Volunteers are being sought for a couple of hours Saturday morning to clip blackberry shoots from a restored section of Salwein Creek.

The waterway enhancement project is in partnership with the property owners at the Smits and Co.w Farm Cheese on Lickman Road, said Natashia Cox, project manager with Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition.

“Last year we completed a salmon habitat restoration project along a section of Salwein Creek as it flows through Smits and Co.w Farm Cheese,” Cox said. “They have been great partners and care about the salmon and health of the stream.”

This year, as part of the Smits Farm’s anniversary celebration, watershed volunteers are joining them to trim any invasive blackberry shoots that might be popping up in some sections of the restored stream banks.

“We want to catch the blackberry when it’s young, before it gets a chance to grow over and encroach upon the newly planted shrubs and trees,” she said.

It will give some newly planted native species a chance to grow tall and provide shade to the stream.

The work will be July 2, from 10 a.m. to noon. Bring clippers if possible, and hiking boots and gloves are recommended.

“Come to help us enhance a waterway,” said Cox. “Stay and browse some delicious local cheeses!”

Email natashia@fvwc.ca for more details.