Nature Trust of British Columbia is calling for volunteers to help plant trees at the Lazo Marsh Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on Monday, January 19.
The West Coast Conservation Land Management Program of Nature Trust BC manages this important conservation area in Comox. Their plan this month is to plant 330 native trees and shrubs in the area. This work is the continuation of a large scale restoration project that began in 2025 and treated over 1.5 hectares of Himalayan blackberry and Scotch broom. The selected area for planting native species is roughly 0.5 hectares.
The Nature Trust BC leader of this work party is Geoff Stathers. Please email Geoff at to let him know you are coming and for answers to any questions you may have. Geoff estimates that with enough volunteers the job can be done in one day.
Geoff has provided the following details.
What to expect
- Start time: 11:00 a.m. on Monday January 19.
- Where: I will meet everyone at the entrance to the WMA off Torrence Rd between Highland Secondary and the public works yard. The planting site is roughly a 500 metre walk from the parking lot to the restoration area.
- Prior to any work, a safety meeting is required and volunteer waiver must be signed, both provided by NTBC.
- All trees and shrubs will be staged by Nature Trust (NTBC) staff before volunteers arrive.
- Extra shovels and gloves will be provided by NTBC.
- A demonstration will also be provided on planting.
- Only expectation is to have a great time meeting some new people and restoring the Lazo Wildlife Management Area!
What to bring
- Planting shovels, pickaxes, and any tools that could be helpful. The ground here can be quite dense.
- Weather conditions look favourable at the moment for Monday but I suggest wearing layers and bring appropriate raingear regardless.
- Proper footwear for the walk to and from the restoration area and for protection while planting.
Other details
- Pot sizes for native species: (1-gal, 2-gal, 5-gal, 7-gal).
- A pre-measured volume of time-release fertilizer will be added to each plant– a demonstration will be provided in the field.
