Sunshine Coast Community Forest

New bridge and boardwalk open

The new Community Forest bridge and boardwalk was celebrated at Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden and opened jointly by Sunshine Coast Community Forest president Glen Bonderud and Botanical Garden president Gerry Latham on Wednesday, May 13. Shíshálh Nation musician Andy Johnson began the celebration with a welcome song from the bridge.

Made from local wood products and built by local firm MPA Project Management, this amenity gives the public access to a newly dug pond and wetland. The ground surrounding the pond is planted with wet-loving B.C. native plants and has already attracted salamanders, frogs and dragonflies, bringing biodiversity and the interdependence of plants and animals into focus.

The project was made possible by a Community Forest legacy grant, with the approval of District of Sechelt Council. The pond and wetland garden were designed and planted by Harry Hill, who also created the rainforest garden and is completing the rain shadow garden, all highlighting the value and beauty of our native plant habitats.

Also in attendance were Tom Pinfold and Tony Greenfield, directors of S.C. Community Forest, several of the construction crew, and directors, staff and volunteers of the Botanical Garden.

For more information about Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden’s location, open hours, programs, events and membership, see www.coastbotanicalgarden.org

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