the-ground knowledge of what these invasive species look like, what environments they thrive in, and the best ways you can help eradicate them.
Come loaded with all your invasive species questions and an appetite for knowledge, we’ll provide the rest!

Speak for the Peak
2023-06-12 18:00 - 22:00 UTC | Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, Abbotsford City Hall, 32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
The future of McKee Peak will be decide on June 12 at Abbotsford City Council Public hearing.
Please show up and speak up for nature on McKee Peak.
Learn more about the Fraser Valley Conservancy’s position on the Neighbourhood Plan here.
#speakforthepeak

Annual General Meeting 2023
2023-06-20 18:30 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Straiton Community Hall, 4698 Sumas Mountain Rd, Abbotsford, BC, V3G 3C1, Canada
You’re invited to attend the FVC’s Annual General Meeting in person on June 20th, 2023. Join FVC staff and board members for a night of special stories and FVC updates.

Details
Date: June 20th, 2023
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Location: Straiton Community Hall – 4698 Sumas Mountain Rd, Abbotsford, BC V3G 3C1
Format: In person
Registration is not required.

Join us for a fun night of activities:

50/50 draw & door prizes
Meet FVC staff and board members
Listen to a reading by Natalie Lang, author of Remnants: Reveries of a Mountain Dweller
Share your stories about your favourite places
Hear what we accomplished in 2022
Vote in our elections
Light refreshments will be available

June 20th, 2023 AGM Agenda
Reference Documents

May 2022 AGM Minutes
2022 Financial Statements

Ryder Lake Residents - Toadlet Fencing Event
2023-07-03 08:00 - 12:00 UTC | Ryder Lake – Mailboxes at Elk View Rd. and Ryder Lake Rd., Canada
** This event is for Ryder Lake and Chilliwack Residents**
Do you live in Ryder Lake or Chilliwack? Are you interested in helping nature and wildlife in your neighbourhood? We have an event coming up that might interest you!

This Ryder Lake Nature Team event is open to anyone living in Ryder Lake or Chilliwack. We will be building a temporary fence along Elk View Road to help amphibians travel from the breeding wetlands to the forest!
Come join us for the meeting at 8:00 AM to help install the fencing and learn more about our local Nature Team.

Wildlife Protection Event – Temporary Fencing Installation
The Work

We’re looking for energetic volunteers to help us install 300m of silt fencing to direct tiny toadlets making their annual mass migration to the surrounding forest!
This will involve installing fencing along the ditch on Elk View Road.

Why It’s Helpful

Thousands of toad tadpoles are growing into toadlets and soon it’ll be time for them to migrate to the forest on the other side of the road. There is a crossing structure called the “Toad Tunnel”, that runs under Elk View Road.
The fencing you will install helps guide these amphibians to the crossing structure so they can safely pass under the road.

Responsibilities

Help install the silt fencing.
Use tools to dig trenches, hammer in wooden stakes, and attach fencing material to the wooden stakes.

Requirements

Be prepared to spend a few hours outdoors in a hay field, in hot conditions with limited shade, alongside a road.
Must navigate uneven ground and climb over fencing.
Can use tools such as shovels to dig into the ground.
Hammering wooden and metal stakes into the ground, and using a staple gun to secure the fence.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear (Rubber boots or hiking boots that can get a little muddy) and work gloves.
Access to a vehicle to travel within the Ryder Lake area.
Bring your own water bottle and lunch.

Training/Equipment

All training required will be provided on the day of.
All tools will be provided, including shovels, pickaxes, sledgehammers, staple guns, and staples.
If you’re able to, bring your own gloves (we will provide gloves if you don’t have your own)
Water and light snacks will be provided (Freezies and muffins).

Safety

Dress appropriately for dry, hot weather.
Safety vests will be provided and work gloves (let us know if you want to bring your own!).

Setting

Outdoors, hay field, in the right-of-way adjacent to Elk View Road.
There is no shelter or bathroom facilities on site.

Location

Ryder Lake Neighbourhood
Having a vehicle to get to the area is a requirement.
Parking: The mailboxes on Elk View Road.
Sunday, July 3rd, 2023
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
RAIN OR SHINE (subject to cancellation if there are severe heat/smoke warnings)
This event may be rescheduled if the ground is too hard to dig a trench. The Program Coordinator will update everyone about schedule changes asap.

Click the “Register Here” link below to sign-up for the event!

Do you live outside of Ryder Lake but are interested in events like this? Click here to sign up for our volunteer program!

Horn Creek Park Morning Glory Pull
2023-07-12 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | British Columbia
The Work

We’re looking for energetic volunteers to help us with the restoration of Horn Creek Park in Abbotsford.
This will involve removing invasive morning glory.

Why It’s Helpful

Abbotsford’s Horn Creek Park is home to a multitude of wildlife. You will be helping keep the park in top condition for the wildlife that call the area home.
The fight against invasive plant species is ongoing. Keeping these invasives controlled will help recent plantings to thrive and make it a beautiful space.

Responsibilities

Manually digging up morning glory.

Requirements

Be prepared to spend the time outdoors in the heat with minimal seating options.
Be prepared to manually remove morning glory.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear (hiking boots recommended, the ground is uneven in some parts) and work gloves.
Bring your own refillable water bottle!

Training/Equipment

All training required will be provided on the day of.
All tools will be provided.
If you’re able to, bring your own gloves, otherwise, gloves will be provided.

Safety

Dress appropriately for hot and sunny weather.
First aid kit, water, and snacks are available at the event.

Setting

Outdoors at Horn Creek Park.
There are no shelter or bathroom facilities on site.

Location

Horn Creek Park, Abbotsford, BC.
The exact meeting location will be provided once registered.

Commitment

Wednesday, July 12th, 2023
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
RAIN OR SHINE

Win an E-bike!
2023-07-15 08:00 - 2023-10-01 23:59 UTC | Online
Enter for a chance to win an Opus Rail Trail electric bike valued at $4100
Thanks to Wentings Cycle and Mountain Shop in Mission, we’re excited to giveaway this brand-new Opus Rail Trail e-bike valued at $4100! The giveaway will run until September 30, 2023, and one lucky winner will take home this incredible prize!

Follow these five easy steps for a chance to win:

Like this post on Step to It’s Instagram page (link to post in text)
Follow @steptoitfraservalley on Instagram
Tag three friends in the comments of the giveaway post
Share the post to your stories and tag us. If your account is private, screenshot your story and DM it to us because we cannot see the tag otherwise.
VERY IMPORTANT – Do not skip this step! Complete the giveaway form linked below. Your entry is not complete without this step!

Contest Rules:
This giveaway is open to all residents of the Fraser Valley and beyond. You MUST be able to pick the bike up from the Fraser Valley Conservancy office in Abbotsford within one month of winning if you are selected. This giveaway closes October 1, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. PST. The winner will be selected at random on October 2, 2023 and the winner will be notified within five days of being selected.

View the E-bike Giveaway Official Rules & Regulations.

GOOD LUCK!

Ivy Weaving Workshop
2023-07-25 17:30 - 19:30 UTC | Lane Creek, 33247 2nd Ave, Mission, British Columbia, V2V 1J9
THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULL!
If you’re interested in attending similar workshops in the future, please sign up for our Habitat Healers Ambassador Team newsletter so that you can be the first to know of eco-arts workshops happening in your community!

Come join us for a FREE workshop to learn step-by-step how to weave a basket using the invasive plant species, English Ivy.
You’ll go home with important knowledge of how you can help eradicate this invasive species, along with a basket made by your own two hands!
We’ll be joined by the instructor Marissa Waddell from Alouette River Management Society.
Come join us for a fun day of crafting and learning under the shade of trees!
We will provide all necessary equipment, as well as refreshments. If you want to pick the ivy for your basket yourself, feel free to join us earlier for an ivy pull!
Children are welcome as long as they come with parental supervision!
We’ll be meeting near the Mission leisure center, in the grassy field right beside the community garden. We’ll have signs around the parking lot directing people to the area we’re meeting.

THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULL!

