Golden’s annual weedpull is back for a 14th year, with volunteers taking to the banks of the Kicking Horse River to remove invasive species and plants that can harm the local ecosystem.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 26, from 9 a.m. 12 p.m. This family-friendly event is an excellent opportunity to learn more about invasive plants. Participants will learn about how to identify, control, and properly dispose of invasive plants.
Examples of local invasive species are Orange Hawkweed, Oxeye Daisy, and Western Goat’s-beard. While they may be visually pleasing as flowers, they will soon turn to seed and continue to spread throughout the community.
The weedpull is looking to reduce the spread by eliminating these plants before they have a chance to seed.
Invasive plants pose a significant threat to our community’s biodiversity.
Wildsight Golden’s Community Invasive Plants Program (CIPP) is supported by the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS).
The CSISS website is an excellent resource for landowners, trail users, and gardeners to learn about how they can prevent the spread of invasive plants in our region, according to Wildsight.
The CIPP coordinator, Evelyn Morett, will be at the Golden Farmer’s Market on June 16, June 30, and July 21.
Community members are invited to bring their invasive plants (or a photo of the weed) to Wildsight Golden’s table at Farmers Market to learn more about invasive plant identification and non-toxic control methods.
Identification is the first crucial step in invasive plant management, according to Wildsight, before being able to remove them and limit spread.
One way to culturally manage invasive plants is to sow native plants to compete with the invasive species.
With certain infestations, the removal of invasive plants results in areas of exposed ground. These disturbed areas are prime areas for invasive plants to grow, so it’s important to revegetate the site with native ground cover.
Another method is through mechanical methods, which are non-chemical techniques used to limit growth and seed production.
These manual methods include digging, hand-pulling, mowing, cutting, solarization and tarping.
Timing is critical when it comes to treating weeds mechanically.
Wildsight Golden will provide weedpull volunteers with tools, bags and a complimentary lunch.
To adhere to COVID-19 protocol, Wildsight is asking volunteers bring their water bottle, gardening gloves and maintain a two-metre distance from others.
Those who are interested in partcipating must register by emailing wildsightweedprogram@gmail.com by Wednesday, June 23 or register at the Wildsight Golden table at Farmers’ Market.
