How Volunteers Are Helping the Weaselhead Thrive




In the heart of Calgary, you can find the Weaselhead Flats Natural Environment Park, one of the city’s best-preserved natural spaces. And thanks to its community of volunteers, it’s  staying that way.









Through the Weaselhead Invasive Plant Program, more than 13,000 non-native shrubs have been removed from the park, helping protect its unique ecosystem. This summer, volunteers from ConocoPhillips Canada and from Youth Central rolled up their sleeves to protect the  park’s biodiversity.









Invasive plants like the Tatarian Honeysuckle and Peking Cotoneaster may look harmless, but they can quickly take over, pushing out native plants for sunlight, water, and nutrients. When they spread, the ripple effect is felt throughout the ecosystem, and the loss of native vegetation means fewer food sources for local birds.







By keeping these plants in check, volunteers make space for native plants to thrive. This, in turn, supports the many species of birds, insects, and mammals that Calgarians love to see and hear when they visit the park.







Our youth volunteers worked alongside the team from ConocoPhillips Canada with gloves, tools, and plenty of energy. Together, they learned how to identify invasive species, where to dig, and how to remove the invasive targets without damaging surrounding plants.









“Giving back to the community is central to the work that we do at ConocoPhillips Canada. In this instance, we got to be outside, get some exercise, spend time with the youth, and contribute to the health of the Weaselhead area. Thank you to Youth Central for providing us with this opportunity,” said Brad Duke, one of the participants from ConocoPhillips




Canada.









Thanks to teamwork across generations, we removed over 100 invasive plants. The protection of Calgary’s wild spaces starts with small, steady efforts and every plant pulled makes more room for more native plants to thrive. 









The removal of invasive plants isn’t a one-time fix, and that’s why days like this matter. Youth Central’s volunteers are just one group of volunteers that help care for this habitat. As invasive plants are cleared, energy can shift to long-term restoration.









“Youth Central is an integral partner in the Weaselhead/Glenmore Park Preservation Society’s Invasive Plant Program. The leaders and youth are well organized, keen learners and highly engaged in the program,” said Maureen Luchsinger, Executive Director of the Weaselhead/Glenmore Park Preservation Society. 





We’re grateful to ConocoPhillips Canada for supporting this project, and to the Weaselhead Preservation Society for their expertise and dedication. Together, they’re ensuring Calgary’s wild spaces thrive, and will continue to blossom for generations.