Weedbuster & Restoration Events

Be a champion for native plants!

Join the Burnaby Lake Park Association’s “Weedbusters” program, one of the first community based invasive species removal programs in the province!

No experience necessary!  We have developed a new 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.

Interested? You can register your information here.

The BLPA limits the number of volunteers to ensure adequate spacing and healthy and safety best practices. Group size will be adjusted to site conditions and available support. We recommend volunteers bring what they need to feel safe. At this time, our work parties are limited to those aged 16+ or at least 12 years old and accompanied by an adult.

We use the Eventbrite registration system to ensure we have the information needed (no deciphering handwriting!) as well as reduce the amount of contact required with physical sign in sheets. No drop ins allowed.

What do you need to bring?
  • Mask, if it makes you feel more comfortable
  • Work/gardening gloves if you have them and prefer to use your own
  • Clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or torn (blackberry thorns like to grab on to you!)
  • Proper footwear with closed toes such as hiking boots with ankle support
  • Dress for the weather (sunscreen/hat or rain gear and gumboots)
  • Long sleeves and pants highly recommended; dressing in layers is always good
  • Lots of water, your own snacks and anything for your own comfort and safety, e.g. medication
  • Optional: Your own clippers, binoculars (you never know when there is an opportunity to spot some birds in the park)

We have health and safety guidelines in place to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

Scheduled Work Parties

If you have volunteered with us in the past, you should be on our email list already.

If you are new and interested in joining the BLPA in our activities, please register your interest here. Our Coordinator will be in touch with the next opportunities.

We look forward to meeting you and having you join our community of fun people who care for the environment.

Upcoming Weedbusters Events

Our work continues at the Burnaby Lake Nature House located at 4519 Piper Avenue. Please see note below about the Winston Street Sewer project which may affect travel times.

We will be digging up blackberry roots behind the Nature House. It is nesting season, so there will be no clipping blackberry canes, we will only dig under the covered cloth areas to avoid disturbing bird nests. 

Sign up links:

No Experience Necessary.  Training and refreshments will be provided.

Sign up to volunteer and receive information about our stewardship events from our Coordinator.

**SPRING 2022 – late 2024:  Please note that the Metro Vancouver Winston Street Sewer Project may have  temporary lane closures and detours along Winston Street and Lougheed Highway as the project progresses. Bike detours and parking restrictions will be in effect near the work zones. Residents and businesses will be notified in advance about specific traffic impacts as the project progresses.  Motorists and cyclists are advised to use alternate routes and follow the direction of signage and traffic control personnel.  See map.