Goodsir Nature Park is the labour of one man's love for Canadian botany. Now he needs a little labour from others.
Jim Good worked almost alone to establish his one-of-a-kind oasis of Canada's trees and flowers, then he opened his doors to the public. A network of trails, viewpoints and camping spaces makes Goodsir Nature Park one of the most unique outdoor recreational features of the Prince George area. There are two museums on-site - one dedicated to the plants of Canada and one dedicated to golden-age music on vinyl - and there are interpretive signs throughout.
All this at a non-profit for Good. He charges by donation for the public to drop in for a walk in his woods, stay overnight, or go on guided tours. The income doesn't even cover the cost of photocopying, as Good makes all his info sheets and pamphlets himself, handwritten.
Good cannot look after his park this year. A heart condition has caused him to lose the strength required to mow the lawns and trim the trails. He can host visitors at the J.L. Good Record Museum and at the Goodsir Nature Park Botanical Museum, both at the front entrance to the organic facility, but he can't lead his personal tours.
"I'm looking for volunteers for some trail maintenance, keeping the displays looking nice, and mowing the grass around the reception area," said Good.
Anyone with an interest in helping is welcome to come whenever convenient for themselves. Good has the lawn mowing and trimming equipment necessary, but those with their own tools are encouraged to bring their own.
"The park is still open, otherwise," Good said. "You can see plant life from throughout Canada. Many plants are rare, especially here. People love to sit beside Little Goodsir Lake and enjoy it, it's a peaceful setting. There are signs all along the trails explaining the plant life, and there's really nowhere else this kind of living display exists."
Goodsir Nature Park is located about 30 minutes' drive north of Prince George on Old Summit Lake Road off of the Hart Highway. Call 1-250-971-2337 for more information (appointments to see the park are not required, drop-ins are welcome, as are self-guided walks on the trails) or to arrange your volunteering with Good.
