Volunteers and City staff pull together for Nanaimo's parks

Partners in Parks program works to reduce invasive plants, clean up parks

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed March 23, 2016 10:00 AM

Summary

Recently, City of Nanaimo staff and community volunteers worked together to clean up two of Nanaimo's parks as part of the Partners in Parks Program.

City staff and students from the Dover Bay Secondary School Eco Club worked together to remove ivy in Orchard Circle Park 2. Removing ivy from trees is important to preserve the long term health of our Urban Forest.

Over in Barsby Park, Park Ambassador Diana Kirsh coordinated a clean up. City staff and community volunteers worked together to pick up over 1,000 kg of garbage.

For more information on the Partners in Parks (PIP) program, please visit the City website.

Strategic Link: Community-Building Partnerships; Environmental Responsibility

Key Points

Over 40 community members from all over Nanaimo volunteered to clean up Barsby Park.
City staff provide training and tools to community volunteers interested in environmental restoration work in Nanaimo's parks and natural areas.
To prevent the spread of invasive plants, residents are reminded not to dump yard waste in Nanaimo's parks and natural settings and properly compost their yard trimmings.

Quotes

"The Partners in Parks program is really a wonderful way for residents to show their community spirit and help improve Nanaimo parks."

Ian Thorpe

Councillor

City of Nanaimo

"It's so great to meet so many dedicated and committed volunteers who are willing to work together to make our parks a better space for wildlife and the public."

Rob Lawrance

Environmental Planner

City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

English ivy is an invasive species, meaning it takes over other plant habitats and kills off local vegetation. The vine can attach to a tree trunk and climb its way all the way up the tree, covering leaves and branches, and preventing it from getting sunlight.