What we’re about
Looking for a constructive way to improve the health of our environment? Want to support your own health and be part of a community?
We bring together people to help parks, governmental agencies, charities, non-profits, societies, educational institutions, land trusts, and stewardship groups tackle environmental issues that need co-operation and teamwork to get done. NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY! All ages, abilities and experience levels are welcome and accommodated. INSTRUCTION, GLOVES, TOOLS AND REFRESHMENTS ARE PROVIDED. The Lower Mainland Green Team is a program of the charity Green Teams of Canada.
Activities include:
- Removing invasive plants that are outcompeting and overtaking our native plants and trees
- Planting native plants and trees
- Picking up litter in natural spaces
- Nature interpretive walks
- And anything that gets people together in nature to make a difference!
What you will get out of participating:
- Learn first-hand about the environmental issues faced in local parks
- Make a positive impact by conserving, restoring and enhancing green spaces
- Spend time in nature and enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of doing so
- Meet new people and be part of a community
- Learn to be a leader and work as a team
- Build stewardship and habitat restoration skills
- Get exercise outdoors
- Feel happier, healthier and more connected to nature
- Explore places in the Lower Mainland you may have never been to before
- Learn about all the amazing work being done by different groups and organizations in the Lower Mainland to take care of the environment
- Gain volunteer hours (a letter to confirm your hours will be emailed to you upon request)
- Have fun!
PLEASE REGISTER AS A GREEN TEAM VOLUNTEER HERE before participating in your first activity! (you will only need to fill out this form once)
Contact
Want to reach the organizer? Email Ashton at ashton@greenteamscanada.ca!
DON'T SEE ANY EVENTS POSTED? Hang tight! We are working hard to organize more opportunities for you!
We mostly run activities March-June and September-November, but are working to provide other opportunities year round!
Follow us on social media to stay up to date with our Green Team!
Facebook: @LowerMainlandGreenTeam
Instagram: @lowermainlandgreenteam
Twitter: @LMGreenteam
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History
Our founder, Lyda Salatian, ran the Lower Mainland Green Team's first activity ran on March 8, 2011 at Campbell Valley Regional Park in Langley. The Lower Mainland Green Team quickly grew and its success led to the founding of our national charity, Green Teams of Canada, on October 28, 2013 with the goal to launch Green Teams across the country. Soon after our Greater Victoria Green Team was born on August 1, 2014 and we look forward to launching a new Green Team in a brand new place by 2025.
Read more about our history HERE!
2011-2017 activity summaries (including before and after photos) can be found HERE!
2018-Present activity summaries (including before and after photos) can be found HERE!
See photos from each of our activities by clicking on Photos
Our mission
To connect, build and empower diverse communities through hands-on activities that promote health, well-being and environmental stewardship
DONATE to our charity, Green Teams of Canada
If you love the work we do and want to support us through a donation please click HERE. The money goes to organizing and running LMGT activities, volunteer management, native plants and trees, snacks, tools and communication materials.
AWARDS WON
- 2014 YWCA Environmental Sustainability Award
- 2013 National Hometown Heroes award from Earth Day Canada. To see the award click --> HERE to learn more about the award click --> HERE
- 2013 Frank Sanford Award for Community Service from the Vancouver Natural History Society. To see the award click --> HERE. To learn more about this award please click--> HERE
- 2012 - Jane Goodall Institute has given the LMGT a certificate of recognition. To check it please click --> HERE
Media
The Lower Mainland Green Team has been featured in the media 50+ times.
You can read the media coverage that our Lower Mainland and Greater Victoria Green Teams have received since 2011 HERE!
Want to learn more about us? click on the below links!
Metro Vancouver Park June 2014 piece about the LMGT --> HERE
A LMGT volunteer who is filmmaker from NSHG Films created this awesome Video --> HERE
CBC Radio Early Edition Jan 4 2014 interview --> HERE
Global News interview July 31 2013 --> HERE
David Suzuki talks about the Lower Mainland Green Team--> HERE
A 5 minute slide show about the LMGT --> HERE
Funders, Community Investment Partners and Donors like YOU!
