Native Plant Stewardship

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Our group works to educate our community about the benefits of native plants and the negative impacts of prolific, invasive species that often out-compete them. We encourage the planting, tending and restoration of native species that are well-adapted to local conditions and provide important habitat for wildlife, birds, butterflies, wild bees and other pollinators.

Membership is free and open to residents on SSI.

Contact Deborah Miller for more information.

Activites

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Education

We attend the Garden Club plant sale and Seedy Saturday with educational materials and samples, ready to discuss the benefits and methods of encouraging native plants and removing invasive plants. We write articles for local media and have a list of links to useful online information, located under the “Resources” section of this website.

Invasive Species Control

We provide information and support to individuals and neighbourhood groups working to control and remove non-native weeds.

We also host two Invasive Plant Drop-off days each spring. The Fire Department works with us on this, as broom and gorse are severe fire hazards. Chipping costs are covered thanks to a grant from the SSI Conservancy and donations by those bringing broom, gorse, holly, ivy, blackberry, daphne etc. for disposal. We appreciate the support from chippers Ron Cook, Ben Barter and Cam Proudfoot, as well as Emcon Services, Fisher Road Recycling, and Island Savings Credit Union.

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Action and Advocacy

In addition to work parties in various locations, we maintain a few demonstration sites on the island.

We cut the broom at a site on Long Harbour road identified by the SSI Conservancy sign, and remove Hairy Cat’s Ear and broom from an enclosure in Andreas Voigt Nature Reserve. We now see native wildflowers flourishing in both these locations. We’ve removed Gorse from the top end of Booth Canal Road, and planted native shrubs in its place.

To gain a greater understanding of the extent of noxious Gorse shrubs, we have recently launched a Gorse Mapping Project; using the popular free app iNaturalist (https://inaturalist.ca/). When someone submits a photo, the app provides probable identification and records the location of the plant. Knowing the scope of the gorse problem will help us press governments and our local road maintenance contractor Emcon to deal with this serious fire hazard.

NPS News, Resources, & Events

Roundup Alternatives

Thanks to consumernotice.org for this info. Roundup alternatives without glyphosate are available and can be effective. Organic brand options use naturally occurring oils or acids, and some alternatives can even…
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Yellow Flag Iris

Removal of Yellow Flag Iris

On Monday, June 13th, the Native Plant Stewardship working group, and a few community members, led by Dr. Catherine Tarasoff, removed some yellow flag iris at a site on Miles…
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Jean Wilkinson - Native Plant Stewardship Group

What do the TSS Working Groups do?

An Interview with Jean Wilkinson from the Native Plant Stewardship Group At the heart of our organisation are five dedicated board members and five part-time staff and extending out from…
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Invasive Plant Drop Off Events 2022

Invasive Plant Drop Off Events are presented by the Native Plant Stewardship Working Group of Transition Salt Spring This year there are two opportunities to drop off your invasive plants…
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Invasive Species Impacts

Environment In natural ecosystems, invasive plants displace or destroy native plant populations. Many rare and endangered native plants are also at risk from extinction from non-native plant invasion. By removing…
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NPS News, Resources, & Events

Future-proof your Home with Water Management: $ave Money and Improve Resiliency by Harnessing Your Water Resources – Video

Future-proof your Home with Water Management: $ave Money and Improve Resiliency by Harnessing Your Water Resources.  Watch this informative webinar that will revolutionize the way you manage water on your…
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Welcoming Native Pollinators to Our Neighbourhood Gardens with Bee Expert Bonnie Zand- Video

Welcoming Native Pollinators to Our Neighbourhood Gardens with Bee Expert Bonnie Zand View the recording from June 8, 2023 on our Youtube Channel Here. Discover practical tips and strategies from…
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Invasive Plant Drop-Off

Invasive Plant Drop-Off Days

Three events this May and June will help you get rid of your non-native invasive plants easily and affordably. The Invasive plant drop-off on Saturday, May 13, at the Community…
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Saanich Naturescape Program

Saanich Naturescape Program has a great website with lots of resources, including a new booklet to help you create, maintain and enhance wildlife habitat and native biodiversity using native plants on your…
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NATIVE PLANT STEWARDSHIP RESOURCES

Growing native plants is very rewarding and helps provide important habitat for local birds, animals and pollinators.  Native Plants: • Are adapted to your climate • Are drought tolerant  •…
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Native Plant Garden

You’re Invited to the NATIVE PLANT GARDEN Community Launch Sunday, April 16 from 1 pm-3 pm

@ at the Indigenous Welcome Figure along Rainbow Road at the south end of the Hydro Field, just across from Al’s Falafels.  Come learn about Nature’s medicine cabinet & pantry…
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“To love a place is not enough. We must find ways to heal it.” ― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants