On September 19th, TLC, the Greater Victoria Green Team (GVGT) and Welland Legacy Orchard co-hosted the first annual “Picnic in the Park: A Volunteer Celebration” to give thanks to our incredible volunteers.

The party was held on a sunny Saturday afternoon at Welland Legacy Orchard in View Royal, where volunteers were able to sit back, relax, and enjoy some well-deserved treats for all their hard work.

Local musicians Compassion Gorilla played a beautiful, up-beat acoustic set for the volunteers while they nourished themselves on a variety of donated food and drink. Hoyne Brewing provided beer, Level Ground donated coffee and tea, and Thrifty Foods contributed food while other local organizations including the Township of View Royal, LUSH, Saanich Native Plants, and many others, provided raffle items for our volunteers.

After the musicians played their final note, Welland Coordinator Julia stepped up to give volunteers a tour of the working orchard. With over 200 cultivars of apple, grape vines, medlars, figs, kiwi, and many other varieties, the 3/4 acre orchard produces a surprising array of goodies! They even have a pollinator garden and “hotel” set up for their native pollinators – everything a bee could ask for.

All in all it was a wonderful time, and TLC was happy to be able to thank the Covenant Program volunteers and those who enabled all three organizations to keep conserving, educating and restoring our beautiful B.C. coast.

Photo credit Amanda Evans, Greater Victoria Green Team.