Without financial support, the Lower Mainland Green Team would not be able to make a positive impact on communities or the environment. Thank you to everyone who financially supports us! If you love the work we do and want to support us through a donation, please click HERE.
Partners and Collaborators
We believe much more can get done working together. Below are some groups we have worked with over the years:
Metro Vancouver Parks
BC Parks
Vancouver Park Board
City of Burnaby
City of Coquitlam
City of North Vancouver
District of North Vancouver
District of West Vancouver
City of Surrey
City of Richmond
Corporation of Delta
City of White Rock
City of Port Moody
Lighthouse Park Preservation Society
Caulfeild Park Conservation Society
Alouette River Management Society
Fraser Basin Council
Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society
Burns Bog Conservation Society
Cougar Creek Streamkeepers
Minnekhada Park Association
Burnaby Lake Park Association
Sunnyside Acres Heritage Society
Friends of Semiahmoo Bay/Birds on the Bay
Catching the Spirit Youth Society
North Shore Wetland Partners Society
False Creek Watershed Society
Earthwise Society
Edible Garden Project
Fresh Roots Society
The Sharing Farm Society
Rivers Institute at BCIT
Jericho Stewardship Group
Pacific Spirit Park Society
Evergreen
Everett Crowley Park Committee
Coastal Painted Turtle Project
Friends of Hunter Park
Langley Environmental Partners Society
Ceed Centre Society
Balance Ecological
North Surrey Organic Garden Society
Stoney Creek Environment Committee
North Shore Mountain Biking Association
Better Environmentally Sound Transportation
White Rock and Surrey Naturalists
Generous Businesses
There are many generous businesses who have helped build the Lower Mainland Green Team. They contribute refreshments and products to volunteers to reward their hard work taking care of the environment! To learn more about them click HERE
Photos/Video
We may take photos and/or videos at the events. These may be posted here on meetup and/or other sites like youtube. The photos may also be used for communication materials. If you prefer to not be on camera make this clear to whoever is pointing a camera your way and/or duck out! Also please note, photos may be taken of you with products businesses have donated to LMGT volunteers and posted on their facebook pages.
RSVP'ing and not showing up
There are two rules:
1. Because equipment, tools and refreshments are brought to each event based on the number of people coming, if you have RSVP'd 3 times that you are going to 3 events and without notice have not shown up, you will be removed from the Lower Mainland Green Team. To "un-rsvp" go to where you had originally clicked on "join us" on the event page and click on "change RSVP". Please do this by the day before the event.
2. If you sign up for an event with a restricted number of participants, the spaces become filled and there is a waiting list and you do not show up (and have no good reason) you will be removed. You must UN-RSVP at least 2 days before an event (to give other members a chance to take your vacated spot and participate)
Other volunteer opportunities
Please check out the following page for more environmental volunteer opportunities --> HERE
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Celebrate Earth Day! Plant Native Trees & Shrubs @ Hoffmann Park, Pitt Meadows!Hoffmann Park, Pitt Meadows, BC
Celebrate Earth Day with the Lower Mainland Green Team & City of Pitt Meadows!
Come plant HUNDREDS of native trees & shrubs at Hoffmann Park, a beautiful urban forest! The number we plant will be determined by how many invasive plants we remove at our Mar 30 activity.
All ages, abilities & experience levels are welcome, bring your family & friends! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED.
Great opportunity to meet people, make a difference & have fun :)
This activity will run RAIN OR SHINE
WHY SIGN UP
• Meet new people & be part of a community
• Learn about local environmental issues
• Improve your health in nature while connecting with others
• Get exercise & fresh air in a beautiful green space
• Increase biodiversity
• Get volunteer hours (if needed)
• Eat delicious snacks
• Have fun... even when it rains! :)FIRST TIME?
