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EcoBlitz – TD Tree Days 2019

The Burnaby Lake Park Association (BLPA) did their part to mitigate the effects of climate change. They worked with TD to deliver another TD Tree Days event during the annual EcoBlitz, stewardship activities happening across the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks system this month.

EcoBlitz events allow community volunteers to actively participate in preserving, restoring, and protecting the natural environment in regional parks, which develops respect, appreciation and enjoyment of the park’s natural attributes.

This year’s event took place on Sunday, October 20, 2019 at the Lenson Field restoration site, located at the south east end of Burnaby Lake Regional Park near Cariboo Dam. The BLPA, TD and over 100 volunteers who braved the rain and planted over 550 of these native trees, shrubs and plants of 15 different native species on this site.

Thank you to Mayor Mike Hurley, Councillors Dhaliwal and James Wang for coming out to show their support.

Photo: E Wong BLPA Director Bryan Green, Councillors Sav Dhaliwal and James Wang, Mayor Mike Hurley and BLPA Chair, Irene Lau

Photo: E Wong
BLPA Director Bryan Green, Councillors Sav Dhaliwal and James Wang, Mayor Mike Hurley and BLPA Chair, Irene Lau

Since 2018, the BLPA with support from Metro Vancouver Regional Parks staff, has held 12 work parties here with over 280 volunteers from Burnaby and neighbouring communities. These hard working volunteers have put in over 760 hours removing over 1600 kilograms (3500 pounds) of invasive species which include English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, and Himalayan balsam. These non-native organisms can alter habitats and often displace native vegetation through competition for water, nutrients, and space. In 2018, they put 400 native trees, shrubs and plants in the ground. They include recognisable varieties such as Vine Maples and Sword Ferns. However, the plants are also chosen for characteristics that are valuable in restoration projects such as the Salmonberry. Not only are its blooms one of the first signs of spring, it grows into dense thickets to provide habitat, provide a food source and its deep roots and suckering habits help prevent erosion by holding soil intact.

Check out the Event Photo Album on Facebook here.

EcoBlitz – TD Tree Days 2019

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Join the Burnaby Lake Park Association and folk from the TD Tree Days organization in the Metro Vancouver EcoBlitz as we continue work to rehabilitate the forest edge near the Cariboo Dam in an area we are calling the Lenson Field. The first EcoBlitz was held in 2014 and was a one day event across the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks System to give an opportunity for the community to lend a helping hand to nature and show a little extra love to our Regional Park.

Again this year, we are grateful to TD Tree Days for awarding the grant used to fund the purchase of the native species being planted. To find out more about TD Tree Days, click here.

On October 20, we are enlarging the area we planted 2018. Those of you who have been out to Weedbusters at the site this summer have made this planting possible by preparing the site. Join us as we plant native species and clean up any wayward weeds if needed. Remember to dress for the weather, wear sturdy and water proof shoes or boots, rain pants, jackets and a hat if needed. We’ll provide the gloves, tools and snacks! Ages 8+

Please register at this link so we can plan to have enough tools and refreshments. Please RSVP by the end of the day on Thursday, October 17th to let us know you’re coming.

Keep an eye on our social media closer to the event so you can be kept up to date with any changes due to weather or for any additional information.

If you have any questions, please contact Ann at info@burnabylakepark.ca.

Click here for Directions.  A short walk from the Production Way skytrain station or the Route 101 Bus.  Plenty of free parking at the Avalon Parking Lot off of Cariboo Road (map below).

TD Tree Days 2018 IMG_0716-crop&resizeimage.png

BLPA Trail Maps-LensonField