
What we’re about
~ Restore, Conserve, and Connect to our Environment throughout Greater Victoria ~
The Greater Victoria Green Team is a regional-wide environmental volunteer program and is part of the National Charity Green Teams of Canada ([www.GreenTeamsCanada.ca](http://www.GreenTeamsCanada.ca)). We are a group of people from all over the Greater Victoria area who get together to help restore our local environment in the Capital Regional District. We work with Municipal and Provincial Parks, Charities, Non-profit organizations, Societies, Stewardship and Watershed groups to tackle environmental issues through co-operation and teamwork. We also volunteer at farms to promote local sustainable agriculture. Gloves and tools will be supplied as well as refreshments! All ages are welcome* and no experience is necessary. If you care about the environment, local food security, and meeting other passionate people then this is the group for you!
* Volunteers 18 years and under wishing to volunteer are required to have a parent/guardian sign the Greater Victoria Green Team waiver prior to volunteering with the Green Teams. Please fill in form here: [http://bit.ly/2GEDEO9](http://bit.ly/2GEDEO9) . Failure to have your parent/guardian sign this before the activity will prevent you from participating at our event.
The GVGT is a program of Green Teams of Canada charity: [www.greenteamscanada.ca](http://www.greenteamscanada.ca)
Our mission
To inspire stewardship of nature by connecting diverse individuals through hands-on educational environmental activities.
Activities include:
• Removing invasive plants that are out-competing and overtaking natural habitat
• Planting native species
• Picking up garbage (especially from shorelines)
• Preparing and harvesting veggie beds
• Unique activities that improve the environment (building trails, monitoring, building nest boxes for birds, etc)
Restoring our environment is a two way street! You will also benefit in many ways:
• Learn first-hand about the environmental issues faced in parks
• Find out about invasive plants and how they are threatening our ecosystems
• Build stewardship and habitat restoration skills
• Conserve, restore and enhance local green spaces
• Spend time outdoors
• Meet like-minded interesting people
• Build knowledge and skills related to local food security
• Get your hands dirty and be active in something you believe in
• Learn to be a leader and work as a team
• Learn about all the amazing work being done by different groups and organizations in the CRD
• Explore places in the CRD you may have never been to before
• Gain volunteer hours (a letter to confirm your hours will be emailed to you as requested)
• Get exercise and have fun!
Contact the GVGT Program Manager, Kaitlin Warren at Kaitlin@GreenTeamsCanada.ca
Donating to the Greater Victoria Green Team
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 GVGT activities, volunteer management, native plants and trees, snacks, tools and communication materials
History
The Greater Victoria Green Team (GVGT) is a new program of Green Teams of Canada, a charity founded by Lyda Salatian in 2013. The GVGT is the second Green Team to be formed, after the success of the Lower Mainland Green Team.
If you want to stay up-to-date with latest Greater Victoria Green Team happenings check out our Facebook Page ([https://www.facebook.com/greatervictoriagreenteam](https://www.facebook.com/greatervictoriagreenteam)), Twitter Page ([https://twitter.com/GVGreenTeam](https://twitter.com/GVGreenTeam)) and Instagram ([https://www.instagram.com/gvgreenteam/)](https://www.instagram.com/gvgreenteam/))
Check our Youtube Channel here: [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCf2MM0x2a...](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCf2MM0x2af-GAVRxAmZ-dQ)?
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 GVGT volunteers and posted on their facebook pages.
Liability (please read before attending any of our events!)
The organizer and each and every one of its hosts and volunteer participants are in no way responsible and liable for your personal safety and health state, or the safety of your children before, during and at anytime after each event. By RSVPing "Yes", for Greater Victoria Green Team events, you acknowledge that you fully understand the nature of the activities, are aware of risks, and are sufficiently fit and capable of performing the activities, assuming all risks associated with those activities. All attendees hereby release and shall forever hold harmless the Greater Victoria Green Team organizer, all Greater Victoria Green Team hosts and other volunteers attendees and unconditionally waive any liabilities resulting from attending and/or participating in any Greater Victoria Green Team events. By attending our events you are taking personal responsibility for yourself and any minors in your care. Anyone under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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, it is important for those who have RSVP'd to show up. If you are no longer able to attend an activity, simply "un-RSVP" and leave the activity to make room for another participant. 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 don't show up to an event that has a restricted number of participants, and there is a waiting list for that event, you will be removed from the GVGT unless you have an appropriate reason. You must un-RSVP at least 2 days before an event, especially if that event has a waiting list (to give other members a chance to take your vacated spot and participate). This ensures everyone interested in participating has that opportunity.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Community Invasive Species Removal at Edwards Park, View Royal!Edwards Park, View Royal, Victoria, BC
We will be removing invasive Scotch broom from Edwards Park in View Royal!
