What is a Habitat Healer?

Learn. Support. Do. Share.

A Habitat Healer can be anyone who is actively involved in nature-based volunteer work in their community. Habitat Healers participate in nature-based workshops and on-the-ground training to apply what they have learned at home and in their community.

Since we started in Fall of 2021

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hours

volunteers contributed to preserving nature

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people

who volunteered their time to make a difference

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plants

planted to create habitat

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nature sites

stewarded by Habitat Healers

Why join?

Whether you’re a curious community member or an experienced naturalist, becoming a Habitat Healer means making a real difference for a happier, healthier community. Become a part of a movement that will provide clean air, water, soil, and habitats for all people, plants, animals, and fungi near you.

Learn. Support. Do. Share.

Attend nature-based events to learn about Fraser Valley plants and animals through hands-on education.
Create and maintain pollinator-friendly spaces at home and in public areas.
Help us plant more native trees and shrubs.
Meet like-minded people while restoring green spaces and become an ambassador for positive change!

Our Sites

Check out what our Habitat Healers have been up to in Agassiz, Mission and Abbotsford!

Join today!

Subscribe to our monthly Volunteer and Events Bulletin to get all the upcoming volunteer activities and events straight to your inbox.

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Support our Volunteers

For the price of a cup of coffee, you can support our Habitat Healers and their work.

Donate Get in touch

For questions and more information about Habitat Healers, please contact Patricia, our Coordinator of Volunteers.

Email Patricia

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can be a Habitat Healer?

All Fraser Valley Conservancy volunteers are Habitat Healers, no matter where you live or how you participate in the program. Habitat Healers events are focused on learning about how to take action in the community to support the environment, and coming together to do good work as a team! Other Fraser Valley Conservancy opportunities, such as fundraising support, are not considered “Habitat Healers” work.

If you are joining us to plant trees, remove invasive plants, clean up the environment, learn about nature, or spread the word about taking action in your community, you are part of the Habitat Healers program.

Can I bring kids?

These workshops and trainings have been designed for an adult audience, however you can bring any family member with an interest in restoring habitats! Keep in mind that some workshops we will be wandering through areas with prickly plants like Himalayan Blackberries, so just keep in mind the contents of the workshop and dress appropriately!

Kids and youth under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian attend with them.

There is no age limit to being a Habitat Healer! We welcome people from all walks of life to come join us as we restore habitats together!

What does it cost to join?

Your time, talents, and energy!

There is no monetary cost to joining, all workshops are completely free. We provide the gear you need during our on-the-ground training sessions.

What is the time commitment like?

The core workshops and training sessions will last approximately six months throughout the year. After that, we will work to establish a permanent team that is willing to look after the habitat for years to come. The Fraser Valley Conservancy will continue to support Habitat Healers and community leaders.

Are there constraints to ability and physical fitness level?

You have to be willing to be active outdoors in all weather conditions. And able to take part in activities such as planting trees and removing invasive species.

On-the-ground training may not be suitable for people with mobility challenges because of the terrain of the habitats we work in. But, everyone is welcome to attend classroom-style workshops.

There are many other ways people of all abilities can volunteer with the Fraser Valley Conservancy. Please email us to find out what these are.

Are the workshops and training sessions accessible by transit?

Some of the classroom workshops and restoration sites may be accessible by transit, but not all. Carpooling with a friend is always encouraged. Unfortunately, FVC staff cannot give rides or give out other volunteers’ private contact information.

Where are the habitats we will be restoring?

In Agassiz, our established habitat restoration projects are along the Haig Highway walking route and the riparian area by the dog park on Morrow Rd. A team of dedicated individuals continues to steward this area with the support from the Fraser Valley Conservancy.

In Mission, we have been focusing on a publicly enjoyed site called Lane Creek, by the Library, and, in the past, our Windebank Creek property. We are currently trying to expand to another site in Mission for 2025.

In Abbotsford, we are working along the trails of McKee Park at the end of Skeena Ave. We are currently trying to expand to another site in Abbotsford for 2025.

Can I propose a potential restoration site in my community?

Yes, we are all ears when it comes to hearing about areas in our communities that would benefit from more care, attention, and vegetation. However, we will be focusing on public spaces, so if you know of a park that could use some help, please let us know!

Do I need to attend every workshop or event?

If you want to become a member of the Habitat Healers team, we recommend you attend all core training session and workshops. This will ensure you are successful at restoring the habitat in the years to come.

If you can’t make the commitment of becoming a Habitat Healer, but still want to learn about a particular topic, you are welcome to attend any training session or workshop that catches your eye!

What other volunteer opportunities do you have?

The Fraser Valley Conservancy has opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Help us at special events and fundraisers, count frogs that navigate through toad tunnels, aid with administration duties, take part in planting projects, and so much more!

Check out our Events page to learn about upcoming Educational events, workshops and nature projects you can take part in!

Subscribe to our monthly Volunteer and Events Bulletin so you don’t miss a beat.

I am a local business owner/individual. How can I support/sponsor my local Habitat Healers team?

Thank you for wanting to support your local Habitat Healers team!

Removing invasive species, cleaning up garbage and planting native trees and shrubs is hard work! We are always looking for lunch, snack and coffee/tea contributions for our volunteers to keep their energy up and spirits high!

For more information or if you would like to give a cash or gift donation please email Patricia, our Coordinator of Volunteers, at patricia@fraservalleyconservancy.ca

Program Partners

Habitat Healers and the Step to It Program is grateful for support from these partner organizations. Thank you.