Fraser Valley Conservancy

McKee Park - Invasive Plants: Hands-on Workparty
2024-07-27 09:00 - 13:30 UTC | McKee Park, Skeena Ave, Abbotsford, British Columbia, V2S 7H5, Canada
Outdoor – Clip, Remove, Pile, Improve
Are you someone who wants to make a difference for nature and the people of the Fraser Valley? Do you want to see invasive plant species being managed? If so, we want you on our team! We’re looking for energetic volunteers to help us with the restoration of McKee Park in Abbotsford. All tools and training will be provided along with refreshments.

Volunteer Assets:
• Be able to bend, kneel and pull.
• Capable of working on uneven and sloped terrain.
• Comfortable using gardening tools such as shovels, trowels, and hand pruners.
• Able to differentiate between invasive plant species and native plant species.
• Species being removed are english ivy, himalayan blackberry, lamium, and small balsam.
Click here to read the full volunteer job description.

Registration required.

Lane Creek - Invasive Plants: Hands-on workparty
2024-08-03 09:00 - 13:30 | Lane Creek, 33247 2nd Ave, Mission, British Columbia, V2V 1J9
Outdoor – Clip, Remove, Pile, Improve
Are you someone who wants to make a difference for nature and the people of the Fraser Valley? Do you want to see invasive plant species being managed? If so, we want you on our team! We’re looking for energetic volunteers to help us with the restoration of Lane Creek in Mission. All tools and training will be provided along with refreshments.

Volunteer Assets:
• Be able to bend, kneel and pull.
• Capable of working on uneven and sloped terrain.
• Comfortable using gardening tools such as shovels, trowels, and hand pruners.
• Able to differentiate between invasive plant species and native plant species.
• Himalayan blackberry will be the main focus of removal at this site.
Click here to read the full Volunteer Job Description

Registration required.
This volunteer activity is worth 9 Service Seeds!

Morning Glory Removal at Horn Creek Park
2024-08-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Horn Creek Park, 32888 Maclure Rd, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 0K9, Canada
Outdoor – Dig, Pull, Pile, Improve

Are you someone who wants to make a difference for nature and the people of the Fraser Valley? Do you want to see invasive plant species being managed? If so, we want you on our team! We’re looking for energetic volunteers to help us with the restoration of Horn Creek Park in Abbotsford.
Volunteer Assets:
• Be able to bend, kneel and pull.
• Capable of working on uneven and sloped terrain.
• Comfortable using gardening tools such as shovels, trowels, and hand pruners.
• Able to differentiate between invasive morning glory and native plant species.

Click here to read the full volunteer job description.

Registration Required.
This volunteer activity is worth 6 Service Seeds!

Fall Native Plant Sale 2024
2024-08-25 - 2024-09-29
The Fall Native Plant Sale opens August 25th! Support our biggest fundraiser of the year and find beautiful native trees and shrubs to help nature thrive in your backyard.

Here’s how it works:

Browse our online catalogue for the native plants of your dreams.
Purchase online before September 29th – don’t delay, the best plants sell out fast!
While you are shopping, select a time of day to pick up your order on October 5th.
Receive an order confirmation email with details about where to pick up your order.
Come out to Bradner, Abbotsford on October 5th to pick up your plants and ask any plant questions you may have!

The online store is open until midnight on September 29th.
Visit the store now!

