During the annual REEL Earth Day Challenge, we rally support for a range of park initiatives, from wildlife habitat restoration to connecting people with nature, all aimed at preserving and enhancing our natural spaces for the benefit of current and future generations. Below are the projects the REEL Earth Day Challenge brought to fruition in 2024!
Indigenous Public Programming
East Area Regional Parks | $3,000
Indigenous programming in regional parks is vital for promoting appreciation of Indigenous ways of knowing. Through activities like Indigenous plant walks and skills stations, park users develop a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture and connection to the land. These programs also encourage reflection on Truth and Reconciliation while emphasizing the importance of nature in Indigenous traditions.
Pond Creation
Campbell Valley Regional Park | $10,000
The creation of a pond at Rowlatt Farmstead is an essential habitat opportunity for a wide range of plant and animal species, including amphibians, insects, birds, and aquatic plants, contributing to increased biodiversity within the park. The addition of a pond provides opportunities for species that rely on freshwater habitats to thrive, fostering a healthier and more resilient ecosystem.
Floodgate & Salmon Research
ƛ̓éxətəm Regional Park | $20,000
This project will investigate how different types of floodgates impact fish passage, particularly salmon, in the Coquitlam River. The research is crucial for understanding and improving the conditions for salmon populations, which play a vital role in ecosystem health as well as informing future floodgate designs to minimize ecological impact while ensuring effective flood control. This innovative study is in partnership with Resilient Waters, UBC Pacific Salmon Lab, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem First Nation), and Metro Vancouver Regional Parks.
Reforestation Maintenance
Lynn Headwaters Regional Park | $15,000
Reforestation maintenance of newly planted trees in a looper moth impacted area of Lynn Headwaters Regional Park will contribute to the long-term resilience of the ecosystem, ensuring its ability to withstand future disturbances. The maintenance of newly planted trees plays a vital role in preserving the environmental integrity and safety of the region while promoting sustainable forest management practices.
Indigenous-Led Summer Camps
Various Regional Parks | $15,000
“Mishkoopitum” summer camps (hosted by CTS Youth Society) provide a culturally rich and empowering environment where all participants can learn from Indigenous knowledge and practices, fostering a deep connection to heritage, traditions, and the land. Through storytelling, traditional crafts, and land-based learning, these camps offer valuable opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Grand Fir Trail Restoration
Pacific Spirit Regional Park | $15,000
The Grand Fir trails hold crucial significance for preserving ecological integrity and enhancing visitor experiences. Through strategic unsanctioned trail closures, forest underplanting, and removal of invasive species, this project aims to restore the natural habitat, protect sensitive ecosystems, and promote biodiversity while providing park visitors with safer, more enjoyable recreational opportunities.
Sedge Field Restoration
Aldergrove Regional Park | $20,000
This restoration holds significant importance for both ecological restoration and community well-being. By removing invasive species like blackberry bushes and preparing the field for replanting with native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, this project contributes to mitigating habitat loss, supporting local wildlife populations, and fostering a healthier environment for both flora and fauna.
Ecoblitz Stewardship Activities
Various Regional Parks | $2,000
Ecoblitz is an annual environmental stewardship event aimed at restoring, enhancing, and protecting regional parks while engaging volunteers. While a very productive time for environmental stewardship, the event also fosters a sense of community ownership and responsibility towards the preservation of regional parks, empowering individuals to take an active role in environmental conservation.
Past REEL Earth Day Challenge Funded Projects
- Homes for Raptors | Campbell Valley Regional Park
- Mental Health Support for Youth | Various Regional Parks
- New Life for Rare Ecosystems | Iona Beach Regional Park
- Indigenous Summer Camp Programs for Youth | Various Regional Parks
- Wildlife Habitat Enhancement | Tynehead Regional Park
- Connect Indigenous Youth with Ancestral Lands | təmtəmíxʷtən / Belcarra Regional Park
- Indigenous Summer Camp Programs for Youth | Various Regional Parks
- Creekside Habitat Restoration | Capilano River Regional Park
- Acadia Beach Climate Action | Pacific Spirit Regional Park
- Increase Indigenous Visibility | təmtəmíxʷtən / Belcarra Regional Park
- Amphibian Habitat Protection | Capilano River Regional Park
- Indigenous Programming Collaboration | Aldergrove & Campbell Valley Regional Parks
- Reforestation | Aldergrove Regional Park
- Pollinator Meadow | Pacific Spirit Regional Park
- Invasive Species Removal | Capilano River Regional Park
- Wetland Restoration | Crippen Regional Park
- Reforestation | Kanaka Creek & Tynehead Regional Parks
- Native Species Plantings | Brunette-Fraser Regional Greenway
- Rare Coastal Ecosystem Protection | Boundary Bay Regional Park