Join us to remove invasive plants, restore natural areas and enhance local biodiversity.
Work your muscles and your mind with the Pulling Together Volunteer Program. Volunteers restore diverse habitats on high rocky outcrops, creek side forests, wetlands, wildflower meadows and waterways.
This hands-on, inclusive ecological restoration program is a collaboration with our community to ensure the sustainability and well-being of present and future generations.
Drop-in volunteer opportunities
No experience needed! Check out upcoming drop-in volunteer opportunities in our calendar of events.
Please wear sturdy, closed-toed footwear and clothes that can get dirty. Bring water, loppers or pruners, and work gloves if you have them.
Registered volunteer opportunities
Want to become a registered, ongoing volunteer? Join us!
Group volunteer opportunities
Perfect for school or community groups! If you would like to bring a group (four or more) to participate in restoration activities, please fill out our Saanich Parks Stewardship Group Activity Request Form.
Questions about volunteering with us?
Contact the Park Stewardship Coordinator at 250-475-5522 or stewardship@saanich.ca for more information.
Please note that volunteer events may be cancelled due to snow, extreme rain, high winds, or unforeseen circumstances. Please contact us to ensure your event is active and to learn any specific directions needed to find the team of volunteers.
Read Pulling Together volunteers' testimonials to inspire you and get started today!
History of Pulling Together
Since 1999, Saanich has invited the community to help restore local ecosystems by removing invasives, planting natives, and creating wildlife habitat. In 2007, this grew into the Pulling Together Program, a hands-on, inclusive effort that now unites over 200 volunteers across 44 parks and natural areas, guided by Saanich Parks staff.
The Pulling Together program aims to enhance biodiversity and the urban forest, share and learn about nature, help restore ecosystem services, improve climate resilience, and nurture community health and well-being.
Many of the natural areas in parks are at risk due to invasive species such as:
- Scotch Broom
- Himalayan Blackberry
- English Ivy
- Orchard Grass
- Others
Volunteers work together to:
- Remove invasive plant species
- Plant native trees and shrubs
- Improve wildlife habitat
- Plan and monitor the progress of ecological restoration work
- Educate others about parks, invasive species and ecological restoration
Watch the video below from a Pulling Together volunteer about English Ivy removal and how it impacts native plants:
Community-based ecological restoration
Check out the Nature Moment video below to discover what makes our home unique and how Pulling Together Volunteers are working to protect it.