SUBMITTED
The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society is looking for volunteers to assist with the removal of invasive burdock from Summit Lake Provincial Park, located south of Nakusp on Aug. 22 and 23. The weed pull will coincide with the popular Toadfest event hosted by the Fish and Wildlife Compensation program.
Burdock (arctium minus) is considered noxious under the BC Weed Control Act. The plant is best known for its clinging burs that are difficult to remove when they are tangled onto your clothing, pet’s fur or livestock. The introduced plant lacks any natural predators to keep it at bay. Its large leaves can shade out smaller plants and cause a loss in biodiversity, negatively affecting wildlife habitat. There have been some instances when small birds and bats become entangles in the burrs causing death.
In July 2017 the society began the restoration project at Summit Lake Provincial Park. The organization mechanically removed a patch of invasive burdock located at the entrance of the park and replanted the area with native species with the help of volunteers and students from Nakusp Elementary School.
“We are pleased to see 95 per cent of the native vegetation that we planted last August survived over the winter, however effective control of burdock does not happen overnight,” says society education program coordinator Laurie Frankcom.
“One burdock plant can produce between 6,000 and 16,000 seeds; therefore, annual burdock removal is required. We encourage people to come get their hands dirty and spend an hour outside with us in order to make a positive difference to a local ecosystem.”
If you are interested in volunteering some of your time all you need to do is show up on Aug. 22 anytime between 4 and 7 p.m. or on Aug. 23 between 9 a.m. and noon. You can find society staff at their information booth or at the restoration site located at the front entrance. The society will have gloves and shovels on hand for you to borrow.
Environment Canada’s Eco Action Community Funding Program, Columbia Basin Trust, BC Parks and the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program support this restoration endeavor.