Green Team Boosts Community Spirit and Environmental Awareness in Maple Ridge
The Green Team is all about bringing people together while caring for the environment. Lyda Salatian, a founder of the organization, explains how they’re making a positive difference in the community.
Maple Ridge has a vision for its future captured in important plans like the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan and the climate resilience plan, Resilient Future 2050. These initiatives aim to create stronger community ties, enhance well-being, and promote environmental responsibility.
Groups like the Alouette River Management Society (ARMS) and Green Teams of Canada are already making this vision a reality. On May 9, they joined forces at Westview Park. Twenty-nine community members came together to restore habitat along McKenney Creek, removing 13 cubic meters of invasive Himalayan blackberry. This effort not only improves the area but also fosters social connections.
But the impact goes beyond environmental benefits. The Green Team is working to measure how such activities affect people’s lives. Traditionally, organizations focus on ecological results. However, aspects like belonging, connection, and motivation often get overlooked, even though they’re crucial for resilient communities.
A survey from this recent event showed impressive results. Out of 29 participants, 28 completed it. Here’s what they found:
- 100% felt a sense of belonging.
- 100% reported improved well-being, noting time in nature and new friendships as key factors.
- 93% gained a better understanding of environmental issues.
- 89% felt inspired to engage in future environmental actions.
Many attendees were participating for the first time. One participant, Hunter, shared, “I thought I’d be alone with my headphones, but I left with two new friends and a feeling of accomplishment.” Another, Shantelle, emphasized the power of small groups: “This showed how community effort can drive positive change.”
Running these activities takes skill in coordination, outreach, and partnership building. Salatian pointed out that to keep these initiatives thriving, reliable financial support is essential. Since 2022, ARMS and Green Teams of Canada have been advocating for a fee-for-service partnership with the City of Maple Ridge to sustain their efforts.
Looking to join the movement? The Green Team will host another event at Hoffmann Park on May 17 from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will help remove invasive species like English ivy and Himalayan blackberry. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and tools and refreshments will be provided.
As environmental challenges grow, these community-driven efforts are vital. They not only restore nature but also strengthen our bonds with one another. Engaging in local stewardship is a simple yet powerful way to make a lasting impact.
For more information on community initiatives in your area, you can check out the [Alouette River Management Society](https://www.arms.bc.ca/) and [Green Teams of Canada](https://greenteamsofcanada.ca/).
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