Volunteering: Where Heart Meets Impact
2024-09-18 18:00 - 20:30 | Abbotsford Exhibition Park, Ag-Rec Gallery, 32470 Haida Drive, Abbotsford, British Columbia, V2T 5A6, Canada
Indoor – Relax, Learn, Ask, Discuss
Curious about becoming a more engaged member of your community? Join us for a FREE presentation on the benefits of volunteering—both for people and the environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and learn about various volunteer opportunities across the Fraser Valley.
Meet friendly and knowledgeable staff from the City of Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley Conservancy who are eager to share their passion for conservation and community service. We are here to answer your questions and help you on your journey to becoming more engaged in your community. This presentation is open to everyone – whether you are already volunteering or are new.
Light refreshments will be offered.
Takeaways:
🌿 Learn about how volunteering can enrich your life.
🌿 Meet like-minded people who also have a passion for supporting communities and the environment.
🌿 Discover volunteer opportunities in Abbotsford and across the Fraser Valley.
🌿 Learn how you can make a difference, no matter your skill level.
🌿 Make the leap from thinking about volunteering to getting started today!
Free event. Registration required.
Important: The minimum age requirement for this event is 13.
This volunteer activity is worth 5 Service Seeds!
Special guests:
🌱 Mission Environmental Stewardship Society (MESSociety)
🌱 Archway Community Services
🌱 Abbotsford Mission Nature Club
🌱 Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve
🌱 Earthwise Society

Brought to you by:

Outdoor Movie Night - CANCELLED
2024-09-21 18:30 - 21:00 | Sage and Solace Farm, 2768 256th Street, Langley, British Columbia, Canada
Sorry, this event has been cancelled. We hope to see you at another upcoming event, soon!

All About Bats - SOLD OUT!
2024-09-27 17:00 - 18:30 | Ryder Lake Hall, 49265 Elk View Rd, Chilliwack, British Columbia, V4Z 1E8, Canada
Indoor – Attend, Relax, Learn, Ask
Curious about the bats in your area? Join us for a FREE presentation with guest speaker Aysha Mcconkey, Junior Biologist from
B.C Bats. Did you know that bats are important pollinators, insect control, good for the environment, and indicators of a healthy area?
Some bats are at risk and need your help. Become a bat volunteer and participate in a citizen science program.
Doors open at 4:45 pm. Light refreshments will be offered.
Learning Takeaways:
• Species of bats that live in the Fraser Valley and about their health.
• Habitat features for different types of bats.
• Tips and tricks for bat boxes.
• Who to contact when you come across bats and how you can help!
Free Event. Registration Required.

Thanks to our guest speaker:

Fall Plant Sale: Plant Sorting Volunteer - FULL
2024-10-03 08:30 - 12:00 | Abbotsford
Outdoor – Unload, Lift, Sort, Label
Are you passionate about nature and want to make a difference in your community? Join our team of volunteers to help us prepare for the Spring Native Plant Sale Fundraiser.
Learn from and work with Jon Blais, our Habitat Enhancement Coordinator. You will learn how to identify different native plants. Volunteers are responsible for sorting and labelling plants for public orders. Your efforts will help to raise funds that we use toward stewardship and conservation work.
Registration required.
Volunteer Assets:
• Capable of lifting up to 30 lbs
• Able to stand for long periods
• Native plant knowledge is an asset (but will train)
• Organized with good attention to detail
• Works well in a team and follows instructions
Read Full Volunteer Description

Fall Plant Sale: Order Pick-Up Support
2024-10-05 08:00 - 14:00
Outdoor – Check, Assist, Load, Smile
Support us at our upcoming plant sale fundraiser by volunteering. Your role will involve checking and loading plant orders into vehicles, ensuring a smooth customer experience. You’re helping to make our biggest fundraiser of the year a success!
Registration is required.
Time Slots Available: 8:00 am – 11 am; 11 am – 2:00 pm
Volunteer Assets:
• Capable of lifting up to 30 lbs
• Able to stand for long periods
• Organized with good attention to detail
• Works well in a team and follows instructions
• Aware of traffic
Read Full Volunteer Description

McKee Park - Invasive Plants: Hands-on Workparty
2024-10-19 09:00 - 12:00 | McKee Park, Skeena Ave, Abbotsford, British Columbia, V2S 7H5, Canada
Outdoor – Clip, Remove, Pile, Improve
Are you someone who wants to make a difference for nature and the people of the Fraser Valley? Do you want to see invasive plant species being managed? If so, we want you on our team! We’re looking for energetic volunteers to help us with the restoration of McKee Park in Abbotsford. All tools and training will be provided along with refreshments.

