Category Archives: Volunteer

December Stewardship Opportunities

Our work at the Burnaby Lake Nature House continues!

We will keep on digging up invasive Himalyan blackberry roots behind the Nature House. When that job is done, the ground will be covered with weed cloth to dissuade birds from nesting at this location in the spring which would allow us to continue stewardship work in the area according to provincial and federal regulations. 

Register at the following links:

Please note, work parties will take place as long as weather conditions allow. Our Coordinator will contact you if any there are changes.

We will take a short break after this and start up again in January as weather conditions allow. Once you sign up for a Weedbusters event, you will be notified of future opportunities or keep an eye on our social media for future dates.

October Weedbusters

October Weebusters.jpg

Our invasive plant species removal program, also known as “Weedbusters“, began in 2004. This makes it one of the first community group programs doing this important work to champion our native species to ensure ecological diversity in Burnaby Lake Regional Park. 

You do not need any prior experience or knowledge to volunteer. We will provide you with the training you will need to identify and safely remove invasive plants. There will also be experienced volunteers or BLPA Directors to answer any questions you have about Weedbusters and the BLPA. 

This fall we are focusing on 2 projects. 

  1. The first project is to dig out blackberry roots behind the Nature House and cover the ground with weed cloth so no birds can nest there in the spring. This means we should be able to have some Weedbuster events in the Spring to continue removing the Blackberry roots and then plant there in fall 2024. 
  2. The second project is a Wildflower Meadow at Lenson. We will be laying down cardboard/coffee bags over the grass and then covering it with dirt. Then we will spread a seed mix of wildflowers. However, this project is subject to change if there is any job action by Metro Vancouver Park Staff. If that happens, we will pivot to an invasive plant removal. The meeting location will not change.  

The first 2 events are at the Burnaby Lake Nature House located at 4519 Piper Avenue. Sign up at the links:

The third and fourth events meet at the Lenson Garage located on 9157 Avalon Avenue. (see map below). Sign up at the links below.

Each registration link wil have details on what to bring and where to meet. Click here full directions (including transit).

Welcome Back Weedbusters

Now that it’s September*, WEEDBUSTERS IS BACK! 

Join us at our habitat restoration work parties as we start up again this month:

  • Saturday, September 16 – 10 am to 1 pm – Meet at BLPA Nature House – Sign up here
  • Saturday, September 23 – 10 am to 1 pm – Meet at Lenson Garage – Sign up here

No experience necessary. We have developed an orientation program so new volunteers can start to join us again in our stewardship work. You will learn about the BLPA, how we work with Metro vancouver Regional Parks, why your contribution to our work is important, how to identify invasive species that have become established and replaced native species and how to safely remove them.

Training, tools and refreshements will be provided.

Spaces are limited. Registration required.

More events will be added soon.

* The BLPA adheres to the guidelines set out by the provincial Wildlife Act and federal Migratory Birds Convention Act. to reduce the risk of disturbance and harm to nesting birds, from mid-March to August 31.