Stay Informed
Stay informed, stay connected and be inspired to take ACTION around invasive species management:
- Sign up for our Newsletter and stay up to date with the latest local, regional and provincial, invasive species news, updates, efforts and information.
- Visit us and Like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter
- Report Invasive Species
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