Complete this form (You only have to fill this out ONCE)FILLING OUT THIS FORM DOES NOT SIGN YOU UP FOR THIS ACTIVITY, it only registers you as a volunteer with our organization. Please sign up for this specific activity here on Meetup OR by emailing Andrea at andrea@greenteamscanada.ca
RSVPing
Before you sign up for this activity, please make sure you are committed to participating. We ensure there is enough staff, buy snacks & bring gloves/tools based on how many people sign up.By RSVPing & not showing up or changing your RSVP at the last minute, you may be taking a spot away from someone who wants to participate. Let's honour each other’s time & be considerate of one another.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances come up. If you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP right away.
MEETING SPOT
We will meet at the trail intersection in Hoffmann Park off of 122nd Ave, HERE. Look for our signs/arrows! Review the map on this page, the red pin is our meeting spotBIKING?
Plan your bicycle route on the Cycling in Metro Vancouver pageTAKING TRANSIT?
The 722 bus stops beside the park along 122 Ave, and the 701 stops at Harris Rd, a 5 min walk away. Plan your route with the TransLink Trip Planner, Google Maps or download the Transit app (green icon) on your phoneDRIVING?
There is plenty of free parking surrounding the park along 122 Ave and Advent Rd.CARPOOLING?
Help make this activity more accessible by driving with others to/from this activity! Log in & comment at the bottom of this page to offer/ask for rides.Staff can help share that you are offering/looking for a ride, but are unable to provide or coordinate rides.
Communicate meeting points & times clearly & prioritize your safety. Those who carpool do so at their own risk.
SET UP & TAKE DOWN
Want to come early or stay late to help set up/pack up? Email andrea@greenteamscanada.caWASHROOMS
There are no public washrooms at this park. We will use washrooms in a nearby local business as needed.WHAT TO BRING
• Long sleeves & long, thick pants (like jeans) you don't mind getting dirty to protect you from thorny plants & ticks
• Refillable water bottle
• Sturdy, comfortable closed toe shoes/boots or rain boots
• Rain jacket in case it rains
• Hat to keep sun/rain out of your faceWHAT WE PROVIDE
• Gloves, tools & safety glasses
• Educational instruction & safety talk on what to do (no experience necessary!)
• Yummy snacks
• Photos of you in action
• Volunteer letters (on request)
• A fun, empowering opportunity to make a difference!FLOW OF THE ACTIVITY
• Meet at 9:45am (please be on time)
• Check-in
• Receive instruction & demo for activity
• Plant native plants
• Take a snack break (yum!) around 11:30am
• Continue planting until 1pm
• Help us pack up tools & supplies
• Check-outWHAT HAPPENS AFTER
• Fill out our survey to help us improve our program & secure funding for more activities!
• View photos HERE
• Read our activity summary HERE
• Email andrea@greenteamscanada.ca to request a volunteer letter (if needed)OUR PARTNER
A BIG thank you to our Community Investment Partner, the City of Pitt Meadows. Their financial support & commitment to our shared goals enables us to promote environmental stewardship & community well-being - thank you Andy & Olivia!LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This activity takes place on the traditional, ancestral & unceded territory of the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation who have lived on & stewarded these lands since time immemorial, & continue to do so today. We are humbled to run our programs and grateful for the opportunity to learn as guests on this land.QUESTIONS?
Email andrea@greenteamscanada.ca - YOUTH ACTIVITY - Remove Invasive Plants @ Ruth Johnson Park in White Rock!Ruth Johnson Park, White Rock, BC
Celebrate Earth Day with the Lower Mainland Green Team & City of White Rock!
We will be engaging grade 5 and 6 students from H.T. Thrift Elementary School in an invasive ivy removal at Ruth Johnson Park in White Rock!
This activity will run RAIN OR SHINE.
