A group of volunteers will show up in Richmond this Saturday to battle a stubborn invader that has engulfed tracts of land in Terra Nova Park.
Members from Green Teams Canada, a charity dedicated to educating people about environmental conservation, will show up with gloves and shovels to remove the invasive Himalayan blackberries from Richmond.
Himalayan blackberries were brought over to B.C. from England and can spread wherever their long vines touch the ground. They end up covering forest floors, cutting off sunlight and choking out other plants, which reduces biodiversity.
Getting rid of these invasive plants may not only help the environment, but people’s mental health at the same time, said Alexandra Woudzia, program coordinator of Lower Mainland Green Teams Canada.
“There are a lot of issues we are experiencing in the current situation, such as social isolation and spending too much time in front of our computer screens. So the mission (to weed out the invasive species) can get people out to connect in person,” said Woudzia.
“(It’s) great for people’s mental health. Please come out, get your hands dirty and invite a few friends,” she added.
Volunteers will meet by the parking lot at the Rural Park Farm Centre, which is bike accessible and a 15-minutes’ walk from the southbound No. 1 Road bus stop. COVID-19 protocols will be observed.
Interested volunteers can contact organizers at https://www.meetup.com/The-Lower-Mainland-Green-Team/events/273759740/?fbclid=IwAR2ELKCIgdIDQpRLeGmJVcu-F1NMbXq3zM7mI-TX_phsAUvYaFRspIRnoh4.
