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City of Nanaimo to hold invasive plant ‘drop zone’ event

Public invited to bring invasive plants to Bowen Park’s upper picnic shelter Saturday, May 30
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English ivy that slowly engulfs trees in Bowen Park and elsewhere in Nanaimo is one of several invasive plant species the City of Nanaimo wants to control or eradicate to preserve the region’s natural ecology. The city will set up a drop off zone in Bowen Park on May 30. (Chris Bush/News Bulletin)

Anyone with unwanted English ivy, broom, blackberry and daphne can get rid of the plants at an upcoming invasive plant species collection event.

The City of Nanaimo is setting up an invasive plant drop zone Saturday, May 30 at the Bowen Park upper picnic shelter 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The event is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to restore the integrity of Nanaimo’s native ecology and preserve natural areas by getting rid of invasive plant species, according to the city’s website.

This month the city has also been promoting an initiative to ‘free the trees’ of English ivy, which can damage trees and shrubs by competing for water and nutrients, restricting light and air circulation and increasing the chances for rot and pest damage. The city hopes to have 200 trees cleared of English ivy as property owners and volunteers carry out invasive species clearing this month.

Social distancing will be in effect at the drop zone.

To learn more about clearing and dropping off invasive species and ongoing eradication projects, visit www.nanaimo.ca/goto/invasives.



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