City works to remove invasive plants in Neck Point Park

Summary

As part of the City of Nanaimo's Invasive Plant Management Program, a large patch of Himalayan Blackberry in an area of Neck Point Park has been removed and replaced with Alder. The goal of this restoration work is to re-establish a forest ecosystem and eventually shade out any remaining blackberry on-site.

Invasive plants negatively affect Nanaimo's parks and natural spaces by taking over areas and suppressing the growth of the native plants. The City works to enhance the landscape by removing invasive plants and restoring them to their natural state with the reintroduction of native plants.

May is Invasive Plant Awareness Month in the City of Nanaimo. A number of work parties have been planned for the public to get involved in as well as a Drop Zone where residents can bring invasive plants they have removed from their yards for disposal.

Link to Strategic Plan: Environmental Responsibility; Community Building Partnerships

Key Points

  • This restoration project is part of the City's Invasive Plant Management Program. To learn more or to volunteer and help restore our Parks, visit the City website.
  • May is Invasive Plant Awareness Month. Sign up to participate in one of the work parties occurring throughout the month. See page 106 of the City of Nanaimo's Spring & Summer Activity Guide.
  • The public can bring invasive plants for disposal to one of two upcoming Drop Zones located in the Wall Street parking lot of Bowen Park from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on April 23 and May 28.

Quotes

"This shows how making one simple change can drastically change the landscape in a postive way. By planting Alder where the blackberry bushes were removed we hope to see a reduction of its occurance in this area."

Horticulture Supervisor
City of Nanaimo

Images

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Contact:

Gail Pasaluko
Horticulture Supervisor
City of Nanaimo
250-755-7540
Deborah Beck
Recreation Coordinator - Invasive Plant Awareness Month
City of Nanaimo
250-756-5203

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