Earth Day Ivy removal at Minnekhada Regional Park in Coquitlam

This event is on rain or shine!

Meeting Spot

We are meeting at Minnekhada Regional Park at Minnekhada Lodge. From Lougheed Highway, turn North on Coast Meridian, turn right onto Prairie Road, take a left onto Cedar Drive. Cedar Drive continues onto Oliver Road. Follow the signs to the Lodge.

For a map please CLICK HERE (http://www.metrovancouver.org/about/maps/Maps/MinnekhadaLodgemap.pdf)

Getting yourself there

There is limited parking at the lodge and there is no transit to this park, so please either carpool or ride your bicycle!

carpooling. There are often Lower Mainland Green Team volunteers willing to provide a ride! If you need a ride log into your meetup account, click on "join us" on this page and leave a message briefly describing where you can offer or need a ride from. You can also leave a message at the bottom of this page in the box where it says "post a comment". Don't forget to chip in for gas if you get a ride ($5 for every hour of drive is about right).

Your organizer also sends an email reminder out to everyone signed up to participate a day before so drop an email to her (lowermainlandgreenteam@gmail.com) that you need a ride and she can include it in her message to all those participating.

Take transit. To find out the best route go to:http://www.translink.bc.ca (http://www.translink.bc.ca/) type in the location you are starting from, the destination and the date and time you will be begin the trip. Keep in mind there is no transit stop near our meeting spot so if you take transit bring your bicycle or plan for a lengthy walk to get you the rest of the way there.

Ride your bicycle. There are bicycle maps here: http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/transport/cycling/bikeways/maps.htm

Activities

Meet at 9.45am (please don't be late) Sign-in Walk to site. Note: if you are late follow a sign with an arrow. English Ivy removal from 10am - 1pm (with breaks and refreshments) After 1pm for those interested we will walk around and explore Minnekhada Regional park and have packed lunches (please bring your own) What to bring

Your rain jacket in case it is raining. Our events in the rain have still been great fun! If it's sunny, bring a hat and sunscreen Gardening gloves if you have them (otherwise they'll be provided for you) Ideal footwear: waterproof hiking boots, sturdy outdoor shoes, rubber boots. No open toe shoes, heels or fashionable shoes/boots. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty Long sleeves and long pants are ideal (this will help reduce scratches from thorny plants that you may brush up against). Or if it's hot wear short sleeves and shorts and bring the pants and long sleeves to throw on if necessary. Water (to bring with you to the work site) - Please don't forget this A packed lunch if you are sticking around after 1pm What will be provided for you

Gloves, tools and equipment. If you have your own gardening gloves or tools feel free to bring them. Snacks for the break Instruction - Metro Vancouver Parks will give you the run down about the work we will be doing (you don't need to have experience to participate). There will be a safety talk and an orientation of the site. A volunteer letter emailed to you after the event to confirm your hours if you need it
About English Ivy

To learn more about the invasive plant English Ivy please click--> HERE (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedera_helix) and HERE (http://www.shim.bc.ca/invasivespecies/_private/englishivy.htm)

About Tynehead Regional Park

Minnekhada Regional park is a natural park 200 hectares in size in northeast Coquitlam. It features trails, rock knolls, abundant trees, birds and other wildlife (it is designated wildlife watch site). At the center of the park is the main marsh area.

Hosts

Minnekhada Park Association (http://www.minnekhada.ca/aboutus.html) and Metro Vancouver Parks (http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/parks_lscr/regionalparks/Pages/default.aspx)