Aliens are among us, and they are lurking in our parks and backyards, are affecting the quality of our environment and are even causing personal injury and property damage.
Fortunately, these aliens don’t fight back and are rooted firmly in place.
Invasive plants were brought to Nanaimo by early settlers as reminders of home (Scotch broom) or to help feed livestock.
Other invasive species arrive accidentally by ship or truck, and some can even be found for sale in local nurseries.
Because invasive plants are not native to the area, they thrive due to a lack of natural predators and easily take over parks and other natural spaces, reducing indigenous biodiversity over time.
The City of Nanaimo is reviewing its current management practice in dealing with these aliens and are asking for the public’s help to provide insight into how invasive plants are impacting the city and the environment.
Residents can fill out a short online survey at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/invasives until Oct. 3 to help city staff develop the best approach to manage invasive plants in the future.