Community Engagement Workshop: Pest Plant Identification and Park Maintenance

On November 4, this month’s Community Engagement Workshop was successfully hosted, focusing on pest plant identification and the essential steps for maintaining gardens and parks post-clearance. The event took place at the riverside park near Sancta Maria College and welcomed 10 enthusiastic participants from the local Chinese community.

Attendees gained valuable insights into identifying invasive plants and learning effective techniques for sustaining public green spaces after pest plant removal. The workshop underscored the importance of continuous care and regular maintenance to prevent neglect, highlighting how community efforts can contribute to better flood readiness and environmental resilience.

Participants were also introduced to native plants frequently used to replace invasive species, with an emphasis on their role in promoting biodiversity and supporting healthy ecosystems. The concept of systems thinking was explored, explaining that plants only become weeds when introduced to environments where they don’t naturally belong, reinforcing that every plant has intrinsic value

The workshop concluded with a call to action, encouraging participants to join volunteer groups in their neighborhoods to support ongoing park maintenance and community care. A special thank you was extended to the Howick Local Board, community park ranger Anna Baine, and guest speaker Dr Ben Zhang for their invaluable support and expertise.

Participants left inspired and expressed their interest in making these workshops a regular part of community life. Join us in preserving our local parks and fostering a greener, more engaged community!