Residents of all ages are once again invited to help remove invasive plants on Apr. 2 and plant more native trees at Coutts on Park Apr. 23 as part of Port Coquitlam’s new Greener City outreach initiative.

The Greener City initiative was launched in the fall of 2021, with over 70 community volunteers, removing an enormous amount of blackberry plants and planting 150 trees and shrubs at Coutts Park.

These pilot projects aim to engage the community in meeting Port Coquitlam’s environmental commitments. The City encourages residents to bring their friends, family, neighbours and coworkers along to either of these events or both. Those interested in participating are encouraged to pre-register at portcoquitlam.ca/greenercity to enable organizers to prepare adequate supplies.

Funded by grants from Earth Day Canada and BC Hydro, the two Greener City events on Saturday Apr. 2 and Saturday Apr 23 will take place rain or shine from 10 a.m. to about 1 p.m.

The City will continue to plant more native shrubs 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 Apr. 2.

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 success, feedback and public interest, more Greener City work parties will be added.

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