Volunteer Assets:
• Be able to bend, kneel and pull.
• Capable of working on uneven and sloped terrain.
• Comfortable using gardening tools such as shovels, trowels, and hand pruners.
• Able to differentiate between invasive plant species and native plant species.
• Species being removed are English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, lamium, and small balsam.
Click here to read the full volunteer job description.

This volunteer activity is worth 6 Service Seeds!

Lane Creek - Invasive Plants: Hands-on workparty
2024-10-26 09:00 - 12:00 | Lane Creek, 33247 2nd Ave, Mission, British Columbia, V2V 1J9
Outdoor – Clip, Remove, Pile, Improve
Are you someone who wants to make a difference for nature and the people of the Fraser Valley? Do you want to see invasive plant species being managed? If so, we want you on our team! We’re looking for energetic volunteers to help us with the restoration of Lane Creek in Mission. All tools and training will be provided along with refreshments.

Volunteer Assets:
• Be able to bend, kneel and pull.
• Capable of working on uneven and sloped terrain.
• Comfortable using gardening tools such as shovels, trowels, and hand pruners.
• Able to differentiate between invasive plant species and native plant species.
• Himalayan blackberry will be the main focus of removal at this site.
Click here to read the full Volunteer Job Description
If you are signing up as a group of 5+, please contact patricia@fraservalleyconservancy.ca to confirm with us first.

This volunteer activity is worth 6 Service Seeds!

McKee Park - Plant Layout
2024-10-31 08:45 - 12:45 | McKee Park, Skeena Ave, Abbotsford, British Columbia, V2S 7H5, Canada
Outdoor – Unload, Walk, Carry, Place
Come burn off some pre-candy calories!
Are you someone who wants to make a difference for nature and the people of the Fraser Valley? Do you want to help wildlife living in urban environments and get your workout in at the same time? If so, we want you on our team!
We’re looking for energetic volunteers who are up to a physical challenge. We need help receiving and placing our plant order for an event at Mckee Park in Abbotsford the following weekend

Volunteer Assets:
• Physically fit and able to consistently go up and down stairs.
• Capable of working on uneven and sloped terrain.
• Be able to move and carry plants weighing 5-30 pounds up to 375 meters away.
• Able to take and follow instructions for proper placement.

Click here to read the full volunteer job description.

NOTE: Please arrive on site for 8:45 am to go over all safety instructions and orientation. The delivery truck will be arriving at 9:00 am. This event is a 4-hour commitment. Please register for this Volunteer commitment.

This volunteer activity is worth up to 8 Service Seeds!

McKee Park - Tree Planting
2024-11-02 09:00 - 12:00 | McKee Park, Skeena Ave, Abbotsford, British Columbia, V2S 7H5, Canada
Outdoor – Dig, Place, Cover, Care
Are you someone who wants to make a difference for nature and the people of the Fraser Valley? Do you want to help wildlife living in urban environments? Do you like planting? If so, we want you on our team!
We’re looking for energetic volunteers to help us with the restoration of McKee Park in Abbotsford by planting 1,000 native trees and shrubs.

Volunteer Assets:
• Able to go up and down stairs to access the site.
• Capable of working on uneven and sloped terrain.
• Able to use a shovel to dig a deep enough hole in the ground.
• Be able to lift plants weighing 5-30 pounds.
• Able to take and follow instructions for proper care of plants.

Click here to read the full volunteer job description.
If you are signing up as a group of 5+, please contact patricia@fraservalleyconservancy.ca to confirm with us first.

This volunteer activity is worth up to 6 Service Seeds!

Lane Creek - Tree Layout and Planting
2024-11-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Lane Creek, 33247 2nd Ave, Mission, British Columbia, V2V 1J9
Outdoor – Carry, Place, Dig, Cover
Are you someone who wants to make a difference for nature and the people of the Fraser Valley? Do you want to help wildlife living in urban environments? Do you like planting? If so, we want you on our team!
We’re looking for energetic volunteers to help us with the restoration of Lane Creek in Mission by planting native trees and shrubs.

