Port Coquitlam, B.C. – Nov. 19, 2021… Residents of all ages are invited to help remove invasive plants on Nov. 28 and plant 300 native trees at Coutts Park Dec. 5 as part of Port Coquitlam’s new Greener City outreach initiative.

Held at 1070 Coutts Way, the two work parties are pilot projects that aim to engage the community in meeting Port Coquitlam’s environmental commitments. Those interested in participating are encouraged to pre-register at portcoquitlam.ca/greenercity to enable organizers to prepare adequate supplies.

“This is a great opportunity for residents to help enhance our community and parks in a hands-on way,” Mayor Brad West said. “Enhancing the environment is one of Council’s priorities, and this project dovetails with the other work we’re doing to protect and promote trees in our community. Trees not only create shade and beauty in the spaces we enjoy, but play an important role in offsetting the effects of climate change.”

Funded by grants from Earth Day Canada and Trees Canada, the two Greener City events on Sunday Nov. 28 and Sunday Dec. 5 will take place rain or shine from 10 a.m. to about 3 p.m.

The intent is to plant 300 native plants and trees over the next few sessions, including Vine and Bigleaf Maple, Douglas and Grand Fir, Red Alder, birch, Sitka Spruce, Western Red Cedar, Pacific Crab Apple, Bitter Cherry, Beaked Hazelnut and Black Hawthorne. Blackberry and other invasive plant species will also be removed on Nov 28.

Participants should come prepared with gloves and appropriate outdoor footwear and clothing. The City will provide shovels, water and snacks, although recommends participants bring their own shovels if they have one.

Each work party will begin with an orientation of the work site as well as instruction on tree planting and identifying and removing invasive plants. Staff will be on hand throughout the event to assist and guide participants. An information tent with an educational display will also be set up in the park.

People of all ages may sign up, but children ages 12 or less must be accompanied by an adult.

Based on the feedback and public interest, more Greener City work parties may be scheduled on a regular basis in other City parks and green spaces in the future.

For more information or to sign up, visit at portcoquitlam.ca/greenercity.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email ibacachex@portcoquitlam.ca