Greater Victoria Green Team: Building Community in Nature

by Kaitlin Warren

On Saturday, November 29, the forest at Dickson Woods on Willingdon Road in North Saanich (near the airport) was filled with laughter, teamwork, and muddy gloves as community members came together for a morning of environmental restoration and connection. The activity, led by Green Teams of Canada’s Greater Victoria Green Team (GVGT), brought people of all ages and experience levels into the forest to help remove invasive English ivy and make space for native species to thrive. These activities were made possible through partnership with the Victoria Airport Authority.

42 participants spent the morning working, chatting and joking side-by-side, getting to know one another while engaging in hands-on stewardship. Together, they removed 15 cubic metres (94 bathtubs worth!) of invasive ivy that was spreading across the forest floor and climbing up trees, threatening the health of the ecosystem. 40 trees were saved from the tangles of the invasive vine, and many native shrubs were freed. The team’s collective efforts not only improved the resilience of this valuable green space, increasing biodiversity, supporting native plants, and protecting trees, but also strengthened local community ties.

For many, this was more than just an opportunity to volunteer. It was a chance to meet new people, try something different, and spend meaningful time outdoors. 24 of those participating were trying their hand at invasive plant removal for the first time. Smiles and high-fives were shared alongside newly gained knowledge about invasive species, local ecology, and restoration techniques. Volunteers expressed pride in seeing the forest visibly transform over the course of the activity, knowing they played a direct role in caring for a shared space. They also experienced shared joy as new friendships formed naturally in this environment.

“I think this program has a big impact on community and I enjoyed meeting new friends,” Joven shared.

Another participant, Rafael shared, “I’m doing this because I want to have fun…and I want to make a difference in the world, and this is one way I could do it… I am doing this to connect with nature and with other people”

These accessible stewardship opportunities create welcoming entry points for people to connect with nature, build friendships, and experience a sense of purpose. Many participants reflected that the activity left them feeling lighter, energized, and more connected to both the land and their community.

The Greater Victoria Green Team extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined this activity and contributed to restoring the health of Dickson Woods. Every ivy vine removed, and every conversation shared helps strengthen both ecological and community well-being.

GVGT returned to Dickson Woods for additional stewardship activities on Dec. 6, and will be back again on Sat. Dec. 13 from 9:45 am – 1:00 pm. We welcome new and returning volunteers to join. All ages, backgrounds, and experience levels are encouraged to participate with no knowledge or tools required, just the willingness to learn, meet new people, and have fun outdoors.

See more information about the day on our summary report here. See photos & videos of community members in action on our digital photo album here.

For information about upcoming nature-based community activities, visit the Greater Victoria Green Team Meetup page: https://www.meetup.com/greater-victoria-green-team/events/