The TSS Native Plant Stewardship group, in conjunction with the SS Fire Rescue, is hosting two invasive species drop off days for gorse, broom, holly.
10am-3pm, Saturday May 15th at the Community Gospel hall in the north end (NO GORSE OR SPURGE LAUREL on this date only.)
10am-3pm, Sunday, May 30th at Fulford Hall in the south end. (OK: BROOM, GORSE, HOLLY, SPURGE LAUREL, IVY, and BLACKBERRY ALL WELCOME.)
The plants will be chipped and the chips used by local farmers.
Suggested donation $20 to cover chipping.
The broom is starting to bloom. Spring is the best time to remove this invasive and highly flammable plant, before it goes to seed . When the stalk is thicker than a pencil or can’t be pulled up roots and all without disturbing the soil, cut the stalk as low to the ground as possible.
NO SOIL OR ROOTS AT ALL PLEASE
Donations to help cover the cost of chipping are greatly appreciated.
Covid protocols will be in place.
Three local farmers have offered to take fresh broom, but please consult with these people before you take your plants to them.
- Jan Steinman, in the Fulford Valley. ecoreality@gmail.com phone 250-653-2024
- Skye Larmour, on Beddis Road. Goldenmaplefarmssi@gmail.com. Phone 250-419-2054. Gorse can also be brought here for composting.
- Tadaomi (Kai) Yasue, on Oakspring Rd, off Mansell Road 250-537-9712. Yasuekai@yahoo.co.jp Kai’s St. Croix sheep, in addition to broom, will also eat most greens.
Now would be a great time to organize your neighbourhood or pod to cut or pull the broom, gorse, ivy, holly and spurge laurel in your area. If you have more than a few truckloads, it sometimes makes sense to get the chipper to come to you.
Thanks to:
- Salt Spring Conservancy for funding!
- Salt Spring Fire Fighters, always there to help reduce the risk of fires. And their brawn!
- Encom for donating their time and backhoe
- Community Gospel Chapel and Fulford Hall for providing drop-off locations
- Fisher Road Recycling for a great deal on the container and trucking costs
- Everyone working to remove invasive plants and protect our island’s natural ecosystems.
For information about the TSS Native Plant Stewardship Group, see www.transitionsaltspring.com, under projects.