Coastal Invasive Species Committee at work
FoFC Hogweed

Stay Informed

Stay informed, stay connected and be inspired to take ACTION around invasive species management:

Ways to Take Action

Invasive species are everyone’s problem, and each one of us is part of the solution!

Disposal

  • Dead-head and dispose of invasive plant seeds, seed heads or fruit prior to flowering and seed maturity.
  • Don’t “recycle” garden debris into a public park or natural area.
  • Avoid composting invasive plants, as they can often quickly re-establish themselves.
  • Collect invasive plant material in heavy plastic bags; transport to local transfer station or landfill for deep burial
    or incinerate.
  • For remote areas, try to pack out flowers/seeds in a bag for disposal. Leave uprooted plant parts to dry out and decay.

What Can Gardeners Do?

  • Know what you grow. Avoid purchasing known invasive plants. Be suspicious of exotic plants promoted as “fast spreaders” or “vigorous self-seeders” as these are often invasive plants.
  • Avoid picking plants from roadsides, gravel pits or other disturbed areas.
  • Control and dispose of invasive plants prior to flower or seed development.
  • Request that local botanical gardens, nurseries, and gardening clubs promote, display or sell non-invasive plants

What Can Land Managers & Land Owners Do?

  • Control established invasive plants using methods appropriate to site and species. For example; hand pulling, digging, cutting, and mowing.
  • Minimize soil disturbance and damage to desirable vegetation.
  • Promptly seed or re-vegetate disturbed areas with non-invasive plants.
  • Since invasive plants are extremely persistent, ongoing control and monitoring is often required.

Education

  • Learn to identify the invasive plants in your area.
  • Participate in local events like community weed pulls.
  • Spread the word, not the weeds! Communicate the importance of invasive plant management to friends, family, neighbours and co-workers.

Recreation

  • Stay on existing roads and trails and avoid travelling in weed infested areas to prevent seed dispersal.
  • Clean equipment, tools, vehicles and footwear before leaving an area that is infested with invasive plants.
  • Choose weed-free parking and staging areas.
  • Report sightings of invasive plants. Visit the Report Invasives page to find out about the different options for reporting new infestations