Stream Health Field Workshop
2023-08-17 17:30 - 19:30 UTC | Windebank, 32559 Logan Ave, Mission, British Columbia, V2V 6W8
Join us for a benthic macroinvertebrate survey at our Windebank Creek property. During this interactive workshop you’ll learn about the little lifeforms living on the bottom of the stream and how they are crucial indicators of stream health.
Our workshop instructor will be Kassa Dueck, a staff member from the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve.
Come learn how to protect and monitor the health of urban streams and aquatic habitats where salmon still spawn and migrate through. This survey will teach you how to detect early warning signs of pollution and water contamination.
We’ll be getting up close and personal with benthic macroinvertebrates, which are small organisms without backbones, like insects, worms, and crustaceans, that live in or near the sediment at the bottom of rivers, streams, or wetlands.
We will provide all necessary equipment, as well as refreshments.
Please dress in closed-toed shoes, long sleeves and long pants, as we will be by a stream with a lot mosquitos and plant debris present.
Children are welcome as long as they come with parental supervision!
We’ll be meeting at our Windebank Creek property, which is beside Embers BBQ House, at the end of Logan Ave.

Fall Native Plant Sale Open for Orders
2023-08-21 08:00 - 2023-09-24 23:30 UTC | British Columbia
Order your plants online:
The store is open until midnight on September 24th, 2023.
SHOP NOW!

Pick up your plants:
When: September 30th, 2023
Where: Bradner, Abbotsford (you will receive the exact location details once you purchase)

Horn Creek Park Morning Glory Pull
2023-08-24 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | British Columbia
The Work

We’re looking for energetic volunteers to help us with the restoration of Horn Creek Park in Abbotsford.
This will involve removing invasive morning glory.

Why It’s Helpful

Abbotsford’s Horn Creek Park is home to a multitude of wildlife. You will be helping keep the park in top condition for the wildlife that call the area home.
The fight against invasive plant species is ongoing. Keeping these invasives controlled will help recent plantings to thrive and make it a beautiful space.

Responsibilities

Manually digging up morning glory.

Requirements

Be prepared to spend the time outdoors in the heat with minimal seating options.
Be prepared to manually remove morning glory.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear (hiking boots recommended, the ground is uneven in some parts) and work gloves.
Bring your own refillable water bottle!

Training/Equipment

All training required will be provided on the day of.
All tools will be provided.
If you’re able to, bring your own gloves, otherwise, gloves will be provided.

Safety

Dress appropriately for hot and sunny weather.
First aid kit, water, and snacks are available at the event.

Setting

Outdoors at Horn Creek Park.
There are no shelter or bathroom facilities on site.

Location

Horn Creek Park, Abbotsford, BC.
The exact meeting location will be provided once registered.

Commitment

Thursday, August 24th, 2023
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
RAIN OR SHINE

Abundance Farm: Walk and Talk Tour
2023-08-27 14:00 - 17:00 UTC | Abundance Farm, 1020 Hamilton Rd, Agassiz, British Columbia, V0M 1A3, Canada
Abundance Farm is a unique model that bridges the city and the country by creating community and growing food together as a collective. Join Melanie Buffel, Farm Manager at Abundance Community Farm and Young Agrarians Business Mentorship Network Manager, for a walk and talk tour of the main garden, greenhouse, food forest, and medicine wheel.
Come learn about the systems used to manage this productive community farm. Abundance Farm has a no-till approach that aims to regenerate the living food web of microorganisms in the soil. They create compost using all local ingredients from their own garden, hay fields and neighboring dairy and chicken farms.
After this tour, enjoy a beautiful 30-minute documentary that showcases the many elements that make the farm a special place.
Abundance Community Farm is located on the unceded territory of the Cheam, Seabird Island, Skwah, and Kwaw kwa-a-pilt First Nations, close to the town now known as Agassiz, BC, 1.5 hours east of Vancouver.
This farm is a beautiful place to build connections with like-minded people in your community. The farm is open to the community every weekend until the end of October. You are welcome to join them to get your hands dirty every Saturday as you work together in the garden and enjoy an evening potluck and connection time.
What to bring:
Please wear appropriate shoes and clothing as we may be walking through thicker grassy areas.
Please note that this is a zero waste farm. If you bring a snack for yourself, there is no place to dispose of single use items/take out containers; please pack out what you bring in. Please bring your own reusable water bottle.

