Make Friends & Remove Invasive Plants at Esquimalt Gorge Park!

We're removing invasive plants such as Himalayan blackberry & English ivy from Esquimalt Gorge Park (near the Gorge Park Pavillion)

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/2WdZeAT](https://greenteams.formstack.com/forms/greater_victoria_green_team_volunteer_registration_form)

18 or under? Get your parent/guardian to fill this out: [http://bit.ly/parentguardianform](https://greenteams.formstack.com/forms/greater_victoria_green_team_volunteer_registration_form_guardian)

You only ever have to fill this form out ONCE

RSVPing
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 [severine@GreenTeamsCanada.ca](http://mailto:kaitlin@GreenTeamsCanada.ca)

MEETING SPOT
Meet next to the Pavillion parking lot at Esquimalt Gorge Park

PARKING
There is a parking lot at the Pavillion (access via Tillicum Rd)!

CYCLING

Plan your bicycle route with CRD Bike Map
Covered bike parking available on site

BUS
Plan your bus route with BC Transit Victoria

CARPOOLING

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 are public washrooms available at the Gorge Park Pavillion building

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 1pm

PARTNER
A BIG thank you to our Community Investment Partner, the Township of Esquimalt. Their financial support through the local grants program and their commitment to our shared goals enables us to promote environmental stewardship and community well-being

LAND 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: severine@greenteamscanada.ca