March 2024 Update - Chris Garrett (Park Steward)

Like many natural areas in the region, Himalayan blackberry and English ivy had become established and were overrunning and choking out the native shrubs and wildflowers along this trail. In January 2019, a group of dedicated residents from the surrounding neighbourhood partnered with Saanich Parks and began removing truckloads of these invasives. In their place native species such as Osoberry, Flowering Currant, Oceanspray and Oregon Grape were planted, both to provide habitat for wildlife and privacy for homes that abut the green space. Many of the early plantings are now as tall as shrubs that had naturally established generations ago.

Work along the Milner-Clatworthy Trail continues to this day, although with the diminished workload the Lead Stewards Chris Garrett and Sarah Hipkin tackle it on their own most of the time.  The neighbours are called upon approx. once a year when a larger task presents itself. Chris and Sarah keep an eye out for reappearing invasives and ensure the plantings are well established. The latest tasks are removing invasive Cyclamen and attempting to establish a meadow of native wildflowers.

Interested in volunteering with Saanich Pulling Together Program at Milner-Clatworthy Trail or other North Quadra Parks?  Contact Saanich Parks at parks@saanich.ca for calendar work parties. 

To learn about the program: Volunteer for Pulling Together | District of Saanich

To volunteer at a park near you: Saanich Parks Pulling Together Volunteer Events | District of Saanich