Garden Volunteers

Volunteer in the Garden

Volunteers are needed to assist TLC – The Land Conservancy of British Columbia in the on-going restoration and maintenance of the Eagles Estate Heritage Garden.  Located on Deer Lake in Burnaby with stunning views of the North Shore mountains, the garden is a beautiful setting to work in while surrounded by birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and other wildlife.  Gardeners of all levels of experience are welcome to join TLC in our efforts to make the garden a special place for everyone.  Contact Laura at lralph@conservancy.bc.ca or 604-733-2313.  Please read below for further information.

Volunteer Role Description

Objective:

  • To help maintain and restore the Eagles Estate Heritage Garden under the supervision of the Head Gardener.  There will also be opportunities to garden at the Arthur Erickson designed ‘Baldwin House’ on Deer Lake, the historic Kogawa House located in the Marpole area of Vancouver, and the B.C. Binning House in West Vancouver.

Volunteer Activities:

  • Hand weeding, mulching, invasive plant removal, planting, mowing with manual push mower, watering, deadheading, seeding, light lifting, etc.
  • Record number of volunteer hours worked at the end of shift.

Safety  and Risk Management Awareness:

  • Inform Head Gardener if you are uncomfortable performing a task.  It is especially important to let staff know if you are fatigued and would like to perform a lighter task.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and outdoor work – gloves, sunscreen, sun hat, rain gear, waterproof boots (recommended since Eagles Estate is very wet and slippery), etc.
  • Use caution and be aware of potential site hazards including the following:  slippery slopes, uneven terrain, wasp nests, etc.

Skills and Experience:

  • Enjoy gardening and working outdoors.
  • Be able to work outside in all types of weather.
  • Be willing and able to follow direction of Head Gardener.

Gift of Time:

  • Wednesdays or most Saturdays anytime between 9 – 5 pm.

Training:

  • A general overview of TLC’s objectives.
  • Onsite training and orientation.
  • Tools will be provided.  Volunteers may wish to bring their own hand tools.

Benefits:

  • Learn about gardening and TLC.
  • Meet other volunteers and TLC staff.
  • Contribute to the community.

Staff Contact:

  • Laura Ralph, Head Gardener, Lower Mainland, 604-733-2313, lralph@conservancy.bc.ca