This activity will be split into two sessions (9:45am-11:30am, and 12:30pm-2:15pm). We will be engaging two classes in the first session & two in the second session. Please arrive at your scheduled session time and sign in.
No experience necessary. Gloves, tools, educational instruction and snacks provided!
Are you a community member who wants to be a part of this activity? Email Andrea at andrea@greenteamscanada.ca to find out how you can get involved!
PARENTS: PLEASE FILL OUT THE WAIVER & PHOTO CONSENT FORM FOR YOUR STUDENT by clicking: https://bit.ly/gtc-waiver-photo-consent. Once you select the Age of Volunteer, the waiver form will appear.
BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING
• Learn how to identify & remove invasive plants
• Improve your health in nature while connecting with others
• Get exercise & fresh air in a beautiful green space
• Increase biodiversity
• Eat delicious snacks
• Have fun... even when it rains! :)MEETING SPOT
We will meet at the entrance to Ruth Johnson Park by the Peace Arch Curling Club (south end of the parking lot). EXACT LOCATION HERE: http://bit.ly/3se24G2 Look for our signs!DRIVING?
Do not pay for parking! We will hand out FREE parking passes at the trail entrance when you arriveWASHROOMS
Public washrooms are located nearby in the Centre of Active Living/Peace Arch Curling Club, exact location HERE: https://bit.ly/3NKgt84. There are also washrooms located near the Centennial Baseball Field HERE: https://bit.ly/3tugiWyWHAT TO BRING
• Long sleeves & long, thick pants (like jeans) you don't mind getting dirty to protect you from thorny plants & bugs
• Sturdy, comfortable closed toe shoes/boots or rain boots that can get dirty
• Rain jacket in case it rains
• Refillable water bottle
• Hat to keep sun/rain out of your faceWHAT WE PROVIDE
• Gloves, tools & safety glasses
• Educational instruction & safety talk on what to do (no experience necessary!)
• Yummy light snacks
• Photos of everyone in action
• A fun opportunity to get outside and celebrate Earth Day!FLOW OF THE ACTIVITY
• Meet at your scheduled session time & sign in with your class
• Receive educational instruction & demo on how to remove invasive plants
• Remove invasive plants until the end of your session time & enjoy some snacks before heading out!WHAT HAPPENS AFTER
• A follow-up survey will be sent to teachers (filling this out helps us improve our program & secure funding to run more activities!)
• Photos taken will be uploaded on our Flickr HERE
• A summary of the activity uploaded HEREOUR PARTNER
A BIG thank you to our Community Investment Partner, the City of White Rock. Their financial support, direction, & commitment to our shared goals enables us to engage local youth in hands-on environmental education that promotes health, stewardship & makes a difference locally! Thank you Justin, Spencer & Jim!LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge with respect & gratitude the traditional, ancestral & unceded territories of the se'mya'me (Semiahmoo), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), & Máthxwi (Matsqui) First Nations upon which this activity takes place.QUESTIONS?
Email andrea@greenteamscanada.caNot open - EARTH WEEK 1: Remove Invasive Blueberry & Meet People @ Richmond Nature ParkRichmond Nature Park, Richmond, BC
Celebrate Earth Week with the Lower Mainland Green Team & City of Richmond!
Come remove invasive blueberry with us at the Richmond Nature Park! We'll be doing so by cutting down stems & covering the stumps to prevent regrowth.
All ages & abilities are welcome, bring your family & friends! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED
Great opportunity to meet people, make a difference & have fun :)
This activity will run RAIN OR SHINE
WHY SIGN UP
• Meet new people & be part of a community
• Learn about local environmental issues
• Improve your health in nature while connecting with others
• Get exercise & fresh air in a beautiful green space
• Increase biodiversity
• Get volunteer hours (if needed)
• Eat delicious snacks
• Have fun... even when it rains! :)FIRST TIME?
