I am pleased to be posting the following info on more progress in stopping Scotch Broom from invading the Garry Oak ecosystems in Havenwood Park.
This is also an opportunity to also thank Peter Papagiannis and the other dedicated H.A.T. staff who helped initate and organize this recent event.
Habitat Acquisition Trust Blog Post:
SMUS Crew Pulls Broom
When it comes to carrying broom, bundled in large tarpaulines down a steep mountain face, there is quite a bit of team work that is required. We were fortunate enough to have a large group of young men from St. Michaels University School (SMUS) who were up to the challenge and worked in unison to clear a large amount of the invasive plant from Havenwood Park. A typical Saturday afternoon for a teenager may involve playing video games or watching a movie with friends but these boys decided to get away from all of that and immerse themselves in nature. They used their teenage energy to help restore an important ecosystem in one of HAT’s covenants that also serves as a public park to the residents of Colwood.
The crew pictured below, surrounding their giganctic haul of broom from the afternoon will be able to see the results of their hardwork come Spring, when native species are able to bloom on the rocky outcrop they cleared.
Thank you to all the students who worked really hard on this sunny afternoon and to their house parents Cam and Chris, for organizing and helping out throughout the day. Special thanks to Laurie Parker for helping to organize this event between SMUS and HAT.
