Periwinkle Challenge in Gatineau Park: Volunteer Event

Periwinkle Challenge: Help Protect Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park is a beloved natural haven, and maintaining its beauty is a collective effort. For years, volunteers have come together to tackle a growing issue—an invasive plant called the lesser periwinkle. This resilient species has taken root in the park and, unfortunately, it’s outcompeting native plants. Left unchecked, it can take over large areas, reducing biodiversity and disrupting the balance of Gatineau Park’s ecosystem.

The Periwinkle Problem

The lesser periwinkle might look like a simple ground cover, but it’s a big problem for Gatineau Park. Where this invasive species spreads, it pushes out indigenous plants, which are crucial for local wildlife and maintaining the park's natural diversity. Over the past few years, thanks to the efforts of the National Capital Commission and the Friends of Gatineau Park, significant progress has been made. More than 1,200 square meters of periwinkle have already been cleared, but the fight is far from over.

Doubling the Effort in 2024

This year, the goal is even more ambitious. The team behind the Periwinkle Challenge aims to double the amount of cleared land, but they need help to make it happen! That’s where you come in. The Periwinkle Challenge offers a fun and meaningful way to give back to nature and help conserve the park that so many cherish. Not only is this a chance to contribute to an important cause, but it’s also an opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals who share a love for Gatineau Park.

How to Get Involved

The Periwinkle Challenge is set for Saturday, September 21, and there are multiple time slots available to fit into your schedule. You can sign up for the morning (8:30 am to 12:00 pm), the afternoon (1:00 pm to 4:00 pm), or take part all day (8:30 am to 4:30 pm) with lunch provided from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. The meeting point is at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, located at 33 Scott Road, Chelsea, QC.

All the necessary tools will be provided, but volunteers are encouraged to bring a few essentials for comfort. Consider packing gloves, water, snacks, mosquito repellent, and wearing long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and closed-toe shoes. Knee pads are also handy for the more active tasks. The event is weather dependent, so if it looks like rain, organizers will notify participants early that morning if there’s a need to cancel.

Make a Difference in Your Backyard

The Periwinkle Challenge is more than just a volunteer event—it’s a way to protect and preserve a cherished part of the community. If you’ve been looking for a way to give back, this is the perfect opportunity. Not only will you help restore balance to Gatineau Park’s natural landscape, but you’ll also spend the day outdoors, working alongside other nature lovers. Registration is mandatory to ensure there’s enough lunch for everyone, so be sure to sign up in advance.

Gatineau Park has always been a sanctuary for nature and those who seek its beauty. With everyone’s help, the park can continue to thrive, free from invasive species like the lesser periwinkle. Let’s work together to protect this incredible space for generations to come.