Community Planting Party at Esquimalt Gorge Park
On November 1st and 2nd, folks gathered for a Community Planting Party at the Esquimalt Gorge Park Green Shores for Shoreline Development Demonstration Project. This event was supported by Stewardship Centre for BC’s Greenspace for All project, which seeks to create inclusive opportunities for equity-deserving communities to access nature. Our team joined the Township of Esquimalt, Gorge Waterway Action Society, World Fisheries Trust, and dedicated volunteers for an afternoon of planting in the newly created riparian and salt marsh areas. Curious bystanders walking dogs, and children stopped to observe, inquire about the activities taking place, and even take part in planting!
Potted plants ready for planting and arranged on site. Photo by Ariadne Boutsakis.
Rebecca Nielsen from the World Fisheries Trust providing a planting demonstration. Photo by Ariadne Boutsakis.
On both days, Rebecca Nielsen from the World Fisheries Trust led a round of introductions, followed by a planting demonstration and an overview of the project. Rebecca shared the ecological significance of re-naturalizing the shoreline with native plants for habitat provision, shoreline resilience, and biodiversity as part of the Green Shores restoration at this site.
Stewardship Centre for BC also provided refreshments for volunteers, which encouraged folks to connect and gather around the table with hot coffee, tea, and snacks in hand.
Surveys of equity-deserving attendees were undertaken to increase understanding of how to enhance opportunities for access to greenspace.
The planting party was a success, with over 40 volunteers involved over the two days. The event was supported by Township of Esquimalt Parks staff and the Gorge Waterway Action Society, and brought together a mix of volunteers, local community members, environmental organizations, and local government staff. Participants engaged in hands-on conservation work, cultivating a shared sense of purpose and community spirit. Volunteers expressed how their participation improved their understanding of shoreline ecosystems and appreciated the opportunity to interact outdoors with new, like-minded people.
Despite some light rain on Day 1, folks were in high spirits and worked hard to transport and plant native plants from Streamside Nursery to the restoration areas for planting.
Together, the group planted hundreds of native plants, in both the enhanced riparian zone and along the salt marsh fringe, including:
- Pacific Dogwood
- Sword Fern
- Salal
- Flowering currant
- Sedges
- Dune grass
Planting in action. Photo by Ariadne Boutsakis.
About the Esquimalt Gorge Green Shores Demonstration Project
The Esquimalt Gorge Park Green Shores Demonstration Project is a collaborative effort to enhance biodiversity, restore native habitat and strengthen climate resilience in the Gorge Waterway using nature-based solutions. By planting native vegetation, the site will provide essential habitat for birds, pollinators, juvenile salmon, and other wildlife.
Stephanie Gurney (Gorge Waterway Action Society; left) and Kelly Loch (Stewardship Centre for BC) and Joachim (Yogi) Carolsfeld (World Fisheries Trust; right) at the Esquimalt Gorge Park planting event in November 2024. Photos by Kelly Loch.
More community events will be scheduled this winter to complete the planting. Stay tuned for project updates and announcements on our website!
