The Town of View Royal is looking for volunteers to help restore native habitat at the Lund/Massey Road Protected Area this Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The work party, led by Habitat Restoration Coordinator Chris Junck, will focus on removing invasive plants that are choking out native species in the area.
The protected area, located on Lund Road near Thetis Lake Regional Park, is an Indigenous burial ground that contains a variety of native plants. However, invasive species like Himalayan Blackberry, Daphne, and Scotch Broom are threatening the natural balance. Removing these invaders helps native plants survive and supports local wildlife.
Town staff will provide all necessary tools, guidance, and safety equipment. Snacks and refreshments will also be available. Volunteers are reminded that it is tick season, so they should dress appropriately. Anyone with questions about the event status on the day of can text 250-888-4086 after 7 a.m.
The Town of View Royal has run a habitat restoration program for years, often in partnership with the Greater Victoria Green Team. Since 2017, the two have organized about 10 community stewardship events each year in View Royal parks. Past efforts have made a measurable difference. In 2020, volunteers at the same Lund Road site cleared 9 cubic metres of invasive plants from a 100-square-metre area in just one day.
More recently, in early 2026, 75 volunteers removed 19 cubic metres of invasive plants from Portage Park over two work parties. That volume is roughly equal to 118 bathtubs full of plant material. Residents interested in helping out this Saturday can sign up through the Town’s website to take part in protecting View Royal’s natural spaces.