Complete this form, you only have to fill this out ONCEFILLING OUT THIS FORM DOES NOT SIGN YOU UP FOR THIS ACTIVITY, it registers you as a volunteer with our organization. Please sign up for this specific activity here on Meetup OR by emailing Ashton at ashton@greenteamscanada.ca
RSVPing
Before you sign up for this activity, please make sure you are fully committed to participating. We ensure there is enough staff, buy snacks & bring gloves/tools based on the number of people signed up.By RSVPing & not showing up or changing your RSVP at the last minute, you may be taking a spot away from someone who wants to participate. Let's honour each other’s time & be considerate of one another.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may come up. If you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP right away.
MEETING SPOT
We'll meet HERE, on the grass beside the parking lot of the Richmond Nature House. Look for our signs & review the map on this page: the red pin is our meeting spotBIKING?
Plan your bicycle route on the Cycling in Metro Vancouver pageTAKING TRANSIT?
The 405 bus stops right beside the Richmond Nature Park. Plan your route with the TransLink Trip Planner, Google Maps or download the Transit app (green icon) on your phoneDRIVING?
There is a free parking lot at the Richmond Nature Park, but PARKING IS VERY LIMITED due to construction. There is free street parking along No. 5 Rd if you need. DO NOT park at the Urban Farm Market lot. We encourage you to carpool, take transit or bike if you can!CARPOOLING?
Help make this activity more accessible by driving with others to/from this activity! Log in & comment at the bottom of this page to offer/ask for rides.Staff can help share that you are offering/looking for a ride, but are unable to provide or coordinate rides.
Communicate meeting points & times clearly & prioritize your safety. Those who carpool do so at their own risk
SET UP & TAKE DOWN
Want to come early or stay late to help set up/take down? Email ashton@greenteamscanada.caWASHROOMS
Public washrooms are located beside the Nature HouseWHAT TO BRING
• Long sleeves & long, thick pants (like jeans) you don't mind getting dirty to protect you from thorny plants & ticks
• Refillable water bottle
• Sturdy, comfortable closed toe shoes/boots or rain boots
• Rain jacket in case it rains
• Hat to keep sun/rain out of your faceWHAT WE PROVIDE
• Gloves, tools & safety glasses
• Educational instruction & safety talk on what to do (no experience necessary!)
• Yummy snacks
• Photos of you in action
• Volunteer letters (on request)
• A fun, empowering opportunity to make a difference!FLOW OF THE ACTIVITY
• Meet at 9:30am (please be on time)
• Check-in
• Walk to work area (~10 min)
• Receive instruction & demo for activity
• Remove invasive plants
• Take a snack break (yum!) around 11am
• Continue removing invasive plants until 12pm
• Check-outWHAT HAPPENS AFTER
• Fill out our survey to help us improve our program & secure funding for more activities!
• View photos HERE
• Read our activity summary HERE
• Email ashton@greenteamscanada.ca to request a volunteer letter (if needed)OUR PARTNER
Thank you to our Community Investment Partner, the City of Richmond! Their financial support & commitment to our shared goals enables us to promote environmental stewardship & community well-being through this activity. Find all of the City of Richmond's Earth Week events on their website soon!LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This activity takes place on the traditional, ancestral & unceded territory of the šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmaɁɬ təməxʷ (Musqueam), sc̓əwaθenaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsawwassen), Kwantlen & Coast Salish First Nations.QUESTIONS?
Email ashton@greenteamscanada.ca - EARTH WEEK 2: Remove Invasive Blueberry & Meet People @ Richmond Nature ParkRichmond Nature Park, Richmond, BC
Celebrate Earth Week with the Lower Mainland Green Team & City of Richmond!
