North Saanich Parks Ecosystem Restoration Society

The North Saanich Parks Ecosystem Restoration Society (Business Registration Number: 744122730RR0001), also known as Friends of North Saanich Parks, is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the ecological restoration of parklands within North Saanich, British Columbia. The organization is a registered charity recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency, committed to sustaining the natural ecosystems of local parks through volunteer mobilization and education.

Mission and Activities

The Society's primary mission is to mobilize volunteers to remove invasive plant species that threaten biodiversity and disrupt native ecosystems in North Saanich parks. Invasive species targeted include English Ivy, Himalayan blackberry, Scotch broom, Daphne, and periwinkle among others. By eradicating these plants, the Society aims to free space for native flora to thrive and restore ecological balance.

Beyond invasive species removal, the organization engages in several complementary activities:

• Organizing native species planting events to further support ecosystem recovery.
• Conducting regular cleanups of litter and dumped organic debris within park boundaries.
• Coordinating and contributing to ecological studies of the parklands.
• Providing education and outreach to volunteers, youth, and local residents on ecological and environmental topics related to restoration efforts.

These activities typically take place in numerous parks across the District of North Saanich, with volunteer gatherings occurring frequently throughout the year, mostly on weekends.

Cultural Acknowledgment

The Society acknowledges that its restoration activities occur on the traditional territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, recognizing their ongoing historical and cultural relationship with the land.

Community Involvement

The Friends of North Saanich Parks depend heavily on volunteer participation, often equipped with tools such as shovels, secateurs, loppers, and tarps to carry out large-scale removal of invasive plants. The organization fosters a community spirit geared towards environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Recognition

The Society is formally registered as a charity and adheres to the standards required by the Canada Revenue Agency, thereby enabling it to receive donations that support its mission. Contributions to the organization are handled with transparency and provide donors with tax receipts, facilitating further community support.

By continuously engaging local volunteers and stakeholders, the North Saanich Parks Ecosystem Restoration Society plays a vital role in preserving and rehabilitating the natural heritage of North Saanich's parklands, striving to return these areas to their natural state for future generations.