This year’s first work party happens at Pipers Lagoon Park on Wednesday, April 18

Work party organizers hope the city and residents will pull together to rip up invasive plant species.

The city is hosting a new series of work parties targeting invasive plant species, which can negatively impact local ecosystems. English ivy, scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry are well-established in Nanaimo and other plants, such as knotweed and giant hogweed, are spreading.

The city has organized invasive plant species work parties since 2012. This year work parties are being held in various locations, including Linley Point Gyro Park, Beban Park and this year’s first work party, which happens at Pipers Lagoon Park on Wednesday, April 18, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Also, residents who remove invasive plants from their own property can bring them to two drop zones for safe disposal at the Wall Street entrance of Bowen Park on Sunday, April 22, and at Beban Park on Saturday, May 26, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

To learn more, view a drop zone schedule or register for work parties happening throughout April and May, follow this link.

Anyone who wishes to participate is asked to register via the city’s website or by calling 250-756-5200.