Come remove invasive blueberry with us at the Richmond Nature Park! We'll be doing so by cutting down stems & covering the stumps to prevent regrowth
All ages & abilities are welcome, bring your family & friends! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED
Great opportunity to meet people, make a difference & have fun :)
This activity will run RAIN OR SHINE
WHY SIGN UP
• Meet new people & be part of a community
• Learn about local environmental issues
• Improve your health in nature while connecting with others
• Get exercise & fresh air in a beautiful green space
• Increase biodiversity
• Get volunteer hours (if needed)
• Eat delicious snacks
• Have fun... even when it rains! :)FIRST TIME?
Complete this form, you only have to fill this out ONCEFILLING OUT THIS FORM DOES NOT SIGN YOU UP FOR THIS ACTIVITY, it only registers you as a volunteer with our organization. Please sign up for this specific activity here on Meetup OR by emailing Ashton at ashton@greenteamscanada.ca
RSVPing
Before you sign up for this activity, please make sure you are fully committed to participating. We ensure there is enough staff, buy snacks & bring gloves/tools based on the number of people signed up.By RSVPing & not showing up or changing your RSVP at the last minute, you may be taking a spot away from someone who wants to participate. Let's honour each other’s time & be considerate of one another.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may come up. If you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP right away.
MEETING SPOT
We'll meet HERE, on the grass beside the parking lot of the Richmond Nature House. Look for our signs & review the map on this page: the red pin is our meeting spotBIKING?
Plan your bicycle route on the Cycling in Metro Vancouver pageTAKING TRANSIT?
The 405 bus stops right beside the Richmond Nature Park. Plan your route with the TransLink Trip Planner, Google Maps or download the Transit app (green icon) on your phoneDRIVING?
There is a free parking lot at the Richmond Nature Park, but PARKING IS VERY LIMITED due to construction. There is free street parking along No. 5 Rd if you need. DO NOT park at the Urban Farm Market lot. We encourage you to carpool, take transit or bike if you can!CARPOOLING?
Help make this activity more accessible by driving with others to/from this activity! Log in & comment at the bottom of this page to offer/ask for rides.Staff can help share that you are offering/looking for a ride, but are unable to provide or coordinate rides.
Communicate meeting points & times clearly & prioritize your safety. Those who carpool do so at their own risk
SET UP & TAKE DOWN
Want to come early or stay late to help set up/take down? Email ashton@greenteamscanada.caWASHROOMS
Public washrooms are located beside the Nature HouseWHAT TO BRING
• Long sleeves & long, thick pants (like jeans) you don't mind getting dirty to protect you from thorny plants & ticks
• Refillable water bottle
• Sturdy, comfortable closed toe shoes/boots or rain boots
• Rain jacket in case it rains
• Hat to keep sun/rain out of your faceWHAT WE PROVIDE
• Gloves, tools & safety glasses
• Educational instruction & safety talk on what to do (no experience necessary!)
• Yummy snacks
• Photos of you in action
• Volunteer letters (on request)
• A fun, empowering opportunity to make a difference!FLOW OF THE ACTIVITY
• Meet at 1pm (please be on time)
• Check-in
• Walk to work area (~10 min)
• Receive instruction & demo for activity
• Remove invasive plants
• Take a snack break (yum!) around 2:30pm
• Continue removing invasive plants until 3:30pm
• Help us pack up tools & supplies
• Check-outWHAT HAPPENS AFTER
• Fill out our survey to help us improve our program & secure funding for more activities!
• View photos HERE
• Read our activity summary HERE
• Email ashton@greenteamscanada.ca to request a volunteer letter (if needed)OUR PARTNER
Thank you to our Community Investment Partner, the City of Richmond! Their financial support & commitment to our shared goals enables us to promote environmental stewardship & community well-being through this activity. Find all of the City of Richmond's Earth Week events on their website soon!LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This activity takes place on the traditional, ancestral & unceded territory of the šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmaɁɬ təməxʷ (Musqueam), sc̓əwaθenaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsawwassen), Kwantlen & Coast Salish First Nations.QUESTIONS?
Email ashton@greenteamscanada.ca
