Tag Archives: invasive species

Weedbusters Mid-Summer Check-in

HAPPY JULY!

We’ve officially started the second half of the year and as promised in our newsletter, we want to keep you up to date with our progress.

So far, the BLPA Weedbusters have had 4 public work parties since April.

BLPA Stewardship Progress 2018-06

Of note:

  • We welcomed community members not only from Burnaby, but across Metro Vancouver from West Vancouver to the Tri-Cities.
  • Our April Weedbuster happened to fall on Earth Day, and we had several people come out specifically because they wanted to do something for the environment on this day, including one person who took time from his holidays from Ontario!
  • While we go after the “usual suspects” of invasive species, English ivy (Hedera helix), Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), a few Black locust or False acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) trees were discovered on the Glencarin restoration site. This species is originally from the US south, and can grown in dense stands whose shade will suppress seedlings from native trees.
  • The June 10 work party was held as part of the Wild About Burnaby Lake event we co-hosted with Metro Vancouver Regional Parks and the City of Burnaby, and a lot was accomplished considering the group size.

Thanks to all of our great volunteers for all of their hard work and being native plant champions!

Photo credits: (left to right) I. Lau, D. Tan, Jennifer Strang Photography, A. Green

May is Invasive Species Action Month

2018-BC_ProclamationMay has once again been declared BC Invasive Species Action Month by the provincial government.  Invasive species can disrupt habitat, displace native species and negatively impact British Columbia’s environment, people or economy.

You may wonder how you can take action. There are many ways to help prevent the introduction and spread of harmful invasive species in our communities and make a difference.

Invasive plants, can establish monocultures and reduce biodiversity, increase soil erosion, alter soil chemistry and adversely affect commercial crops. Some may pose a health risk to animals and people, such as Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum).

If you have your own garden, you can learn to be Plant Wise and choose more native plants. They have evolved to live in our climate and can save time and money by reducing water usage (watering restrictions in effect May 1-October 15), fertilisers, and herbicides. They are also the best food source to attract wildlife.

What if don’t have your own garden?  Come join us at our Weedbusters work parties! Weedbusters is one of the BLPA’s biggest activities. Since 2004, community volunteers have rolled up their sleeves and helped to remove invasive plants in large areas throughout Burnaby Lake Regional Park. Our main targets are Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), Himalayan balsam or Purple Policemen’s Helmet (Impatiens glandulifera), Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), English ivy (Hedera helix), and English holly (Ilex aquifolium). Once these invasive species become established in an area, they can spread rapidly, and seriously disrupt the ecosystem of the park by crowding out native species which in turn may reduce native wildlife.

Members of the public can report sightings of invasive plant species anywhere in BC by using the Report-A-Weed or Report Invasives BC smartphone apps, by calling 1 888-WEEDSBC (1 888 933-3722), or by using the online reporting tool available.

Join us this month to take action against invasive species! We will have our Weedbusters work party on Sunday, May 27th, from 1 to 4 pm. You can find our full Weedbusters schedule here or check out our event calendar.

We’ll be posting ideas throughout the month of May on how you can take action against Invasive species.

Weedbusters 2018-1

Join us on Earth Day tackling and removing invasive species! These are non-native plants that have become established and replaced native species around Burnaby Lake.

We’ll provide gloves, tools, and snacks. Dress for the weather and be prepared to work off-trail in the woods. Ages 8+.

We’re meeting at the Glencarin Trail entrance and will plan to sweep the south shore  of English Ivy & Scotch Broom.

To keep up to date with any changes, please check our social media and website closer to the date where we will have the latest news with any changes (e.g. due to weather or things beyond our control). You can also sign up here to be on our email list to receive reminders for the next Weedbusters event.

For more information or to arrange for a group to attend, contact Ann at info@burnabylakepark.ca.