Category Archives: Volunteer

Wet Weedbuster Windup

It was a fast transition to Fall weather and our final weedbusters last week was WET! Thanks to the weatherproof group who came out and were able to join us for our season windup. However, a big THANK YOU goes out to each and every volunteer who joined us from April to September to help us remove more than *4300 kg* of invasive species from Burnaby Lake Regional Park.

2018-09-09_BLPA-WeedbusterWindup-group   2018-09-09_BLPA-WeedbusterWindup-cake

Stay tuned for information about our EcoBlitz planting parties in October. We should have details finalised by next week.

Weedbusters Mid-Summer Check-in

HAPPY JULY!

We’ve officially started the second half of the year and as promised in our newsletter, we want to keep you up to date with our progress.

So far, the BLPA Weedbusters have had 4 public work parties since April.

BLPA Stewardship Progress 2018-06

Of note:

  • We welcomed community members not only from Burnaby, but across Metro Vancouver from West Vancouver to the Tri-Cities.
  • Our April Weedbuster happened to fall on Earth Day, and we had several people come out specifically because they wanted to do something for the environment on this day, including one person who took time from his holidays from Ontario!
  • While we go after the “usual suspects” of invasive species, English ivy (Hedera helix), Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), a few Black locust or False acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) trees were discovered on the Glencarin restoration site. This species is originally from the US south, and can grown in dense stands whose shade will suppress seedlings from native trees.
  • The June 10 work party was held as part of the Wild About Burnaby Lake event we co-hosted with Metro Vancouver Regional Parks and the City of Burnaby, and a lot was accomplished considering the group size.

Thanks to all of our great volunteers for all of their hard work and being native plant champions!

Photo credits: (left to right) I. Lau, D. Tan, Jennifer Strang Photography, A. Green

We have an Environmental Star!

The City of Burnaby’s Environmental Awards Program recognizes the outstanding environmental achievements of individuals, groups, organizations and companies in Burnaby.

The BLPA is so pleased to announce that one of our own, Dave Stafford has been recognized as an “Environmental Star” in Community Stewardship. Congratulations Dave and thank you for all you have done for Burnaby Lake Regional Park, its community and the BLPA.

David has been an energetic volunteer with the Burnaby Lake Park Association since 2004 From cleaning out nest boxes, removing invasive species, planting, representing the BLPA at community events. In recent years, he has developed and led the recycling/composting program at Burnaby Lake events including the BLPA, Burnaby Lake Rowing Club, Canoe Club,Wildlife Rescue Association of BC and Burnaby Horsemen’s Association. This program has diverted hundreds of kg from the landfill; money from returnables goes back to the organization and unclaimed items to those in need. He is a familiar figure to those who frequent the park. He has also served terms on the BLPA board of directors including 2 years as Chair.

Dave was presented his award by Mayor Derek Corrigan at the Burnaby Council meeting on Monday, May 16.