The Sea to Sky Clean Air Society will shift its attention to the ground later this month, restoring native plant species to three riparian habitats in the Sea to Sky.
The society is inviting anyone wanting to get his or her hands dirty alongside the natural watercourses to drop by on one of two planned events in Whistler and Squamish.
"Native trees and plants provide countless ecological and community benefits, from supporting clean air and mitigating climate change, to providing soil stability and habitat for species like the blue listed (at risk) red-legged frog," said Kim Slater, the society's executive director and project manager.
"The planting of native species is the focus of the Sea to Sky Habitat Improvement Project, funded by CN and Tree Canada. Whistler and Squamish were two of the 30 Canadian communities selected for the program, which on the local level will be guided in part by municipal officials to ensure the long-term viability of the project.
Volunteers are invited to meet at Spruce Grove Park in Whistler in front of the fieldhouse on Sept. 27 at 10 a.m., or in front of the Adventure Centre in Squamish on Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants should dress for the elements and expect to get dirty. Shovels and gloves will be provided.
The Squamish Watershed Society is planning educational activities highlighting the importance of trees, air quality and the wetland on Sept. 29, which coincides with B.C. Rivers Day.
- Quinn Bender, Whistler Question
