Team members remove a load of cuttings from a high bench on Henderson Hill Scotch broom is possibly the most virulent and pervasive plant invader to be found in southern British Columbia. Many land owners have taken it upon themselves to root out this stifling menace. Though for a short time in spring the yellow flowers present a pretty picture (the original reason for its importation in the 19th century) the mature plants become straggly and ultimately in their "arbriform" manifestation they become a substantial eyesore. But more importantly their extensive canopy shuts out the light, making it impossible for grasses, wild flowers and tree seedlings to take root. Furthermore a heavy infestation disrupts drainage and the oily nature of the broom wood and foliage, makes for an extraordinary and dangerous fire hazard. The Conservancy's Broom Action Team began work in 2005 with the mission to control and perhaps eventually eradicate the broom from Mayne's public lands and road verges. The group meets weekly in furtherance of this demanding objective!
In 2009 much of B.A.T.'s time was taken up with work in Henderson Park as part of the restoration activities taking place there.
Other "hotspots" that are addressed from time to time include:There are active team members, supporters and people avaliable for an occasional pick up game. All are equally valued by the Conservancy.
Long time "Chair," Peter Askin is the motivating presence and inspiration to all team members:
Everyone is welcome to join the team - the group goes a-chopping once a week, except perhaps in high summer - and meets at a location and time specified in an e-mail circulated by the "Chairperson" of B.A.T. Tools of the trade include loppers for big stands and even reasonably sharp secateurs for close to the ground action, especially under sensitive soil conditions. If you do not have tools, come anyway and they will be provided.
For more information about the Team, or to get your name on the mailing list call us at 5168, or send an e-mail to stewardship@conservancyonmayne.com
Once a year the Broom Action Team organises the Mayne Island Conservancy's Community Broom Bash wherein the 20 or so enthusists who turn out can destroy a huge amount of broom as a result of a Saturday Morning's work. The MICS Gallery page has some images of the latest Community effort.
At 10 a.m. on Friday, June 4th we are asking volunteers to come to Barbara Baker's on the East West Road to pull broom. Details here
 Dead Broom is Good Broom
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Lone Cutter at Work on Henderson
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The Canopy Fringe is Good to Go!
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Seed Pods in Two Weeks!
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MIBC's Truck Getting Loaded
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You can find many more photographs and illustrations of the B.A.T Project in action by visiting our Gallery pages.
NEXT EVENT:
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Birders Ramble Sunday July 17th 10:00 am Meet at Dalton & Merryman. |
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