Nature lovers and fans of the great outdoors are now able get a better look at the beauty that can be found in the Derek Doubleday Arboretum.
Two new viewing decks that were created through funding from the Arboretum and Botanical Society of Langley (ABSL) and the Township of Langley were unveiled on Sept. 20 in the treed nature area, located in the 21200 block of 56 Avenue.
The decks offer views of the natural scenery surrounding Fraser Creek, a tributary to the Nicomekl River, and provide space where benches can be located in the future.
The arboretum, which contains wetlands and pathways, was created by the Township opened in September, 2008. It was named after Derek Doubleday, one of the municipality’s longest-serving employees.
Known for his love of nature and committed to preserving green space, Doubleday was a municipal clerk, clerk/administrator, and administrator, who worked with six mayors from 1948 to 1983.
Since the arboretum’s opening, the Township has been working with the volunteer-run ABSL to develop a horticulture centre on the site that will focus on local wetlands, sustainable horticulture and urban agriculture, as part of the Derek Doubleday Arboretum Master Plan.
Construction of trails and a bridge and riparian planting along the waterways has already taken place, and the two new viewing decks are a welcome new addition to the arboretum.
The ABSL applied for and received a $4,708 Neighbourhood Initiative Program grant from the Township, which it matched to pay for the materials used to build the decks.
The society also secured a donation from the Rotary Club of Langley, volunteer labour co-ordinated by Rotarian Allan Richmond, and the machinery services needed for the project through Bill Clemas, for an overall project value of $20,000.