The West Hylebos Wetlands contains one of the healthiest, most diverse plant communities in the area. However, it is constantly under assault by the surrounding urban environment.

Flooding, invasive plant species, and the loss of trees on adjacent properties all take their toll. Due to the high water table in the park, trees are particularly susceptible to wind throw. As more gaps in the forest canopy open up, the forest community weakens and becomes more vulnerable to invasive plant spcies.

The Friends' initiated the Forest Health Project to protect and enhance this unique urban forest.

Since 2005, the Friends have been conducting annual surveys of the forest for invasive species and removing those. We've also been expanding the forest, by removing invasives at the forest edge and re-planting with native trees and shrubs.

Our biggest challenge, though, is thoroughly assessing the health of a forest that spreads over 118 acres. The Friends are currently developing a broader surveying and mapping program to identify significant forest canopy gaps and invasive species occurrences, and develop a management plan for the park.

Read about the Cabin Park Revegetation effort

Read about the 2007 REI volunteer work party at the West Hylebos Wetlands