Volunteer Assets:
• Able to lift and carry plants weighing 5-30 pounds to designated areas up to 250 meters away.
• Capable of working on uneven and sloped terrain.
• Able to use a shovel to dig a deep enough hole in the ground.
• Able to take and follow instructions for proper care of plants.

Click here to read the full Volunteer Job Description
If you are signing up as a group of 5+, please contact patricia@fraservalleyconservancy.ca to confirm with us first.

This volunteer activity is worth up to 6 Service Seeds!

Leaving a Legacy for Nature: Introductory Session on Land Protection
2024-11-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
Online – Attend, Learn, Ask
Are you interested in learning how you can protect your land for nature? Join us for an online presentation that will introduce the basics of long-term land protection. Topics will include what landowners need to consider and highlight tools and programs. Land protection stories will be shared as well as questions from participants will be encouraged.
Speakers will be Tamsin Baker, Stewardship Coordinator, and Joanne Neilson, Executive Director.
Learning Takeaways:

The role of the FVC in land protection.
When land protection is a beneficial option.
What you need to consider when looking to protect land long-term.
Key programs and tools available as options.

Free Event. Registration Required.

Pond Revival: A Habitat Enhancement Workshop
2024-11-21 13:00 - 16:00 | Ryder Lake, Chilliwack, British Columbia, V4Z 1G7, Canada
** This event is for Ryder Lake and Chilliwack residents only**
Outdoor – Learn, Dig, Plant, Enhance
Are you interested in learning how to improve the habitat around a small pond? Join us for a hands-on workshop in Ryder Lake where we will equip you with the knowledge to enhance small ponds and help wildlife species, particularly amphibians, thrive all across the Fraser Valley.
This workshop is perfect for those who want to get their hands dirty and plant native plants! Our friendly staff will teach you about the importance of vegetated area around ponds and how to identify native vs. nonnative plant species. In addition, you will learn how to identify the various amphibians species that live in the Fraser Valley. After watching a demonstration, you will have the opportunity to plant native plants and add woody debris (logs) to the pond.
We encourage you to ask any questions you may have about habitat enhancement and amphibians! Share your stories with us! You can take what you learn into your own backyard and connect with others in the neighbourhood who are also interested.
Requirements

Be prepared to spend ~ 3 hours standing and listening to a presentation or installing plants using shovels, etc.
You need access to a vehicle to travel to our location.
Bring your own water bottle or larger snacks (granola bars provided).
All tools required will be provided.

Training/Safety

All training required will be provided at the event.
Dress appropriately for weather. Rubber boots or hiking boots are recommended. Rain gear may be required if rain is expected.

Location

The pond is on a private property in Ryder Lake, Chilliwack (exact address provided with registration).
The site will not be accessible to the public outside of the event time.
Outdoor only event.
There is no bathroom on site and no shelter.

Takeaways
🌿 Experience hands-on learning by planting native plants to restore and enhance riparian ecosystems.
🌿 Learn to distinguish between native and nonnative plants and understand their roles in supporting local wildlife.
🌿 Identify amphibian species commonly found in the Fraser Valley and understand their unique habitat needs.
🌿 Connect with like-minded individuals and take home valuable insights to apply in your own backyard.
Free event. Registration required.
Important: This is an adult-orientated event; children are welcome with adult supervision.

