Since 1999, the District of Saanich has provided opportunities for community members to be actively involved in enhancing biodiversity and the urban forest through ecosystem restoration planning, removing invasive species, planting native trees and shrubs, and improving wildlife habitat. Building on this foundation, in 2007, Saanich’s Pulling Together Program was established. This hands-on, inclusive, ecological restoration program currently includes over 200 volunteers in 44 different parks and natural areas and takes place under the guidance of Saanich Parks staff.
The goals of the Pulling Together program are to enhance biodiversity and the urban forest, share and learn about nature, help restore ecosystem services, improve climate resilience, and nurture community health and well-being.
Many of the natural areas in parks are at risk due to invasive species:
- Scotch Broom
- Himalayan Blackberry
- English Ivy
- Orchard Grass
- Others
See a great video from a Pulling Together volunteer below about English Ivy:
Our volunteers work together to:
- Remove invasive species
- Plant native trees and shrubs
- Improve wildlife habitat
- Plan and monitor the progress of ecological restoration work
- Educate others about parks, invasive species and ecological restoration
Join us!
Check out opportunities in our calendar of events off our website.
If you would like to bring a group (four or more) to participate in our events, please contact us in advance to ensure we have enough tools.
We may cancel an event due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Please contact us at 250-475-5522 or parks@saanich.ca for more details.
Volunteering outdoors with other like-minded community members helps care for your parks and helps you take care of you too. Find out why, our hundreds of volunteers care so much about their parks.