When it comes to editorials, this one’s a SNAP.
Surrey’s Natural Area Partnership (SNAP), was formed 18 years ago with the aim of protecting the city’s natural environment. Like its name suggests, it’s a partnership between the Green Timbers Heritage Society, the City of Surrey’s Parks Division, White Rock and Surrey Naturalists and the Sunnyside Acres Heritage Society.
Organizations like these grow more important by the day as land development and urban pressures increasingly take their toll on our local forests and streams.
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This year, 14 college and university students will be employed through the Canada Summer Jobs program, forming three teams to take care of trees, restore habitat,and do urban forest outreach. A pair of secondary school students will join their ranks later this summer.
The teams will nurture native plants, remove invasive vegetation, water trees and pick up garbage. Not only are these useful endeavours, but they also build character and provide the students an opportunity to learn from seasoned veterans in the business of managing urban forests.
They have their work cut out for them. Surrey has more than 1,500 hectares of green space, some 500 parks and about 100,000 trees.
So we congratulate SNAP on its 18 years of working hard to protect and improve on Surrey’s natural environment, the federal government for stepping up to help fund this program, and of course the members of this most worthwhile partnership.
Now-Leader
