This year we had a record breaking turn out of volunteers for our biannual Gerald Island Ivy removal despite challenging weather conditions. With 17 volunteers coming out the first day and 13 volunteers for the last two days, we were able make a noticeable impact of the coastal ecology. Coming back after the fall removal we were greeted with an abundance of wildflowers growing on the slopes we had cleared of Ivy. This was a great reminder and reward for all the hour spent pulling roots and breaking a sweat. All our volunteers reported a greater connection to the island and place. We got to witness that as people spent time connecting with the land, their appreciation for the ecosystem and our impact on it grew. Most of the volunteers asked about coming back next year and more opportunities to get outside and get involved. Additionally, working with BC parks their lead biologist noted the hard work we had done and was shocked at how much our work on Gerald over the last 6 years has allowed native species to flourish. They were pleased to see how much we have kept the Ivy at bay around the main site and are excited to keep the partnership thriving.

As a participant of the Gerald Island invasive species removal, I had the opportunity to witness the power of community building and the positive impact of hands-on efforts to preserve our coastal environment. Not only did we make significant progress in removing invasive species on the island, but we also learned valuable skills and gained knowledge about our local ecosystem. Overall, this project was a great opportunity to get involved, and I am excited to have been a part of such a meaningful effort.