You are looking at the “before” picture of the site which will be transformed by native plants thanks to a $3200 grant from BC Hydro.
BC Hydro offers their Community ReGreening Program to support the planting of trees and other vegetation across the province. Two goals of the program are to ensure that appropriate trees are planted near power lines and to encourage the installation of native plants. A grant of up to $7500 is available for small-scale community projects sponsored by municipal or Indigenous Nations’ governments. Early in 2024, the Moralea’s Meadow volunteers became aware of the program. Since the Meadow is situated on Metchosin’s Municipal Office grounds and receives Metchosin’s endorsement and support, it was determined that the project was eligible for the grant.
We decided on the planting area within the Meadow that we want to develop next. It has been covered by a pond liner for some time and the grass is smothered. Satinflower Nursery provided the plant list and cost estimate. The suitable plants for the site were chosen and in sufficient numbers to create some density once they have grown for a while.
For our grant application, we had to provide information such as a site plan of the planting area, a plant list and cost estimate and a description of the expected benefits of the project. We needed to describe the existing community support for the project as well as potential opportunities for community education and participation. We were also asked to indicate how we would acknowledge BC Hydro’s support if we received the grant. Since the grant is for Municipalities and not individual groups, Metchosin’s CAO, Bob Payette, submitted the application on our behalf.
On April 3, 2024, we received the news that BC Hydro approved our grant for $3200. The conditions of the grant require us to purchase and install the plants. We will submit a report to BC Hydro describing the completed project along with supporting documentation. Once the report has been approved, we will receive the grant money.
While we have been waiting on Hydro’s decision, we have been working on the planting area. Although the grass was gone, there is a significant layer of tangled roots which must be removed. There are a number of camas, lilies and nodding onion bulbs in the area so we are working around them or removing them for replanting. Depending on how quickly we can finish preparing the site and planting, we will submit our report September 1, to receive the grant in early autumn 2024 or December 1, to receive it in early 2025.
