Residents of the Regional District of Nanaimo have a new online resource to be able to learn about invasive plant species that are in the area, but shouldn’t be.
A release issued by the RDN noted that an online method of identifying, reporting and removing invasive plants is now available at www.getinvolved.rdn.ca/invasivespecies. It includes a photo gallery, an online form to report, guides, links to external resources and a question-and-answer section.
“Invasive plants are an issue across the province and the RDN has experienced growing interest from individuals and volunteer groups who want to help tackle this problem in our region,” noted the release. “The RDN will also be sharing volunteer opportunities where residents can come together to help remove invasive plants in our community parks and other areas.”
Invasive plants, such as Scotch Broom, giant hogweed and English ivy, do considerable damage to local environments by causing habitat degradation and by reducing biodiversity.
“[They] can also cause serious harm to people and animals if touched or ingested,” noted the release.
District parks staff actively remove such invasive plants in collaboration with organizations such as the Invasive Species Council of B.C. and the Coastal Invasive Species Committee, as well as volunteer groups.
Additional information will be added to Invasive Species in the RDN over time to provide residents with the latest resources available.
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