The District of Lake Country has removed some invasive tree species from the Okanagan Centre Greenspace and a grant from the Tree Canada Foundation and BC Hydro will allow it to re-plant native tree species along the linear park.
Lake Country crews removed the invasive blackberry and Tree of Heaven plants from the Greenspace trail last month and the $8,000 grant from Tree Canada and BC Hydro will allow for the replacement of those bushes with ones that are native to the area,
“We are very appreciative of the Tree Canada/BC Hydro grant for assistance with the cost of the new plants,” said Lake Country mayor James Baker.
The Tree Canada Foundation/BC Hydro Community Tree Planting Program objectives are to:
•Enhance urban open space;
•Restore and reclaim lands to a green state;
•Beautify parks and outdoor recreation areas;
•Create habitat and support stewardship actions; and
•Diversify and enhance urban forests.
The work to remove invasive species from the Okanagan Centre Greenspace dates back several years, according to the district's Steve Schaffrick.
“In 2008 the district with the assistance of a registered biologist, completed the Invasive Plant Management Strategy for the Okanagan Centre Greenspace and we’ve been working on implementing the recommended actions,” said Schaffrick, the director of community and customer services. “Trained district horticulturists will provide ongoing care and maintenance for the new trees and other plant materials. The $8,000 grant from the Tree Canada/BC Hydro program will allow the district to purchase the plants and trees and the District’s contribution includes labour and equipment rental.”