Category Archives: Weedbusters

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

May 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.

Wild About Burnaby Lake

NEW! Wild About Burnaby Lake

Want some wild fun without leaving the city? Join us during this special Burnaby Environment Week event. You can a join us in a hands on weed pull, enjoy a free hot dog° and meet local stewardship groups. Learn how you can bring more nature to Burnaby!

Free fun for all ages!