A toddler bobbles his way up a path, caregiver in tow unconcerned as the youngster enjoys some freedom in the grassy and treed public space that is B.C.’s Welland Community Orchard.
Orchard coordinator River Stevens, who accepted the part time position in mid-March, has passion for the land. It’s clear the way they walk about the orchard, gesturing and sharing tidbits already learned. When there’s something Stevens doesn’t know, they peek at a document of knowledge carefully honed and from longtime volunteers.
Executive director Alex McArdle saw a similar opportunity, with a love for her Bird and Bean Farm in Saanich, she started with LifeCycles in December 2023, specifically because of the food security opportunities.LifeCycles offers that in spades, and Welland is a huge part of it. A View Royal funded and supported park, it relies heavily on volunteers and sees a steady stream of visitors walking through.