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- Community Litter Cleanup around the Willingdon Community Centre in Burnaby!Willingdon Community Centre , Burnaby, BC
Join the Lower Mainland Green Team & City of Burnaby for our 1st of 4 litter cleanups this summer!
Come clean up litter from areas around the Willingdon Community Centre in the northwest quadrant of Burnaby!
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
• Get exercise & fresh air outdoors while connecting with others
• Keep litter out of waterways & habitats
• Learn how to sort & dispose of your waste in the City of Burnaby
• Feel good about making a difference locally alongside many others
• Get volunteer hours (if needed)
• Eat delicious snacks
• Have fun... even when it rains! :)HOW TO SIGN UP
• Complete this form to register as a Green Team volunteer if this is your first time joining our team. Filling out this form does not sign you up for this activity, it registers you as a volunteer with our organization.
• Sign up here on Meetup or by emailing Max at Max@greenteamscanada.caBEFORE SIGNING UP
Please make sure you are 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. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may come up, so if you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP right away.
MEETING SPOT
Meet at the parking lot of the Willingdon Community Centre HERE. Look for our arrows & signs!BIKING?
Plan your bicycle route on the Cycling in Metro Vancouver pageTAKING TRANSIT?
15 min walk from the Gilmore Skytrain station! Many buses nearby. Plan your route with the TransLink Trip Planner, Google Maps or download the Transit app (green icon) on your phoneDRIVING?
Free parking at the community centre and in the areaCARPOOLING?
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 Max@greenteamscanada.caWASHROOMS
Available in the Willingdon Community CentreWHAT TO BRING
• Refillable water bottle
• Backpack to carry your water bottle & the snacks we provide
• Bright clothing to be extra visible on the streets
• Sturdy, comfortable closed toe shoes
• Rain jacket if it rains, sunscreen if it's sunny
• Hat to keep sun/rain out of your faceWHAT WE PROVIDE
• Gloves, safety vests, safety glasses, garbage pickers, bags, route maps & trained group leaders
• 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 9am (please be on time)
• Check-in, receive supplies
• Receive educational instruction & safety talk
• Take a group photo
• Split into groups that will be led by a trained leader
• Clean up litter
• Take a snack break (yum) around 10:45am
• Continue cleaning up litter until 12:15pm
• Return 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 Max@greenteamscanada.ca to request a volunteer letter (if needed)PARTNER FOR THIS ACTIVITY
Thank you to our partner, the City of Burnaby's Engineering Department, for making this activity possible. Their financial support & commitment to our shared goals enables us to empower people, promote environmental stewardship & community well-being through this activity. THANK YOU!This is the 1st of 4 litter cleanup activities we are organizing together in each quadrant of Burnaby this summer - find all of the litter cleanups posted on our Meetup Page!
WANT TO CLEAN UP LITTER IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD?
Learn more about the City's Adopt-a-Street Program & be a litter champion in your community! Inspire others in your neighbourhood to step up and help out. We all have a role to play in keeping Burnaby clean, healthy and resilient.WANT TO BE A LITTER LEADER AT THIS CLEANUP?
Want to be part of making this litter cleanup a positive experience for others by helping welcome, lead and support community members? Grow your leadership skills & inspire others by becoming a Litter Leader! MORE INFO HEREQUESTIONS
Email Max@greenteamscanada.ca - Community Litter Cleanup around the Bonsor Recreation Complex in Burnaby!Bonsor Recreation Complex, Burnaby, BC
Join the Lower Mainland Green Team & City of Burnaby for our 2nd of 4 litter cleanups this summer!
Come clean up litter from areas around the Bonsor Recreation Complex in the southwest quadrant of Burnaby!
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
• Get exercise & fresh air outdoors while connecting with others
• Keep litter out of waterways & habitats
• Learn how to sort & dispose of your waste in the City of Burnaby
• Feel good about making a difference locally alongside many others
• Get volunteer hours (if needed)
• Eat delicious snacks
• Have fun... even when it rains! :)HOW TO SIGN UP
• Complete this form to register as a Green Team volunteer if this is your first time joining our team. Filling out this form does not sign you up for this activity, it registers you as a volunteer with our organization.
• Sign up here on Meetup or by emailing Max at Max@greenteamscanada.caBEFORE SIGNING UP
Please make sure you are 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. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may come up, so if you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP right away.
MEETING SPOT
Meet at the southwest parking lot of the Bonsor Recreation Complex HERE. Look for our arrows & signs!BIKING?
Plan your bicycle route on the Cycling in Metro Vancouver pageTAKING TRANSIT?
Walking distance from the Metrotown Skytrain station! Plan your route with the TransLink Trip Planner, Google Maps or download the Transit app (green icon) on your phoneDRIVING?
Free parking in areaCARPOOLING?
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 Max@greenteamscanada.caWASHROOMS
Available in the Bonsor Recreation ComplexWHAT TO BRING
• Refillable water bottle
• Backpack to carry your water bottle & the snacks we provide
• Bright clothing to be extra visible on the streets
• Sturdy, comfortable closed toe shoes
• Rain jacket if it rains, sunscreen if it's sunny
• Hat to keep sun/rain out of your faceWHAT WE PROVIDE
• Gloves, safety vests, safety glasses, garbage pickers, bags, route maps & trained group leaders
• 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 9am (please be on time)
• Check-in, receive supplies
• Receive educational instruction & safety talk
• Take a group photo
• Split into groups that will be led by a trained leader
• Clean up litter
• Take a snack break (yum) around 10:45am
• Continue cleaning up litter until 12:15pm
• Return supplies, check-outWHAT HAPPENS AFTER
• Fill out our survey to help us improve our program & secure funding for more activities!
