As 2024 comes to a close, we are proud to celebrate the achievements and initiatives that brought our community together in pursuit of environmental conservation and sustainability. From vibrant gardens to inspiring community events, this year was filled with moments of connection and impact. Here are some highlights:
Native Plant Demonstration Garden: A Seasonal Showcase
The Native Plant Demonstration Garden served as a testament to the beauty and resilience of local flora. With monthly work parties led by our dedicated volunteers, this space flourished throughout the year. The spring and summer blooms were particularly stunning, attracting pollinators and inspiring visitors to explore native plant gardening at home.
Surrey Environmental Extravaganza: Celebrating Nature from Earth Day to World Ocean Day
Our annual Surrey Environmental Extravaganza (EE) program offered a lineup of enriching events spanning Earth Day through World Ocean Day. Highlights included:
Bioblitz: An engaging citizen science initiative where participants documented local biodiversity, deepening their appreciation for the natural world.
World Ocean Week Events: A series of activities such as a guided beach walk that explored coastal ecosystems and a World Ocean Day event at Blackie Spit. This gathering featured live marine creatures, providing attendees with a unique, hands-on learning experience about ocean conservation.
These events brought families, students, and environmental enthusiasts together, emphasizing the importance of protecting our planet’s ecosystems.
Five Shoreline Cleanups: Restoring Local Waterways
This year, we organized five shoreline cleanup events, mobilizing volunteers to tackle litter along our waterways. These efforts not only improved the health of local ecosystems but also raised awareness about the impact of waste on aquatic habitats
Serpentine Nest Box Cleanup: Annual Maintenance for Avian Habitat
In March, our team undertook the annual cleanup and repair of 60 nest boxes at Serpentine. This initiative supports local bird populations by ensuring their nesting spaces remain safe and functional. It’s always rewarding to see how these small actions contribute to the thriving of wildlife in our community.
Monitoring Invasive Species: European Green Crab (EGC) Trapping
From April to September, our team conducted trapping activities to monitor and manage the invasive European Green Crab population. These efforts aimed to protect local species and ecosystems from the ecological impact of this invasive species. Across four sites, including work with A Rocha partners at the Little Campbell River Estuary, 19 European Green Crabs were detected and managed, demonstrating the importance of ongoing vigilance and intervention.
Forage Fish Surveys: Identifying Critical Spawning Habitats
To support the conservation of key forage fish species, such as Surf Smelt and Pacific Sand Lance, we carried out monthly beach sampling. These surveys aimed to identify spawning habitats critical to these species' life cycles. The data collected contributes to broader conservation efforts, ensuring these essential fish populations continue to thrive and sustain the food web.
A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Volunteers
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. Your commitment to preserving and enhancing our local environment is truly inspiring. Thank you for making 2024 a year to remember.
As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to continue building on this momentum. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events, projects, and opportunities to get involved. Together, we can create a greener, healthier future for all.
Looking Ahead
As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to continue building on this momentum. Upcoming events include European Green Crab methods training, expanded Environmental Extravaganza program events, additional shoreline cleanups, and celebrations of World Migratory Bird Day on May 10th and World Ocean Day on June 8th. Stay tuned for updates on these initiatives and more opportunities to get involved.
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