FOREST • Talk with Adrian Avendaño: Invasive Species 101

Refreshments available afterward, donations gratefully accepted

Ever wondered what invasive species live in your neighbourhood and local parks? How can we differentiate between invasive non-native plants and native plants in our region? What other invasive species affect our region currently? What can do we about them? Join us for a presentation by Adrian Avendaño, Executive Director of the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver to learn how we all have a part to play in maintaining biodiversity in our region!

This talk is part of the FOREST project which includes:

Adrian Avendaño is an environmental technician and interdisciplinary artist based in Surrey-Vancouver, Canada [stolen lands of the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), Semiahma (Semiahmoo), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples]. He holds a Diploma of Technology from BCIT’s Forest and Natural Areas Management program, which has enabled him to work in many public institutions around the Lower Mainland. In 2020-2023, Adrian served as the Stewardship Program Manager at Still Moon Arts Society. In this position, he did significant work with engaging community stewardship in Renfrew Ravine Park, Renfrew Community Park, and Still Creek. In addition, he created an invasive plant management plan for the Government of Chile’s – Ministry of Agriculture: National Forest Corporation in Torres del Paine National Park. Adrian is also an emerging performer in Vancouver’s music scene, collaborating both locally and abroad. He studied music at Vancouver Community College and has participated in many sound initiatives in Vancouver, Peru and Chile (VIVO Media Arts Salmon Sounds, Memorias Sonoras del Cusco II, and Tsonami’s International Sound Art Festival). He is interested in the intersection of ecology, open-source technology, community engaged art, and restoration.

~Please do not come to these events if you are unwell. 8EAST ventilation: open windows and door, three air purifiers, updated HVAC system with UV lights.The 8EAST social space for new culture is a project of the NOW Society, located on the Territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh and səlil̓wətaʔɬ Peoples, in Chinatown, in the DTES, in Vancouver.We are committed to making 8EAST a safe(r), welcoming and more accessible space.

We do not tolerate discrimination based on age, gender, neuro a-typicality, disability, place of origin, cultural background, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation. We do not tolerate racism, sexual aggression, assault, or harassment which can include unwanted touch or comments that objectify or sexualize. We adopt and follow the We Have Voice Collective Code of Conduct.We can accommodate a variety of needs, including assistance dogs, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers. To arrange for American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, please contact now@nowsociety.org.If you are attending an event with food and have specific allergies, please contact now@nowsociety.org.

We recognize that access is an ongoing and evolving discussion, and acknowledge that this statement may be insufficient. Concernts or suggestions can be addressed, discussed or expressed anonymously by emailing safety@nowsociety.org.

8EAST ventilation: Open windows and door, 3 HEPA air purifiers and UV lights on return air in the HVAC system. Mask wearing is recommend and masks will be available. Seating, wooden stackable chairs without armrests, is movable. Seating is generally arranged in groups of two or threes with 1 meter between groups for easy mobility. Wheelchair seating is easily accommodated. The 34 inch wide main entrance to 8EAST has a threshold of approximately 0.5 inches high. There is no door automation. During events, the door is open or can be opened by the Front of House person. There are no ramps or stairs to navigate. Internal floors are smooth concrete.

Outdoor plaza events are held on concrete pavers, some are uneven. Paths and hallways are kept free of impediments.8EAST has a wheelchair accessible, non-gendered toilet on site with a door width of 35 inches. Additional public toilets, not wheel chair accessible, are located in the adjacent hallway. The NOW Society emergency evacuation procedures are in place for all individuals. The Front of House person or a staff member onsite is trained in naloxone administration and will be the contact person in case of emergencies.

GETTING THERE AND PARKING:

8EAST is located within 50 meters of buses 004, 007, 019, 022, 209, and N19 on Pender Street. Stops for buses 003, 008, 014, 016, 020, N8, N20, and N35 are located within 250 metres on Hastings Street. Stadium–Chinatown SkyTrain Station is approximately 400 metres away. General metered street parking is available on surrounding streets. A passenger drop-off zone without a curb is located within 50 metres at 531 Carrall Street. To arrange for HandyDART transportation and accompanying assistants, please contact now@nowsociety.org.

There is a bike rack on the SW corner of Pender and Carrall Street, viewable while inside 8EAST and on the Plaza. Covered bike parking is available at the Main Street – Science World Skytrain Station. From there, one can take the #3 bus, then walk West down Pender to 8EAST (c. 5 mins), walk to 8EAST (c. 15 mins) or ride one skytrain stop to Stadium – Chinatown and walk Northwest to 8EAST (c. 5 mins). The closest Bike Locker to 8EAST is located at VCC Clark. From there, one can take trains to Stadium – Chinatown Skytrain Station and walk NorthWest to 8EAST.