(This story is presented by Metro Vancouver.)

One of the things people love most about living in Vancouver is the abundance of nature. Within minutes of coffee shops, condos, and restaurants are riverside walks and rugged backcountry trails, still lakes and serene greenspaces.

Metro Vancouver is home to 22 regional parks offering easy access to so much natural beauty within the traditional homelands of the Coast Salish First Nations.

These gorgeous parks, totalling more than 13,000 hectares, provide vital habitat for countless plant and wildlife species and are visited by nearly 12 million people every year. 

Local residents are as passionate about their parks as they are proudly protective of them. People who love these oases can make a difference by becoming nature warriors.

Regional park stewards help nurture nature in all sorts of creative, hands-on ways, from monitoring wildlife to planting native shrubs to conducting bird surveys and more.

While helping keep regional parks and broader ecosystems healthy and protected, these nature warriors get outside, meet new people, build new skills, and have fun. It’s a rewarding, meaningful way to give back.

There are several ways to get involved.

One is to join the Metro Vancouver Ecological Restoration Team Meetup group. This is an enthusiastic group of people who remove invasive plants, monitor wildlife, plant native vegetation and improve the health of regional parks and the ecosystems they support. Everyone is welcome to join and no experience is necessary.

Belcarra Beachkeepers offer meaningful volunteer opportunities to promote stewardship of the sensitive marine ecosystem at Belcarra Regional Park in Anmore, Belcarra, and Port Moody. The program is a partnership between Metro Vancouver Regional Parks and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.  The group educates visitors about marine fishing and harvesting regulations, environmentally friendly beach behaviour, and marine natural history. The Belcarra Beachkeepers also participate in a scientific crab monitoring project.

Park associations are another great way to get involved. These non-profit groups work with Regional Parks staff on special projects that range from nature education to habitat restorations. From Boundary Bay Park Association to Pacific Spirit Park Society, there are seven organizations that seek dedicated helpers.

People with a passion for natural and local history, or who like interacting with others might want to look into being a visitor centre host. Two stunning settings have spring and summer opportunities: BC Mills House at Lynn Headwaters Regional Park in North Vancouver and Campbell Valley Nature House at Campbell Valley Regional Park in Langley.

Furthermore, events are always taking place throughout Metro Vancouver, from celebrating the return of spawning salmon to special nature walks. Events highlight seasonal phenomena in regional parks to deepen visitor understanding, appreciation and protection of the natural environment. Enthusiastic, friendly and outgoing people can help connect visitors to nature by being a welcome tent host, delivering an activity with park interpreters or assisting with logistics along trails.

Another way to become a nature warrior is through Pacific Parklands Foundation (PPF). This non-profit organization is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Metro Vancouver’s regional parks.

As the fundraising arm of Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, the registered charity provides additional financial support for special projects that fall outside of what government funding is able to provide. These programs include those that ensure regional parks are accessible to everyone, improve park facilities and infrastructure, educate and empower youth to become environmental leaders, and help build a strong future for regional parks.

The foundation is always looking for people who can help. Find information about how to make a donation and other ways to give at www.pacificparklands.com.

For more information about these volunteer opportunities, visit Metro Vancouver’s website and search for “volunteer”.