Community Cleanup at Byrne Creek: 18 Volunteers Making a Difference

On April 4th, we had the chance to come together near Edmonds Station in Burnaby alongside Carl from Web of Life for a community cleanup around Byrne Creek. With over 18 volunteers joining us to care for this clean up, it turned out to be a day none of us will forget anytime soon.

From the start, the energy was just right. The sun was out, the air was fresh, and it didn't take long before new friendships were formed. Some volunteers came extra prepared and brought their own garbage pickers and trash bags.These moments of dedication to the clean up remind us that a cleanup is never just about the trash. It is about the people who show up, and come together as a community during the cleanup.

We were also so glad to see so many new faces out with us. Of our 18 volunteers, 8 were joining Captain Scott for the very first time. For many of them, this was their very first experience in a community cleanup. It was amazing to see their many various reactions to what they found on the trails throughout the cleanup. They were engaged throughout the whole cleanup and became super determined to make an impact.

We split into 3 different areas around Byrne Creek and it quickly became clear just how many things had no business being in the park. We pulled out mattresses, a shopping cart, and even a carpet that looked like it had been quietly decomposing since the 80s. The deeper we went, the more we uncovered. A lot of what we found had been buried or tucked away, hidden from plain sight. All of this trash was slowly affecting the soil and ecosystem around it.

By the end of the day, we had filled over 20 large bags of garbage. Seeing them all gathered one in place really allowed our team to see the impact we made that day. It was once scattered and forgotten across the park. Now became a clear path for nature to blossom and flourish. It's hard to put into words what that sight does for you, but anyone who's been part of a cleanup knows exactly what we mean.

None of it would have been possible without every single volunteer who gave their time that day. This was truly an eye-opening experience, a chance to see firsthand what's hiding just beneath the surface of the spaces so many of us walk through and love. We're grateful to Carl and the entire Web of Life team for making this partnership possible, and even more grateful to our community for continuing to show up and care.

Let's keep cleaning up and keep showing up for our green spaces. We can't wait to do even more together in the months ahead.