BLPA Weedbusters - "Big Island" & Butterfly Garden Maintenance

About this event

Burnaby Lake Park Association (BLPA) volunteers will meet for the year’s final work party at two sites. At the “Big Island” restoration site, which was planted two weeks ago, Janette will lead volunteers in removing invasive plants around the new plantings. They may also place weedcloth in the back area if it has been mowed by Metro Vancouver. If that work is completed early, volunteers will continue maintaining the site planted in October 2025 and the Nature House back yard. Michelle will lead winter preparation and a general tidy-up in the Butterfly Garden, including clearing paths for the annual Holiday Open House on December 6. Tools and training will be provided.

The event runs on November 8, 2026, from 10 am to 1 pm. Meet the group in front of the Nature House. Space is limited. New volunteers should select the “New Volunteer” ticket; returning volunteers should select “Returning Volunteer”; and anyone helping with the Butterfly Garden should select “Butterfly Gardener”. Admission is free.

Bring a water bottle and, if you prefer, your own work or garden gloves and tools. Dress for the weather: bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for a sunny day, or waterproof pants and a jacket for rain. Layers can help with cooler morning and warmer afternoon temperatures. Wear long sleeves you don’t mind getting dirty or torn (blackberry can be vicious) and sturdy, closed-toe shoes for muddy conditions. Knee pads are optional if you prefer to kneel while working close to the ground. Bring anything you need for comfort and safety, such as medication, allergy pills or insect repellent.

Meeting location: Burnaby Lake Nature House. The parking lot can be busy in fine weather. You may need to park along Piper Avenue or at Warner Loat Park, just off Winston, and walk 450 m (about five minutes) to the Nature House. Train tracks cross the route and may occasionally be blocked. Detailed driving or transit directions: http://burnabylakepark.ca/directions/).. If you can no longer attend, cancel your ticket so someone else can take your place: https://www.eventbrite.ca/help/en-ca/articles/575010/how-to-cancel-your-free-registration/). Volunteers may opt out of photos; no filming or interviews will take place during the event.

Everyone is welcome, including people with disabilities, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC), and LGBTQIA+ people. Resources on fall gardening for biodiversity: Nature Conservancy, “10 things you can do in the fall to maintain a healthy garden” https://natureconservancy.ca/en/stories/10-things-you-can-do-in-the-fall-to-maintain-a-healthy-garden); Nature Canada, “Gardening for Biodiversity” https://naturecanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/03_bird-friendly-gardens-Gardening-For-Biodiversity.pdf); Birds Canada, “Gardening for Birds” https://birdgardens.ca/); David Suzuki Foundation, “Support overwintering pollinators in your garden” https://davidsuzuki.org/living-green/support-overwintering-pollinators-in-your-garden/); National Garden Bureau, “The Best Bird-Friendly Garden Ideas to Try This Fall” https://ngb.org/what-to-leave-in-the-garden-for-the-birds/); and “Autumn Gardening Tips to Help Pollinators” https://www.nwf.org/Magazines/National-Wildlife/2023/Fall/Gardening/Fall-Gardening-Tips-Pollinators). Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/blpa-weedbusters-big-island-butterfly-garden-maintenance-tickets-2004167150899.

This activity has multiple times, locations or fee options. Confirm participation using the full details below. 2026-11-08 10:00 to 2026-11-08 13:00 · 2026-11-08 10:00 – 2026-11-08 13:00 · Burnaby Lake Park - Nature House · 4519 Piper Ave, Burnaby, BC V5A 3B5 · Burnaby · Scheduled · https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/blpa-weedbusters-big-island-butterfly-garden-maintenance-tickets-2004167150899 Returning Volunteer · Free · CAD 0.00 · See conditions · General admission · All sessions · Tickets (Returning Volunteer): free for this tier. · https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/blpa-weedbusters-big-island-butterfly-garden-maintenance-tickets-2004167150899 New Volunteer · Free · CAD 0.00 · See conditions · General admission · All sessions · Tickets (New Volunteer): free for this tier. · https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/blpa-weedbusters-big-island-butterfly-garden-maintenance-tickets-2004167150899 Buttefly Gardener · Free · CAD 0.00 · See conditions · General admission · All sessions · Tickets (Buttefly Gardener): free for this tier. · https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/blpa-weedbusters-big-island-butterfly-garden-maintenance-tickets-2004167150899