Pulling Program a Success

Communities of the Central Kootenay did their part this year to pull invasive plants at high priority sites. The “Communities Pulling Together” program, modeled after the “Weed Warrior” program of the East Kootenay invites community groups to spend a few hours pulling, clipping, or digging up invasive plants at high priority sites. In recognition for their efforts, the group receives t-shirts, refreshments, and a $250 honorarium.

“We couldn’t believe the response to this program this year” says Juliet Craig, Coordinator of the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee. “We were fully booked for our 10 programs and had wonderful, enthusiastic volunteers coming out to do their part.”

Groups included the Castlegar Garden Club, West Kootenay Naturalists, Creston Air Cadets, West Kootenay Minor Lacrosse Team, Nelson Covenant Church Youth Group, Salmo Watershed Streamkeepers, Mom’s Support Group in Castlegar, Golder and Associates (who donated their honorarium to the Canadian Cancer Society), Redfish School, and Yasodhara Ashram.

“This program brought our team together in a working environment and raised money for the team while helping the community” said an organizer of the LaCrosse team.

A participant from the Salmo Watershed Streamkeepers said “It was great being out in a beautiful place with friends and concerned people doing something good.”

Efforts in 2007 were focused on yellow flag iris, policeman’s helmet, purple loosestrife, and scotch broom. These beautiful garden ornamentals escape into natural habitats and impact habitat for birds, frogs, mammals and other wildlife. Because they are introduced to Canada without the natural predators that keep them under control in their native country, there is nothing to keep them under control.

“The efforts of our communities are so important in invasive plant management” says Craig. “These volunteers have reduced the spread of some of our highest priority species. It has been wonderful.”

This program is funded by the Columbia Basin Trust, BC Hydro, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Forests and Range and FortisBC. Donations were provided by Hipperson Hardware, Nelson Farmer’s Supply, Impact Equipment and Arrow Professional Landscaping.

To find out more information, or to register for next year, visit www.kootenayweeds.com/pulling.php.

Added on September 19th, 2007 - Return to Special Features