Environmental Stewardship

Introduction to Invasive Species in View Royal
View Royal's Habitat Restoration Project
Greater Victoria Green Team Partnership

Introduction to Invasive Species in View Royal

Invasive exotic plants from other countries or regions have the potential to negatively impact humans, animals and habitats. They are able to spread rapidly and compete with native plants for space, sunlight, water and nutrients. Some may displace, kill or even prevent native plants from growing in an area. Many exotic species are also harmful to people and pets.

The problems that invasive plants create, both ecologically and economically, is reason enough for us to be proactive and remove them from our gardens and public parks. Left unchecked, invasive species may take over by out-competing native vegetation, threatening our natural ecosystems, and reducing habitat for wildlife. 

Invasive species that are threatening rare habitats in View Royal’s parks include:

*English Ivy *Himalayan Blackberry *English Holly  *Scotch Broom
*Daphne/Spurge Laurel *Parrot's Feather *Many others!  

Resources for invasive species management:

The Town of View Royal is a member of the CRISP working group which is chaired and coordinated by the Capital Regional District (CRD).  The focus of the group is collaboration and information sharing between the 13 local governments, First Nations and other stakeholders to address the issue of invasive species in our region.

A registered charity and non-profit organization, the ISCBC is an active organization which collaborates with stakeholders to reduce the spread and impact of invasive species in the province.  ISCBC's website contains a wealth of information on identification, treatment and prevention of invasive species found around the province.

The Ministry of Environment has launched an extensive Invasive plants database which is available to the public. Have you noticed an invasive species in your area? By reporting it using the IAPP database, your report will make its way into the database and an alert will be sent to the applicable regional district or local government staff.

Check out the IAPP Database now!

 View Royal's Habitat Restoration Project

Under the direction of the Habitat Restoration Coordinator, the View Royal Habitat Restoration project unites volunteers to remove invasive plants from our parks to keep our habitats healthy. 

Our dedicated team of enthusiastic volunteers work together to:

  • Remove invasive plants and litter
  • Improve wildlife habitat
  • Monitor restoration progress
  • Plant native plants & trees      
  • Educate others about View Royal's greenspaces, invasive species and native species

Some of the benefits of volunteering:

  • Meet and work with like-minded people
  • Exercise your body & mind while making a positive contribution to your community
  • Learn about nature and how to provide care for the parks you love
  • Help rejuvenate wildlife habitat
  • Develop habitat restoration knowledge and skills
  • Explore potential 'green' career options, and use these opportunities as experience on your resume;
  • Receive a snazzy Volunteer View Royal t-shirt after your third work party!

How do I become a habitat restoration volunteer?

  1. Send an e-mail to our Habitat Restoration Coordinator to find out when and where the next events are being run;
  2. Choose an event that works for your schedule and drop by for as much time as you have available;
  3. Be sure to dress for the weather in work clothes and wear sturdy footwear. We’ll provide gloves, tools, training, snacks and refreshments;
  4. Fill out a liability waiver form at your first work party (required once per year).

Note: participants under 16 years old are welcome, but must be closely supervised by an adult caregiver. Please leave pets at home.

Does your group want to help?

Whether you have a specific View Royal site in mind or just have an eager group interested in making a difference, we want to connect with you!

We welcome all groups (schools, businesses, neighbourhood organizations, faith groups, etc.) and can design a special event to suit your needs, or include your group in a regular event.

Please contact the Habitat Restoration Coordinator well in advance so we can plan the event and to ensure that there are enough tools and refreshments.

For more information

Visit the View Royal Parks Habitat Restoration Project Volunteers Facebook Page.

Greater Victoria Green Team Partnership

Since 2017, the Greater Victoria Green Team has partnered with the Town to provide community and youth-focused environmental stewardship events.  Running approximately 10 events annually in View Royal parks, Green Teams has been a valued partner in:

  • Exposing school-aged youth to View Royal parks & greenspaces - fostering early positive relationships between youth and their community greenspaces
  • Wide-reaching engagement and education opportunities for the community
  • Providing inclusive events to the community - all ages and abilities welcome!

What kinds of activities can I expect to participate in?

  • Removing invasive plants
  • Planting native species
  • Picking up garbage
  • Meeting new people while learning about and working within different ecosystems

Interested in participating in the next Green Teams event being held in View Royal?

Check out their event page on Meetup for upcoming events!