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Dear Friends of Garden City,
Annual Gathering on the Garden City Lands
Thanks to all who attended our Annual Gathering, including those who couldn’t make it this year, but were definitely there with us in spirit!
Ravi Singh sharing his experiences planting Miyawaki forests internationally. We’re grateful Ravi is now helping us with our Richmond Miyawaki projects!
Dr Mike Bomford’s famous farm and bog tour post-meeting is about to begin! Tours of the GCL bog started with Councilor Michael Wolfe –thank you Michael! – and now continue with Dr Bomford. So much to learn about Richmond’s 5,000-year-old bog’s fascinating story. And both Michaels tell the story well!
Good news on the bog!! Russet cottongrass – missing for 10 years on the GCL bog, has suddenly made an appearance. Of course, this discovery only added to the wonderful experience of exploring the bog and understanding better the richness it offers to all of us. Bogs are good for our health and well-being!
Not on the GCL bog but situated close by. Our conservation partner, Our Saviour Lutheran Church, has lovingly created the most beautiful labyrinth, surrounded by forest, for the residents of Richmond to walk in contemplation. Thank you, Our Saviour Lutheran team, for all of your hard work!
Back to the Garden City Lands
Rue Badanic, KPU research student, is half-way through a baseline insect study at Miyawaki #5 on the GCL. Insect populations are in serious decline and we expect the numbers of insects in the biodiverse Miyawaki forest will grow along with the forest. Tracking their progress will be in the hands of Citizen Science practitioners once the study is done.
Terra Nova Miyawaki #2 shows the robust growth of a fast-growing forest, framed by mature evergreens. We’re excited that Miyawaki #8 is upcoming in the early Fall at a location to be announced. Thanks for the City of Richmond for great support and the funders that make these biodiverse forests possible. We call them Little Forests of Hope and an antidote to eco-anxiety. Taking action is a good feeling.
Sharon MacGougan
President, Garden City Conservation Society