The Great Big Bog Restoration Cleanup

Thank you for getting involved and taking action to save the Langley Bog with us! 2023 brings our 3rd annual Great Big Bog Restoration Cleanup event – a way for the community volunteers passionate about the environment to get involved in our efforts to protect Langley Bog.

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The Langley Bog is a component of Derby Reach Regional Park but is closed off from public access for safety and preservation purposes. Only 10% of undisturbed bog meadow and forest remains from what was once over 100 hectares. The park association has been approved for special access for this event. To complete necessary restoration and conservation work in the bog with community volunteers. DRBIPA Park Ambassadors, Members, supporters, and friends are welcome to attend.

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Meeting location details and site entry instructions will be shared will all registered volunteers. Thanks for signing up to join one of our upcoming bog restoration cleanup events!

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Please email us at outreach@drbipa.org to register for one of the September 2023 sessions, there are 12 open spots for each session:

• Friday, September 8th, 11:00am-2:00pm
• Sunday, September 10th 11:00pm-2:00pm
• Saturday, September 16th 11:00am-2:00pm

Volunteers will be working in groups outdoors to:

• Remove plastic, rubber, metal, and treated wood left and abandoned by the peat mining companies of the last century, to prevent input of contaminants that affect the unique PH levels of the bog.
• Combat invasive species such as himalayan blackberry, to prevent encroachment into the bog area.

Things to consider:

• Volunteers will receive training on any tools needed and an overview of the project while getting to learn about the importance of bog ecosystems.
• Gloves and supplies will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own work gloves if you have them.
• The event is on rain or shine!
• Getting to the bog area includes walking over uneven terrain, we'll be meeting as groups and heading to the site together.
• There is a portable outhouse on site.

We ask all volunteers to please:

• Bring you own water (in a reusable) container and a packed lunch if needed, we'll have light snacks available for volunteers.
• Wear sturdy closed toe boots and long sleeves/pants for safety reasons.
• Dress for the weather and aim to stay dry, the event is on rain or shine.
• Wear comfortable clothing you don't mind getting dirty or snagged.
• Stay home if you are feeling any cold-like or flu symptoms (but we understand sniffles may be allergies!)

Bogs are ancient ecosystems that were formed by glaciers during the ice age. One of the most amazing things about bogs, is how bog moss has the ability to absorb and hold accumulated CO2 from the atmosphere. And as the planet continues to warm due to high levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, protecting and restoring peatlands, such as the Langley Bog, is more important than ever.

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In 2021 we held our first big public bog restoration cleanup. 80 nature-loving volunteers passionate about conserving the Langley Bog at Derby Reach removed 5.2 tonnes of debris from the bog area in shifts spread out over 3 days. We got rid of plastic, tires, metal waste, treated wood...and there is more to do!

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The DRBIPA Bog Restoration Committee also works on other restoration and monitoring projects within the Langley Bog in collaboration with Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, Trinity Western University, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University.