Chilliwack River Clean Up
2023-09-24 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | Thompson Regional Park, 48600 Chilliwack Lake Rd, Chilliwack, BC, Canada
Come join us in celebration of BC Rivers Day by helping us pick up litter on the Fraser Valley Conservancy’s section of the Chilliwack River! Hosted by the Chilliwack Vedder River Cleanup Society, we will be participating to keep our beautiful Chilliwack River Valley clean!
The Work:

Help us pick up garbage along our adopted section of the Chilliwack river – a beautiful area downstream of the Tamahi Bridge.

Why it’s Helpful:

The river sees a lot of use over the Spring and Summer months and the garbage left behind can impact both the local fish habitat, as well as be carried out to the ocean when the fall rains arrive. You will be helping wildlife who rely on the river and surrounding habitat for their survival and ensure that future generations can enjoy the river.

Responsibilities:

Pick up litter along the FVC’s adopted section of the river.
Larger items will be carried to the road to be picked up by a vehicle.

Requirements:

Be prepared to spend the morning outdoors with minimal seating options.
Be able to navigate the river shoreline that is gravelly and climb over logs.
There will be refreshments but bring your own water bottle or travel mug to the event.
Single use cups for coffee or water will NOT be provided.

Training/Equipment:

If you’re able to, bring your own gloves, otherwise they will be provided.
Trash bags and tools for litter pick-up will be provided.

Safety:

Dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy footwear.
First aid kit and attendant will be available at the event.

Setting:

Outdoors on the Chilliwack River.

Location:

Thompson Regional Park (48660 Chilliwack Lake Rd, Chilliwack)

Commitment/Length/Timing:

Sunday, September 24th, 2023
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
RAIN OR SHINE

Children are welcome to join, as long as they come with parental supervision.
Thank you for your interest in joining us for the river clean-up!

Sort Plants With Us!
2023-09-28 10:00 - 15:00 UTC | British Columbia
On Thursday September 28th, we need your help organizing all of our plants into their orders! This involves identifying, sorting, and moving plants around.
This is a great opportunity to learn and improve your native plant identification skills!

Why It’s Helpful

Our Native Plant Sale pick-up day is on Saturday the 30th. We need to prepare and organize all the orders. Your volunteering will ensure that our plant sale goes smoothly!

Responsibilities

Be prepared to spend the day moving and labeling plants. There will be lots of bending and lifting involved.
Work with a fun team to sort hundreds of plants into order groupings.
Must be able to follow instructions and have good attention to details to ensure all the orders have the correct plants.

Training/Equipment

All training, including plant identification, will be provided on the day.

Safety

Dress appropriately for the weather as we will be outside.
Wear sturdy footwear and bring your gardening gloves. We will have some available if you need them.
Bring a refillable water bottle (water will be provided).

Setting and Location

Bradner, Abbotsford. Exact location will be provided upon registration.
We will be outdoors under a covered area.
There is a port-a-potty available on site.

Commitment

Thursday, September 28th, 2023.
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (or sooner if we finish early)
Rain or shine!

Are you able to come out and help? Sign up using the link below!

Fall Native Plant Sale 2023
2023-09-30 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | British Columbia

Lane Creek Fall Work Party
2023-10-07 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | Lane Creek, 33247 2nd Ave, Mission, British Columbia, V2V 1J9
Come help us remove litter and invasive plant species from Lane Creek to help prepare the site for our planting event! A free lunch will be provided to all who come out! Also, free seedlings will be given out to all participants and passers-by so you can plant a native tree and/or shrub in your own backyard!
We will provide all necessary equipment, as well as refreshments. However, if you have your own gardening gloves or garbage pickers you would rather use, please feel free to bring them.
Please dress in closed-toed shoes, long sleeves and long pants, as we may be removing prickly plants, like the Himalayan Blackberry.
Children are welcome as long as they come with parental supervision.
The work party will take place rain or shine, so come prepared to brave any predicament that Mother Nature may throw at us!
We’ll be meeting at the back of the Mission Library parking lot at 10:00 a.m.

