Tag Archives: volunteer

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.

 

Getting Ready for Spring at Burnaby Lake

Join us for another stewardship work party with the Burnaby Lake Park Association.

We are focusing on the east end of Burnaby Lake around the Avalon Parking Lot and Cariboo Dam. Please come and help us get the area ready for the change to the warmer season ahead with bird nesting activity and the new spring growth.

We have 2 tasks:

  1. Servicing the nest boxes that are in the area and
  2. Planting native plants to finish a job we started in the fall.

Please come dressed for the weather and be prepared to work off trails. Wear warm, dry clothing and sturdy, waterproof footwear. We provide all the tools and equipment you’ll need and will have refreshments on hand.

Date:               Saturday, February 3, 2018
Time:              10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where:            Lenson House – (yellow house across the road from the Parks Central Area                                      Office  at 9146 Avalon Ave.)
Park in the Avalon Parking Lot off Cariboo Road and walk back to the meeting                                  place. We’ll have signs up.

Check our Directions page for transit information including bus stop numbers.