• View photos HERE
• Read an activity summary HERE
• Email Max@greenteamscanada.ca to request a volunteer letter (if needed)PARTNER FOR THIS ACTIVITY
Thank you to our partner, the City of Burnaby's Engineering Department, for making this activity possible. Their financial support & commitment to our shared goals enables us to empower people, promote environmental stewardship & community well-being through this activity. THANK YOU!This is the 2nd of 4 litter cleanup activities we are organizing together in each quadrant of Burnaby this summer - find all of the litter cleanups posted on our Meetup Page!
WANT TO CLEAN UP LITTER IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD?
Learn more about the City's Adopt-a-Street Program & be a litter champion in your community! Inspire others in your neighbourhood to step up and help out. We all have a role to play in keeping Burnaby clean, healthy and resilient.WANT TO BE A LITTER LEADER AT THIS CLEANUP?
Want to be part of making this litter cleanup a positive experience for others by helping welcome, lead and support community members? Grow your leadership skills & inspire others by becoming a Litter Leader! MORE INFO HEREQUESTIONS?
Email Max@greenteamscanada.ca - Community Litter Cleanup along the Beach & Marine Drive in White Rock!Oxford Comfort Station, White Rock, BC
Join the Lower Mainland Green Team & City of White Rock for a litter cleanup together!
Come clean up litter from areas around Marine Drive in White Rock!
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
• Get exercise & fresh air outdoors while connecting with others
• Keep litter out of the ocean
• Feel good about making a difference locally alongside many others
• Get volunteer hours (if needed)
• Eat delicious snacks
• Have fun... even when it rains! :)HOW TO SIGN UP
• Complete this form to register as a Green Team volunteer if this is your first time joining our team (this does not sign you up for this activity)
• Sign up here on Meetup or by emailing Max at Max@greenteamscanada.caBEFORE SIGNING UP
Please make sure you are 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. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may come up, so if you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP right away.
MEETING SPOT
Meet beside the public washrooms at Oxford St. and Marine Dr. HEREBIKING?
Plan your bicycle route on the Cycling in Metro Vancouver pageTAKING TRANSIT?
The 361/362 bus stops beside our meeting spot on Marine Drive, & the 351 bus from Bridgeport Station stops at the top of the hill along Oxford St. Plan your route with the TransLink Trip Planner, Google Maps or download the Transit app (green icon) on your phoneDRIVING?
There is a large paid parking lot along Marine Drive in front of the beach. DO NOT PAY FOR PARKING! We will hand out FREE parking passes you can use for the duration of the activity!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 Max@greenteamscanada.caWASHROOMS
Multiple washrooms located along the promenade, including at our meeting spot HEREWHAT TO BRING
• Refillable water bottle
• Backpack to carry your water bottle & the snacks we provide
• Bright clothing to be extra visible on the streets
• Comfortable closed toe walking shoes
• Rain jacket if it rains, sunscreen if it's sunny
• Hat to keep sun/rain out of your faceWHAT WE PROVIDE
• Gloves, safety vests, safety glasses, garbage pickers, bags, routes & trained group leaders
• 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 supplies
• Receive educational instruction & safety talk
• Take a group photo
• Split into groups that will be led by a trained leader
• Clean up litter
• Take a snack break (yum) around 11:30am
• Continue cleaning up litter until 1pm
• Return supplies, check-outWHAT HAPPENS AFTER
• Fill out our survey to help us improve our program & secure funding for more activities!
• View photos HERE
• Read an activity summary HERE
• Email Max@greenteamscanada.ca to request a volunteer letter (if needed)OUR PARTNER
Thank you to our partner, the City of White Rock, for making this activity possible. Their financial support & commitment to our shared goals enables us to empower people, promote environmental stewardship & community well-being through this activity - thank you Justin & Spencer!LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge with respect & gratitude the traditional, ancestral & unceded territory of the Semiahmoo First Nation upon which this activity takes placeQUESTIONS?
Email Max@greenteamscanada.ca - Meet People & Remove Invasive Plants at James Anderson Park, Langley!James Anderson Park , Langley, BC
Make the most of summer by getting outside with the Lower Mainland Green Team & Township of Langley!
Come remove invasive English ivy & Himalayan blackberry with us at James Anderson Park & Willoughby Trail! All ages, abilities & experience levels are welcome, come alone or 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 our Volunteer Registration Form HEREYou 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 Max at Max@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. Lets 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.
SET UP & TAKE DOWN
Many hands make for light work! Email Max@greenteamscanada.ca if you're interested in helping out :)MEETING SPOT
We will meet at the entrance to James Anderson Park (beside the Peregrine House School) off of 66 Ave. EXACT LOCATION HERE: https://bit.ly/3Wk0GBM. Look for our signs!BIKING?
Plan your bicycle route on the Cycling in Metro Vancouver pageTAKING TRANSIT?
Plan your route with the TransLink Trip Planner, Google Maps or download the Transit app (green icon) on your phone. The 564, 372 & 501 buses stop in the area!DRIVING?
There is free street parkingCARPOOLING?
Help make this activity more accessible by driving with others to/from this activity! Log in & use “comments” 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
WASHROOMS
Available at this parkWHAT 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
• Remove invasive plants
• Take a snack break (yum!) around 11:30am
• Continue removing invasive plants 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
• If needed email Max@greenteamscanada.ca to request a volunteer letterOUR PARTNER
A BIG thank you to our Community Investment Partner, the Township of Langley. Their financial support & commitment to our shared goals enables us to promote environmental stewardship & community well-being!LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This activity is taking place on the traditional, ancestral & unceded territories of the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), Á,LEṈENEȻ ȽTE (W̱SÁNEĆ), sc̓əwaθenaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsawwassen), S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō), Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla, & se'mya'me (Semiahmoo) First NationsQUESTIONS?
Email Max@greenteamscanada.ca