It's a great opportunity to meet new people, learn about environmental issues and increase biodiversity. :)This activity will go on rain or shine.
WHY SIGN UP
- Meet new people
- Learn about local environmental issues
- Improve your mental health in nature connecting with others
- Get some exercise
- Increase biodiversity
- Get volunteer hours (if you need them)
- Eat delicious snacks
- Have fun!! :) (even when it rains!)
REGISTRATION
First time coming out? Fill this out: http://bit.ly/2WdZeAT18 or under? Get your parent/guardian to fill this out: http://bit.ly/parentguardianform
You only ever have to fill this form out ONCE
RSVPing
Sign up for this activity by joining this event page or by emailing kaitlin@greenteamscanada.ca
Before you sign up, please make sure you are fully committed to participating. We ensure there is enough staff, buy refreshments and bring gloves/tools based on the number of people signed up.By RSVPing and 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 and 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.
SET UP & TAKE DOWN
Want to come early and help set up and/or stay a little longer and help with take down? Email Kaitlin@GreenTeamsCanada.caMEETING SPOT
Meet us at the top of the park, at the entrance beside the address 2579 Ruby CourtPARKING
There is limited street parking at the Ruby Court entrance to the park.
Back up parking options are available on Bamford Court or Chilco Road near the lower park entrances. If parking on one of these roads you can enter Edwards Park from Bamford Court entrance or the Chilco Road entrance and follow the walking path up through the park to the top of the hill where our meeting spot is.
Please use active transportation and / or carpool if possible!CYCLING
Plan your bicycle route with CRD Bike Map. You are welcome to bring your bike into the park and can lock it up against the fence beside our meeting spot.BUS
BC Transit bus #53 stops at Atkins Rd at Crystalview Drive: about a 15 minute walk from meeting spot
There is a bus stop at Island Highway (Colwood Exchange) where bus #95 stops, which is about a 30 minute walk from our meeting spot.
Plan your bus route with BC Transit VictoriaCARPOOLING
Log in & use “comments” at the bottom of this page to say you need a ride or can offer a ride. You may also send us a message to include in an email to attendees.Staff will not coordinate drives, they will only pass on the info that you are offering/looking for a ride.
Please ensure you communicate meeting points and times clearly and prioritise your safety. Community members who carpool do so at their own risk.
Staff cannot offer rides.
WASHROOMS
There are no washrooms in this park. Please use a washroom before arriving. The nearest washroom is near the parking lot of Mill Hill regional park, about a 15 minute walk awayWHAT TO BRING
- Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty
- Long sleeves and long pants to protect from thorny plants, & insects
- Refillable water bottle with water (we have water for refills)
- Sturdy closed toe shoes/boots
- Rain jacket in case it rains
- Hat
- Your own gardening gloves, tools and/or safety glasses if you prefer - otherwise we’ll provide these.
WHAT WE PROVIDE YOU
- Gloves, tools and safety glasses
- Education and demonstration on what we will be doing (no experience necessary!)
- Refreshments (e.g. baked goods, veggies, fruits, granola bars)
- Photos of you in action
- Volunteer letters (on request)
FLOW OF THE ACTIVITY
At 9.45am sign in, followed by instruction and engaging in this activity. Halfway through we’ll take a break, go back to engaging in the activity and then we end at 1pmPARTNER
A BIG thank you to our Community Investment Partner, the Town of View Royal. Their financial support and commitment to our shared goals enables us to promote environmental stewardship and community well-beingLAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge with respect and gratitude the traditional territories of the Songhees, W̱SÁNEĆ Nation, the Lekwungen speaking Songhees and Esquimalt peoples upon which land this activity will take place. For many generations, they have maintained a deep connection to the land, waters and all living things. As guests on this land, we are grateful for the opportunity to learn.Questions?
Email Kaitlin@GreenTeamsCanada.ca - Make Friends & Remove Invasive Plants at UVic - Meet By Cedar Hill Cross Rd!Alumni Chip Trail, Capital, BC
We're removing invasive plants (such as English ivy) from the University of Victoria campus, nearest the entrance by Cedar Hill Cross Road!
The entrance to the path is on Cedar Hill Cross Road, across the road from Emmanuel Baptist Church and Henderson Recreation Centre.
Parking is available along Cedar Hill Cross Road.This is a great opportunity to meet new people, learn about environmental issues and increase biodiversity :)
This activity will go on rain or shine.
WHY SIGN UP
You’ll:- Meet new people
- Learn about local environmental issues
- Improve your mental health in nature connecting with others
- Get some exercise
- Increase biodiversity
- Get volunteer hours (if you need them)
- Eat delicious snacks
- Have fun!! :) (even when it rains!)
