Building on earlier efforts
Helping plant native species near where our project operates builds on work completed late last year. Working with the City of Delta, we helped to remove invasive blackberry bushes that grow rapidly and displace native plants in the area that naturally provide food and shelter to local wildlife.
Mike Brotherston, director, corporate services at The City of Delta, talks about how planting species native to the area is important.
“The City of Delta’s Climate Action and Environment and Park Operations departments are advancing restoration efforts near Tilbury Slough in collaboration with FortisBC, Tsawwassen First Nation, and local community members. By applying ecological expertise to invasive species removal and native plantings, we’re restoring key habitats and supporting the long-term restoration of the area."
Thoughtful planning, meaningful reflection
With support from the City of Delta, Tsawwassen First Nation and a local community organization selected a variety of native species to the area including sword ferns, thimbleberries, red-flowering currant and others. Their knowledge of the land and local ecosystems informed a thoughtful planting layout to encourage native plant growth over time.
Conversations throughout the day created opportunities to share knowledge and reflect on the local environment. The planting event included a meaningful moment of reflection. Tsawwassen First Nation Elders joined the group to participate in planting efforts and opened the event by grounding our activities in a shared goal.
Chief Laura Cassidy of Tsawwassen First Nation explains how important it is to come together and work toward a common goal defined by shared values.
“At Tsawwassen First Nation, stewardship is a responsibility we carry for future generations. We are proud to partner with FortisBC on initiatives that support environmental stewardship and strengthen the health of our local ecosystems. This restoration effort demonstrates what can be accomplished when Indigenous Nations, industry, local governments and community organizations come together with a shared commitment to the land. We were pleased to contribute our knowledge of the area to help restore native vegetation and enhance biodiversity. Protecting and enhancing these natural spaces is a shared responsibility, and we all have a role to play in ensuring they remain healthy and resilient for years to come.”
Part of a bigger picture
This planting event is part of a longer-term vision to help the Tilbury Slough thrive over time and to make the area a place where people can come to enjoy native species in Delta. It offered our team an opportunity to collaborate with experts, spend time outdoors and to help strengthen our connections to the community where we live and work.
Danica Gallaher, Tilbury community relations manager, touched on how this event is part of a bigger picture for our team.
“Getting outside and being part of the planting is a chance for us to learn from community leaders and deepen our understanding of the land. Knowing that the community will enjoy this space is something we’re all proud to be part of.”
The progress made near the Tilbury Slough will continue to grow over time, helping to create an enjoyable space for the community. By working together, communities and Indigenous Nations, we can take meaningful steps to continue to invest in the communities where we live, work and play as relationships rooted in shared values grow stronger.
To keep up with our progress on the Tilbury LNG Expansion Project, be sure to check out our project page.
