The Friends of Colwood Parks group is expanding its reach this summer, bringing more opportunities for residents to help protect local green spaces across the City of Colwood.
Since forming in July 2024, the volunteer-run organization has worked closely with the City of Colwood to clear over 100 cubic metres of invasive plants from various parks. Volunteers have contributed more than 500 hours of work, targeting species like Scotch Broom, English Ivy, Himalayan Blackberry, Daphne, and English Holly to support native ecosystem restoration.
The group, led by Stephan Doyle, recently gained community recognition by receiving the Organizational Environmental Stewardship Award from the Citizens’ Environment Network in Colwood. The award was presented by Mayor Doug Kobayashi during the city’s first-ever ConnectFest held this past April to celebrate local volunteers.
Residents can get involved in the upcoming stewardship season starting with an event on May 23, 2026, at the Royal Bay Painter Trail from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The organization intends to post additional volunteer dates for June and July by mid-May, which will include new locations in their care program. Those looking for different types of community support can also find services through other long-standing local nonprofits, such as the Pacific Centre Family Services Association.