REGISTRATION
First time coming out? Fill this out: http://bit.ly/2WdZeAT18 or under? Get your parent/guardian to fill this out: http://bit.ly/parentguardianform
You only ever have to fill this form out ONCERSVPing
Before you sign up, please make sure you are fully committed to participating. We ensure there is enough staff, buy refreshments and bring gloves/tools based on the number of people signed up.By RSVPing and not showing up, or changing your RSVP at the last minute, you may be taking a spot away from someone who wants to participate. Lets honour each other’s time and 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.
SET UP & TAKE DOWN
Want to come early and help set up and/or stay a little longer and help with take down? Email kaitlin@GreenTeamsCanada.caMEETING SPOT
Meet at the entrance to the walking path off of Cedar Hill Cross Road located across the street from Emmanuel Baptist Church and Henderson Recreation Centre.PARKING
There is street parking along Cedar Hill Cross Road near our meeting spot.CYCLING
Plan your bicycle route with CRD Bike Map
You are welcome to bring your bike into our work area with you.BUS
There are many busses that will take you to UVic
Plan your bus route with BC Transit VictoriaCARPOOLING
Log in & use “comments” at the bottom of this page to say you need a ride or can offer a ride. You may also send us a message to include in an email to attendees.Staff will not coordinate rides, they will only pass on the info that you are offering/looking for a ride.
Please ensure you communicate meeting points and times clearly and prioritize your safety. Community members who carpool do so at their own risk.
Staff cannot offer rides
WASHROOMS
The closest washrooms are at the Engineering building inside Ring Road on campus.WHAT TO BRING
- Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty
- Long sleeves and long pants to protect from thorny plants, & insects
- Refillable water bottle with water (we have water for refills)
- Sturdy closed toe shoes/boots
- Rain jacket in case it rains
- Hat
- Your own gardening gloves, tools and/or safety glasses if you prefer - otherwise we’ll provide these.
WHAT WE PROVIDE YOU
- Gloves, tools and safety glasses
- Education and demonstration on what we will be doing (no experience necessary!)
- Refreshments (e.g. baked goods, veggies, fruits, granola bars)
- Photos of you in action
- Volunteer letters (on request)
FLOW OF THE ACTIVITY
At 9.45am sign in, followed by instruction and engaging in this activity. Halfway through we’ll take a break, go back to engaging in the activity and then we end at 1pmPARTNER
A BIG thank you to our Community Investment Partner, the UVic Office of Campus Planning & Sustainability. Their financial support and commitment to our shared goals enables us to promote environmental stewardship and community well-beingLAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge with respect and gratitude the traditional territories of the Songhees, W̱SÁNEĆ Nation, the Lekwungen speaking Songhees and Esquimalt peoples upon which land this activity will take place. For many generations, they have maintained a deep connection to the land, waters and all living things. As guests on this land, we are grateful for the opportunity to learn.Questions?
email: kaitlin@greenteamscanada.ca - YOUTH ACTIVITY! Remove Invasive English Ivy at Portage Park!Portage Park, View Royal, BC
This activity is being organized in collaboration with teachers and students of Shoreline Middle School.
If you are a community member interested in supporting the facilitation of this activity please email Program Manager Kaitlin at kaitlin@greenteamscanada.ca. Please do not attend this activity without communicating with Kaitlin ahead of time. Thank you for understanding!We're removing invasive English ivy from Portage Park in View Royal with Shoreline school!
This activity will go on rain or shine.
Session Times:
10:00 - 11:30
12:40 - 2:00REGISTRATION
First time coming out? Fill this out: http://bit.ly/2WdZeAT18 or under? Get your parent/guardian to fill this out: http://bit.ly/parentguardianform
You only ever have to fill this form out ONCE
RSVPing
This activity is focused on youth education, engaging students from a nearby school. If you are interested in helping with this activity please email Kaitlin@GreenTeamsCanada.caBefore you sign up, please make sure you are fully committed to participating. We ensure there is enough staff, buy refreshments and bring gloves/tools based on the number of people signed up.
By RSVPing and not showing up, or changing your RSVP at the last minute, you may be taking a spot away from someone who wants to participate. Lets honour each other’s time and 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.
SET UP & TAKE DOWN
Want to come early and help set up and/or stay a little longer and help with take down? Email severine@GreenTeamsCanada.caMEETING SPOT
Meet by the playground near the bike pathPARKING
Parking for this park is located behind the View Royal Town Hall at 45 View Royal Ave.CYCLING
Plan your bicycle route with CRD Bike MapBUS
Plan your bus route with BC Transit VictoriaCARPOOLING
Log in & use “comments” at the bottom of this page to say you need a ride or can offer a ride. You may also send us a message to include in an email to attendees.Staff will not coordinate rides, they will only pass on the info that you are offering/looking for a ride.
Please ensure you communicate meeting points and times clearly and prioritize your safety. Community members who carpool do so at their own risk.