Lane Creek Planting
2023-10-21 09:00 - 15:00 UTC | Lane Creek, 33247 2nd Ave, Mission, British Columbia, V2V 1J9
This event is at capacity for volunteers! So registration is now closed.
If you would like to help plant trees at a future event, sign-up for our Step to It newsletter
Come help us plant 1000 native trees and shrubs along Lane Creek to make Mission a healthier and happier habitat for all living creatures! A free lunch will be given to all participants! As well, free seedlings will be given to all participants and passers-by so they can plant a native tree and/or shrub in their own backyard.
Lane Creek is an important habitat for many species of wildlife, as well as a beautiful walking trail for Mission residents to enjoy. By planting native trees and shrubs along Lane Creek, we will stabilize stream banks, provide shade, help the soil absorb rainfall, reduce pollutants, and create a diverse habitat and travelling corridor for urban wildlife.
Learn how to select, propagate, and plant native trees and shrubs in an urban riparian habitat, while also planting trees whose shade you’ll walk under for years to come!
We will provide all necessary equipment, as well as refreshments. However, if you have your own gardening gloves you would rather use, please feel free to bring them.
Please dress in closed-toed shoes, long sleeves and long pants, and come prepared to brave any kind of weather!
Children are welcome as long as they come with parental supervision.
We’ll be meeting at the back of the Mission Library parking lot at 9:00 a.m.

Haig Highway Planting
2023-11-04 09:00 - 15:00 UTC | Haig Highway Phase 2 Planting Site, Morrow Road, Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada
Come help us plant 200 native trees and shrubs along a riparian area near Haig Highway to make Agassiz a healthier and happier habitat for all living creatures! A free lunch will be given to all participants!
We’re grateful for the opportunity to undertake our second annual planting event along Haig Highway with our Agassiz Habitat Healers team. In 2022, the Habitat Healers team planted over 400 native trees and shrubs along a section of Haig Highway near Elm Road. This year, the Habitat Healers team would like you to join them in planting 200 more native trees and shrubs near a riparian area that is behind the dog park section of the walking trail (near the intersection of Haig Highway and Morrow Road).
This planting project aims to add vegetation along this riparian area for the betterment of wildlife such as birds, pollinators, and aquatic life forms. By planting native trees and shrubs along Haig Highway, we will stabilize stream banks, provide shade, help the soil absorb rainfall, reduce pollutants, and create a diverse habitat and travelling corridor for urban wildlife.
Learn how to select, propagate, and plant native trees and shrubs in an urban riparian habitat, while also planting trees whose shade you’ll walk under for years to come!
We will provide all necessary equipment, as well as refreshments. However, if you have your own gardening gloves you would rather use, please feel free to bring them. Please dress in closed-toed shoes, long sleeves and long pants, and come prepared to brave any kind of weather!
Children are welcome as long as they come with parental supervision.
We’ll be meeting near the intersection of Morrow Road and Haig Highway at 9:00 a.m.

Nature Stewardship School: Stewardship Slipups
2023-11-04 13:00 - 16:30 UTC | British Columbia
Learn To Avoid the Top 5 Mistakes Made When Caring For Nature
Register now!
THE STEWARDSHIP SLIPUPS WORKSHOP IS BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Join the FVC’s Tamsin Baker and Joelle Krol for this in-person event on November 4th in Mission.
Have you ever worried that your stewardship activities may be doing more harm than good?
We polled environmental professionals across the Fraser Valley and our FVC staff to find the top five common mistakes people make when they are trying to care for nature.

This workshop focuses on avoiding mistakes when:

Installing boxes for birds, or bats
Managing streamside or pondside habitat
Moving, relocating, or rescuing wildlife
Finding information online
And More!

This is your opportunity to avoid stewardship slipups in your yard and become a champion for nature in the Fraser Valley!
Event Details
Date: November 4th, 2023
Time: 1:00pm – 4:30pm; doors open at 12:30pm
Location: Boswyk Seniors Activity Centre – 7682 Grand St, Mission, BC

Refreshments will be available.
There will be breaks, and opportunities to chat with fellow participants and FVC staff.
This workshop is designed to be appropriate for ages 13 and up.
This workshop is in partnership with the Abbotsford-Mission Nature Club.
Registration
Registration is required for this workshop.
While there is no fee to register, we will be accepting donations at the door.
If you are unable to register, we have reached the maximum number of attendees for the event.
