Air Cadets hard at work this summer

A long line of Air Cadets, 60 in total, made their way into East Sooke Regional Park on Aug. 9 to remove Daphne Laurel and other invasive plants.

A large group of air cadets – mostly teens between 13 and 15 years of age – were in East Sooke Regional Park on Friday, Aug. 9 to help remove invasive plants.
At the same time, another 60 cadets were hard at work in Metchosin doing roadside clean up, as well as dismantling beach campfire sites dangerously close to dry vegetation.
The environmental efforts of these 120 cadets – plus another 120 air cadets who were at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse Historic site earlier in July to “wage war on invasive species” – equals 1,260 hours of concentrated effort for the betterment of the communities in Colwood, Metchosin, and Sooke.
“It was both fun and important,” said Cadet Cat Wang of 513 Squadron in New Westminster of her efforts in East Sooke Regional Park. “We spent the day protecting the environment with our friends in the beautiful forest.”
 The 240 cadets were from all throughout B.C. on various courses at Albert Head Air Cadet Summer Training Centre (CSTC) in Metchosin.
The cadets’ contribution to the western communities satisfied program requirements for their respective courses’ community service project.
“The development of responsible and caring citizens is one of the most important aspects of the cadet program,” said LCol Carrie Johnston, Commanding Officer. “Cadets regularly participate in citizenship activities in Victoria and other cities and towns across Canada throughout the year.”

-Lt(N) Peggy Kulmala, AHCSTC Public Affairs