Staff cannot offer rides
WASHROOMS
There is a pit toilet in the park near the playground.WHAT TO BRING
- Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty
- Long sleeves and long pants to protect from thorny plants, & insects
- Refillable water bottle with water (we have water for refills)
- Sturdy closed toe shoes/boots
- Rain jacket in case it rains
- Hat
- Your own gardening gloves, tools and/or safety glasses if you prefer - otherwise we’ll provide these.
WHAT WE PROVIDE YOU
- Gloves, tools and safety glasses
- Education and demonstration on what we will be doing (no experience necessary!)
- Refreshments (e.g. baked goods, veggies, fruits, granola bars)
- Photos of you in action
- Volunteer letters (on request)
FLOW OF THE ACTIVITY
This activity is taking place across 2 sessions. Please arrive at the start of your designated session time. Instructions and gear will be provided upon arrival at the start of each session time. Snacks will be provided at the end of each class session time.PARTNER
A BIG thank you to our Community Investment Partner, the Town of View Royal. Their financial support and commitment to our shared goals enables us to promote environmental stewardship and community well-beingLAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge with respect and gratitude the traditional territories of the Songhees, W̱SÁNEĆ Nation, the Lekwungen speaking Songhees and Esquimalt peoples upon which land this activity will take place. For many generations, they have maintained a deep connection to the land, waters and all living things. As guests on this land, we are grateful for the opportunity to learn.Not open - Community Invasive Species Removal at Portage Park, View Royal!Portage Park, View Royal (Behind View Royal Town Hall and 4 Mile Pub), Victoria, BC
We will be removing invasive plants such as English ivy and Himalayan blackberry from Portage Park!
It's a great opportunity to meet new people, learn about environmental issues and increase biodiversity. :)
This activity will go on rain or shine.
WHY SIGN UP
- Meet new people
- Learn about local environmental issues
- Improve your mental health in nature connecting with others
- Get some exercise
- Increase biodiversity
- Get volunteer hours (if you need them)
- Eat delicious snacks
- Have fun!! :) (even when it rains!)
VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION
First time coming out? Fill this out: http://bit.ly/2WdZeAT
18 or under? Get your parent/guardian to fill this out: http://bit.ly/parentguardianform
You only ever have to fill this form out ONCE. This form does not register you for an activity it just registers you as a volunteer with our charity. Please sign up for each activity in which you wish to participate.SIGNING UP
To sign up for this activity please join this Meetup Event OR email kaitlin@greenteamscanada.ca
Before you sign up, please make sure you are fully committed to participating. We ensure there is enough staff, buy refreshments and bring gloves/tools based on the number of people signed up.By RSVPing and 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 and 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.
SET UP & TAKE DOWN
Want to come early and help set up and/or stay a little longer and help with take down? Email Kaitlin@GreenTeamsCanada.caMEETING SPOT
Review the map on the top right of this page. The red pin is our meeting spot.PARKING
There is a small parking lot behind View Royal Town Hall. There is also limited street parking available on Glentana RoadCYCLING
Plan your bicycle route with CRD Bike MapBUS
Plan your bus route with BC Transit VictoriaCARPOOLING
Log in & use “comments” at the bottom of this page to say you need a ride or can offer a ride. You may also send us a message to include in an email to attendees.Staff will not coordinate drives, they will only pass on the info that you are offering/looking for a ride.
Please ensure you communicate meeting points and times clearly and prioritise your safety. Community members who carpool do so at their own risk.
Staff cannot offer rides.
WASHROOMS
There is a pit toilet at Portage Park near the playground.WHAT TO BRING
- Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty
- Long sleeves and long pants to protect from thorny plants, & insects
- Refillable water bottle with water (we have water for refills)
- Sturdy closed toe shoes/boots
- Rain jacket in case it rains
- Hat
- Your own gardening gloves, tools and/or safety glasses if you prefer - otherwise we’ll provide these.
WHAT WE PROVIDE YOU
- Gloves, tools and safety glasses
- Education and demonstration on what we will be doing (no experience necessary!)
- Refreshments (e.g. baked goods, veggies, fruits, granola bars)
- Photos of you in action
- Volunteer letters (on request)
FLOW OF THE ACTIVITY
At 9.45am sign in, followed by instruction and engaging in this activity. Halfway through we’ll take a break, go back to engaging in the activity and then we end at 1pmPARTNER
A BIG thank you to our Community Investment Partner, the Town of View Royal. Their financial support and commitment to our shared goals enables us to promote environmental stewardship and community well-beingLAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge with respect and gratitude the traditional territories of the Songhees, W̱SÁNEĆ Nation, the Lekwungen speaking Songhees and Esquimalt peoples upon which land this activity will take place. For many generations, they have maintained a deep connection to the land, waters and all living things. As guests on this land, we are grateful for the opportunity to learn.Questions?
Email Kaitlin@GreenTeamsCanada.ca