Community Stories
BC Budget Consultation – by 2 pm, June 19
The NDP Budget Committee is accepting written submissions for its 2027 Budget. What should we be asking for? You can make up to three recommendations, with an explanation for each. Participate by using the submission form HERE . We have set up a google doc to share…
Flood the Consultation: Don’t Fast-Track Destruction
The Government of Canada is proposing major legislative changes that would make it easier for mega-corporations to profit while our communities and the planet suffer the consequences. Act now. See email template to send critical feedback to Prime Minister Carney and…
One of the Strongest Marine Protected Areas in the World
Six First Nations, BC and Canada will preserve and steward a large chunk of the Central Coast. That means no pipelines. The area will be protected under Indigenous law, and known as Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon , pronounced “Me-ah-yall-twa Ha-lee-joh-gom hOH-own,”…
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Global Guide on DRR, Children & Youth Released for Public Review
Child and youth are often negatively impacted by climate change—in ways that threaten their rights. Working with them as agents for change in their communities reduces risks and enables adaptation. Learn more in a new global guide: https://bit.ly/2mSv7CR.
How To Plant Trees
Fall is a great time to plant trees! In the Pacific Northwest, fall may be the best time to plant trees. They have time to develop roots before it gets cold. They also benefit from developing yet more roots in spring — before they have to start using some of…
City of Victoria Announces Participation in UN’s Trees for Cities Challenge
At a time when urban forests are rapidly diminishing, the City of Victoria this year made a commitment to expanding and protecting ours, by adding $1 million to the Parks budget. It also committed $850,000 annually going forward.
Tree Bike Tour
The Community Trees Matter Network in partnership with CreativelyUnited.org and the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition hosted an inaugural bike tree tour this past Sunday guided by municipal arbourist, Ryan Senechal, from the City of Victoria; tree preservation…
“This is Not a Drill” Cideo From Greta Thunberg and George Monbiot
Environmental activists Greta Thunberg and George Monbiot have helped produce a short film highlighting the need to protect, restore and use nature to tackle the climate crisis. Living ecosystems like forests, mangroves, swamps and seabeds can pull enormous quantities…
Six Green New Deals: How Do They Compare?
I spent this week digging into six different Green New Deals, to see how they compare, policy-by-policy. Five American, one European. The Canadian versions are seemingly not ready yet. Here’s my results. I hope you find them helpful!
Free Trees! Garry Oaks, Bigleaf Maples & More
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago…The next best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb Fall is a great time to collect seeds and nuts that will grow into free trees. Even those of us who don’t own property can enjoy starting seedlings for others to plant in…
Trees (and Shrubs) For Free!
Why not try your hand at propagating some trees and/or shrubs? Not all species are easy to grow from cuttings, but many will respond to your care and effort. When the saplings or plants are established, you can plant them in your own yard, or ask friends and family…
World Ocean’s Day
World Oceans Day 2019 was a great success and we have had very positive feedback, so we will likely have the same layout next year as well. We raised $2,071.35, which puts us at a grand total of $4,783.94 (from 2017-2019) towards the purchase of a Seabin for…
National Tree Day: A Meaningful Way to Reflect on the Positive Impact of Trees
National Tree Day is a meaningful way to reflect on the positive impact that trees have on our lives and to celebrate all that they have to offer. From cleaning the air to managing stormwater to storing CO2, urban forests play an integral role in our health and well-being.
It’s Time We Stopped Treating Soil Like Dirt – Video
This is a fantastic, lively and very informative short video on the vital importance of dirt. Basically, soil keeps us all alive, because it grows the food we eat. It can also be an important carbon sink. “Soil provides 95% of our food, helps regulate the…
Free Boulevard Tree Planting in Saanich & Oak Bay
If you live in Saanich, you can get a free tree planted on your boulevard! Check out this link for more info. (If you live in Oak Bay, they have a similar program! It is not posted, but for more info on Oak Bay’s boulevard tree program, call 250-592-7275)












