An Interview with Jean Wilkinson from the Native Plant Stewardship Group
At the heart of our organisation are five dedicated board members and five part-time staff and extending out from this heart are a TON of volunteers forming committees and working groups.
The Native Plant Stewardship Group is one of many TSS working groups. This group works to restore native plants critical to our island’s biodiversity and works to curb the negative impacts of prolific, invasive species that often out-compete them.
Jean Wilkinson has been a hard working member of this group. Take a listen to why she feels passionate about the work and how other working groups within TSS function.
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I understand you are in a Transition Salt Spring Working Group? Which one?
Yes, I’m part of the Native Plant Stewardship group.
Are there others?
Yes, there’s the Rainbow Road Allotment gardens group, the EV Group, the Marine Stewardship group, Plastic Free Salt Spring group, the Ecological Research Network, the Biochar group.
This is a diverse set. What it binds them together? That is, what is Transition Salt Spring all about?
It is about encouraging everyone to live more lightly and mindfully on the earth, and to move away from fossil fuels, towards renewable energy. TSS focuses on food security, protection of natural environments, research into prevention of fire and protecting water resources, and helping people find grants and support to prepare their homes for higher and lower temperatures in the climate emergency we are in today.
What is a working group exactly?
It’s a group of like-minded people working collectively on some aspect of these goals. All groups mentioned work independently, with a common focus.
What does your group do?
We share information with our community about native plants, natural ecosystems, and prolific invader species. Over the years we’ve had displays at plant sales and Seedy Saturday, written articles for the newspaper and Garden Club about the benefits of growing native plants, and how to get rid of invasive species to protect biodiversity. Broom, gorse, holly and ivy are some examples of introduced weeds on Salt Spring which take over habitats and prevent native species from growing. Each spring we organize 2 drop-offs for people to dispose of invasive plants. We also do work parties, including a recent ivy-removal effort in a portion of Mouat Park, gorse-busting and planting of ocean spray on Booth Canal Rd, and an ongoing clearing of broom from the demonstration site on Long Harbour Rd. It’s been wonderful to see the Oregon Grape, Blue-eyed Mary and other native plants thriving there now that the broom is gone.
Who is in your group? Describe your group.
We are a group of 10 women, mostly retired, who care about the local environment and get together to plan and carry out the activities outlined above. We operate pretty informally, and we each contribute our time, energy and skills in various ways.
Why did you join with Transition Salt Spring? Is there an advantage?
Under the TSS umbrella we have autonomy to make our own decisions and pursue activities we want to do when we want to do them. TSS provides us with insurance, book-keeping support, and communication channels via the web-site and social media.
Are there obligations to TSS?
One member of each working group represents the group in 4 meetings a year where we share information and network with each other and with a liaison of TSS.
Can other groups join TSS?
Yes, I think so. Any group focused on working towards a more resilient and sustainable community can join, and gain the benefits of being independent but having access to a bookkeeper, a large membership to advertise their events and activities, and some start up money. I recall there used to be more working groups, like the Repair Cafe, which got together to fix appliances, but the pandemic interfered with that one. I hope it will return!
Why do you spend some of your spare time doing this instead of other things for yourself?
I like working with others to make a positive impact, even if it’s a small one, and to help steward this beautiful island. We are so lucky to live here, and this is a way of respecting the land, nature, and the native plants that sustain local birds, insects and other creatures. I also really enjoy the companionship and support of the other group members – we have fun together!
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The Native Plant Stewardship Group works to educate our community about the benefits of native plants and the negative impacts of prolific, invasive species that often out-compete them. The group encourages the planting, tending and restoration of native species that are well-adapted to local conditions and provide important habitat for wildlife, birds, butterflies, wild bees and other pollinators.
If you are interested in joining this group please contact Deborah Miller for more information.