Celebrate Earth Day at this “knockout” event in Queensborough

What’s happening?

The Queensborough Special Programs committee is hosting the Port Royal Spring Blackberry Knockout, a shoreline cleanup event being held in honour of Earth Day. It’s on Saturday, April 22, starting at 10 a.m. at the south end of Holly Street (near Salter Street) in Port Royal.

“After doing this for over 10 years, I love that we can make a small difference, and now more than ever, as so much of our Queensborough properties are being redeveloped, I recognize that we need to preserve and revitalize the few existing natural areas even more,” said Laurel Wright, one of the organizers. “Parks and shoreline, here we come.”

How can I help?

Bring yourself – and your whole family to this event, which runs rain or shine.

While some work gloves, latex gloves, tools and garbage bags will be available, volunteers are asked to bring rakes, shovels, spades, clippers, gloves, hoots and hats if they can. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Brad Williams, who volunteers at the events, enjoys meeting with neighbours, chatting while working, and making a difference in the community.

What’s this event all about?

The annual event aims to improve the biodiversity and enhance the native shoreline habitat along a popular nature trail in Queensborough. It’s organized by the Queensborough special programs committee, with support from a City of New Westminster environmental grant.

The group will also be organizing a future planting event in Thompson's Landing Park in May or June. Stay tuned for more details on that event.

What is the Queensborough special programs committee?

The Queensborough special programs committee has monthly meetings, where it plans a variety of events and projects.

“We also plan fun family events such as the Queensborough Children’s Festival, and the lighting the fire hall event, as well as Summer Sounds,” said a notice from the committee. “We will also be bringing back the family Christmas dinner this year, a very popular event.”

On the environmental front, the committee is looking for community members to help plan and work on ways to improve the overall biodiversity of Queensborough, as development changes the landscape, awareness and co-operation can have positive impact.

If you’re looking for opportunities to volunteer and give back to the community, you’re welcome to check out the Queensborough special programs committee’s page on Facebook or email [email protected]. Additional information can be found at www.OurQueensborough.ca.

Have you seen these critters?

The committee (QPSC) is also asking the public to keep an eye out for bats, amphibians, salamanders, snakes, owls and mammals in Queensborough – and to submit their findings to an online database.

“Sightings can be submitted online to the Queensborough biodiversity project on iNaturalist. This information will help the QSPC and city better understand and conserve important areas for wildlife and support future habitat enhancement activities,” said a notice from the committee. “The QSPC is grateful for help from local biologist Greg Ferguson, who will be on hand at our Earth Day event to answer questions about this project.”