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City of Nanaimo targets invasive plants

Focus on invasive plants throughout May will spread knowledge and awareness
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English ivy is one invasive plant the City of Nanaimo is trying to get rid of in the Harbour City. (News Bulletin file)

A month-long event will help rid the Nanaimo area of invasive plants.

For the fifth year, the City of Nanaimo has marked May as Invasive Plant Awareness Month to spread knowledge of invasive plants and the effect on parks and natural areas.

“We are working on many different strategies to manage invasive plants in our parks,” said Rob Lawrance, parks and open space planner for the city. “With such great support from stewardship groups and community volunteers, we get a few steps closer to controlling the spread of these plants.”

Invasive plants have the potential to negatively impact local ecosystems. Plants, such as English ivy, Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry are well established in Nanaimo while others, such as knotweed and giant hogweed are spreading.

Brought to B.C. from Scotland as a garden ornamental, Scotch broom has become an aggressive and damaging invasive plant. In the areas it spreads to it lowers plant and wildlife diversity and is a potential wildfire hazard.

Some invasive plants, like giant hogweed, are toxic to humans and animals. If its sap gets on the skin it can burn it when exposed to the sunlight.

English ivy spreads out over the forest floor, shading and smothering plants underneath it. In its adult stage, ivy wraps itself around trees and can topple them in wind storms due to its heavy weight.

Improper disposal of garden waste in our parks increases the likelihood of spreading invasive plants. Residents can dispose of garden waste at the regional landfill, at 1105 Cedar Rd. or compost it.

Events include Broombusters and other invasive plant removal work parties, such as a barbecue at Pipers Lagoon May 5.

Residents can drop off invasive plants they have removed from their property to the Drop Zone at the Wall Street entrance of Bowen Park on May 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Work parties will be held throughout the month of May and are listed on page 108 of the Spring & Summer Activity Guide. Residents can also organize their own events through the Partners in Parks program.

If you are able to participate in any of the work parties throughout Invasive Plant Month please register through the city website or by calling 250-756-5200.