Enhance Your Pond for Wildlife Using Live Stakes: A Workshop for Land Owners
2024-11-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Gladwin Pond Trail, Gladwin Pond Trail, Abbotsford, British Columbia, V4X 1T9, Canada
Outdoor – Learn, Clip, Stake, Enhance
Do you manage a property with a pond that could benefit from enhancements for wildlife? Join the Fraser Valley Conservancy, together with the City of Abbotsford, for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn to use live tree stakes to support native species and riparian ecosystems.
This workshop is perfect for landowners or others who manage properties with ponds and want to make a difference in supporting local wildlife and conserving riparian areas.
What Are Live Stakes?
“Live stakes are dormant stem cuttings from live trees and shrubs. They are inserted directly into stream banks or areas prone to erosion. These cuttings will eventually grow into new trees and shrubs, helping to stabilize soil and prevent further soil loss.” – Penn State Extension
The Fraser Valley Conservancy uses live stakes to not only improve pond and wetland soil stability, but also to create habitat for wildlife! Live stakes harvested from native trees and shrubs are a quick, easy, and cost-effective way to improve your pond at home.
What Will You Learn?
This workshop is led by our Habitat Enhancement Coordinator, Jon Blais. You will learn how to identify native trees and shrubs that are suitable for creating live stakes, such as willows and red osiers. You will then learn how to clip branches for stakes, how to install them, and things you need to know to create stable shorelines and good habitat. Participants are encouraged to bring questions about their own ponds for Jon to answer.
What Will You Do?
This is a hands-on workshop that will take place at Gladwin Pond Trail in Abbotsford. After watching Jon’s demonstrations, you will be clipping and installing stakes, and putting up beaver cages to protect them. This workshop takes place rain or shine, so expect to get dirty!
Takeaways:
🌿 Learn about native trees and shrubs and their importance for riparian habitats.
🌿 Watch live demonstrations and practice harvesting branches, installing live stakes, and protecting them with beaver cages.
🌿 Gain hands-on experience in creating habitats that benefit local wildlife.
🌿 Learn practical techniques that can improve the health of your pond and surrounding areas.
This is an adult-oriented event, not intended for participants under 16.
$10 registration fee. Registration required.
If you have any questions about this event, please email Jon: jon@fraservalleyconservancy.ca

Oregon Spotted Frog Professional Training 2025
2025-03-17 - 2025-03-18
Register now for the 2025 Oregon Spotted Frog Identification training session. This training will enable environmental monitors (staff or contractors) to accurately identify and distinguish local frog species caught during work in and around waterways, ditches, or wetlands. This is an important professional development opportunity for environmental monitors to ensure due diligence and accuracy in amphibian identification. If your organization will be working in Oregon Spotted Frog areas and would like to send a group for hands-on frog identification and habitat recognition training, please consider this limited-time opportunity.
Training will be provided by Olga Grunlund and Jon Blais, specialists in Oregon Spotted Frogs. The charge for this 2.5-hour training session will be $50 per person. Training will take place at an Oregon Spotted Frog wetland site in Agassiz. Additional details will be made available upon registration.
Two sessions are available and are based on the anticipated frog breeding window:
Monday, March 17th 12:30 PM – 3:00PM
Tuesday, March 18th 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Important Notes:
Registration closes once all spots are filled or at 3:00 pm on March 16th.
If conditions change, the dates may need to be adjusted slightly (for example, if a large freeze event halts breeding and frogs are not available for in-hand identification training). Participants will be notified as quickly as possible if any schedule changes need to be made.
Once Registered – You will receive an email with additional details on the session, including when and where to meet.
Space is limited – register here!
Additional Information
This session is intended for environmental professionals including environmental monitors, municipal staff, and decision-makers who come into contact with Oregon Spotted Frog and its habitat. Oregon Spotted Frog is highly Endangered (provincially and federally). Within Canada, it is only known to occur in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. It lives in water year-round and is found in a variety of agricultural ditches, sloughs, shallow wetlands, and marshes in the Fraser Valley. In the past decade, two new populations of Oregon Spotted Frog have been discovered in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, suggesting there are more potential areas where this endangered frog may be undiscovered. Oregon Spotted Frogs are most likely to be encountered during regular drainage maintenance works; however, few environmental monitors are trained in the identification of this cryptic species.
For questions, please contact Olga: Olga@fraservalleyconservancy.ca
