Evergreen's work is on the ground, removing invasive species and planting trees but our impact is much further reaching. Our volunteers come out for an afternoon of planting, and they find they are actually improving the biodiversity of BC's urban forests. They're affecting biological change, increasing habitat and creating a positive ecological difference.

Now that’s digging deep.

Every Evergreen BC project looks a little different. That's not only because land and conditions differ, but also because we work with the people that use these green spaces and shape a plan to steward, restore and create livable, vibrant, healthy outdoor gathering places. Read on to learn about our local projects.

Learn what Evergreen is doing across Canada

More:  Urban Orchard  |  Architects of a Green Legacy  |  School Greening  |  Urban Greening  |  Awareness  |  Impact

The Great Northern Way Campus Urban Orchard

Planted in the spring of 2011, the Urban Orchard is an oasis in the heart of Vancouver at the Great Northern Way Campus. Locally adapted fruit and nut trees provide food security and a hub of creative activity for the surrounding community, as well as educational opportunities for local schools and community groups. With the help of our partners and volunteers, the orchard will continue to grow in size and impact.

This summer, the orchard was home to 38 Apple trees, 2 Hazelnut trees, 18 Raspberries, 21 Strawberries, 12 Huckleberries, 18 Serviceberries, plus a variety of potted herbs.

Architects of a Green Legacy

The Architects program enables passionate youth to create positive change in their communities through leadership training and hands-on project development. Vancouver youth between the ages of 14 and 21 collaborate on urban greening projects that highlight creative expression and cultural diversity. In addition to fostering greater well-being in their communities, participants develop important career-related skills and networks.

The 2011 Architects program is being run in partnership with Citizen U, the City of Vancouver’s anti-discrimination program.

School Greening

Richmond High School

In an innovative partnership between parents, teachers, students and residents of the local seniors centre, Evergreen BC helped transform this barren school ground into imaginative and inspiring play areas. Together we introduced shade trees, outdoor classrooms and managed stormwater, while engaging and educating volunteers, students and the community.

Our Impact

• 1,500-square-foot garden with 13 new community garden beds, tool shed, drip irrigation system and greenhouses
• Hands-on learning for high school students through curriculum-linked studies
• Innovative partnership between staff and students of Richmond High School, young mothers of Colts Daycare, and Richmond Seniors Society

Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds Program

One of Evergreen's national program offerings, Learning Grounds provides funding and expertise to transform barren school grounds into healthy, natural and creative outdoor classrooms. Every year, Evergreen BC funds 10 to 15 projects across the province and provides safe, healthy places to play and learn.

Urban Greening

Jericho Beach Park

Vancouver's third largest park, Jericho Beach Park is a popular recreation destination and a critical community resource. With a legacy of industrial use, dumping and invasive plants, its natural habitats, fish and wildlife are under threat.

Our Impact

• Since 2005, more than 5,000 volunteers have planted over 8,000 trees and shrubs and removed 135 cubic metres of invasive plants to ensure a balanced ecosystem

North Vancouver's City Parks

Since 2003, Evergreen BC has worked with the City of North Vancouver for this stewardship project, offering monthly work parties, educational opportunities and outreach to local schools and multicultural community groups to increase community engagement and build awareness of the natural beauty of area parks.

Our Impact

• 4,775 volunteers contributing over 7,169 hours
• 1,897 hours of lectures and interpretive walks
• 72,862 metres of park cleared
• 570 cubic metres of invasive plants removed and 8,276 native plants planted

Vancouver’s City Hall Community Garden

Established in 2009, the garden accommodates 30 individual plots, including three designed to be wheelchair accessible and three designed for people with limited mobility. In addition, there are plots for local schools and groups, a healing garden and space to grow food to donate to a local provider of free meals. With help from our partners and supporters, the City Hall Community Garden is helping to foster community, grow relationships and provide access to growing space and educational opportunities for local community members.

Our Impact

• 1,100 square feet of accessible garden space built and managed
• 370 community members and volunteers engaged, contributing more than 1,100 hours
• 30 garden events, work parties and workshops held
• Hands-on learning opportunities for elementary school youth
• Fresh and local produce donated to a community meal program

Awareness

Earth Day at Jericho Beach Park

For the past ten years, Evergreen BC has welcomed the community to celebrate nature at its Earth Day celebration. In addition to planting thousands of trees with the Jericho Stewardship Group, this free, family-friendly event features workshops, nature walks, music, food, First Nations festivities, and an exhibitor's fair.

Our Impact

• Planting over 1,000 native plants every year
• In 2010, we welcomed over 250 community members, engaged 160 volunteers, hosted 16 local organizations, led three educational workshops, were entertained by two stilt-walkers, and ate an untold numbers of crepes